Original subtitles

SOUND AND IMAGE DIGITALLY RESTORED BY MOSFILM

The Cranes are Flying received the following awards:

Special Prize First All-Union Film Festival in Moscow

Palme d'Or 11th International Cannes Film Festival

Special Mention - Tatiana Samoilova

First Prize, Superior Technical Commission (France)...

to Cinematographer Sergei Urusevsky

Special Mention, 9th International Workers' Film Festival, Czechoslovakia

Honorary Certificate 1st Vancouver International Film Festival

Honorary Mention Mexico International Film Festival

David O. Selznick Award for Best Foreign Film

Director MIKHAIL KALATOZOV

A MOSFILM PRODUCTION

Squirrel, wait.

Put these on.

Look.

"Cranes like ships, sailing in the sky

White ones, Grey ones With long beaks they fly"

Look!

That's what you get.

You and your cranes.

THE CRANES ARE FLYING

Screenplay by V. ROZOV

Directed by MIKHAIL KALATOZOV

Cinematography S. URUSEVSKY

Production Design E. SVIDETELEV

Music M. WEINBERG Sound I. MAYOROV

Edited by M. TIMOFEYEVA

Starring

T. SAMOILOVA

A. BATALOV

V. MERKURYEV

A. SHVORIN, S. KHARITONOVA

K. NIKITIN, V. ZUBKOV

A. BOGDONOVA

B. KOKOVKIN, A. KUPRIANOVA

A MOSFILM PRODUCTION 1957

Who's there?

Well?

Wait.

All right, go ahead.

When...?

- Thursday at the embankment. - That's so far away!

Squirrel, we didn't set a time!

Squirrel!

Squirrel, when?

I mean, what time on Thursday?

Well?

No, I can't.

We're up to our necks in work at the factory.

Okay.

- Don't be late. - I won't.

Squirrel!

He's set her head spinning.

And she his.

That's love, my dear: a mutual giddiness.

Grandma, why aren't you in bed yet?

I'm already up, Boris.

Stop chewing so loud! Running around all night!

You're just jealous.

Did you rip it?

Your jacket's in one piece.

Disgraceful. Twelve o'clock and he's still asleep.

He works hard. He's tired.

Let him sleep in on Sunday.

This "work" of his will end in a wedding.

You're sore you're not first.

Irina's mind should be on her thesis.

You're falling behind, Uncle.

She almost has her doctorate, and you're just an ordinary doctor.

If children don't surpass their parents,

the parents are no good and the children are dummies.

Thanks, Mama.

Important announcement!

What's going on?

Boris! War!

You hear me? It's war!

Leave me alone.

Hello.

Boris is at the factory day and night.

You're waiting for him, right?

I'm not waiting for anyone.

Veronika.

In wartime, the important thing is not to lose your head.

Keep up the routines of a normal everyday life.

Like me.

I dream of dedicating a piano concerto to you.

Will you come hear it? - Won't you be drafted?

Drafted?

I don't know. I doubt it.

Why's that?

Because exemptions will be granted...

to those who amount to something.

- And you amount to something? - Yes.

Why are you always following me around?

Aren't you ashamed?

I am.

I've told myself a thousand times I wouldn't.

Boris is my cousin, but I can't help it.

You understand? I can't help it.

Wait.

Wait. - There's no need to escort me.

Careful! You'll hit your own foot.

It'll be harder at the front.

They won't send you to the front.

There'll be just one exemption: you or me.

So you should stay. You have knowledge and experience.

You have something more important: talent.

Take care of those blueprints of yours.

You know...

my wife's already sewn...

a nice backpack for me.

As they say, "Bayonets in hand!"

Bayonets in hand!

Stepan!

Give me a hand.

Excuse me, Sachkov.

Where's our draft notice? - Nothing yet.

They're really slow. You going home?

No, I'm... uh...

I get it! Give her my best!

Hey!

Have you told her? - No. Why rush it?

You're right. See you tomorrow.

