Original subtitles

MOSFILM

FIRST ARTISTIC UNION

"In the conditions of socialism every person

who left the rails of employment can return to useful work."

Now a choir of former prisoners will perform a mellow song "Evening Bells."

The prisoners in the choire "Bom-Bom" are those who are nearing the end of their sentences.

Such is the tradition and we keep it.

RED SNOWBALL TREE

Screenwriter and Director VASSILY SHUKSHIN

Cinematography ANATOLI ZABOLOTSKI

Music PAUL CHEKALOV

Evening Bells How many deep thoughts they bring.

Thoughts about the days of youth in my homeland.

Where I had loved.

Where my parents' house is.

And how I,

having said goodbye to my homeland for a century,

was listening to the evening bells

for the last time.

How many are no longer with us.

The once happy and young.

Actors: Lyuba Baikalova - LYDIA FEDOSEEVA Egor Prokudin - VASSILI SHUKSHIN

Evening Bells

how many deep thoughts

their ringing brings.

Father of Lyuba - IVAN RIZHOV Mother of Lyuba - MARIA SKVORTSOVA

Peter - ALEKSEI BANIN Zoya - MARIA VINOGRADOVA

Mother of Egor - OLGA BYSTROVA Detective - YANA POHORENKO Waiter - LEV DUROV

Kolya - ANATOLI GORBENKO Colony Leader - N. GRABBE Director of Collective Farm - N. POGODIN

How do you plan to live now, Prokudin?

Honestly.

Well, that's obvious. Where will you go?

To her.

Who is she?

A penpal.

Lyuba Federovna Baikalova.

What does she write about?

Nice letters. She's inviting me to come.

Are you happy?

Happy.

Happy.

If I had three lives I would spend one in jail, to hell with it.

Another one, I'd give to you.

And the third life, I'd live as I like.

But I only have one. So I'm happy.

And can you be happy? Your ass is grass.

What's there to be happy about?

What is there to be happy about?

Well, I don't know.

If you can be happy - be happy. If you can't - live the way you can.

Stop here, bro. I just saw my girlfriends.

There they are, see? And I'm riding by.

I must go and see them.

See, they're crying.

Hi, auntie! Are you still alive?

How are you, little bride? Tired of waiting?

What are you crowing for?

Wait, don't crow for me yet.

Why are you walking around for? Sit down!

How much does this machine cost?

Let's steal it and split the profit?

Heads up, comrade!

Where are you, Nino? What are you looking for, Nino?

Sharik!

Big-eyed Nino... Spoiled my holiday.

Gonna leave my address, just in case.

Sharik, tell your Nino, that I'm giving her a warning for now.

But in future there will be penalties.

Hello! Hi!

It's me - Grief.

I have nowhere to sleep.

Why?

Bastards!

I'm warning you - don't hang up, or I'll come over.

I'm gonna make a bunch of flowers of you and plant it outside, heads down!

Can you hear me?

What can I tell you. You are filthy bastards.

[Cursing in Russian.]

Get out of here, or I'll come out and show you some "grief."

Show you some grief and suffering.

What the hell. He just does not get it.

I'm asking you one thing, is Nino home?

Let her come out. Tell her, "Grief" came by.

I have an axe in my hands. Ask it to come out, it won't refuse.

- Should I set you on fire, or something? - Just try!

That note you left on the door...

I took it to the police. They'll get you.

Fool! There's a poem there.

Poem and your fingerprints. They'll send you back where you came from.

Indeed! Does not scare me!

Nina is not here. She left.

- Where? - Somewhere up north.

Why didn't you say right away? So hard to explain?

Because you piss me off!

She left because of the likes of you, with one of you.

Consider her to be in good hands.

So much for the feast! Then let's check the crib.

Are there any more holidays or not?

Of course there are, Grief!

- My baby! - I dreamed of you last night.

- And what was I doing in your dream? - Embracing me.

Did you confuse with someone else?

I recall one night in the spring ...

- Glad you came out. - I'm glad too.

The air was a little humid.

The train station was crowded with people.

Everywhere you look are suitcases.

People are anxious, everyone wants to leave.

And among all these anxious people

One man was sitting.

Look how many young people around here.

One elegant young person approached him and asked:

"Why are you sad, bro?"

He answered: "I'm in grief. I don't know where to go"

Come on, Bernie, wrote a whole novel!

Then the elegant young man said...

Nothing. They're calling to a Philharmonic while sitting on the toilet.

- Grief, let's perform our best number! - Go, Lucy! Music!

