Original subtitles

SHUKA Film Company

Tatiana Babenkova

Artyom Krylov

Vladislav Abashin

in a film by Dmitry Cherkasov

LIFE OF A MISTRESS

I cannot read, but I can sense this is sinful.

The sin is mine, not yours, Tatiana.

- Then why do I feel so guilty? - Don't feel this way, my beauty...

I served a kind mistress. I don't know how to be one myself.

There is no mistress. She is a serf.

The Duke signed for you. I'm the only witness.

But I was born a serf, that's the destiny God intended for me.

I will do anything for you!

Take my braid and forget me.

Or take me and forget the braid.

I will be your loyal dog.

Let's hurry.

- Is this where you live? - Don't be scared, Tatiana.

I'm worried you might get cold.

Am I not free to look out the window?

It's windy tonight,

and you didn't even take a change of clothes with you.

It's fine, you can close the window.

But you're right, I don't have any clothes here.

No brush, either.

I will buy you everything.

What if they catch me?

You're a free woman now. We'll get you a passport.

My dear Tatiana...

Still, I'm ashamed to go out in the streets of Yamburg.

Let's go away.

We can move to St. Petersburg. I was offered a position there.

- In St. Petersburg? - Yes.

- We can start a new life. - We can.

Polina...

Right now, Alexey Petrovich is looking down at you,

and is saddened by your tears.

His soul is here with us.

Any word from my Tatiana?

The scoundrel's gone. Ran off.

She knows that,

even if she's caught, you won't punish her.

Let her live happy and free.

But why didn't she tell me? Am I not her best friend?

You're her mistress.

She's somewhere all alone, with no money and no passport...

Sergey Savelich...

I won't give up without a fight!

Good wine. It was served at the Duke's ball the other night.

So what? I'm...

- I'm his relative. - Indeed, you are.

But your uncle happened to leave everything to a serf in his will.

So he passed away...

What a tragedy. Oh God...

What about me?

Did he leave anything at all to me, his only nephew, the poor orphan?

"I leave everything... House... Land..."

"...to my foster daughter... Polina..."

"...to whom I granted freedom by certificate."

So Polina is... a serf?

He betrayed...

He betrayed his brother,

my heroic father, who died on

the Borodino battlefield protecting our Fatherland!

Only you and I know of this document.

You are the legitimate inheritor, unless the will states otherwise.

Would you sell the estate right away?

Well, you know... I have debts to pay.

I think, ten percent of the sale is a fair fee for my service.

Twenty!

Look at you, you're in shock!

Five. I mean, seven.

Ten percent it is then.

I'll have to think...

I will give you the document after we fulfil our mutual obligations.

- Evdokia! - What is it?

The heir is here, and the notary.

The "heir"? Who would that be?

Sergey Savelich. He's in the late Master's study.

Demanding champagne, and quick!

What a snake...

Oh he'll have his champagne, right after I stick him with a pitchfork!

"Landlord, Duke Alexey Petrovich Golovin, died a sudden death.

He did not leave a will, and was a childless widower. Therefore..."

- You're reading like an idiot! - That's rude of you to say.

Excuse the interruption, Boris. Please continue.

"Therefore, Duke Alexey's nephew,

son of his late brother Savely Petrovich Golovin,

Duke Sergey Savelich Golovin..."

- Who was not welcome here... - Hey, hey.

"...shall inherit the estate along with the serfs bound to it,

in accordance with the law and most recent census."

What will become of us?

Funny enough, Polina, you are part of my inheritance.

Boris... Did Duke Alexey grant me

a freedom certificate as he intended?

He did not.

What was that about?

Sergey Savelich...

I can't handle such matters now. I must rest now.

Later, Polina. Go do something... in the kitchen.

Her, in the kitchen?

Sergey Savelich, you destroyed your own estate,

now you want to ruin this one?

Legal support is being provided by the

Yamburg notary office, which I represent.

I humbly await the decision regarding my fate.

Is your mistress home?

I wish I knew who my mistress was.

Polina Petrovna is in the house...

- How dare you speak like that? - Slip of the tongue. I apologize.

- What's going on here? - Sergey Savelich is staking his claim.

