What Is Chasing Two Hares About?
The premise of Chasing Two Hares in 298 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the humming streets of late‑19th‑century Kyiv, ambition flickers in every tavern, market stall, and candlelit drawing‑room. The city’s glittering façades mask a world where reputation is bartered like coins, and marriage can be a ticket to salvation. Against this backdrop, a whimsical, slightly exaggerated tone swirls through the lives of its residents, infusing everyday schemes with a theatrical flair that feels both timeless and uniquely Ukrainian.
Svyryd Holokhvosty, a once‑proud barber whose shop has shuttered under the weight of debt, becomes the film’s restless engine. He is driven by a desperate need to restore his standing, and he hatches a plan that hinges on the promises of matrimony. His charisma and quick wit draw the attention of those around him, setting the stage for a series of bold social maneuvers that echo the bustling market of ideas and desires surrounding him.
The narrative also follows Tonya Korovyak, a young woman whose heart beats to the rhythm of applause, white limousines, and adoring fans. Yearning to become a superstar, she trades the modest life of a guest‑house employee for a place at the renowned “Factory of Stars,” where dreams are polished like jewels. Her father, the affluent owner of a sprawling supermarket chain, quietly fuels her creative schemes while keeping family secrets—most notably the mystery surrounding her aunt—veiled in shadow.
All the while, a cast of colorful figures—Pronya, the unrefined daughter of a wealthy family; Halya, a striking beauty whose affection is coveted; and Sekleta Lymerykha, the imposing matriarch who steers the fates of those around her—populate this lively tableau. Their intersecting desires and the whimsical social dances they perform create a rich tapestry of humor, longing, and the perpetual chase of two elusive hares, leaving the audience eager to see which path will ultimately lead to fulfillment.
What Happens in Chasing Two Hares?
The complete story of Chasing Two Hares, from the first scene to the last, in 504 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.
Spoilers ahead
In the late 19th century Kyiv, a frivolous barber named Svyryd Petrovych Holokhvosty (Oleg Borisov) goes bankrupt and is forced to close his shop. When he learns that a Mr. Sirko offers a dowry of ten thousand roubles for his unrefined and unattractive daughter Pronya, he decides to settle his debts by marrying her. He even tricks a German creditor into financing the courtship.
While showing off his new suit to friends in the park on Saint Volodymyr Hill, he spots and briefly flirts with the beautiful Halya before being chased away by her would-be boyfriend, Stepan.
That evening, Svyryd takes Pronya to the movies on a date and afterward makes a false confession of love to her. She invites him to her house to propose. Later that night, while drinking with his friends, Svyryd boasts about his successful date with Pronya; and that once he gets the money, he will start an affair with a beauty. Svyryd meets Halya in an alley, falsely confesses his love to her, claims to be a rich suitor, and forces her into an embrace. Halya’s mother, Sekleta Lymerykha, happens by and stops it. Sekleta threatens him and makes him swear on the steps of Saint Andrew’s Church to marry Halya, whose heart actually belongs to Stepan.
The next day, Sekleta, sister to Mrs. Sirko, lets herself into her sister’s home where she insults them and is summarily thrown out. Svyryd narrowly misses Sekleta as he arrives to propose and receive the Sirkos’ blessing for marriage with Pronya. Some time later, he runs into Sekleta who forces him to share an open carriage to her house where guests soon arrive to celebrate Sekleta’s name day. During the celebration, Svyryd flirts with Sister Meroniya, a pretty nun, and gets her to drink. As the party winds down, Sekleta announces the engagement of Halya and Svyryd. As she happens to be passing by her sister’s house, Mrs. Sirko tries to partake in the festivities, but is stopped by Pronya who is embarrassed by such a lowbrow party. Sekleta laments that none of her relatives stopped by to visit on the special occasion which leads Svyryd to realize that Pronya and Halya are cousins! Halya runs from the gathering to her beloved Stepan who informs her that Svyryd is a fraud.
On the wedding day, curious friends of Sekleta discover Pronya is marrying Svyryd. A black cat crosses Svyryd’s path on his way to Pronya’s door, and he immediately trips and falls into the dirt, soiling and tearing his wedding attire. Sekleta’s friends race to inform her before the wedding can take place. Sekleta halts the wedding party on the steps of Saint Andrew’s Church and announces to everyone that Svyryd is in fact engaged to Halya. Pronya collapses upon realizing what has happened.
