Original subtitles

TV Channel RUSSIA presents

TV Channel RUSSIA

Moskino Production Company

Supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation

General Sponsor VTB Bank

In memory of Stanislav Govorukhin

Boris Godunov Sergei Bezrukov

Maria Skuratova Svetlana Khodchenkova

Ivan The Terrible Sergei Makovetsky

Malyuta Skuratov Victor Sukhorukov

Fyodor Romanov Alexander Ustyugov

Ksenia Shestova Maria Andreeva

Vasily Shuisky Andrei Merzlikin

Irina Godunova Anna Mikhalkova

Fyodor Ivanovich Fyodor Lavrov

Deacon Shchelkalov Vladimir Steklov

Maria Nagaya Irina Pegova

Bodgan Belsky Anton Kuznetsov

Queen of Livonia Anna Kovalchuk

Fyodor Mstislavsky Alexander Gorbatov

Written by Ilya Tilkin Co-Written by Nikolai Borisov Created by Ekaterina Zhukova

Photography by Sergei Machilsky

Art Directors Evgeny Kachanov Anna Lazareva

Costumes by Natalya Saltykova Make-up by Anastasia Esadze

Music by Artem Vasilyev

The Leading Producer Alexander Plotnikov

Produced by Ekaterina Zhukova Maria Ushakova, Anton Zlatopolsky

Directed by Aleksei Andrianov

GODUNOV

Episode One

Moscow. The middle of the XVIth century.

The rule of Ivan The Terrible.

To enforce the State and his power,

the Tsar founds an army of his guardsmen: the “oprichniks”.

These men have every right to pardon and kill without trial

in the name of The Ruler of Muscovy.

All the citizens, children and adults alike,

are betaken with terror.

The Tsar trusts nobody but just a few people.

Among them is Malyuta Skuratov, his loyal servant.

How tall are you?

Two arshins and six and a half vershoks.

- Would you remind me your name? - Boris Godunov.

- So, about six vershoks. - Six and a half.

Very well,

in my respect to your uncle,

I will take you as my armour bearer.

The previous one,

Mitka, was condemned of treason.

Mikhailo, take him to our people.

Let them move their asses and show him around the place.

Give him Mitka's habit.

It must be his size.

Come with me.

Six vershoks...

Stop this game.

Grigory Lukyanych ordained to take him into service

in Mitka's stead.

Where you came from, in Mitka's stead?

From behind the gate.

And what's your name?

- Boris Godunov. - We know the Godunovs.

Our fellow countrymen from Kostroma.

I'm Fyodor Romanov, you've heard about me, eh.

And this one here is Vasily Shuisky.

You know what, Kostroma fellow,

go first thing to the steam house.

- You serious? - Of course.

You can't wear an oprichnik's kaftan atop a dirty neck.

Go ahead. And then we'll give you all the clothes.

- See that steam? - Maybe you're right.

Steam bath sounds verily good.

Go ahead.

Get out, you dog.

Or I'll behead you.

Chase him out, girls.

Be off with you, you shameless one!

How did you like the steam bath?

That fat girl showed you hell?

I mean Darya-Wash-My-Pants.

No, 'twas a slim red-haired girl with such noble looks.

She threatened to behead me.

She threatened to behead me.

- A real pretty one. - You mean Marya?

Marya washing herself together with common girls?

It turns out Boris saw your bride naked

even earlier than you managed to.

Stop scoffing.

Malyuta summons us. We're going to the palace.

Vaska, catch it!

Wait here.

Take that, you brainless oaf, for your awkwardness and obstinacy.

Even a bear would master this game.

Have mercy, Your Lordship. I can't overplay your cleverness.

You are such a disappointment.

Go hence, Bogdashka, or else I'll kill you.

- Malyuta. - I'm here, Your Lordship.

Treason, Malyuta.

A report arrived from Torzhok about Betskoy, the voivode.

My Lord, Betskoy is a quiet man.

We have nothing on him.

A striped cat slept quietly, but, unseen by anyone,

she lapped up all the cream.

The word is he keeps the captured Livonians in the fortress

and hides the weapons somewhere there.

Waiting for me to pass by…

So, what would you say?

We'll reach Torzhok by tomorrow's night.

Be sparing with the horses.

They are God's creatures to be pitied.

TORZHOK

I'm asking you for the last time, Voivode.

Do you admit you spinned evilstry against His Lordship?

It's a lie and calumny.

But what about the Livonian captives you intended to arm

and send them against the Tsar?

It's all calumny.

Where are the captives?

I'll tell you where.

Kill them all.

I'll bring Mikhailo...

You dog...

God, I give my word

to shed blood never ever again...

You fell for him?