Here's the minute that my sad soul was waiting for.

Wait, Egor, I'll calm down your soul

and I'll get calm myself.

I'll hold it close to my heart ... The dove is tired.

Watch out or this dove will peck you.

What evil people they are, Egor!

With evil people we'll be evil, Lucy!

They found us. Get out, quick!

Relax! One by one.

For two weeks everyone is dead. Don't look for me.

Well, we sang, we danced.

Grief, what's wrong?

Looks like it's time for me to take up gardening.

What gardening?

We have to go, what are sitting down for?

Going, going... When am I going to start coming?

Don't, you'll get caught! Soon I'll see you all.

- Are you going with her? - No. Run!

- Rest somewhere. Got money? - Got enough. They gave me.

- I can add a little. - OK.

We are surrounded.

She's done with.

This is our Sveta! Sveta got caught.

Get off me.

Your Sveta is as useless as a pig -- no fur, only squealing.

I fear that the others might crack up. I'm gonna shoot.

Wait, stupid! Crazy. Maybe they won't crack? And you shoot them.

I know them well.

Listen, I'm gonna run and lead them away after me.

I have a document.

If they catch me I'll say I was afraid and did not know what to do.

I'll say I was looking for a certain girl, heard the whistles and fled instinctively.

Here I go.

Go, Egor.

- Here they come! - Hold me, my legs!

Peekaboo! How many of you...

Over here!

So far, so good.

What now? I don't quite like these games.

I am not your honey cake -- here, there!

Hello, Dear Egor Nikolaevich!

This is Lyubov Baikalova writing to you.

Lyuba! Dear Lyuba!

I report that I received your long poetic letter.

In that letter you upset me a little bit, saying you can not stand silence.

The evenings here are very quiet. You can hear a leaf fall on the water.

At least, maybe my hair will grow faster in that silence.

Don't take offense, dear Lyuba. I know how quiet it can be.

I was born in a place like that too.

I picked off a field flower And pinned it on to my snow white blouse...

Yes, it's good.

No matter what you say, I like silence.

Why don't you come, dear Egor?

Ah, you're a good soul... Wait ...

Maybe we can yet get somewhere? Maybe I haven't lost everything yet?

Why not?

Wherever life takes us!

You know what, let's go get something in the tearoom?

- I don't drink. - Come on, "I don't drink!"

- Or are you trying to make good impression? - Well, I do drink sometimes in company.

But getting stuck in a pub - I am not into these things. I'm a moderate person.

What's the big deal? We'll get some tea, that's all.

You'll tell me about yourself. My Mom and Dad are very strict.

They told me: "Don't you dare bring your inmate here!"

I told them: "God forbid, what inmate is he? It was all by an accident." Right?

Let's use another door. They stand and stare.

Right?

What is "right?"

That you were in prison by an accident?

Oh, yeah. Coincidence. Bad luck.

- Your parents really hard? - No. Why?

So strict. And I smoke. They'll ask me to leave.

No big deal, my father smokes, and my brother.

- There's a brother too? - Yes, big family.

My brother has a daughter. She's in high school.

This is good. And then? Going to study law?

Come in.

- Shall we take a bottle and go somewhere? - Why? Look how nice it's here.

Nyura, bring us ... What shall we have, Egor?

- Red wine. Vodka gives me heartburn. - A bottle of red wine.

It's so great here. Open space, freedom.

Well, Egor, tell me more about yourself.

Just like an interrogation. What can I say?

I was an accountant in the council. The management must have been embezzling.

And then the inspection came. Naturally, I got a sentence. You know how it can be.

Listen, let's leave, we're sitting here like two hairs on a bald spot.

Everyone's watching.

What do you care? Let them watch. You're not a fugitive.

- Here's my release papers. - Sheesh, I did not mean it so literally.

- So how long were you in prison? - Last time?

Five years.

With clutches like yours you were an accountant? I don't believe you.

I trained them there. We were sewing lots of slippers.

These hands are for breaking locks, not sewing slippers.

Good joke!

And what do you plan to do here? Again accounting?

No, no more accounting.

Then what? Sew slippers?

I have to look around first.

Lyuba, go easy on me.

You did not give me a minute's break. Work and work.

We used to say, work is not a hare - it won't escape.

Let's wait.

Why did you lie to me?

I wrote to your prison director. And he answered me.

That's what's the matter!

Go then, Lyuba, speed along, pour the wine bravely!

You wrote such nice letters...

I remember them by heart.

