I thought Volga boatmen were workers on boats that traveled on the Volga river. I was shocked and pained to see they were human beasts of burden. C.B. DeMille got his message through to me - loud & clear. He set a very high production & story telling standard for his contemporaries and all those who would follow him. William Boyd's eyes pierce your soul. He is very exotic looking. He did an excellent job portraying an idealistic Bolshevik leader. It was interesting viewing to watch him struggle with the challenges he encountered while battling for freedom. (If I were Princess Vera, I wouldn't be able to give him up either.) The Silent movies you have to sit down, watch and concentrate. This film, its' story and William Boyd are unforgettable.