- Let go. - No.

You're gonna fall.

You'll tear the shade. - It's a blanket.

- I'll call the police. - I'm tired of blackouts! Let go!

- You'll fall. - I will not.

Stop it.

Let me hang this up.

You didn't come to the embankment today, but Mark did.

- So? - He's handsome.

What of it?

You're not jealous?

- What? - You're not jealous?

I have no time for that.

Too bad.

I'll show you. I'll apply to the Architectural Institute.

- They don't accept your kind. - They will.

I doubt it.

Cranes like ships sailing in the sky

White ones, Grey ones With long beaks they fly

You like my song?

Very profound.

Little frogs Why didn't you look up?

You just hopped around

And got eaten up

Did you win, hero?

I won, I won.

I won!

Anyway...

- Think you'll be drafted? - Of course.

- Would you volunteer? - I just might.

You'll do no such thing!

You know you'll be exempt. That's why you talk so big.

- What makes you so sure? - I know.

All the smart ones will be exempt.

So only fools will fight?

I don't wish to discuss it any further.

Veronika...

I want to discuss something. - Well, I don't.

And please don't call me Veronika.

Who am I?

- Squirrel. - That's right.

Listen.

What will my present be tomorrow?

It's a secret.

If it's something tasty, I'll eat it and forget all about it.

Give me something I'll remember...

as long as I live.

Kiss me.

When you're with me...

I'm not afraid of anything.

Not even the war.

Just the police.

Veronika?

You know what?

Do you?

I'm going to make myself...

a white wedding dress.

Like the one Grandma wore.

And a long, long veil.

And you'll wear a black suit...

and we'll go...? - To the registry office.

Agreed?

Agreed.

I like this blackout.

What changed your mind?

Hi there!

Stepan!

I have a treat for you both. It's a secret.

- Did it come? - Yes!

Why didn't you say so? Spit it out!

Things are crazy at the factory! The other guys ran to the barber.

Keep it short!

I went to your place.

Get to the point!

- Your family's worried - - When do we report?

Today at 5:00. With all our things.

Look at these cherries.

- What is it? - Beautiful.

The draft notice came.

Really?

For you?

For me... and Boris.

We both volunteered.

What?

You volunteered?

They need us.

What about me?

What will I do?

I've gotta go. There's lots going on at home.

Squirrel.

I didn't want to tell you.

Tomorrow's your birthday.

In any case...

I have to go.

Of course.

Squirrel!

What's the matter?

Cranes like ships...

You like my poem?

Nothing will happen to me.

You hear?

And then we'll have a long, long life together.

A hundred years.

Go on.

There'll be time for good-byes later.

All right.

Don't be late.

Couldn't he stay home till tomorrow?

He's a swine if he's still at Veronika's.

Boris!

- Did Dad call? - He was cursing up a storm.

Why didn't you tell us? - To avoid a scene like this.

That's enough now.

Go to the factory tomorrow and turn these over

to Kuzmin, the engineer.

Will do.

What are you stuffing in there?

I'm running out for wine. I'll be right back.

Grandma, I have a favor to ask.

Give me a minute.

Will they send you right to the front?

Probably.

Here. Wait a minute.

First thing tomorrow morning...

take this to her.

What is it?

Tomorrow's her birthday.

And later, if things are hard for her -

this being war and all -

try to help her.

And if I die?

You can't, especially now that you know so many secrets.

I just might up and die.

Quiet. That's Veronika.

No, it's Irina.

Thank God he's home.

Boris!

Come here.

What's this all about?

Twenty-five years old and you're acting like a fool!

Are we little children? Is this a game?

Hide-and-seek?

He wants adventure!

What an attitude!

Where are Irina and Mark?

Irina's making coffee. Mark went out to get wine.

Coffee and wine!

Have people lost their minds? Irina!

Bring the bottle from the medicine cabinet.

Boris, come here!

Where's Veronika?

- She'll be here soon. - Where is she?