Maybe a talent is being wasted?

"Prisons destroyed my talent and youth..."

What's the rush now? Wait, let's talk.

What hell of a prison director!

Cool how I made myself look like a goody, huh? An accountant.

Accounting of the goods for the general public.

What did you lie to me for, Egor? Wanted to rob me or something?

That's too much.

I go to the other end of the world to steal two pairs of felt boots?

You're insulting me, Lyuba!

Then what did you want?

I don't know. A little rest for the soul.

I want a holiday. I've waited for it for so long!

Ah, Egor!

What?

You are really tired.

Like a horse going up the mountan.

Only there's no foam in the mouth yet.

You'll drop dead.

Do you really have no relatives?

Lyuba, don't hit below the waist, please!

I'm not a beggar yet.

In any case, I can always rob a liquor store.

Sometimes, I am incredibly rich, Lyuba.

Too bad you did not meet me in those days.

You'd see that I have nothing but contempt for this stinky money.

Nothing but contempt, but you go through such torments for it?

Not because of the money.

Then why?

I can't be anybody else on this earth, only a thief.

Oh, look how scary you are. Only no one is afraid.

Drink up and let's go.

Where?

To my place. Didn't you come to visit me? Or do you have another penpal?

Even though we established that I am not an accountant?

That's clear.

But just so you know, madam, I am a driver of the first category.

Well, not first, but second.

- Do you have a license? - No, my license is in Magadan.

See now? You can sew slippers and you're a driver. You'll be priceless here.

Let's go.

Typical peasant psychology. Head on.

I went to prison 7 times, you fool! I am an incorrigible thief!

Quiet, quiet. Are you drunk?

Then what's the matter?

Let's go to my place. Have a week's rest.

I have nothing to steal. Catch a breath.

Then you can go and rob your stores.

Or people will say: she did not welcome him and sent him away.

Why did I invite you then?

They're coming!

- In a red shirt, like an executioner! - Oh Dear!

Why are you standing around?

- What to do? - Let's go.

Why are we running away?

What happened? Who's coming?

Now we'll start a new life. We'll have to watch our back every minute of the day from now on.

What a stubborn girl, so headstrong! What could I do?

Don't show that you're afraid. Like we have not seen robbers before!

Like some Stepan Razin, the steppe invader.

But we have to greet him properly.

We will.

Let's do everything like we should. Then we'll see.

Maybe we'll even have to die because of our own daughter.

God, what are you talking about?

Ah, Lyuba, Lyuba. Thank you, dear daughter.

Come!

Good afternoon.

Here is our accountant.

Sit down, Georgiy. Come, sit down!

Thank you. May I sit next to you?

There you go.

He's no big criminal at all.

He got into the jail by...

Egor, what's the word?

By accident.

By mistake.

And how many years does one get 'by accident' these days?

Five years.

Not enough. Before you got more.

What kind of accident was that, sonny?

His boss was embezzling, and he had to cover up.

Well, are you all satisfied?

Now it's time to feed him, the guest had a long trip.

I'll go check the banya (sauna), Egor.

Stay.

Mom, give him food.

May I smoke here?

You may.

Would you like a cigarette?

I don't smoke.

Are you orthodox Christians?

I'm not religious, I just don't smoke. I don't want to.

Don't want or can't? It is not the same.

One guy said: 'Ah, they're killing me!'

They ask him: 'Who's killing you?' He says: 'My boots are killing me.'

So what accident was it, you said? Aimed at the head but hit the forehead?

Yes.

Seven people were stabbed to death. 8th one fled.

- Seven ... - Seven.

Piled them into a sack and dropped them in the water. But 8th one reported on us.

Heavens! Fedya ...

Sit down.

One fool is blabbering, the other one believes everything.

Watch what you say! There are elderly people here.

And why are you, elderly people, making a bandit out of me?

She told you, I was an accountant. But you start picking on me.

Well, so I was in prison. Are there only murderers there?

Who called you a murderer? But watch your tongue and don't exaggerate.

An accountant! I've seen some accountants in my life.

They are all quiet and shy.

An accountant has a feeble voice, he wears glasses.

Then I noticed they all have upturned noses and they watch ballet on television.

What kind of accountant are you? You can wack piglets with your forehead.

You can tell Lyuba you're an accountant. She'll buy it.

From the moment you came in, I could tell.

This guy either got into a fight or stole a truckful of logs?

You oughta work in the police, father. They wouldn't let you go.

Were you in Kolchak's white troops, huh?

