Plot synopsis

"The Dark Kingdom" is the general title of four films, each consisting of two parts, based on four plays by A. N. Ostrovsky: "Mad Money", "The Don, Patrons and Admirers", "The Forest", "We Arrange Things Among Ourselves!" The viewer is reminded of old themes in order to convince them that they are absolutely current: people struggle to find a fiancé for Lidia by trying to "sell themselves" as expensively as possible; novice actresses like Negina sacrifice their love for their artistic careers; young Bulanovs marry wealthy old Gurmyzhskayas; and Linotchka and Podkhalyuzin betray their parents for their own personal gain. The film reveals the power of Ostrovsky's characters and the complexity of their character.