Original subtitles

MOSFILM

Leo Tolstoy

ANNA KARENINA

Screenplay by V. KATANYAN, A. ZARKHI

Directed by Alexander ZARKHI

Director of Photography Leonid KALASHNIKOV

Production Designers Alexander BORISOV, Yuri KLADIENKO

Music by R. SHCHEDRIN Conductor E. KHACHATURIAN

Sound by V. LESHCHEYV, B. ZUYEV

English subtitles by Tatiana Kameneva

Cast:

Anna Karenina Tatiana SAMOILOVA

Karenin Nikolai GRITSENKO

Vronsky Vassily LANOVOY

Stiva Oblonsky Yuri YAKOVLEV

Konstantin Lyovin Boris GOLDAYEV

Kitty Anastasia VERTINSKAYA

Dolly lya SAVVINA

Princess Betsy Maya PLISETSKAYA

Lydia Ivanovna Lydia SUKHAREVSKAYA

Princess Myaghkaya Yelena TYAPKINA

Countess Vronsky Sophia PILYAVSKAYA

Lawyer - Andrei TUTYSHKIN Seryozha - Vasya SAKHNOVSKY

Part One

“Happy families are all alike.

Every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way...”

It's good... Very good!

Oh, God!

A telegram for you, sir.

How's Darya Alexandrovha?

She instructed me to tell you that she is leaving

and that he can... that is you, sir, can do as you like.

Anna Arkadyevna will be here tomorrow.

Thank God! Alone or with her husband?

Alone. Shall I get the room ready upstairs?

Ask Darya Alexandrovna. Do as she orders.

So what should we do, Matvey?

Oh, well, we'll wait and see.

Help me dress now.

It's six o'clock and the children are unfed.

All they had was yesterday's broth.

- Send someone for milk. - Whom shall I send?

The chef left yesterday,

and the cook's packing, she wants to be paid off today.

Everything in the house is topsy-turvy.

Leave me alone!

Go to her, sir. Ask her to forgive you. She will come round.

- What? - I say she will come round.

You think so?

Now why should this happen to me?

As you make your bed, so must you lie in it...

It's terrible.

- Dolly! - What do you want?

Dolly... Anna is coming tomorrow.

Well, what is that to me? I can't receive her.

Oh, but you must, Dolly.

Go away!

Dolly... What can I say?

Only one thing: forgive me.

Go away.

Cannot nine years of our life together

atone for an instant of infatuation?

Don't talk to me about such filth.

Dolly, for God's sake, think of the children! It's not their fault.

Punish me. Yes, punish me.

I can't find words to express how guilty I feel.

Forgive me, Dolly! Please, forgive me.

I do think of the children.

I would do anything to save them.

Tell me, after what has happened,

can we go on living together?

After my husband, the father of my children,

had a love affair with his children's governess?

What can I do? What can I do?

You are loathsome, repulsive.

Your tears mean nothing. You have never loved me.

You are disgusting! A perfect stranger!

It's awful. One word more...

If you come near me,

I will call everybody and let them know you're a scoundrel!

I"m leaving now.

And you may live here with your mistress.

MOSCOW

A councilman, a landowner, a gymnast, Grinevich.

A cattle-breeder, a sportsman and my friend, Konstantin Dmitrievich Lyovin.

May I see you alone for a minute? Excuse me.

Wait for me here.

My wife is ill. I cannot invite you.

I only wish to say a few words to you.

All right. I'm meeting my sister Anna from Petersburg.

How are the Shcherbatskys? The same as ever?

Well, yes... They're all right.

It's a shame that you hardly come to Moscow.

- Why? - Oh, nothing.

Where are you staying?

I don't know yet. You haven't answered my question.

How is Kitty?

I always know a fine steed by dum de dum... of his breed,

and a lovesick knight by something in his stride.

- So that's why you came to town! - Ah, then you've guessed.

What do you think of my chances?

Who? Me? I could hope for nothing better.

You think it's possible?

Of course. Why not?

If you wish to see them, go to the skating-rink.

Kitty skates there from four to five.

You'll surely see her there. I'll come and fetch you.

Vronsky! Your Excellency! How are you? Whom are you meeting?

