Sirk's first feature in the USA, apart from the 1942 Hitler's Madman, was made four years after he was invited there by Warners. Summer Storm is an adaptation of Chekhov's only novel, The Shooting Party. Sirk moves the story much closer to the Russian Revolution and keeps the original flashback construction. In a delicate evocation of a crumbling world, he highlights the social tensions and despair of Zsarist Russia - with some excellent performances by Everett Horton, Darnell and Sanders.

Excerpt from Channel 4 located HERE

A dark, brooding drama based on Chekhov's "The Shooting Party," this marked the first time the Russian's work had been adapted for the screen. Made for less than $400,000, it's a flashback to 1912, in pre-revolutionary Russia (where star Sanders was born). Darnell is a grasping peasant who is determined to rise above her station. She uses her smoldering beauty and her feminine wiles to entice middle-aged farmer Haas to marry her. Her main reason is to flee her stern father. Haas knows full well he can't handle Darnell, so he looks the other way as she embarks on a series of affairs. Sanders is a judge engaged to Lee. While vamping him, Darnell is also courting rich Horton, who plies her with jewels, gowns, and frippery.

Excerpt from TV Guide located HERE