She's busy.

This isn't right. She should be here.

Her fiancé is leaving.

I'm not her fiancé.

- Then what are you? - We're just -

Just what? That's suspicious!

- I didn't mean it that way. - Then how?

Stop picking on me.

- Why are you bothering him? - Here you are.

- Go on, dilute it. - Here's the port.

Drink it yourself.

We're having something more substantial.

Everyone here now? Sit down.

That's Veronika.

Go meet your bride, Mr. I'm-Not-the-Groom.

Finally!

We've come from the factory to see Boris Fyodorovich.

And I thought the bride had arrived.

- The factory sent us - - To bring you these gifts.

Sorry. This one.

- On behalf of the Factory Committee - - And the Communist Youth League -

"Comrade Boris, fight to the last drop of blood,

and beat those damned fascists!

Meanwhile, at the factory we will meet and exceed

our production quotas!"

Girls, we've heard all that before.

Sit down, and let's drink to my son.

Things in this world

aren't going as smoothly...

as we might like.

Now here you are, Boris...

going off to war.

- Let's have a drink. - To you.

A glass for Grandma.

We saw our brother off yesterday. Mama cried and cried.

What about you?

I cried too.

On behalf of the Factory Committee?

- No, on my own. - Don't embarrass her.

We have no one to send off. It's just us three girls.

We felt a bit awkward with all the others leaving.

When our men come back, you'll envy us.

Trouble is... they won't all come back.

For those who don't,

they'll be a monument reaching to the heavens

with every one of their names in gold.

Irina, pour another round.

I'll just put these away.

Well, you folks in the rear, meet and exceed your quotas!

Grandma, don't forget.

Mark, you stay with Father. - I'll see you to the streetcar.

About face!

Guards, forward march!

Take this.

Mama!

Just one last time.

Sorry.

Not in the mood for a drink?

Where are you going? - I'm on duty.

You were on duty yesterday.

Varvara Kapitanova, may I see Boris?

He already left.

He left?

Where did he go? - The assembly grounds.

- How can this be? - Come inside.

Where are these assembly grounds?

I don't know.

What's this?

From Boris, for your birthday. There's a note too.

- Where's the note? - Isn't it there?

Maybe it fell out.

He must have forgotten in all the rush.

Forgotten?

He'll write to you.

Where were you?

- Where are the assembly grounds? - The school on Zvenigorodskaya St.

Don't worry. She'll come.

How would she even find me in this crowd?

What are you doing?

Two days from now he'll be at the front.

He'll write to you.

Boris, where's Veronika?

Write every day.

Sergei Sergeyevich!

Who has the invoices for the cauliflower?

Don't forget to send your field address.

- Cheer up, pug nose. - We'll be here to welcome you home!

Boris, take care.

Fall in!

She'll come.

Boris!

Eyes right!

Forward march!

There's my kitten.

Boris!

Grandma?

Nothing?

He hasn't written to me either.

- Any word? - No.

This war!

Well, rain or shine, we must carry on.

Have you decided where you'll work?

The munitions factory.

Citizens! Air raid alert!

Hurry down to the subway. I have urgent work to do.

Go get your things.

Where's the backpack?

The backpack? Right there.

I'm not going without you.

If things get dangerous, we'll come down.

Don't worry.

Go on.

Be careful in the subway.

The poor girl's so scared. - What about you?

With Veronika safe and you by my side, I'm not afraid.

They're still at it, the brutes.

Those vermin won't even let us talk!

For some reason he's not writing.

It's the war. The mail's so slow.

All clear. The threat of aerial attack has passed.

Let's go.

This is my place.

If you decide to join us, call me at the factory.

- Okay. - Good-bye.

Where are you going?

Get back here!

Where do you think you're going?

Well?

I'm sorry.

Veronika...

you'll stay with us...

from now on.

Boris's room is free for now.

Mark will share a room with Fyodor.

It will be all right.

We have to take good care of her.

Unfortunately, Irina and I are at the hospital day and night.