- Do you know him? - Yes, we have met.

An honest man. Very straightforward, a heart of gold.

He's come here to propose to my sister-in-law.

- Kitty? - Yes.

I think she could make a better match.

Yes, of course! But he's been in love for so long. I'm really sorry for him.

Yes, it's a painful situation. And who are you meeting?

A pretty woman.

So that's it.

- My sister Anna. - Ah, Madame Karenina.

- You know her?? - I think ll do... Though I"m not sure.

Surely you must know her husband, Alexei Alexandrovich Karenin?

All the world knows him!

I've heard he's clever and very influential.

He's a wonderful man. Rather conservative, but very nice.

You got my telegram?

- Did you have a good trip, maman? - Very good indeed.

This is Madame Karenina.

Her husband arranged for us to ride together. I was delighted.

I hear you often visit the Shcherbatskys.

Is it a case of ideal love?

I don't quite know what you mean, maman?

Have you found your brother?

Anna Arkadyevna has a little son, from whom she's never been separated,

so she keeps worrying about having left him.

Excuse me. I hadn't recognized you.

But I recognized you, because your mother and I talked only about you.

- You must have been very bored. - On the contrary!

I scarcely noticed how the time passed.

The guard didn't hear the train to reverse.

And he was crushed, cut in half.

How horrible! If you'd only seen it, Anna!

His wife was there too. She flung herself on the body.

They say he was the only support of a very large family.

Can't anything be done to help them?

Oh, my God! Why did this have to happen?

For whose benefit do you intend the 200 rubles?

The widow. Whom did you think?

This is a bad omen.

Nonsense, my dear. You're here, that's the main thing.

You can't imagine how much I'm counting on you.

Have you known Vronsky for long?

He is a capital fellow, rich, has a brilliant future.

We hope he will marry Kitty Shcherbatsky.

Now tell me all about you.

I can't possibly leave him. There're the children... I'm tied...

I understand, Dolly.

He doesn't realize the awfulness of my situation. He seems contented.

Oh no, he's to be pitied, he's full of remorse.

Is he capable of remorse? She's young, she's pretty.

They certainly talked about me.

Or, worse still, they didn't talk about me at all!

The awful thing is that everything's changed in my heart.

Instead of love and tenderness I feel nothing but hatred.

I could Kill him!

What am I to do, Anna? Think for me, help me.

I've thought it all over and see no way out.

- Could you forgive him? - I don't know.

But still, Dolly, I think, I'd forgive him.

I could never feel the same again,

but I'd still forgive him as though nothing had happened.

Oh, darling, I"m so happy you've come.

Of course, if I do forgive him...

I would have to do it completely, as if nothing had happened.

Completely.

Go now and may God help you.

Kitty! Kitty, be careful!

Konstantin Dmitrievich, you here? How do you happen to be here?

Thank you.

I came not long ago.

I was looking for you. I wanted to call on you.

I didn't know you skated so well.

- You're considered the best skater. - I used to skate with a passion.

You do everything with a passion, don't you?

I would like to see you skating.

With you I would have learned that faster. I have confidence in you.

My own confidence grows when you lean on me.

It must be dull in the country in the winter?

Oh no! I have a lot to do.

- How long are you staying? - I don't know.

I don't know. It depends on you.

- On me? - Yes, on you.

...ll came to...

I came to ask you... l was looking for you.

No... No, it's impossible.

It couldn't be... I knew it.

No, no... I'm sorry.

You have a lovely sister, Dolly.

What's that?

I brought my ball dress to show you.

- And when is this ball? - Next week.

It's one of those balls where everyone feels so gay.

- Are there such balls? - Certainly. Are you coming?

You're looking forward to it so much that you want everyone to be there.

I want you to be there. I see you dressed in lilac.

Why must it be lilac?

What a happy time of life!

I remember so well that blue mist that envelops everything.

Childhood is coming to an end, and the path leading from that vast circle

which is so charmed and delightful, is growing narrower and narrower,

and it is exciting yet fearful to go ahead.

I know something about you. Congratulations. I like him very much.

I travelled with his mother,

and during the whole journey we boasted of our sons.

- Have you your son's picture? - Yes, I'll show it to you.