As Svyryd tries to walk away, Sekleta stops him and demands that he now marry Halya; however, creditors and bill collectors suddenly appear with proof that Svyryd is bankrupt who then leaves the scene with his friends.**
Chasing Two Hares Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
11 key events in the order they happen, from “Svyryd declares bankruptcy and hatches a marriage plan” to “Creditors arrive; Svyryd's bankruptcy becomes public”. 11 events name a place, across 10 locations.
- 1
Svyryd declares bankruptcy and hatches a marriage plan
In late 19th-century Kyiv, Svyryd Petrovych Holokhvosty is forced to close his barber shop after going bankrupt. To settle his debts, he schemes to marry Pronya, the rich but unrefined daughter of Mr. Sirko. He even engineers a loan from a German creditor to finance the courtship.
When:late 19th century Where:Svyryd's barber shop, Kyiv
- 2
Svyryd spots Halya on Saint Volodymyr Hill and flirts
While showing off his new suit to friends in the park, Svyryd catches sight of the beautiful Halya. He flirts briefly before being chased away by her would-be boyfriend, Stepan. The encounter plants the seed of a rival love interest for him.
When:that afternoon Where:Saint Volodymyr Hill park, Kyiv
- 3
Date with Pronya at the cinema and false confession
That evening, Svyryd takes Pronya to the movies and pretends to be sincerely in love. He makes a false confession of affection to seal the sham engagement. The deception marks the start of his double game between Pronya and his desires.
When:that evening Where:the cinema
- 4
Encounter with Halya in an alley; Sekleta intervenes
Later that night, Svyryd encounters Halya in an alley and makes a forced, but false, confession of love, pretending to be a wealthy suitor. Halya's mother, Sekleta Lymerykha, arrives and thwarts the moment, threatening him and forcing a sworn obligation to marry Halya on the steps of Saint Andrew's Church.
When:that night Where:an alley, Kyiv
- 5
Sekleta visits Sirko's house; insult and eviction
The next day, Sekleta intrudes into Sirko's sister's home, insulting the family and being summarily thrown out. Svyryd arrives to seek the Sirkos' blessing for Pronya, narrowly avoiding Sekleta during the tense confrontation. The exchange deepens the family pressure surrounding the match.
When:the next day Where:Sirko's sister's home
- 6
Open carriage to Sekleta's name day; Meroniya the nun
Svyryd later encounters Sekleta and is forced into sharing an open carriage to her house for Sekleta's name day celebration. Guests begin arriving hours later to join the festivity. During the party, Svyryd flirts with Sister Meroniya, a pretty nun, and gets her to drink.
When:later that day Where:Sekleta's house and name day celebration
- 7
Sekleta proclaims Halya and Svyryd engagement; Halya resists
During the celebration, Sekleta publicly announces the engagement of Halya and Svyryd. Halya's heart belongs to Stepan, and she is reluctant to accept the sham match. The revelation unsettles the guests and foreshadows the mounting complications.
When:that evening Where:Sekleta's name day celebration
- 8
Discovery of cousin ties and Halya seeks Stepan
As the festivities wind down, Sekleta notes that Halya and Pronya are cousins, complicating the engagement further. Halya runs to her beloved Stepan, who confirms Svyryd's deceit and allegiance to a false fortune. The social web tightens around Svyryd's fraud.
When:that night Where:Sekleta's name day party
- 9
Wedding day chaos begins: black cat and halting ceremony
On the wedding day, curious friends of Sekleta discover Pronya is indeed marrying Svyryd, triggering public doubt. A black cat crosses Svyryd's path, causing him to stumble and soil his wedding attire. Sekleta intercedes on the steps of Saint Andrew's Church to reveal Svyryd's true engagement with Halya.
When:the wedding day Where:Saint Andrew's Church steps
- 10
Pronya collapses; Sekleta declares Halya the fiancé
As the ceremony stalls, Pronya collapses in shock at the revelation. Svyryd tries to walk away, but Sekleta stops him and demands that he now marry Halya instead. The crowd reels from the sudden turn of events and the mounting public exposure of the fraud.
When:that moment during the ceremony Where:Saint Andrew's Church steps
- 11
Creditors arrive; Svyryd's bankruptcy becomes public
Before any remaining plans can proceed, creditors and bill collectors appear with proof that Svyryd is bankrupt. The financial truth shatters any possibility of a respectable match with Pronya or Halya. He leaves the scene with his friends, escaping the consequences for the moment.