Or in counter-intelligence? Speak up. Did you execute anyone?

What are you talking about?

And why are we so embarrassed all of a sudden?

I'm just asking. Why so embarrassed?

Look me in the eyes! In the eyes!

In hard times, did you steal grain from the collective farm fields?

What's he getting at?

What am I getting at...

Why are you so lost? In the eyes, look me in the eyes!

Okay, to put it differently, in a family manner.

Do you frequently speak at collective farm meetings?

What are you getting at?

What a mess! Now what's going to happen?

Look how you have it all worked out.

The country produces electricity, locomotives, millions of tons of iron.

People strain their utmost powers.

They fall from their feet with fatigue, they stutter from stress.

They get covered with wrinkles at the north pole.

They are forced to get golden teeth inserted.

How else can it be?

And at the same time there are people

who from all human inventions have chosen the oven!

Very well! Better to sit around in a warm place then work hard with others.

He's slaving away from childhood, farming from when he was ten!

Comments later.

We are all very kind when it does not touch our own interests.

I am an old record-holder! I have eighteen diplomas!

Then why don't you speak up?

How can I speak up? You don't let me say a word.

Where are the diplomas?

Where are they?

I want to take a look.

Over there.

Where - 'there'?

In the cabinet. Piled up neatly.

They ought to be on the wall, not in the cabinet.

So, how is it going?

Is everything alright?

I made the banya (sauna) ready.

Some swank guy you found for yourself!

If only you'd heard what he said here.

I can't even repeat it.

It's nothing.

We just made an elephant out of a flea.

Just had a conversation.

Don't take offense, father.

I am just a funny guy.

Check it out, he says he was an accountant, then as if there was an inspection...

But you can tell by his face that he's a bandit.

Oh yeah? So what?

Nothing, just be careful. Go take a look at this accountant.

That kind will stab with a knife without a moment's hesitation.

Oh yeah? So what?

Go take a look at him and show yourself. Let him be scared. We're neighbors now.

So what?

Nothing!

Just that our daughter is of school-age! That's what!

You keep saying 'so what', 'so what'?

We often have to stay alone at night, and you just keep saying 'so what'. Blockhead!

Wife and daughter will get slaughtered and he won't lift a finger.

The house will be full of dead bodies but he will only repeat his 'so what'.

Well, big deal.

How can this be, Egor. You come all this way to propose, and you don't even bring a change of underwear?

Who does this?

Prison is prison, not a resort.

Even a resort can leave you... with nothing on.

Remember how Vasya Belov came back from a resort: 'Lots of experience, but no more money.'

I found something from my former husband.

What do you mean?

My former husband's. What's wrong?

Lyuba, I am not a beggar to wear somebody else's underpants.

I have money, just need to go to a store and buy it.

Where can you buy it now, shops are closed.

Nothing wrong with it, I washed it.

Take it. It's not from a dead man.

Jeez, you know how to put things.

Here's a towel.

How low can you go? I'm even beginning to get interested.

I'll sing you a song: 'In that garden in the valley...'

Go, go, go!

One thing: our Peter is not very welcoming. Don't mind him, he's like this with everyone.

Oh yeah, our Peter is like a wooden log.

Are crewcuts accepted?

All kinds are accepted.

Georgiy.

Maybe even a kiss?

Georgiy means you're Jora.

Not Jora but George.

Today all day I'm like a clown in a circus.

Did I get in your way? Is it so hard to shake hands?

Here take the hand.

Thank you, I don't need it.

Look at him, so uptight.

Why are you sitting around?

Keep bathing. I'll go last.

I come from prison. We go after you. Don't bother about me.

There you are, Jora. Can't fall any lower.

Like the poor relative.

What's wrong with you? Why are you lying around?

I am an orphan.

So what? Are you coming or not?

I have release from prison papers!

Tomorrow, I'll go and get the same passport like you have.

Same, except for a small remark that nobody will ever look at.

Understand?

I'm gonna grab you, shove you into a tub and put it on the stove.

Without a passport, with the release papers alone.

That's more like it. I thought you needed to see my diploma.

Why did you take him to the tearoom?

What for? Now the whole village knows that Lyuba has a prison inmate visiting her.

Someone at work asked me, I could not believe my ears.

You tell him Lyuba: "If you came just to rest,

to fatten up and to go back to your banditisim, then just leave now!"

Tell him: "Don't embarrass me in front of other people." He probably has a family?

Of course. How can it be that he has no family?

He's not a boy of seventeen. Are you using your head at all?