It's absolutely ravishing! The bow is exquisite.

The rest may be a matter of taste, but the bow!..

Who could that be at this hour? Who can that be?

It's too early for my carriage,

and it would be too late for a visitor.

How do you do.

Good evening.

- What a delightful ball. - Yes, isn't it?

- Is Lyovin here too? - Lyovin? I don't know.

I've heard a lot of good things about him.

Has Anna Arkadyevna really decided to leave for Petersburg tomorrow?

Yes, I think so.

Bologoye!

- Do you wish to go out for a minute? - Yes, I want a little air.

- You? - Can I do anything for you?

I had no idea you were on the train. Why are you on this train?

To be where you are.

I can't help it.

Forgive me if what I've said has shocked you, but...

Forget what you've said as I forget it.

I shall never forget a single word of yours.

No! Enough! Enough!

ST. PETERSBURG

As you can see, your husband, as tender as a newlywed,

is burning with a desire to see you.

How is Seryozha? Is he well?

Is this all to reward my ardor? He's quite well.

- I hope you spent a good night? - Very good, thank you.

- Count Vronsky. - We've met, I believe.

You go with the mother and return with the son. You've been on leave?

I do hope I may have the honour of calling on you?

We'll be delighted. We receive on Mondays.

What do they say in Moscow

about the new bill I've put through the Council?

Let go of me! Mother is here!

Mama!

Seryozha! My little treasure!

I must disappoint you.

He has not missed you as your husband has.

So fortunate that I had half an hour

to come to meet you and show my affection.

I must be off to a Committee meeting how.

Where did you disappear to? I expected you for dinner.

I got word from Moscow that Kitty is seriously ill.

Really?

You behaved wrongly, I've been wanting to tell you that.

But who is responsible?

Why do you say that to me?

You know why.

I forbid you to speak this way.

What do you want me to do?

I want you to go to Moscow and beg Kitty's forgiveness.

You... don't really want that.

She's a marvelous actress!

Did you notice how she fell down? She must have studied Kaulbach.

Show me to Princess Myaghkaya's box.

The best way to know about love is to make a mistake and then correct it.

- Even after you've married? - Exactly.

Karenina is quite changed ever since her trip to Moscow.

Women with a shadow usually come to a bad end.

When I was young, I was in love with a deacon.

I will not leave Anna to your mercy.

I don't like Karenin. In my opinion, he's plain stupid.

My husband says he's one of the best politicians on the continent.

If you really love me as you say,

give me back my peace of mind.

I came just to tell you that.

I never knew what peace was, so I'm unable to give it to you.

I can only give you all of myself and my love.

Never say such things to me and let us remain friends.

Friends we shall never be and you know it.

I'm unable to think of you and me separately.

I see before us either despair and wretchedness,

or happiness.

- Is there no chance of it? - No! No!

You know that friendship's not what I need.

Only one thing can make me happy.

That word which frightens you so.

Yes, love.

I don't like to use that word

because it means so much to me.

I"m only asking for the right to go on hoping and suffering as I am now.

If this cannot be, order me to disappear and I'll disappear.

To disappear? I don't want to drive you away.

Then let things stay as they are.

- You're late! - I came straight from the Council.

- I've come to take Anna home. - You're an amazing husband!

- What's new in the higher spheres? - The news I may have are so boring.

Your Excellency, supper is served.

Anna!

You're not in bed? How extraordinary!

I wish to have a talk with you.

With me? What about? Very well, let's talk.

But isn't it time to go to bed?

Anna, I must warn you.

Warn me? Of what?

I want to warn you that through thoughtlessness or some recklessness

you may cause yourself to be talked about in society.

Please, don't crackle your knuckles! You know how I hate it.

Your too animated conversation today with Count Vronsky

attracted attention.

Whenever I'm bored, it annoys you

and when I'm not, you're still annoyed.

Tonight I had a good time. Is this annoying you?

This is what I have to say, and I ask you to listen to me.

I"m very interested, because I'd like to know what this is all about.

As you know, I regard jealousy

as an offensive and degrading feeling.

But there are certain rules of decorum

which cannot be transgressed with impunity.