I'll do my best, Uncle.

Boris spoke to me about it.

All settled in?

Is this the factory? May I speak to Kuzmin?

He went to the front too?

One more thing: Any news from Boris Borozdin?

If it weren't for this damned war,

I'd be playing this at Tchaikovsky Hall.

For you.

- Let's get to the subway. - I'm not going.

- Nonsense! Let's go. - Are you afraid?

Only for your sake.

Come on.

I'm not afraid of anything.

Come on! Don't be foolish!

I won't go! I won't!

I love you.

No.

I love you.

I love you.

I love you! - Get away!

I love you.

It was stupid to get surrounded like this.

- Stepan, stop whining. - Stop whining?

The captain said we might break through by tonight.

Yeah, sure!

Sachkov! Where are these rookies from?

Straight from an incubator. Fresh reinforcements.

Now we'll break through for sure.

Watch your tongue. I'm a married man.

- Really? - I got married in high school.

See what education does to people.

You're all such comedians! Laughed your way right into a trap.

Are you really married?

You kidding? But it sounds better, right?

Borozdin, you'll go out on reconnaissance.

Find the best place to break through.

Turn over your papers.

Sachkov, come help me.

Let's take a break, boys...

and have a smoke.

She's always laughing. - She must think we've been killed.

Let me see that beauty.

Ah, a soldier's fate.

You're out here, while she's -

She's what?

Let me see that harmonica.

Hold this.

He made a great first impression!

Stop it!

Aren't you ashamed? - No.

- Five days' confinement. - Yes, sir.

You two will go on reconnaissance together.

Turn in your papers.

Boris, here.

Was it over her?

She's worth fighting over. - Exactly.

Enough chatter!

Discipline!

Hear that? Discipline.

Stepan, hold on to this.

Just don't lose it.

We...

We're getting married.

I forgot about my chocolate roll.

- Keep your head down. - Stop giving me orders.

- Let's go on or they'll get us. - Run if you're scared.

Idiot!

Hey, you!

Musician! You deaf?

How did I get stuck with this guy?

What's wrong? Hey!

You go on. I'll rest here. - Are you hurt? Hold on to me.

- Leave me alone. - I said hold on!

Hang on tight.

Get on my back. It'll be faster.

Leave me here.

Idiot! You're just sore 'cause I punched you.

Shut up. We'll settle it later.

Here we go. You okay?

Hold on.

A bit further to the woods. Then we're safe.

I'm beat!

Let's rest a bit. It's quiet here.

You still alive?

It's hard to breathe.

Breathe? We'll be dancing at your wedding yet.

Hey, buddy!

What's the matter?

Forgive me!

Forgive me, my friend!

Someone help!

Help!

Help!

Boris!

What's wrong?

Are you hurt?

I'm not hurt. I'm...

The Soviet Information Bureau reports...

no significant changes at the fronts

within the last 24 hours.

No significant changes. That's good.

Families evacuated with Moscow Plant 326

will be quartered on Vostaniya Street.

Comrades, report here.

Irina, help this wounded man.

- The paramedics will be here soon. - Good.

Unload!

Siberia.

We can't retreat much further.

This is what's become of Mother Russia.

Your attention, please.

Comrade Borozdin, Chief of Hospital Number 4,

report to the military commandant.

Maybe we'll find some peace here.

Clear the way, folks.

The stove is smoking.

I'm sorry.

You can daydream when the war's over.

Where are you going?

To the hospital.

I'm on duty.

She wanders around like a ghost, all nerves.

Always waiting for a letter.

From whom? Her husband's right here.

Not like us soldiers' wives.

She's not waiting for a letter from anyone.

- On second shift at the school? - Yes.

Cranes like ships...

Cranes like ships

sailing in the sky...

Those silly lines are stuck in my head.

Here she comes.

- Who? - The mail carrier.

If I can count up to 50, there'll be a letter for me.

Veronika, this is crazy.