- Go announce my visit. - Will do.

Polina Petrovna, I know now is not the right time for a visit...

Thank you for coming to see me.

Forgive me if I'm being tactless and dismissive of social etiquette...

...but I couldn't wait.

Whom should I ask for your hand in marriage?

Think again, Nikita Matveevich. I have no inheritance.

So what?

I'm sure Sergey Savelich

will let you keep the dress you wore at the dance.

It suits you beautifully.

The dress, maybe. I'm not so sure about the shoes.

The shoes?

Who needs them? I shall demand marriage from Sergey Savelich.

First, Nikita Matveevich, ask him for a freedom certificate.

A freedom certificate?

I'm a serf.

Polina Petrovna, I cannot marry a serf.

I understand. But the Duke could grant me freedom.

Still, it's not possible.

Please forgive me.

Oh, I would love to live in such luxury,

a little while wouldn't hurt!

I advise you to sell the estate quickly,

to avoid unnecessary attention.

- Fine. But how do we sell it quickly? - We shall auction it.

An administrator will give you a report

on the estate's population, profits, and debts.

There wouldn't be any debts. My uncle led a boring life.

After that, the administrator will give you

an estimated value of the estate,

but be prepared to sell it at the auction price,

which is likely to be lower.

But that would mean losing money!

Don't forget that in your situation...

time is money.

Fine, let it be auctioned.

And, before you sell it, here's something you should do.

What is it?

Your late uncle's dying wish was to grant

his foster daughter a freedom certificate.

That Polina girl?

Yes. Polina Petrovna Lebedeva.

I don't know... That would mean giving her freedom and rights.

What if she decides

to use her freedom and rights to act against me?

Polina Petrovna didn't challenge your right as the inheritor.

She didn't?

All these years.

She, a serf, wore silks and gems, while I, an aristocrat...

In your position, you could be more benevolent than this.

It is my right as a noble to enforce

my authority over a serf.

I suggest you start preparing for the auction as a notary should.

This is much too quick.

Yes, I see that papers are in order.

- Don't worry, Monsieur... - Duke.

Duke. I'm an experienced auctioneer.

But you will get less money selling the estate along with the serfs.

Why sell us at all, Master? I, for one, would serve you well.

Selling all at once is quick and easy.

I understand.

I will sell this estate quickly!

Easy, you foreign fruit.

I should give him some bird feed to stop his chirping...

I'm fine, Doctor.

Listen, dear. I owe your father a great debt.

I have some savings put aside. And I can take out a loan.

None of the neighbors are coming forward...

I'll buy the estate.

Would you see your patients in Alexey Petrovich's study?

Would Luchik stay in the stables? He was Alexey Petrovich's gift to me.

Let's hope so.

Please grant freedom to your late uncle's foster daughter.

No time, esteemed Father. The auction is about to start,

and I have plenty of other worries.

Who cares about her anyway?

I would smash your stupid head

against the wall, if God forgave me.

Go ahead, I won't resist.

This is terrible, Polina.

I count on God's help.

What did Nikita Matveevich say? Where is he?

Everything's changed, Vera.

No, he won't leave you. I'm sure of that.

- He left for good. - No, it can't be. He's noble.

He just couldn't be here.

Look, his father is here. See? I'll talk to him.

Wait...

Gentlemen!

We begin the auction to sell

the estate of the landlord Duke Alexey...

Sorry, Duke Sergey Savelich Golovin.

Land, rural and forested, 870 acres.

Bonded serfs, 240 persons.

A mansion, made of stone,

with a tin roof, fully furnished and decorated.

The starting bid is 20,300 rubles!

- 20,350. - Doctor, 20,350 rubles going once!

Any more bids, gentlemen?

Count Dobromyslov, is that doctor a rich man?

We shall see.

20,350 rubles going twice!

20,500.

Monsieur Dobromyslov, 20,500 rubles going once!

20,500 rubles going twice...

If I were to go on bidding, would you loan me some money?

I only have my medals, otherwise I'm poor.

A beautiful mansion with a ballroom! A very rare opportunity, gentlemen!

Count, will Nikita Matveevich arrive soon?