Judging by the impression which you made on the whole company,

it looked as though your conduct was not what is to be desired.

I positively don't understand. Are you sure you're well?

I must remind you of your duties

before me, before you and before Almighty God.

It was not man who joined our two lives, but our Maker.

Only a crime can break this bond,

and the punishment a crime of this sort entails is a severe one.

I don't understand what you're talking about.

And besides, I'm terribly sleepy.

It's too late. Too late.

Oh, my God! Oh God!

All... is over.

I have no one but you.

Remember that.

How could I ever forget what is all my life?

- For one moment of happiness... - What... happiness?

For the love of God, not a word!

You see, I couldn't accept life without love.

That's the way I"m made.

A woman is the pivot around which everything turns.

What can ll do? I ask you what can I do?

Your wife's growing old and you still feel so much life in you.

Suddenly love pops up, and you're lost.

Too bad she was a governess in our house.

There's something... about it. But, then, what a governess!

No matter how much you study women, something new always comes up.

Well then, it's best not to study them.

A certain mathematician once said

that enjoyment lies not in finding the truth but in searching for it.

You too are searching for something,

you seem to be preparing a revolution in political economy.

Hear that? The cuckoo, already.

Listen. They're flying.

Don't tell me I missed.

Splendid. We both got it.

You're really lucky, Kostya.

You've got everything you like here.

You've got dogs, farmland, hunting grounds.

You're writing a book. ll envy you.

- Sh! Hear that? - No.

- Want to stay a little longer? - As you like.

Well, Stiva, why don't you tell me anything?

Is Kitty Shcherbatsky married yet or when is she getting married?

She has no intention of getting married.

You were afraid of your rival and ran away.

The doctors have sent her to the country, some place near here.

She was very ill.

Alyosha! Have you had breakfast?

- And how is your weight? - Just right.

- I hear the Czar's going to be there. - Can you imagine a race without him?

I hear you've bet on me. You might lose.

Only Makhotin could beat you. But I hear his Gladiator is limping.

Don't believe it.

To Peterhof!

Wait! Alyosha!

I saw your brother here, he left this letter from your mother.

Good luck to you!

To Peterhof!

Mama!

Are you ill? Your hands are so cold.

No, I feel fine. I didn't expect you.

I couldn't have lived through the day without seeing you.

The races are today, aren't they?

Princess Betsy promised to take me. How's Frou-Frou?

Frou-Frou? Sharp as a razor.

She's one of those animals that don't speak only because...

I can see that something's wrong. Either you'reiill or...

- What are you thinking about? - Always the same thing.

Please, tell me.

- Shall I1? - Do, for Heaven's sake.

- Shall I really tell you? - Yes, yes!

I'm going to have a child.

Our fate is sealed now!

But how to end it, Alexei?

Leave your husband and join your destiny to mine.

They are joined as it is.

He won't give up Seryozha.

He's not human. He's a machine. A spiteful machine.

“1 warned you of the consequences,

religious, civil and familial consequences...”

I beg you, I entreat you to never speak to me of that!

Promise you won't. When you talk to me about it, I"m tormented.

All right, but I couldn't forgive myself for making you unhappy.

Me? Unhappy? This is my happiness!

Captain Usoltsev was thrown over his horse. He was Killed on the spot.

Seven riders were injured.

They say His Majesty is quite displeased.

Am I late? How's Frou-Frou?

Everything is fine.

Ah, my beauty!

The horse of Mr... I cannot pronounce his name.

Makhotin, he's my chief rival.

Easy, easy, Frou-Frou.

Did you get the note from mother?

I can't understand what's bothering you.

You've been seen at Peterhof again.

There are matters which are not to be discussed.

If that's the case, you should leave the army.

Whatever my fate, I will never complain.

Don't get upset before the race.

If possible, Milord, take the lead from the start.

Princess Tverskaya, the pearl of Peterhof.

Princess! What a pleasant surprise!

Hello, little sister!

When shall we see each other?

You're not worth the trouble. Who's that with you?

Vlassieva.

The one who's marrying Topov?

Yes, and imagine, they're marrying for love.

Oh, who talks of love these days? An antediluvian concept.

It seems that this stupid fashion never goes out of style.

