This and That: Four Vignettes by Anton Chekhov. Short summary

5 seconds

Humorous miniatures: about a bedbug-spoiled confession; ignorance that Apollo the Belvedere is a statue; about a ruined romance; about an actor with a detached mustache; about a Napoleon joke.

1 minute

Humorous miniatures.

In the first, a young man explains his love for a girl. He asks if she will tie her life to him. The girl is about to say yes, but sees two bedbugs running down his collar.

In the second, the son writes to his mother about his arrival and the pleasant surprise that he will bring her Apollo the Belvedere. The mother replies that she is expecting her son to visit, but asks her not to take Mr. Belvedere with her, for they themselves have nothing to eat.

In the third miniature, the gymnasium boy confesses his love for the girl and asks for a kiss. But the date is interrupted by a rude inspector.

In the fourth, the actor playing Hamlet enthusiastically recites a monologue. The actress playing Ophelia whispers that his mustache has come off.

In the fifth miniature, Napoleon invites the Marquise to the ball and asks her to come without her husband because he likes «good meat without mustard.»