The Anna Cross is a 1954 Soviet historical drama film directed by Isidor Annensky. It won the "Golden Olive Branch" prize at the International Film Festival in Italy in 1957

Plot

“There wasn’t even a light snack after the wedding...” writes Anton Chekhov in the story that serves as the basis for this film. It follows Anna, an 18-year-old girl who, in an attempt to help her impoverished family, agrees to marry 52-year-old civil servant Modest Alexeyevich. After the death of her mother, Anna’s father, Pyotr Leontyevich, a calligraphy and art teacher, descended into heavy drinking. With two younger brothers, Petya and Andryusha, to care for, the family faced dire financial straits, and creditors threatened to seize their belongings. Matchmakers presented Anna with a “profitable match” in Modest Alexeyevich, a wealthy older man with an estate and considerable savings.