So much the worse for those who keep it up.

There's something of Louis XV about him, don't you think?

He's in your drawing-room's style, that's why we so often see him there.

- Who are you betting on? - Prince Kuzovlev.

I bet on Vronsky.

- Bet a pair of gloves? - A pair of gloves!

The ovation you received for putting your bill through the Council.

I'm gratified that at last we are getting around

to firm and sound views on these matters.

Your Excellency, may I pay my respects?

How have you been this year?

The doctor came to see me and took an hour of my time this morning.

I suspect he was sent by one of my friends.

My health seems to be so precious.

Your friend was doing it for Russia.

Good afternoon, Alexei Alexandrovich. Aren't you in the races today?

I"m engaged in a more dangerous race.

Are you looking for your wife? She's here.

My eyes are dazzled by so much glitter.

If England is able to point with pride

to the most brilliant cavalry exploits in military history,

it's only thanks to the fact that she has developed strength historically

in both her animals and her men.

Sports seem to be very important,

although, as we see, it's quite a superficial notion.

It's not all that superficial. One officer broke two ribs.

Well, let's admit it's not superficial,

but that's not the point.

Don't forget that those who race are military men,

who have chosen their careers.

You must agree that every profession

has its dangers, of course.

However, the manly games that we're watching...

the horrible sports, such as prize- fighting or Spanish bull-fighting,

are a sign of barbarity.

But a specialized sport is a sign of development.

Alexei Alexandrovich! How do you do.

There are two sides to it: performers and viewers.

And love for such spectacles

is an unmistakable proof of a low degree of development.

I agree with those who hold...

My favorite!

No, I shan't come again. It gets me too upset.

Don't you think so, Anna?

Vronsky!

Makhotin!

Milord fell back on the saddle during a jump and broke Frou-Frou's spine.

Stiva! What happened?

Vronsky was not hurt.

I repeat my offer to give you my arm if you wish to go.

No! Leave me alone! I want to stay.

Once again I'm offering you my arm.

I promise to take Anna home.

Excuse me, Princess, but I see that Anna is not feeling well,

and I wish her to come home with me.

She is pining away. And the whole town's talking.

How much we are attracted to these cruel spectacles!

- I've noticed that... - What? I don't understand.

I'm obliged to tell you...

Indecent? What was indecent about my conduct?

What did you consider indecent?

The despair that you weren't able to hide when one of the riders fell.

It maybe that I"m mistaken?

No, you are not mistaken.

You're not at all mistaken.

I am desperate and I can't help being desperate.

I am listening to you but thinking of him.

I am... I am in love with him.

I"m his mistress.

I can't bear you,

I'm afraid of you, I abhor you.

Do whatever you like with me.

- What is it? - A message from the Karenins'.

I was told to give it to you immediately.

You met him? And he bowed to you like this?

I thought he was at a Council meeting.

He was at the Council but came back.

If only he broke with you! This situation can't go on.

You're not angry with me? I absolutely had to talk to you.

I had to tell you that I had told Alexei Alexandrovich everything.

That I couldn't be his wife any longer... everything.

Yes, it's a thousand times easier that way.

That was the only thing I wanted, to clear up this situation.

I realize how hard it must have been for you.

No, it wasn't hard at all. It happened by itself.

Today he left a letter for me.

He writes that we have no right to sever the ties which bind us...

that our life will have to go on as before.

I'm so glad!

Because things simply cannot go on the way he suggests.

And Seryozha? He knows I won't leave my son.

I cannot live without my son even if I'm with the man I love.

I hope that now you will leave him

and let me think about the future, about organizing our life.

Which is better - to leave your son,

or to go on living in this humiliating situation?

- Humiliating for whom? - Most of all, for you.

You say it's humiliating.

No, believe me, for me only one thing has any meaning - your love.

If 1 have your love, I feel so exalted

that nothing can possibly humiliate me.

Because I"m proud of the situation "min, 'm proud of...

Anna, can't you get a divorce?

Isn't it possible to take your son and leave your husband?

No. Let's not talk about it any more.

Everything will be settled soon.

Do not interrupt me!

I'm going to die. And I'm very glad of it.

I will release you all.

What nonsense you are talking!