- I was just moved by pity. - Oh, you sinful soul.

Should your father know, he'd have pulled you by your braids.

Mother Feodosiya, tell me:

why women's lot is so humiliating?

Why should we obey them as if they are smarter?

Don't anger God, Ksenia.

For it was said: a wife should cling to her husband.

Oh, it's such a bag of nonsense.

I'd rather take the veil like you did.

What are you babbling? Don't you dare

as long as it is not God's will.

Reverend Mother, did you have a husband?

And you loved him?

So I want to be in love too.

I'll treat you to a good lashing for such words, Ksenia.

Man has a certain length of intestines.

They tore out just two of them,

and I put them back into my guts.

You saved me.

That was why I took you into my cart.

And you are a damned coward.

But I pardon you, son of a dog.

I will tell no one, or else your father will die from such disgrace.

And you won't be my Son-in-Law.

Get out of my sight, you stinky dog.

I stitched up Malyuta himself

with such horsehair.

The silly boyars don't want to be stitched up, and then they die.

They say I'm an “ill wizard” and a “horsehair whisperer”.

I say: "Very well.

"Then I can stitch you up with rayon, hemp,

or hare's tendon".

But they prefer ash.

Whereas ash is only good for scratches

and bad for grave wounds.

He's in fever. I'm worried for him.

Don't be, Irina Fyodorovna. Your brother will come to no harm.

Marya, I'm thirsty.

Splash some water on my brow...

He fell in love, silly soul.

How much should I pay you, Doctor Eilof?

I remember very well who summoned me here,

so it would be indiscreet – oh, what a tongue-twisting word –

to take the money.

When he comes to,

tell him Doctor Eilof was attending him.

If he memorizes my name –

that would be a good endowment for me in itself.

Well, my dear daughters,

look at my saviour.

If it were not for him, you would be fatherless now.

Bow low to this man.

And you, Boris, now look at them.

I grant you to make a choice of the one you like.

And then I'll give her away as your wife.

Well, which of them?

What you froze?

None of them is to your liking?

Marya Grigoryevna.

But what about Shuisky, Father?

Shh. Vaska Shuisky is no groom for you anymore.

Boris, maybe you'll choose someone else?

She'll be such a headache.

Very well then.

Marya, bow to your groom.

And you, Boris, send the matchmakers.

I need to talk to you.

Fill it with water.

'tis no good to be with you alone with no need at all.

Father is infirm these days. I won't thwart him, God bless him.

But I will tell you something.

I won't marry you. Forget about it.

What makes me so unpleasant?

- Everything, Boris Godunov. - It'll pass.

With time, you'll change your attitude.

- What are you smiling? - You remember my name.

I'll always remember you.

You saved my father. But nothing more.

A caravan arrived from Zvenigorod yesterday.

Zvenigorod is the homeland of my forefathers.

It sweetens all things there.

Whatever they bring from the new lands granted by the Tsar

tastes differently.

Maybe it's because I never killed anyone in my home place.

Send the matchmakers.

We'll wrap Marya in a bow, and she'll succumb.

Through her envoy Bowes, the English queen

is offering her assistance against king Bathory.

But for this

she wants the monopoly.

So that only the English merchants

could hold trade through our Northern ports.

And to oust all other foreigners.

What do you think, Shchelkalov?

This is what I think, My Lord.

'tis not good at all.

We should bargain with Her Majesty.

“Bargain” is what's on your mind all the time.

Should I refuse, Bogdashka?

I'm not sure you should, Your Lordship.

Who knows: maybe if Elizabeth hadn't sent last year

the ships with copper and fire mixtures,

we wouldn't have driven Bathory away from Pskov.

Malyuta, what do you think?

'tis too much honor to indulge the English.

But they may come in useful in war, my Sovereign.

Maybe the ship bells can give me some advice?

And who are you?

He is that man who saved me in Torzhok.

I'm Boris, the son of Fyodor Godunov, My Sovereign.

What would you say, Boris Godunov?

- Don't take the horseman. - What?

The horseman lures you into a trap, Sovereign.

In two moves you will lose your voivode.

And in three more moves he will get you into the corner.

But it wasn't the chess I was asking you about.

It wasn't?

You don't mean you seek my advice in stately matters?

But suppose I do?

Speak up if you have what to say.

If the treaty includes the paragraph

they will be together with you against Bathory,

then you can show them your respect.

Instead of the monopoly, lower the taxes.

On this, you can always take your word back.

I'll keep him in the palace.

As my butler, for starts.

Bogdashka, make all the necessary orders.

Come with me, butler.

Make your move, Shchelkalov.

Come here.

Try the tsarist bread,

- the best in Russ. - I'm not hungry.