Stop this!

Hello.

Nothing for you.

You have a letter.

Lebedeva? - That's me.

- Palyukaitis? - Nothing.

From my eldest son on the Ukrainian front.

I didn't know Boris,

but everyone says he was a talented, intelligent young man.

Was?

Missing doesn't mean dead.

Of course not. That didn't come out right.

What's the matter, Veronika?

I'm dying, Anna Mikhailovna.

What are you saying, my dear!

I've lost everything.

Your whole life's ahead of you.

I don't want to live!

What's the use?

Forget the past.

It's human nature to forget.

I don't want to forget.

I don't need to.

You mustn't punish yourself forever for your mistakes.

Yes, I must.

To the very end.

You teach history.

You're an intelligent woman.

Tell me:

What's the meaning of life?

The meaning of life?

Perhaps it's that...

Did Chernov come by?

No.

I'm starving!

If Chernov comes by, try to be polite.

He's revolting.

I couldn't agree more, but he's the boss.

Why are you always kissing up to him?

Dear Veronika, you're impossible.

You're always so irritable...

always nagging.

Tell me what I can do for you.

I wish you'd never been born.

Come in!

Come in!

Mark Alexandrovich, I hope I'm not intruding.

You're always welcome here. Take off your coat.

The Germans have advanced in the Caucasus.

Yes, it's terrible news.

But we'll show them yet.

Come warm up over here.

Cozy place you have here.

With my wife and kids off in Tashkent, I live like a homeless tramp.

- Hello, Veronika. - Where are you going, dear?

- I'm on duty at the hospital. - Bundle up. It's very cold.

It's always a pleasure seeing your wife.

She's always so forthright, so pure.

She must be very happy with you.

I looked for you today at the philharmonic.

- Was there a concert? - No.

Are you going to the birthday party tonight?

Probably.

- What gift will you take? - What could I possibly give?

Yes, of course. The war.

It's nothing fancy, but stick a little something on top

and Antonina will be thrilled.

It's wonderful. What do I owe you?

- Don't mention it. - Thanks very much.

Listen, I have a favor to ask.

Is anyone upstairs?

No.

You think you could ask Fyodor Ivanovich

for certain... medications?

OPERATING ROOM

Good job, Irina. He'll live.

I hope so.

He'd be a real swine to die now.

You should have been born a man!

I'm just fine as a woman.

Veronika, why so early?

My watch is fast.

Poor girl.

I'll never forgive what she did to Boris.

Here comes another batch!

I told you already: We're full.

This is a hospital, not a sardine can.

Where are they from? Kalach? - Stalingrad.

Some from the front, some from the hospital.

There's no room for us.

Don't worry. They'll make room.

I'll take 80 men.

Take the rest to other hospitals.

Now, then...

my regards...

to Uncle Sergei, Fyodor...

Vassily...

Aunt Marya...

Agrafena...

Katerina...

Varvara...

Nikolai...

Katerina.

You already said Katerina.

This is a different Katerina.

- You should make that clear. - They'll figure it out.

Going on...

Zinaida...

Antonina, Kuzma...

Nurse!

What's the matter, Vorobyev?

Nothing. I want the nurse.

He needs the bedpan.

I'll get it for you.

Thank you.

That music is beautiful.

Please turn up the radio.

Turn off that music!

No, leave it on!

Turn it off! You hear me?

Who yelled?

I did!

What's it to you?

Zakharov, what's wrong?

Go away!

He's going crazy. He got word from home this morning.

His girlfriend didn't wait for him. The bitch married someone else.

He hasn't eaten all day.

Try to comfort him.

Broads like that are worse than the fascists.

They aim right for the heart.

Zakharov, you have to eat, or you won't get well.

I don't want to get well!

I want to die!

Get the doctor!

Calm down.

You mustn't do this.

All over some broad.

Get the doctor! Hurry!

Quit your squawking! Shut up!

Where will they take us now?

There are plenty of hospitals in the world.

