Zastrahovkata

Evgeni Mihailov directed this Bulgarian-Italian period drama, set in Sofia of the 1930s. Learning he has inoperable cancer, police inspector Meranzov (Todor Kolev) kills the doctor with the bad news. He then secures bank credit by bribing an official with the promise of a prostitute. However, the prostitute, Margot (Delqna Hadjiqnkova), sets off for a new life with her brother Stefo (Momchil Karamitev), who gets a job selling movie tickets. Unfortunately, Stefo is arrested when police raid the cinema, operated by a well-known communist, making Margot realize she must appeal to Meranzov to free Stefo. Later, Stefo escapes, and Margot is arrested by Meranzov -- with even more plot twists unraveling as this dark thriller progresses. Shown at the 1998 Dances With Films Festival of the Unknowns (Santa Monica).

Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide