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The inspiration for Chekhov's Three Sisters

In 1897, Paul Shishkoff was 10 years old and living with his family in rural Russia.

It was there he met the great Russian playwright, Anton Chekhov, who was resting after the end of Moscow's theatre season.

During the long, hot summer, Paul became friends with Chekhov - accompanying him on rambles and fishing expeditions.

In 1938, Paul spoke to the BBC about their friendship and how his family became the inspiration for one of Chekhov's most famous works - Three Sisters.

BBC archivist Tariq Hussain, who discovered the incredible recording, tells the story. Produced by Jacqueline Paine.

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(Photo: Anton Chekhov in his garden in Yalta, 1902. Credit: Heritage Images via Getty Images)

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