Lyuba, tell him:

"If you're up to something bad, pack up and off you go."

He has nothing to pack. Why are you attacking Lyuba?

What can she say now? Who knows what kind of person he'll turn out to be?

How can she vouch for him now?

Don't scare me, I'm already scared.

That's what I'm telling you.

Listen, Lyuba. You tell him:

"My good man, go find yourself a place to spend the night."

Where?

In the village committee house.

You're crazy.

Invited a man and then sent him to sleep in the village committee.

Like some barbarians.

Let the police examine him tomorrow.

What's there to examine, he's very open.

I may not know him well, but I think he's a good man.

I see it in his eyes.

I noticed on his photograph long ago: his eyes are sad.

I don't know, you can laugh at me. I feel sorry for him.

Maybe I am a fool.

Oh, mama, save me. Boiled me alive!

Do I have to go to jail again?

Boiled me alive, the beast!

What a scoundrel!

Murder! Murder!

Stop yelling!

Peter, what's wrong?

That orphan, I asked him for a dipper of hot water, and he scorched me!

I was wondering, why would he ask for such hot water?

I tried it with my finger, it was boiling hot.

I decided he must be used to it, or his skin is thick.

I did not know I was supposed to pour it on the stones, Peter!

Didn't know! Are you a baby?

I thought you wanted to rinse off.

I did not wash yet, what's there to rinse?

Enough, get out.

- Bring me some undies. - Let me see.

Boiled alive our man!

Nothing serious. Put some oil on it.

Zoya, bring some oil.

Shall I pour some cold water?

Are you completely nuts?

Please.

Let's go. People are gathering.

Hey, where are you going?

Damn!

Does it hurt, Peter?

Go to hell.

Almost drowned.

What happened, Egor?

He put so much wood in the stove, there was almost no air to breathe.

And asked me to add hot water.

I thought he wanted to maintain the temperature balance.

I'll show you some balance!

What if it was really boiling hot?

I tested with my finger.

A finger! What do they make people like you out of?

Enough, Peter, he did not do it on purpose.

Go inside the house 'cause people really are gathering.

Then you don't sit around either.

What a mistake! How come I did not understand him?

Old man, keep pouring. Everyone, eat well.

Lyuba, keep serving your guest.

This is our Pavel. And this is Vanya.

At first, they fought together, then Pavel was wounded.

He got better and went to fight again, and then he got killed.

Vanya was killed in Berlin. I really pity Vanya.

He was so cheerful, took me anywhere with him.

I was small, but I remember him so clearly.

I sometimes see him in my dreams, he's laughing. Not smiling on this one, though.

Do you recognize him? It's our Peter!

How serious he looks! But he was only 18 then.

He was captured and our troops freed him.

In captivity he was beaten really bad.

But later, not a wound, not even a scratch.

I did wound him today. Like the Devil pushed my hand.

Egor, are you sure you did not mean it?

How can you, Lyuba? You don't believe me?

I believe you.

What, Jora?

Peter, sorry for that shower. I really did not mean it.

Forget it.

Sky, pines and the sand...

Unhappy road...

Get on my bandwagon, my friend.

Soon my end will come...

By my own and God's will

I became reasonable and great.

The field of life pursuits is big there.

Keep working and don't be a coward.

That is why I love you deeply

My homeland Russia.

That is why I love you deeply

My homeland Russia.

Friend, wait a minute!

Go back to bed!

Why is that?

Because. Go to sleep.

I can't sleep.

Then lie down quietly, think about the future.

I wanted to talk. Ask you two questions.

Talk tomorrow. What questions can you have at midnight?

Just one question.

Lyuba, grab hold of something! Grab the pan!

I have a knife under my pillow.

Circular defense, well-organized.

He tiptoed like a cat.

Thought no one can hear. I hear and see everything.

The hubby is sleeping, nothing matters to him.

Who's sleeping?

Free with documents.

That's what you get for wanting a holiday.

And the moon is rabid like a bitch!

Stop grumbling!

I have to go for a while, Lyuba.

Go.

Then why are you giving me this look?

What look?

You don't trust me.

Do what you want, Egor.

Why do you ask, if I trust you or not? It's not going to stop you.

I wish I wasn't a mean person. I wish I didn't lie, Lyuba.

But I've lied my whole life.

I have to be evil and cruel, but sometimes I do feel sorry for people.

One can't live like this.

It's so hard!

I don't know what to do with this rotten life!

Should I get done with it?

But I'd like the end to be more fun, with music.