No, no, it's true. I had a dream.

I ran into my bedroom and there was something in the corner.

It turned around and I saw it was a peasant.

He was small and frightening, with a disheveled beard.

He bent over a sack, fumbling in it for a long time,

and he spoke in French, talking very fast...

I tried to wake up but I couldn't.

And he said: “In childbirth, you will die in childbirth.”

What utter nonsense! How can you believe that?

Is Anna Arkadyevna in her room?

Anna Arkadyevna is giving a lesson to Sergey Alexeyevich.

What do you want?

- Seryozha, leave the room. - Wait.

- Good morning, papa. - Leave the room.

- What do you want? - Your lover's letters.

They're not here. Let go. What are you doing?

Sit down. I must speak to you.

I won't tolerate your receiving your lover in my house.

I had to see him to...

I don't want to be told why a woman meets her lover.

I've never known this cruel streak inyou.

You call cruelty the husband's right to demand observance of decency?

That is cruelty?

It's worse than cruelty. It's baseness.

No!

Baseness is to leave a husband and son for your lover

and still eat your husband's bread.

I'll take the needed steps to put an end to this situation.

You cannot imagine my situation

any worse than I feel it to be myself.

It will come to an end by itself very soon.

It will come to an end sooner

than you and your lover have planned.

You are merely interested in gratifying your bestial lust.

The suffering of someone who was your husband

fails to interest you.

You don't care that his life has been ruined... and that he's...

he's... miserable.

I can change nothing. Nothing.

I came here to tell you...

I've come to tell you that tomorrow I'll be leaving for Moscow

and that I shall not return to this house.

You'll be advised of my decision by the lawyer

to whom I shall entrust the obtainment of a divorce.

My son will go to my sister's.

You want to take Seryozha only to make me suffer.

You don't love him.

Leave me Seryozha... Leave him to me.

True, I have lost my love for my son,

because he is... associated with... the repulsion I feel for you.

But I'll keep him all the same. Goodbye.

Alexei Alexandrovich, please, leave me Seryozha!

At least until ll...

I'm going to have a child soon. Leave him.

Ah, Alexei Alexandrovich!

Good to see you. Have you been in Moscow long?

That wasn't nice, You might have let me know.

I really had no time. I've had a lot to do.

Come tomorrow for dinner.

I'll treat you to the Moscow intelligentsia. You'll meet Lyovin.

- And how is my dear Anna? - Anna Arkadyevna is well.

Please come! You can't imagine how very sorry I'd feel if you didn't.

And so would my wife.

Stiva!

Papa!

I must buy coats for Grisha and Tanya.

I'll need some money.

Ah yes, of course... Well, tell them I'll pay later.

Where are you going?

To Yeliseyev's. I heard they've just received fresh oysters.

Before I begin to set forth my business,

I should like to point out that this whole matter is to be confidential.

I wouldn't be a barrister if I could not keep secrets.

Do you Kkhnow my name??

I know you and the valuable work you're doing.

You are known to the whole Russia.

I have the misfortune to be a deceived husband,

and I want to legally break off relations with my wife, to divorce her,

but in such a way that my son shall not remain with his mother.

You are asking for my help in obtaining a divorce?

Yes. I'd like to be familiarized with the forms

in which this type of affair is consummated in actual practice.

Divorce, according to our laws, is possible in following cases...

I"m busy! I said wait!

Physical incapacity of the spouses and adultery.

Included here are adultery committed by husband or wife,

a physical defect of either husband or wife.

There is no physical defect, I may assume?

Adultery of one of the spouses...

and the detection of the guilty party by mutual agreement.

Failing such agreement, accidental detection.

The most usual, simple and sensible course

I consider to be adultery detected by mutual consent.

I think this is the case of accidental detection,

substantiated by letters which I have in my possession.

Cases of that kind are under ecclesiastical jurisdiction.

The reverend fathers, however, are fond of going...

into the minutest details in such cases.

They may require confirmation by eyewitnesses

to prove the fact of adultery.

If you wish to entrust me with your confidence...

you may leave the choice of measures to be employed to me.

If one wants the result, one must accept the means.

Very well... I will communicate my decision to you by letter.

End of Part One