When:immediately after the interruption Where:church steps/public square
Who Are the Main Characters in Chasing Two Hares?
6 characters, among them Svyryd Petrovych Holokhvosty, Halya and Sekleta Lymerykha: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 1 of them link to the actor’s page.
- SP
Svyryd Petrovych Holokhvosty
A frivolous, debt-ridden rascal who pursues Pronya for her dowry. He is quick with boasts, shameless about his schemes, and willing to pretend wealth to win his target. His vanity and opportunism propel the plot toward a dramatic reckoning.
- 🪙 Fraud
- 🧍♂️ Cavalier
- 💬 Schemer
- H
Halya
Played by Olha Sumska
A young woman caught between genuine love and social calculation. Though courted by Svyryd, her heart belongs to Stepan, and she proves resilient against exploitation. She embodies a mixture of grace and agency in a world of marriage-for-status.
- 💃 Love
- 🧭 Agency
- SL
Sekleta Lymerykha
Halya's aunt who wields family influence and orchestrates social events to secure advantageous matches. She navigates the name-day party with flair, exposing the control some relatives exert over marriage prospects. Her sharp wit helps expose the fraud at the wedding.
- 👩💼 Family influence
- 🗡️ Scheming
- PS
Pronya Sirko
The daughter whose dowry becomes the bait for Svyryd's schemes. She is portrayed as the target of social maneuvering and a catalyst for the elaborate wedding ruse. Her realization of the fraud comes as the plan unravels.
- 💍 Dowry
- 💔 Insecurity
- S
Stepan
Halya's true love, who stands in opposition to Svyryd's fraud. He represents sincere affection and steadfastness, offering Halya a path toward honest happiness. His role anchors the emotional stakes of the plot.
- 💖 True love
- 👊 Opposition
- MS
Mr. Sirko
The father figure who offers a hefty dowry as a means to settle debts, triggering the entire courting racket. His priorities are tied to social advancement more than genuine romance.
- 💼 Wealth
- 🏛️ Patriarchy
Where and When Is Chasing Two Hares Set?
Chasing Two Hares is set in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saint Volodymyr Hill and Saint Andrew's Church (Late 19th century). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Late 19th century
Kyiv in the late 1800s is depicted as a social stage where appearances and money shape marriages. Public amusements, including cinema, hint at new mass entertainment while old-world etiquette governs flirtation and betrothal. Debt, dowries, and social pressures color the choices of families and suitors.
Where
Kyiv, Ukraine, Saint Volodymyr Hill, Saint Andrew's Church
The story unfolds in late 19th century Kyiv, a bustling urban center in the Russian Empire. The action centers around public spaces like the park on Saint Volodymyr Hill and the steps of Saint Andrew's Church, reflecting the era's social rituals. The setting emphasizes courtship, dowries, and public gatherings that drive family reputations.
- 🏙️ Kyiv
- 🕰️ 19th century
- 🗺️ Ukrainian city life
What Are the Themes of Chasing Two Hares?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Deception for Money, Social Masks and Fate and Superstition.
-
01
Deception for Money
Svyryd's calculated lies about wealth and status fuel his pursuit of Pronya, exposing how money and appearances manipulate romance. The dowry arrangement triggers a chain of events that puts love and loyalty to the test. The plot turns on the contrast between true affection and financial manipulation.
-
02
Social Masks
The characters perform social roles—courting, proposing, and hosting name-day celebrations—while real intentions lie beneath the surface. Sekleta orchestrates events as if directing a play, revealing the control some relatives exert over marriage prospects. The farcical misdirections expose the fragility of reputations.
-
03
Fate and Superstition
Small omens, like a black cat, appear at pivotal moments and are treated as signs affecting destiny. Superstition threads through the story as fortunes flip and alliances break. The plot uses these moments to heighten tension between fraudsters and those who seek genuine love.
What Kind of Film Is Chasing Two Hares?
Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Mixed
A whimsical and mischievous farce that follows a bankrupt barber's chaotic attempts to secure a wealthy dowry through dual courtships, creating a steady stream of comedic deceptions and social blunders.
- whimsical
- satirical
- mischievous
- farcical
- frivolous
- deceptive
- deception for money
- social climbing
- farce
- courtship
Quiz
How well do you remember Chasing Two Hares? Test yourself on the story.
