Original subtitles

SHUKA Film Company

Tatiana Babenkova

Artyom Krylov

Vladislav Abashin

in a film by Dmitry Cherkasov

LIFE OF A MISTRESS

Attention, folks of any title, busy and idle!

Kind and mean, fat and lean!

We will now begin our show, so prepare to be in awe!

Don't just stare, friends - clap your hands!

For a small price, you'll think you're in paradise!

Want entertainment for free? Then go climb a tree!

We're at a fair, so let's all be fair!

Hey, watch it!

Polina!

Polina!

Polina!

Polina...

You any money?

- How much? - For beauties like you, it's free.

- Thank you. - May you marry a rich man.

I think I got everything.

Ribbons!

For any girl's need I've got ribbons indeed!

I'll give you a fair price, my beauty.

You watch your manners!

Stop it, Tatiana.

No matter how close you stand to a noble,

you'll never become one yourself.

All of these!

- Let's count them. - No need, Tatiana.

Tatiana, good afternoon.

I beg your pardon... I won't hold you up.

Tatiana, be honest. Is he your boyfriend?

He's one of too many in Yamburg,

there's more in my village.

Fancy goods!

- Got a passport? - I sure do.

- It's fake. - It can't be fake.

Escape artist, huh? Take him away.

Probably a fugitive.

Serves him right. If you're born a serf,

you must obey your master.

God have mercy on him.

Look!

Heavenly sky! Wide and high!

- I can't keep up with you. - Try harder.

We're back.

Tatiana, who said you could ride in a carriage like a noblewoman?

Don't be hard on her, Momma Evdokia.

I took her with me.

Has Alexey Petrovich had his breakfast yet?

He's been busy all morning. Said he has a "suprise" for you.

Surprise, you mean?

Those French and their fancy words, I swear...

For you, Avdotia.

Polina Petrovna... You're so kind.

Take the basket to the kitchen.

- Enough ribbons for everyone? - You bet.

- Polina Petrovna! Noon, by the swing. - See you there.

- Polina Petrovna! - Good day! We were quick.

- Good to see you. - Thank you.

For you!

Thank you, Polina Petrovna.

Polina Petrovna!

Good morning, Miss.

- Where is Alexey Petrovich? - That I do not know, Miss.

Momma Evdokia, where is Alexey Petrovich?

At the stables.

Hello, Polina Petrovna.

Good day to you.

- What a stallion. - I've never seen a finer horse.

Perfect for his new owner.

Alexey Petrovich!

What am I going to do with you? You spoiled the surprise.

Does this beauty have a name?

Lucas.

For me?

I heard Polina Petrovna is a skilled rider.

He's yours.

Lucas - isn't that short for Lukyasha?

He's not a Lukyasha. I'll call him Luchik.

Can we go for a ride?

Luchik, Luchik...

Alexey Petrovich, can I ride Luchik every day from now on?

Of course you can. He is yours.

- Can I ride him several times a day? - As long as he gets fed.

He will get fed.

Slow down, Polina.

Luchik and I are friends now. I'm not afraid to ride him anywhere.

- Wait, Luchik, slow down! - Polina! Where are you off to?!

Where are you taking me?

What are you doing?

Go!

Stop, stop!

Alexey Petrovich!

Pull the reins to the side!

- Luchik! - Be calm!

I got him.

Your horse is not well trained.

It took much strength to stop him.

Were you frightened?

A little.

Still, I owe him my gratitude,

he's brought such an angel face to face with me.

I owe you my gratitude, for your help.

Why are you riding alone?

I am not alone.

Alexey Petrovich, everything is fine.

Take the reins back.

There is no need to be angry, good neighbor.

Accept my apology for this accident, Count.

It's been a long time.

You never invite me over anymore,

is it below you to associate yourself with me?

Well, shall we go, Polina? Let's go.

You shouldn't let the young lady ride an untrained horse.

I don't blame Luchik. The gunshot frightened him.

It's not hunting season yet.

On my property I set my own rules.

I bid you good day. Polina, let's go.

He saved my life.

Never trust that man, you hear me?

An angel...

Every little thing needs to be documented.

Grain by grain, the hen fills her belly.

And craps all over the yard.

Excuse me?

Please check that everything is correct.

"One thou-sand."