And to not have to think about anything in the end.

I'll tell you the truth right now: I don't know if I will return.

I might come back, and I might not come back.

Thank you for the truth, Egor.

You are good, Lyuba.

Don't.

Alright. Let's do it like this.

I'll stay alone and I'll ask myself - what do I do?

Do what you need to do, what you want to do.

I don't blame you for anything.

But if you leave I'll be sad. Very sad.

I don't want to cry.

Alright, Lyuba...

I won't say one bad word.

Give me your hand.

Lyuba, I'm telling you, stay single. You'll find someone decent.

What if this one starts stealing? Then what?

What then?

If he goes back to stealing, then what?

Then he'll go to jail.

You lost your mind!

I don't know, really, did I lose my mind?

I can't stand myself.

My soul keeps hurting -- I don't know what to do.

Like I've known him for a hundred years. Well, he wrote me letters for a year.

There's nothing else to do in prison, so they write.

If you only knew what letters he wrote! So clever!

About love?

No, not really, more about life.

He's really seen a lot in life.

So I don't know: Do I love him? Or do I just pity him?

Where is he now?

Let's see what we have here.

Handsome man!

Let's show what we can do!

"If you have no privileges, drunkard, you only have yourself to blame."

Hooligan!

What do you care?

Sweety, why don't we both go get happy together?

What are you looking at? I have money.

Citizen. Behave yourself! If you are transfering money - then transfer.

Always so formal. "Citizen."

What citizen I am to you? I am your comrade, and even a friend and a brother!

Keep working. Making eyes, that's what you know how to do.

Check this out, how they treat people.

I didn't even say a couple words to you yet and you are neglecting me already!

You wait, marionettes! I'll show you!

I'll make debauchery and will throw this town into darkness and terror.

To hell!

What happened? Who let him in?

He's not with the commission, I saw him in a hotel.

Mihalich, go see what's going on. Please continue!

Isn't it time to open already?

First we'll finish, then we'll open.

In June 1972, Ignashichev, while being drunk...

... hit Konkov on the head with a steel sample.

By the way, it affects all of us.

What?

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Can I have a minute?

Sit down.

I just came back from the gold mines and I'd like to ask you something.

Could we organize a little fun here. A little brotherly brothel, what do you think?

Did I phrase it improperly?

I am nervous because my money is burning a hole in my pocket.

One hundred pages. The wad needs to be combed.

- What is your name? - Sergei Mihailovich.

Mihailovich, I want a holiday! I've spent too much time up in the north.

I think I have what you need. Where are you staying?

Currently nowhere. I just arrived.

I think we can arrange ... a little picnic of a sort.

To celebrate your arrival.

A nice neat brothel.

Okay! I understand you.

Schprechen Sie Deutsch, Ivan Andreich? Oh, we'll organize quite a prom.

These bitches will see how we can dance.

And not just Swan Lake, but the iron bolero, krakovyak with squats..

No need for that. We'll do everything in a cultured manner.

Put this away.

What is your last name? Are you Egor?

Yes, it's Egor.

I'm at the military recruits center, still can't get registered.

Late? That's how they work here, Lyuba.

Comrade Captain, come into the office.

No, it's just some general in here.

No, Lyuba, I'm afraid I have to stay overnight.

Somewhere on the sofa.

Nothing, I'm used to it.

So how are you?

Did they call you into the post office?

What can I do, Lyuba...

Yes, I have to.

Well, okay.

Well, brother-in-wine. Let's get down to decadence.

Everything is ready.

My robe.

I had to go to one old actor for it.

No one else has these nowadays.

How is it?

Suits you.

Well, do as I said.

People are ready for decadence.

Oh God, these girls are quite the peaches!

Good man, explain to us please, what are we celebrating?

Well, aunties and uncles, let's begin eating.

Take your time, make pauses.

Don't they close down the military recruits center for the night?

Obviously not, since he's saying he'll stay there overnight.

He can say a lot.

I think he was told to come by tomorrow a 8:00 in the morning.

They are military people there.

Exactly. So he said he'll sleep there on the sofa.

But all offices close down for the night.

Who'd leave him there alone to spend the night? What if he steals the state seal?

What does he need the state seal for?

I just used it as an example.

Don't talk nonsense.

Enough already!

Why did you recruit such ugly faces? On purpose?

Where do you find beautiful faces? All beautiful faces are married.

You wanted unmarried girls. Besides, they are not that bad.

No, Mihailovich, this is not a holiday.