Even if you're filled, it'll make your mouth water. Eh?

You're not such a simpleton, as I can see.

Only remember: beware.

Tsar's close people can't be too many.

Live with caution in the palace.

Or they'll nibble off your head and then will swallow you.

I'd rather be close not to the Tsar but to you, Bogdan Yakovlevich.

How come?

You are Marya Grigoryevna's cousin, aren't you?

Grew up together. Malyuta told me.

And so? Wait...

You mean you chose her at your peril?

Help me, Bogdan Yakovlevich.

She turned my soul inside out and made me sleepless. I love her.

Teach me how to win her favor.

You hapless soul. All right, I will think how to help you.

Oh that Marya...

Gee!

How cheerful!

Ivan, our father is here...

Ivan, I'm waiting for you to read the epistle from the Polish Sejm,

- and you still indulging your woman? - I'm at your service.

Go to your chambers, darling. I will join you later.

Ivan, hurry up, don't anger him for God's sake.

Don't get married, Brother. He'll crunch your bones.

They are both a real punishment.

One heir only cares for women and snow games,

and the other kindles icon lamps.

Petty sacristan.

Fyodor, where you going?

To the church, Father, to say my prayers.

Go on then.

Pray for us sinners, you pure soul.

Godunov,

and what are you doing here?

I'm waiting for my sister, Tsarevich.

Ah, your sister. I see.

Godunov, I need to talk to you,

that is to ask you about something.

Fyodor Ioannovich,

my sister Irina is not bespoken to anyone or betrothed.

You know,

I want to propose to her.

You are orphaned, and you are her brother.

Will you give her away as my wife?

Only I don't know how my father will react.

What a serpent you are, Boris,

for slipping in your sister to my quietnik.

He keeps saying how he loves her.

Don't be angry at your son. He is a pure and sincere soul.

The likes of him won't stab you in the back.

Yes, I know that his soul is harmless though petty.

Ah, you’ve bared up your castle for an attack...

Very well then.

There you are, Boris. Check.

All right. Let him get married.

But you can't offer any dowry for your sister.

After several years in the palace, you are still a pauper.

Nevertheless, I do have something.

I can offer for my sister what you wish most of all.

What can I wish that I am not able to get myself?

Victory, My Lord. Do you wish me to surrender now?

You son of a bitch. You have lost to me already.

Wherein is the trick?

You're lying. Such a dowry won't do.

- Go on. - Then don't be angry.

Checkmate.

You thief!

You’ve cheated me again.

You deserve to be impaled,

but then I'll have no one to play chess with.

Bogdan told me about your misfortune.

Did you send the matchmakers to Malyuta?

She doesn't fancy me. I can't do it against her will.

Why doesn't she fancy you?

She says I'm no match for her.

Aha.

Then you will need a real good matchmaker.

Bogdashka,

get the sleigh ready.

- Yes, Sovereign. Where to? - To pay a visit.

Maria!

We came with a good intention.

We have a cockerel, you have a hen.

Your cockerel wants to take your hen away to his street.

Malyuta, I came seeking marriage

for my close man, Boris Godunov.

I want to marry him off to your daughter.

Or maybe you don't like him?

I do, Sovereign. Your will is sacred.

I'll be the most faithful wife to him.

Godspeed then and good luck.

Shh!

Silence, I'll say a speech.

Your mother didn't live to see this.

You, Marya, are her spitting image.

You have my character, of course, but nevermind that.

My most precious Son-in-Law.

You are an orphan, too.

Your only family is your sister.

So, now, children, here I am.

I will be your father, your mother, and your in-law.

Yes, from this very day, you will be my own children.

And above me is only

Tsar Ioann Vasilyevich. Let us drink his health.

To our Great Sovereign, the Grand Prince,

- we sing glory! - We sing glory!

- We sing glory! - We sing glory!

Music!

Thank you, Bogdan Yakovlevich. I'll never forget your good favor.

Don't be sad, Boris. Patience.

You yourself have chosen this stubborn girl.

Not exactly.

As I already told you, I just saw her and was lost.

You mean you didn't choose the Tsar as your matchmaker?

How could I? He proposed it himself.

You are smart. Real smart.

How strange. You're the elder daughter,

but it's the middle one getting married.

Oh, what kind of groom is he? Just look at him. It's ridiculous.

Marya didn't get Shuisky, so he'll be mine.

Father said he is waiting for the matchmakers.

- From Prince Vasily? - No,

he will never forgive Vasily.

But his brother Dmitry is quite a different matter.

Look how handsome he is.

Why are you so sad, Brother?

Here is a friend for you.

He stole my bride.

And put me at odds with Malyuta.

No, Vasily, blame yourself

- and not Boris. - I can see through him.