Always a good idea to check the spelling of my name.

This here, is it a "G" or a "C"? I can't see very well.

- It's a "G". Deg-tya-ryov. - That's right then.

Did you hear what happened to one of Dobromyslov's serfs?

- There was a typo in the census. - And?

A woman's surname was missing the last letter,

mistaking her for a man.

But, the law is the law, so she got drafted

and went straight to the front line.

A different surname could change a person's destiny entirely.

Why can't someone put my surname in for an award?

If everything is true and correct, please put your signature here.

Yes?

Didn't you go to bed?

Isn't it late for you to be up?

Come on in then.

What is it?

I apologize for today's incident.

No, I have to apologize to you for my harshness. I was very worried.

Because Luchik bolted, or because of our neighbor?

Polina, I'm going to get angry, again.

Anytime someone mentions Count Krechetsky you turn gloomy.

You get nervous and have to take your drops.

Your feud has lasted for years. All because of that meadow?

Just forgive and forget.

Let's not discuss the past. The future is more important.

Your formal ball is tomorrow.

Can a dance shape someone's future?

My dear, it's impossible

not to see the young Count's courtesy towards you.

- You and his father are war comrades. - That is true.

That explains his courtesy.

Polina...

You've turned down three men already.

You'll risk becoming an old maid.

Aren't you fond of Nikita Matveevich?

I am.

So why wait to get engaged?

I'll send a request to the Yamburg notary.

The notary?

Yes. I should have done it long ago,

but I was afriad to lose you.

I was scared you'd leave the old man...

I would never leave you.

You children are so sincere when you tell a lie...

You've come of age to get married,

but on paper, you're still my serf...

Nobody knows that.

What if the young Count proposes?

This needs to be done.

We'll get you a certificate of freedom and a passport.

Are you in a hurry to marry me off?

How can you say that, Polina?

You know I'd love to keep you with me forever,

but that would be selfish of me.

Polina, the dressmaker is here with your corset.

The dressmaker, at this hour?

You go then, go.

She sure is pampered, Alexey Petrovich.

I need you to send a letter tonight.

As you wish.

Let's take a look...

It's gorgeous!

Too revealing.

It's the latest fashion. Allow me to tighten it, Miss.

Enough. Enough!

An aristocratic young woman should be glamorous.

A young maiden is supposed to keep her eyes down

and blush bashfully.

Blush you say?

Am I not obedient?

I heard that Arsenievs' daughter was laced so tightly

she fainted twice.

They caught her the first time,

but the second time, she fell and hit her head.

Polina, I beg you to wear the blue dress.

The blue dress? Where's the blue dress?

There it is. Here.

- I want you to have this dress. - What, really?!

It's too fancy. I know my place.

You're beautiful.

- Boris, I have some great news! - Did you open my mail already?

A letter came from St. Petersburg. I couldn't wait.

"...excellent service in the Yamburg Court..."

They're inviting you to work in the capital.

I've never had a promotion in my life.

A celebration is in order.

This will have to wait.

Are you not going?

No.

You are a fool, Boris dear. What's keeping you here?

That is none of your concern. What is the other letter?

Underwhelming compared to the first one.

Duke Alexey Golovin is in need of your service.

The job's not even worth the journey.

Are you really going?

I hope he pays your travel expenses!

Hello.

I'll feed the horse if it's your own,

but if it's from the postal service...

Feed it anyway.

This poor horse doesn't know the difference.

Thank you.

On you go!

You're a feisty one.

Fedul, meet Pierre Alexandrovich.

- Bon. - What?

Set up chairs for the musicians by the wall, amphiteater-style.

Put the card tables in the gaming room.

Fedul, you heard him.

What a fruit...

Avdotia saw the young notary outside.

I wonder if he's here to see the Duke or..?

All I know is that I have to iron the ribbons.

- What? I don't understand... - Move, move! Bring the candles.

Would you say it suits me?

It most definitely does, Polina Petrovna.

Tatiana isn't here. She's at the ironing table.

Thank you.

Tatiana...

Hi, Boris. Are you here for the ball this evening?

No, for work.

Then you must hurry. Guests will be arriving soon.

I wanted to see you first.

You city men are so quick... so free. Me, I'm chained.

