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OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 661

October: Ten Days That Shook the World

1928115 minSoviet Union

Video edition: Wikimedia Commons
Original language: No spoken dialogue. Intertitles: Russian.
This copy runs: 115:23
Subtitles: English

Languages and subtitles

Subtitles requested

Wikimedia Commons · Sergei Eisenstein · Public domain

Subtitles: Wikimedia Commons · Open Classic Cinema

Synopsis

Petrograd moves from the overthrow of the monarchy to a new struggle over power. Crowds, soldiers, politicians and revolutionary organizers fill the streets as shortages and war undermine the provisional government. Eisenstein and Aleksandrov retell the approach to the October uprising through mass scenes and sharply contrasted images, presenting events from an explicitly Bolshevik perspective.

Cast

Vladimir Popov

Vasili Nikandrov

Layaschenko

DirectorsGrigori Aleksandrov Sergei Eisenstein

Historical context

The Soviet government commissioned the film for the revolution's tenth anniversary. It is a commemorative dramatization, rather than footage documenting the events as they happened.

Behind the scenes

The reconstruction of the assault on the Winter Palace became one of the film's most influential sequences. Although associated with the 1927 anniversary, the completed film was released in 1928.

Sources and availability

General references identify the work and its copy. A reference beside an editorial section is linked to the claims checked in that section.

Wikipedia — film reference Wikidata — film identity and credits

Work catalogued as public domain in the United States.

The public-domain references concern the original films in the United States. Rights can differ for other countries, editions, restorations, music or translations. Sources are listed on each film page.

Availability checked on September 12, 2026.

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