Polina needs his support.

I think not...

20,500 rubles...

- 20,600. - Doctor!

I'll find the money.

Bravo! What a wonderful decision!

Any other bids?

- Doctor, it's yours. - I hope so...

20,600 rubles going once!

Doctor, 20,600 rubles going twice!

20,600 rubles going...

30,000.

Monsieur Count Andrey Vasilievich Krechetsky,

30,000 rubles going once!

30,000 rubles going twice!

30,000 rubles... gone! Sold!

Sold...

Where on earth have you been, child?

Luchik and I went to the river bank. Alexey Petrovich loved it there.

Guests have arrived for the wake. They're in the park now.

That's good.

Momma Evdokia, do you think God will let his soul enter Paradise?

There's no doubt about it. Even his estate is a paradise on earth.

Polina Petrovna! You look very pale and dramatic.

- Pardon my late arrival. - That's quite alright, Polina Petrovna.

- Please come inside... - No, wait.

Alexey Petrovich loved having tea here, even in colder weather.

Let's commemorate him, and then I'll invite you to the table.

Allow me to ask, Polina Petrovna, where is the Duke's nephew?

He was invited. Fedul, let's begin.

Will Nikita Matveevich not join us?

He didn't want to bother Polina Petrovna.

Right...

- Pour yourself a drink as well. - Thank you.

I've been a doctor for a long time.

People are born and they die. It's the way life goes.

But when people like Alexey Petrovich pass away...

life seems to stand still.

The Duke was a very generous man,

kind in words and in deeds.

May his soul rest in peace, and may God reward his excellence.

I'll drink to that.

What? Serfs drink with the nobles now?

I asked them to join us for the wake.

Who gave you, Miss, the right to give my serfs orders?

Put it down and go away.

Let him commemorate his former Master.

Andrey Vasilievich, join us.

I suppose... If he puts down the glass,

Duke Golovin would go straight to hell.

This is madness, Count.

Here, in my estate, I could have a devil on a leash if I want to.

I want to do an inspection.

Gather the serfs in the back.

Well, let's have some food.

I'm sorry for waking you up, but we had an agreement.

- Where's Shadrintsev? - I don't know who that is.

He and I had a duel last night, but he shot the bear.

Do you recognize me?

Give me my saber.

You owe me commission.

I recognize you now.

You're the bastard who made me commit a terrible crime.

I have the original will. That's your prison sentence.

Well, I'm a bastard myself.

I won't take more than the agreed sum.

Here's the original will. I recommend you burn it immediately.

I need a fire then.

Do you not have matches?

The landlady hides them so I don't burn the house down.

I'll find them.

Don't you worry about a thing.

Goodbye then, and I hope to never do business with you again.

Well, look at you all. Is this how you greet your Master?

Here's our butler.

Come closer.

I won't have a limping butler in my house.

This one's pretty.

- She's a house maid. - Smile at me.

And what do we have in here? Your old Master's baby?

I have a husband.

The Duke missed a fine opportunity.

Was he useless as a man?

Where are your guests? Did they leave?

Yes. You didn't make them feel welcome.

These house serfs are too lazy.

I'll bring my own. They know their place.

Master, please let us continue doing our duties.

We know everything around here, we'll keep the order.

The order?

You get a dozen lashes.

Do it.

Who, me?

- Yes, you. - Andrey Vasilievich, that's cruel.

I can't do it.

Master, I can't do it.

Who's the horsekeeper here?

That would be me.

In that case you give him a dozen lashes.

Alexey Petrovich never punished anyone!

Polina Petrovna...

You decide among yourselves, who will give whom a lashing.

Show me who obeys their Master.

Andrey Vasilievich, Stepan is a good, kind horsekeeper. Have pity on him!

Why do you care, Miss?

Your own fate should concern you more.

If you are seeking priviledge, perhaps you can get it from me.

If you're seeking anything else, you should leave this house.

- Oh God. - They'll catch and beat her...

- What was that?

She turned out to be a serf all along.

- Don't tell him. - He'd find out anyway.

Andrey Vasilievich, I wish to buy Polina Petrovna out,

and to free her.