Here, give everyone some cash, keep a hundred for your efforts.

But no cheating, I'll check later.

Well, Georgyi...

Listen, does it exist in this life at all?

What?

A holiday.

Peter! Look at him, wearing pants already.

It's me, Peter. Come out for a while.

Hi!

What's up, did they drive you out?

No, just don't want to wake them up. Did you ever drink 'Remi Martin'?

What's that?

Cognac, twenty roubles a bottle.

Let's go to the banya and have a drink.

Why in the banya?

To not wake anyone up.

Let me put my shoes on, and we need a snack.

My pockets are full of chocolate.

I'm stinking of this chocolate already, like a student. Come on!

- What? - Look, how did he get in here?

Getting in is not hard, getting out is the problem.

He'll get out.

Why didn't you go home?

I don't know ...

Don't, Peter, don't prod me.

I've been wondering... Where are my horses?

Did they vanish? Did I never have them?

I've lived for 40 years, yet I have nothing to say.

That's how it is.

Then don't say anything. Pour your expensive stuff.

What shall we drink out of? Ah, the scoop.

Is this the one I burned you with?

Sure, there's no other.

Forget about it.

Look at this beauty. Ready to be a mother.

I heard last night when you came back.

But I thought it was my Kolya back again.

- What Kolya? - My husband.

- Does he come back? - You bet!

- And you? - I go to a room and lock myself in.

He hasn't once come back sober, and I can't stand him when he's drunk.

He becomes a complete idiot.

- Cows... They feel good here, huh? - Yes.

You know, from my entire childhood I only remember my mother and a cow.

The cow's name was Raika.

One spring we let her go outside to feed.

You know, then the snow melts, some patches of hay show up on the roads.

So we let her out.

And someone stabbed her in the belly with a pitchfork.

She must have eaten someone else's hay.

Came back home with her bowels dragging after her.

What are you looking at?

Egor, darling...

Don't, Luba, these are only words. Words are not important.

Did you just make it all up?

No, I did not.

But you should not listen to people so much. Or listen, but don't take it to heart.

You're too trusting. Did nobody ever lie to you?

No. Who would lie to me?

There's our chairman walking. He was visiting our house.

Why did you get so excited?

He's a good man, looks after things well.

Now they'll start convincing me to do work.

Go ahead.

I can lift the bulls' tails, since I am so suave myself.

Where are you from?

I'm local, from the same district, a village called Listvyanka.

There is no such village. I know my area.

Funny, where would it be? There was a village Listvyanka, I remember well.

- It must have burnt down. - Probably.

Too bad, it was a good village.

Lilia Victorovna, I found you a driver.

He's from our area, Ivan Taratorkin, from the village Listvyanka.

Egor Prokudin, thief and repeated offender. Latest nickname: Grief.

Lady Hamilton, from the district prosecutor's office.

Bravo!

Are you going directly to the meeting? I'll find my way.

Okay, I'll just go change and then stop by the apiary.

The car is all yours.

Go work. But watch out.

Were you not surprised that I talked to you like this?

Like what?

Stupid, offhand.

I didn't mind it. So why did you talk this way?

Your chairman started to pick on my background.

I can't stand it. What's the point?

Take you, you're from the prosecution, I am a son of a prosecutor.

And what? Am I supposed to shout about it on every corner?

Does it make us intelligent people? Am I right?

Yes, especially when wearing suede boots.

What about suede boots?

Intelligent people in suede boots usually hold their tongue.

Really?

Yes. Otherwise they're ordinary boors.

I got it. I shut up.

By the way, you could invite me for a cup of tea with honey.

You'll get by.

Why did you bring me the police detective?

What?

Who did you bring?

Is she really a police detective?

Who would have thought!

After you, madam.

Allow me to present to you, as a worker of criminal law... from the criminal type.

Stop grimacing. You're disgusting to look at.

For your information, I really am a repeat offender and a thief.

Wonderful!

Come more often, I'll treat you to some tea.

Are you also in suede? Come on, wave to auntie.

I will execute the mosquito. And so his head rolled out into the street, beyond, beyond, beyond the new gates.

Many things have changed, since the day the Russian peasant

together with the common worker overthrew the power of the Tsar.

The lives of people have changed, their songs have changed too.

People began to compose new songs.

Listen to the song of Aedonitski called "Russian Lands."

- Brought them? - Yes.

Now wait.

Take a look, it's our team.

Afterwards there will be a meeting till ...

- Can you drive? - Yes, why?

