The film is based on Alexander Pushkin poem, which happens to be one of the most poetic and beautiful Russian fairy tales. In the midst of the wedding party of Prince Ruslan and Ludmila, daughter of a Kievan Prince, the girl was kidnapped by the evil sorcerer Chernomor. Ludmilas father summoned for help all the mighty warriors and heroes he knew in his princedom. But only Ruslan, after a fierce fight, succeeded in winning over Chernomor by cutting off the dwarfs beard wherein his strength lay.

Beautifully costumed, the film abounds in excellently staged stunts and masterfully photographed battle scenes.