Daily Express, 26 July 1991, by Maureen Paton
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The Bolsheviks have taken over Russia and charming Prince 
Robert Powell is forced to clean his own boots in exile in 
Paris.

His lovely wife Natalia Makarova economises on the 
housekeeping with a little shoplifting by concealing 
artichokes about her person.

Times are indeed hard for the idle aristocracy.

Even when hiding a ceremonial sword down his trousers in one 
of the more farcical moments of this frothy comedy, Powell 
manages to retain the gaunt-cheeked glamour that has made 
him famous.

And who better to play a White Russian emigre than the 
defecting Soviet ballerina Makarova?

Her deportment as a dancer makes her every inch a Grand 
Duchess for her acting debut in a straight drama. The glib 
fun begins when the poverty-stricken couple become butler 
and lady's maid to a nouveau-riche French family.

Where J.M. Barrie's Admirable Crichton taught his masters 
humanity, these superior servants simply teach manners.

Filmed by Hollywood in 1937 with Claudette Colbert and 
Charles Boyer in the leads, Jacques Deval's winsome play 
later became a Broadway hit for Vivien Leigh in the sixties.

Tovarich means Comrade. Essentially, it's a swishy star 
vehicle, expertly driven by director Patrick Garland.

Powell and Makarova's comic timing is impeccable, while 
Sarah Badel and Rowland Davies are highly amusing as their 
dithery employers.

Tony Britton is a sardonic power-broker as their Bolshevik 
adversary and Makarova dances--in her high heels.

A packed Chichester audience was ecstatic at what is 
unquestionably a class act.



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