The head doctor's coming, boys!

Stop it this minute!

You're still a soldier in the Red Army!

Are you trying to desert?

Afraid we'll heal your hands and it's back to the front?

Doctor, he's not like that. He got a letter.

I know that. That's just an excuse.

So your fiancée ran off. You should be glad!

She's not worth a cent if she'd trade a handsome hero like you...

for some rat sitting out the war back home!

That's right!

It's she who's forfeited her happiness, not him!

And that's what she deserves.

That's right.

She has a petty soul.

That sort can't understand what we've suffered for them.

Killing them would be too kind!

You looked death in the face...

stood up to it defiantly!

And she couldn't pass the measly test of time.

Women like her deserve only our contempt!

There can be no forgiveness for them!

Bandage him up.

Sima, take away this tea and porridge.

It's gone cold.

Don't make trouble.

Veronika...

You idiot! Keep an eye on your kid!

You stand there gaping! Stupid fool!

- Whose little boy are you? - Mama's.

- Where are you from? - Voroshilovgrad.

- How old are you? - Three months and three years.

What's your name?

Boris.

- What? - Boris.

- Why all dressed up? - A concert at the hospital.

- Couldn't you lie more convincingly? - All right, all right.

- Is Mark here? - For now.

- Here. - Thank you, Anna.

It's a little boy's birthday. I wanted to give him a present.

You have a good heart after all.

"The symptoms of compound fractures depend

on the degree of change in the joints."

Interesting but unintelligible.

It's perfectly clear to me.

What's this?

What kind of prank is this?

It's no prank.

He got separated from his parents at the station.

Then he belongs at the shelter for lost kids.

I'm not going there! Go yourself!

Rude child.

You're rude!

We'll go find Mommy in Voroshilovgrad.

Stop that. It hurts my ears.

I give up.

Play with this cap.

Dear God! Here's a bagel for you.

I give up. My eardrums will burst!

We have to find him a toy.

Irina, take him.

- I have to hold him too? - I'll be right back.

Give him to me.

Come to me, little Boris.

I'll get you ready for bed.

Has anyone seen my squirrel?

Mark took it.

Mark took it? Why?

To give to some little boy as a present.

Give my squirrel to some little boy?

Where's Mark? - I don't know.

- Where's Mark? - I don't know.

You're hiding something.

Where did he go? You know, don't you?

Where?

Probably to see Antonina.

What Antonina?

Ask Mark.

- Tell me. - Don't order me around.

Mark... visits her occasionally.

You understand?

- You're saying that to hurt me. - Why should I?

Out of spite.

I have a husband who loves me...

and you're still an old maid.

Veronika!

She lives in the little house right by the main market.

See for yourself.

Calm down.

I have to do something.

Wait and talk to Mark when he comes back.

Wait?

More waiting.

I'm always waiting!

I've had enough!

What use are words

Let lips fall silent

Sometimes

They tell lies

But the eyes never dare lie

To other eyes

No, eyes that say good-bye never lie

My eyes

Are now dark and sad

As if someone had blown out their flame

In Leningrad on my birthday,

we'd drive from one end of the city to the other.

Let's go for a drive!

In these times, Antonina,

a car is worth its weight in gold,

and gasoline is rationed.

Any vehicle will do.

I beg of you.

A fire engine, an ambulance, a truck.

Anything you like.

A ride to defy the forces of nature!

Just the two of us?

Leaving everything else behind?

I'll try.

I love you.

Sorry. I don't dance.

I thought I'd tried everything,

but I've never tried golden nuts.

Look, a note.

A birthday note for me?

With birthday wishes.

Where's my squirrel?

Don't go imagining things.

There's a note from someone named Boris.

"My one and only love...

I send you birthday greetings."

On this day you came into this world.

It's hard to leave you.

But what can we do?

It's the war.

There's no way around it.

We can't go on living happily as before

when death stalks our land.

But we'll be happy yet.

I love you and trust in you.

Your Boris.

