Vaninka

In 19th century Russia, a pair of lovers risk their lives by defying the tzar.

Based loosely on true events, "e;Vaninka"e; takes place during the reign of Paul I.

The lady of the title is a general's daughter, who is due to be married, in a match approved of by the tzar.

But Vaninka has fallen for another man-an officer under her father's command.

The pair's illicit romance sets in motion a dark tale of death and dangerous secrets.

One of Alexandre Dumas' "e;Celebrated Crimes"e;, "e;Vaninka"e; is in the tradition of great tragic love stories, from "e;Romeo and Juliet"e; to "e;Wuthering Heights"e;. Alexandre Dumas (1802 - 1870) was a hugely popular 19th century French writer.

Born of mixed French and Haitian heritage, Dumas first rose to prominence in Paris as a playwright, but later gained international fame with his historical fiction.

Often co-authored with other writers, these stories wove together swashbuckling adventure, romance, and real events from France's past.

Among the best known are "e;The Three Musketeers"e;, and its sequels "e;Twenty Years After"e;, and "e;Le Vicomte de Bragelonne: Ten Years Later"e;.

Set across four decades, this trilogy follows the rise of the dashing D'Artagnan-from hot-headed soldier to trusted captain under Louis XIV. Dumas' other novels include "e;The Count of Monte Cristo"e; and "e;The Black Tulip"e;.

His works have been adapted into more than 200 movies, including The Man in the Iron Mask starring Leonardo DiCaprio.