He put an eye on her on that very first day.

Otherwise he wouldn't have risked his life for Malyuta's sake.

That serpent is very calculative.

Forget about it.

No, I won't.

Pull out the offender into the middle of the room

and fight with him, eh?

It's beneath me, a Russian prince, to fight with a lowborn one.

Coward. Then shut up and eat.

My darling...

you were in all my prayers

and in all my dreams.

My dear Masha... Masha...

Love and happiness.

He's so angry today.

Don't you vex him, Fyodor Nikitich. Succumb to your father.

Where are you off to, Fyodor Nikitich?

On governing business.

On governing business? Around the monasteries?

Why asking me since you yourself know everything?

You are Tsar's nephew.

Every dog in Muscovy knows you, and they report to me.

Your family is equal to Tsar's family.

- But you... - What?

Why are you wandering around the monasteries?

Only don't lie to me. I won't believe that you're praying.

I'm looking for a girl.

She took care of me when I was wounded.

Her face was so angelic.

Then she returned to some monastery.

- Angelic face? - Yes, Father.

On seeing her, you would rejoice too.

Listen to me, my beloved son.

Prince Ivan Mstislavsky is coming to dinner today

to talk about the marriage between you and his Alyona.

Don't be angry, Father. The marriage was your idea.

But you know my character very well.

That's why I will go on looking for my Ksenia,

married or not married, until I find her.

Open the gate!

Well, well...

Give me some alms...

What do you want?

I'm looking for a novice. Her name is Ksenia.

Mother Superior forbids to visit anyone.

Wait.

Feodosiya?

Mother Superior's name is Feodosiya? Is there the one?

- Yes. - Then I came to see her.

My Lord Fyodor Nikitich, for the love of God.

We are circling like homeless dogs around the monasteries.

Isn't it the time for some repast?

- Stop it. - You didn't see her face properly.

What if she is a fright in her looks?

Let's go away, My Lord.

God forbid you will catch cold.

For this your father, Nikita Yuryich, will break my bones.

Stop it. Now you will see

a beauty second to none.

I hope the old woman will bring her out.

How do you do, Reverend Mother. Do you remember me?

- You were taking me from Torzhok. - I remember you.

And that girl, Ksenia – who looked after me – could you call for her?

You came too late.

What do you mean by “too late”?

She has left last week.

Left to where?

Back to her home in Kostroma.

Her father had sent her a letter.

She was bespoken for marriage.

What should I do…?

May God help you.

What are you screaming, you fools?

Where is Tsarevich Ivan?

I didn't dare to see You here.

“I didn't dare”… Where’s Ivan?

- But he didn't visit me today. - He didn't visit you

for you aren't dressed properly.

What will your maids think?

Don't you know how a tsarevna should be dressed?

You'll soon wander naked around the palace.

I can't wear apparels, My Sovereign.

I feel hot.

The baby is leaping in my womb.

Yet unborn, it already rebels.

Put on an apparel with golden embroidery this very minute

and present yourself in my chambers together with Ivan.

I had them all married.

I made them all happy,

and still the dogs are howling.

I will be a torturer in eternity.

I will take the vows...

I will pray.

May Ivan rule...

Oh, God Almighty.

Kill that dog.

Yours is a hard service, Boris.

The Tsar is surrounded by so many enemies.

One day they can bribe someone in the palace

to poison eatables.

As the royal carver, you'll be the first one to die.

Aren't you scared?

Yes, you are, since you’re licking the bezoar stone.

But it's so silly, Boris.

If it's true that such stone can save you from poison,

then you shouldn't be scared.

The Tsar will be poisoned, but you'll survive.

Anyway, you'll be done for.

Serve it to the Tsar.

It's you? What are you looking for?

What happened?

Speak up.

I've brought the news.

My wife, Tsarevna Elena,

has been just delivered of a child

prematurely by three months.

I had a son,

but he died.

Are you happy now?

You scared her, and she miscarried.

You had separated me from two wives.

You had sent them to monasteries for being childless.

And now, when you nearly had a heir...

Shut up, don't drive me to a sin.

A sin? You have never been afraid of sinning

because you think you are God, but you aren't.

Are you against your own father putting him after your wife?

- Don't... - You dog!

Wait...

I won't take my words back... Murderer...

- Murderer... - No!

No, Your Lordship, don't kill him!

Don't thwart my will!

Come here, you dog!

God, have mercy on me...

Cleanse me from iniquity...

Send forth Thy all-forgiveness...

Cleanse me from my sins...

God, have mercy...

Don't forsake me, Oh my God...

God, have mercy on me, the sinner…

Show Thy mercy...

Help me to redeem my sins.