Georgia, 2003, 40 T. 13 (3/4) x 13 (1/2). multicoloured

Catalogues:
Michel: 420
Scott: 306
Stanley Gibbons: 402
Yakobs: 348
Yvert et Tellier: 328

This is in fact the best film that Georgiy Daneliya, one of the most famous Soviet film makers has ever made. The paradox is that this the most "Georgian" film not only among Daneliya's but among many other films made in or about Georgia is based upon a purely French story -- Claude Tillie's novel "My uncle Benjamen" (there is even a French film with the same title, which was shot around the same time). The novel takes place in the country side of the 18th Century France. The Great French Revolution is still ahead but some of its stormy signs are present in society. Benjamin, the local doctor is a soul of a local society, the educated, friendly, democratic person who often treats the poor for free. It makes him very popular with the locals but most certainly does not help with his bank account. He is in love with a beautiful Manette who is also crazy about him but is being watched closely by her father who called his daughter "his small capital" and is determined to protect her virginity until the moment the marriage contract has been signed... I never read the book, and from description it sounds like a charming very French novel but I am fascinated with the results of moving the characters and some plot elements from 18th Century France to the beginning of 20th century Georgia.

Plots: Tillier Claude