Would you, Tatiana, be against it...

if I ask the Duke about... buying you?

I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way.

I want to set you free.

You're so cruel, trying to fool me.

Fool you? Never.

But I would happily be a fool for the rest of my life,

if only you agreed to be with me, Tatiana.

My freedom would be costly.

I've been saving from the moment I first saw you.

Did you know that ribbons can bind couples together?

If ours matches in color, let it be your way.

- Close your eyes. Did you close them? - Yes.

Pull out a ribbon.

What if ours don't match in color?

Just pull one out.

Open your eyes.

Well, let it be your way then. Go talk to Alexey Petrovich.

Go on.

- I'm so sorry. - It's fine.

What's the matter?

Your Highness...

- You made me wait, young man. - It took a while to get here.

Now you will have to wait.

I'll greet my guests first, and then get back to you.

As you wish.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please.

I present to you, Alexey Petrovich and his beautiful daughter.

This is your night, Polina. Only yours.

- Good evening, Polina Petrovna. - Pleasure to see you.

I was wondering where you were...

I'm trying to guess who's the lucky man.

That tall one? Or the one standing by the window? Tell me.

He has not arrived yet.

Cavalry Lieutenant General Count Matvey Nikolayevich Kazankov.

Second Lieutenant Nikita Matveevich Kazankov.

My friend!

Count Kazankov rarely visits his home estate.

We're lucky he's here tonight.

He's a true hero who defended the honor

of our empire in the Russian-Turkish war...

This is truly not necessary, Alexey Petrovich.

That's him.

What did you say, Polina? Who is it?

Waltz!

Go dance the quadrille with Nikita Matveevich.

But Mother, I'm not sure about this...

Keep your voice down, dear.

Would you like some help with that, Polina Petrovna?

I will dance the quadrille with the man tagged by this tassel.

That one is too old... That one is a terrible dancer...

So what do we do?

Should I dance with the doctor?

Even if you give every dance to another man, I'll feel horrible.

But remember, the waltz is mine.

He is so handsome!

Stop gawking at Polina Petrovna's man, or I'll chop your braid off.

Oh... please, no...

- You are impossible to beat. - Well, what can I say... Yes?

Sergey Savelich is here, waiting in your study. He says it's urgent.

Excuse me, gentlemen.

But Alexey Petrovich, the game is in full swing.

Oh, Doctor! Please take my place at the card table.

But... Alexey Petrovich, I am not a very strong player.

You're not? Marvellous! Please have a seat.

- Join us. - Well, I'm not sure...

Uncle! I'm so happy to see you!

I would be happy to see you as well,

but you rarely give me reason to.

I know, I came unexpected, like a butterfly in winter.

I told you not to come here again.

I dare not invite myself to the dance.

You look a lot like my late brother...

But you'll never be the man he was.

If I was really like him, I wouldn't crawl to you begging for help.

What's the matter, Sergey dear? Gambling debts again?

- It's the work of the devil. - Ah, the devil? The devil...

Your father fought the French so fearlessly,

even the devil never dared to come near him!

You're right, Uncle. I am despicable.

I'm worth less than a pebble on his grave.

I will help you one last time, Sergey.

Don't come here ever again.

How much?

I knew you'd understand, Uncle. I see you play cards too.

The Frenchman brought them. How much?

Well... it's 3,500.

- What?! - I'm young and foolish.

Young? Your father was ten years younger than you are now,

dying on the Borodino battlefield, uttering your name!

Uncle... I can never pay that debt... They'll put me in prison...

It would be a disgrace to the family name - yours too, for that matter.

So be it.

You treat that orphan girl, a total stranger, like a princess,

but shun me, your only blood relative...

Uncle...

Alexey Petrovich, finally you're back. I was close to bankrupting you.

Please take over.

- Let's see here... - Card games are evil.

Well, Alexey Petrovich, let's continue.

- See how bad it got? - Oh my, oh my...

I do apologize.

The musicians play too fast. A waltz should last for eternity.

Polina Petrovna.

Count.

You look enchanting.

This dress suits you perfectly.

You are here, at our house. Does it mean the feud is over?

In that case, I'm happy Luchik bolted.

Andrey Vasilievich saved me.

May I ask you for the quadrille? Which one is next?

The English one... Alas, it is taken. But perhaps...

