Fyodor Chaliapin was one of the greatest opera singers Russia ever produced. His talent was simply colossal. With a naturally beautiful voice, a strong physical presence, and painstaking preparation for all his roles, he created characters of such depth that audiences were spellbound.

Shot on location in Paris and Moscow, this biographical film includes fascinating newsreel footage and archive film of Ivan the Terrible and Don Quichotte. It also features interviews with members of Chaliapin's family, and many who were inspired by him including Sergei Leiferkus and Alexei Mochalov.