Moussorgsky's opera, Boris Godunov, based on a story by Pushkin, tells of a 16th century Czar who is conscience stricken over his murderous rise to power. Performing are the Bolshoi Opera and Alexander Pirogov, an important interpreter of the title role who was never seen outside the Soviet bloc other than in this historic film. Rich colors, massive sets and striking crowd scenes all contribute to the splendor of a film that is both a faithful representation of the opera, and an essentially cinematic work.