Why so worked up, silly?

Go home. I'll be there soon.

Good girl.

What was that for?

Take your coat off.

Thank you.

Listen...

all the philharmonic's cars are taken, as usual,

and I need one badly.

Being head surgeon, surely you won't refuse -

We're very short on vehicles.

What I did for you was hard too, but I came through.

You had only to ask.

What did I ask of you?

The exemption!

It's about to expire too, and this time...

getting a new one will be practically impossible.

What exemption?

For Mark Alexandrovich.

But don't worry.

Not a soul will ever find out.

Could he have deceived us both?

He offered me money he said came from you!

I'm sorry.

Uncle Fyodor, I'm glad you're here.

I need your help. Her behavior's impossible.

She burst into a stranger's house and started a fight.

Shut the door.

Do you think...

anyone wants to send his son off to war?

What's this about?

Do you think others should pay for your well-being, for your life...

with their hands, their legs, their eyes,

their very lives?

While you don't owe anyone anything?

I have an exemption.

An exemption?

And how did you get it?

What are you doing?

It's all right.

I'll rent a room and take Boris with me.

Perhaps someone else should rent himself a room.

Gladly! I've considered that for a long time.

Why didn't you just throw me out back then?

You've been through a terrible ordeal.

Only someone with no heart could reproach you.

Stay here with us.

I can't.

I won't hide behind anyone else.

Think it over.

Could you tell me where the Borozdins live?

They live here. Whom do you wish to see?

Fyodor Ivanovich.

He's not home right now.

Did Boris send you?

What Boris? No, I came on my own.

I must speak to Fyodor Ivanovich.

Have a seat.

Thank you.

He'll be home soon.

- Can I go for a walk? - You may.

- Yours? - Yes.

He looks like you.

Are you related to the Borozdins?

Not exactly.

You see, I'm just out of the army.

Going home?

Not likely. Leningrad is still blockaded.

I'm in a tough situation. - How so?

You're not part of the family, so I can tell you.

Fyodor Ivanovich's son was killed.

Where?

West of Smolensk.

What shall I play for you?

Whatever you like.

Did you see them bury him?

No.

I was wounded, and they carried me away,

but his friend Stepan went over to him.

Now I have to find his fiancée.

Boy, did he love her!

That's me.

Vladimir, come see us if you're ever in Moscow.

Thank you. I'll do that.

The war's over.

Strange, isn't it?

And you're still waiting?

Yes, I am.

One must always hope for the best.

Why delude yourself? I saw it with my own eyes.

What did you see?

You saw him wounded? You saw him fall?

But you didn't see him die.

No... but why hasn't he sent word?

A lot of things could have happened.

There's been no word from Stepan either.

But the factory says he's in some special unit and will be back soon.

Dasha promised to tell me when he's back.

Boris is alive. He's alive.

Here they come! The victors are coming!

Kolya, my pride and joy! You're home!

Boris!

- Veronika! - Stepan!

Flowers for you.

Well?

Listen...

Here.

Dear mothers, fathers...

brothers, and sisters!

The happiness of our reunion is immeasurable.

The heart of every Soviet citizen rejoices.

Joy sings in our hearts,

a joy granted us by victory.

We have all waited for this moment.

Everyone's giddy with happiness.

But we shall not forget those left behind on the battlefield.

Time will pass.

Towns and villages will be rebuilt.

Our wounds will heal.

But our fierce hatred of war will never diminish!

We share the grief of those

who cannot meet their loved ones today,

and we'll do everything we can

to ensure that sweethearts are never again parted by war,

that mothers need never again fear for their children's lives,

that fathers need never again choke back furtive tears.

We have triumphed not to destroy

but to build a new life!

Well? Why do you stand there?

Give your flowers to whomever they're for.

Thank you, sister.

My lovely granddaughter!

What a beauty!

Look!

Cranes over Moscow!

RESTORED BY MOSFILM

FOR RERELEASE IN 1973

THE END