The film is based on Sergei Narovchatov’s poem. Vassily Buslayev is an epic Russian hero who rose to defend the freedom and independence of his people. The strength and power of this son of a Novgorod governor, his friendship with simple folk enraged and scared the rich, fat merchants of the city. When they learned that the young man was setting out on a march to save his native land from the enemy, they couldn’t be more happy: how could he defeat a foe so mighty! But Vassily overcomes all intrigues and brings his expedition to a victorious end. He returns home a hero, and not alone but with a sweetheart. When a threat of enemy invasion again looms over Novgorod, people come and beg Vassily to defend their native land.
as Vasili Buslayev
as Vasili's mother
as Ksenia
as Filka
as Okuliha
as Gavrila
as Okulov
as Potanya
as Kostya Novotorzhanin
as Irene, Empress of Byzantium
as imperator
as brother of Novotorzhaninov
as Demidych
as Ankundim
as Andron Perennial
as Agnia
as Marya
as Elistrat
as courtier
as Dormidont
as Sorochin
as Karla
as Byzantium emperor
