Due to popular demand, film critic Clementine DuCinema has added a Soviet-era children’s matinee to the upcoming WLBOTT film festival.
Plow Now, Red Cow
Plow Now, Red Cow is exactly the kind of film that leaves children teary-eyed, confused, and deeply committed to collectivist agriculture.
Elder G
Children’s Matinee Feature
Plow Now, Red Cow (1966, animated claymation)
Plot Summary:
In a remote kolkhoz near Smolensk, a gentle red cow named Klara just wants to eat beets and compose melancholy songs on her accordion. But when the farm’s only tractor breaks down during an especially muddy spring, Klara is recruited by an overly enthusiastic pig named Comrade Oinkovich to plow for the Motherland. Through determination, a training montage, and a suspicious amount of cabbage stew, Klara finds her inner strength—and her true purpose.
Memorable Scenes:
- The dream sequence where Klara imagines life in Paris as a cabaret singer (entirely in black and white).
- A musical number: “Udder Pressure”, featuring interpretive dance by chickens in boots.
- The moving finale where Klara, covered in mud, whispers: “For the people… I plow.”
Children’s Activities (sponsored by WLBOTT Twine Division):
- Make Your Own Tractor Tracks: Dip hooves (or boots) in paint and stomp on paper!
- Patriotic Cow Hat Decorating: With stars, hammers, sickles, and an optional twine chinstrap.
- “Plow the Maze” Game: Navigate Klara through a maize maze to glory!
Stills
The dream sequence where Klara imagines life in Paris as a cabaret singer (entirely in black and white).
A musical number: “Udder Pressure”, featuring interpretive dance by chickens in boots.
The moving finale where Klara, covered in mud, whispers: “For the people… I plow.”
The Stalled Sequel
For a time, Soviet directors were considering a sequel for older audiences, that focused on Klara’s time in the decadent, capitalist city of Paris.