So you can't do any harm to her.

So you, Polina Petrovna, are a serf?

I haven't bought anything for myself in years, Boris dear.

But what if someone recognizes me?

Your freedom certificate is official.

I have your passport here. Don't worry.

What is your desire, Miss?

- A set of table decorations? - Yes.

I have one made of French white copper.

It's the latest trend.

Grisha, bring it here, quick!

You will like it, you'll see.

- White copper? - Yes.

You have the hands of a peasant.

Miss, wait!

- What did you say to her? - Nothing.

You're Tatiana Kuznetsova, one of Duke Golovin's serfs!

Do you not recognize me?

Let's go.

How interesting...

Laughing is inappropriate, Andrey Vasilievich.

Polina Petrovna Lebedeva, bound resident of Yamburg county...

So you really are a serf.

The old man Golovin was a kind master.

He even ordered silk slippers for you.

Was your old master kind to you?

I can't hear you.

He was kind.

I assume his serfs are kind as well.

What are you going on about?

- We always respected him. - We'll see about that.

Do you miss your old master?

We do.

Miss working in his house?

Go and take what's his.

They won't.

You have ten minutes. Go before I change my mind.

Have you no shame? This is how you repay his kindness?

Times have changed now.

And, the new Master said we can.

Fedul, no.

I told you to take what's Golovin's.

These are his things, Master.

On this land, in this house, everything belongs to me...

to Count Krechetsky.

Give them all a lashing.

I'm bringing my family and servants here tomorrow.

Make sure the house is clean and tidy.

Hey there, Snowflake.

Egor, after you take the hay inside, bring out fresh water.

Will do.

Where should I put my things?

You're human too.

They should let you keep your room.

We're just tidying up.

In Russia, when you buy land,

you lose money, not add to your fortune.

I made my father's estate profitable,

and I'll do the same here.

Did Golovin have a groundskeeper?

Yes, but he is useless.

This land needs Efim's firm hands.

Have you seen the fields?

The Duke hardly used half of his land to make profit.

Write to your brother and tell him we've moved.

Is Uncle coming to visit?

- Yes, he is. - How wonderful!

A big house is expensive to upkeep. It's unneccessary.

Anna...

Stepan, let me help you.

They told me you were moving things in here...

Your back must really hurt...

- I'm fine. - But... You know...

- Fedul, I'm not angry with you. - I had to do it, against my will.

- I didn't take anything. - I know.

You don't have to tell me that.

Somebody stole the clock on the day of the auction.

He liked it.

What will happen to the house?

The house? What about us?

I'll go now. I have to wash the tableware.

Mother dear, isn't this house splendid?

Welcome to your new estate, Mistress.

Young Master.

Welcome home, my love.

Mistress, may I escort you to the room

Andrey Vasilievich has chosen for you?

How do you like it, old man?

It's a palace, Andrey Vasilievich. A palace.

What do you say?

It'll be a pleasure to serve you in this grand house, Master.

And it's got a big kitchen.

Thank you, Master.

That's what I like to hear.

Be a good example for Golovin's serfs.

Will do, Master.

Hey Duke? Golovin?

- Where is he? - Wake up, you devil.

Hi, Shadrinsky. Hi, Zimin.

Hi, Duke.

At yesterday's duel, you never took a shot.

- That's true, but... - Where's my pistol?

Gentlemen, I urge you once again to make peace.

I'm for peace.

No, we'll have our duel.

Unless you have 40,000 dollars to loan me.

Everyone who played yesterday will be present at tonight's game.

Your choice.

Woah!

We'll make it all back! I can feel fortune is on our side tonight!

A will? "I leave everything, including my land and..."

Gentlemen, I'm coming with you but I won't be playing.

I took my invitation from the office.

- We're going. - We're going.

Boris dear, we forgot to pack this icon.

It belongs to the landlady. It was here when I moved in.

I stayed in this room for nine days, afraid to be seen.

It helped me keep my spirits up. I'll take it.

Is this my old dress?

My serf dress! I asked you to burn it!

I couldn't.

- And you hid it from me, too! - Don't let your past haunt you.

We're leaving it behind.

Forever.

You're right.