How curious...

What are you doing here, Count?

Let's not spoil the evening with a scandal, dear neighbor.

I'm just returning your visit from yesterday.

You haven't made peace yet? Do it now.

That's not going to happen.

The Duke is much too harsh to give me an invitation.

Now, if you were to ask me to stay...

Did you forget your manners?

Oh no. The Duke and I both have exceptional memory.

That's not helping your case...

I will leave only if Polina Petrovna asks me to.

I won't contradict my father.

Are you banishing me?

Count, you're putting Polina Petrovna in an awkward situation.

I thought you might be different...

I know I'm guilty, but for what exactly?

You are not guilty of anything, dear.

- Are you unwell? - No, I feel wonderful.

Monsieur Pierre?

Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please.

Let us continue dancing, dear guests!

Are you alright?

Duke? Alexey Petrovich?

Alexey Petrovich? Where's the doctor!?

- This is terrible! - Open the doors and windows!

Alexey Petrovich?

It was a severe heart attack. His condition is worsening.

He wants to see you.

Alexey Petrovich can't possibly die...

Easy now. Alexey Petrovich needs rest.

Send someone for the priest.

God have mercy...

Boris, is that you?

Yes, Your Highness.

I have a favor to ask you. One of your serfs...

Later, later... Did you bring the papers?

As you requested.

Good. You have some writing to do.

A freedom certificate.

Write a draft first.

The holder of this certificate, Polina Petrovna Lebedeva...

...resident of the Golovinka village...

I made an error.

Good thing this is a draft.

A different surname can change a person's destiny.

The holder of this certificate...

...is granted freedom and exemption from all obligations relating to me,

as of the date this freedom certificate is issued.

Landholder, Duke Alexey Petrovich Golovin.

Right.

The fair copy.

"Freedom Certificate"

You're so cruel, trying to fool me.

My freedom would be costly...

Well, let it be your way then. Go talk to Alexey Petrovich.

Polina...

"Tatiana"

Petrovna...

Lebedeva.

Sign it, Your Highness.

Right here.

I'm leaving everything to Polina.

My will needs to be made official.

Where can I find it?

In the study.

I will take care of it.

Boris...

You wanted to ask me a favor. What is it?

It can wait till another time. Get well soon, Your Highness.

Goodbye then. God be with you.

Goodbye...

I leave everything...

...to my foster daughter Polina,

to whom I granted freedom by certificate.

Right...

How is he?

Weak.

Tatiana...

Moments ago, Duke Golovin granted you freedom.

Is that true?

While he is in this state, yes.

We need to leave now, Tatiana.

How will Polina Petrovna get through this without me?

It was either you or her. There was no other way.

God have mercy.

The decision is yours.

Well, I don't see why we should stay here any longer.

We will ask about the Duke's health tomorrow.

- We're going home, Vera dear. - Let's stay a while, Mother dear.

Can I check on Polina?

- Father, should we maybe stay? - I said, tomorrow.

I have sinned...

I believed false accusations

and banished Antonina, a pure soul.

Did you pray for her?

I did.

So she will always have God's protection.

Her daughter...

Polina...

...is my daughter.

Polina Petrovna? Your foster child?

Yes, yes, Polina.

My soul aches for her. I've been a liar and a coward...

Go to him, Polina.

He wants to see you. Go.

I always know it's you when I hear the sound of your footsteps.

Alexey Petrovich, look at me.

When God takes me to heaven I will be looking after you.

Don't say that.

You will get well.

It was stuffy in the ballroom. I nearly fainted there myself.

How dare I leave you? We didn't even finish dancing.

So don't leave me.

God is beckoning him.

I can send my wife to help you wash him and dress him.

No need, Father. I know what to do.

I buried my husband and my two-day-old son.

From cradle to grave...

I remember everything.

You lost your own child and took in a stranger's.

Polina is not a stranger to me.

I know that, Evdokia, I do. You've given her all of your love.

God brought you together. There, there... don't cry.

There's something you should know.

You should... know...

Alexey Petrovich, save your strength.

It's very... important...

You are...

Alexey Petrovich, look at me.

Alexey Petrovich, look at me.

Alexey Petrovich...

Alexey Petrovich, look at me!

Alexey Petrovich...