Then drive yourself. I can't do it anymore.

- What, are you sick? - I can't drive anymore.

I understand that I'm irresponsible, backwards and even a damned convict.

But there's nothing I can do with myself.

I can't get rid of the feeling that I'm always smiling and looking you in the eyes.

I'd rather drive a truck or a tractor.

No offense, you're a good man, I'm just lacking something.

- Is it a concert? - A competition.

How much are you lacking?

About forty percent.

Why are you alone?

Did you go to Sosnovka?

Yes, Your Honor. Been to Sosnovka, brought the foreman.

No need to raise the hand to an empty head.

Honey, what are trying to show?

You'll become a prosecutor in good time.

You'll go on a vacation to the seaside, meet a handsome young lawyer.

And up the white stairs you two will go straight up to heaven ...

Do the shoes feel a bit too tight?

No, but I have another problem.

My feet sweat a lot. Such a nuisance.

Allow me to shake off the ash.

Don't take it close to heart, Egor.

Driving a tractor is not worse, it's even better. They make good money.

I am not upset.

Lyuba will come soon, right?

She should.

They are turning over the milk right now. When finished, she'll come home.

Egor, you be good to her.

She's our late child. Parents' hearts ache the most for the late child.

When you have your own children, you'll remember my words.

She's a good girl, very kind, but somehow, always unlucky.

First, this alcoholic came around. We could not get rid of him.

These drunkards are a menace. I'd lock them all up in jail.

Each should get five years in high security.

Why in jail?

Why not?

Look who's here. I thought you'd only be finished by night, and you're already at home. Why so soon?

- Did Peter come back too? - Yes.

- He does not want to drive the chairman. - Why?

Don't be angry. He explained why.

He get carsick in a sedan. He wants to drive a tractor. That's even better.

Your advice is not good! We want the man to come home clean.

Now he'll be coming back all dirty. How is that better?

- This is what's better. - You wish.

I wish and maybe I'm right. Lyuba, look, is he calling for you?

Where are they going?

- Where did they go? - To Sosnovka.

- Why? - For some reason.

Why didn't you ask the reason? Gave away your truck...

- So what? - Nothing.

Peter, you're a real blockhead sometimes.

Your sister is being driven away somewhere, and you don't even care.

He'll bring her back, what else.

- Where did they go? - To Sosnovka.

- Why? - For some reason.

- Why didn't you find out? - You go and find out.

- Ah, to hell with you, you're just ... - What? Same as you are.

There lives an old woman called Kudeliha.

- How do you know? - I should know, I visited Sosnovka today.

The point is a friend asked me to inquire about this old woman.

- And why does he need it? - She's some kind of a relative, maybe an aunt.

Let's do it like this: we'll drive up, and you go in alone.

No, let's go in together, but you should ask all the questions.

My sons died.

The first one died in the battle near Lvov,

the second one fought for two years.

I get a pension for the first one.

The one who was killed first.

I was getting twenty rubles.

Twenty-one and forty cents.

But now they reduced my pension.

Village committee informed the social security that my estate was too big.

Twenty-seven hectares.

But I never had so much, and no one on our collective farm has so much.

So I went there and asked: 'What are you doing?'

He said: 'Why did I receive the information that your estate is so big?'

Then he said: 'We made a mistake'. I said: 'If you made a mistake, you have to correct it.'

'Your mistake is my tears.'

He said: 'What are your tears?'

Grandma, I also wanted to ask about your sons.

Sons ... I only have one son left. Three died.

- How long ago did you see him? - Long ago.

- How long? - I've been alone for eighteen years.

Yes, right. Alone for eighteen years.

Yes. Such is my suffering.

- And you don't know where he is and how he is? - I don't know.

I looked him up, applied for a search.

Then I went to the village commitee and they told me:

"Wait for him. If he's alive and healthy he'll show up." But he did not show up.

- Twenty years - nothing. - Twenty years, is it?

- Nothing? - Not a sound.

Not a single sound.

Oh, dear grandma.

I don't know what happened, how he lived alone ...

None of his friends came here.

And I don't know where he is ...

I can't stand it anymore, Lyuba!

I am the lowest creature on earth!

I can't live like this, I can't anymore!

Lord, forgive me if you can!

I can no longer suffer this torment!

Why doesn't my heart stop beating? Do I have a stone in there?

Egor, darling, calm down! What is it?

This is my mother, my mother!

I saw my sister in the city, but didn't recognize her.

Your own mother?

Then let's go back, come on!

- Not now, give me time. - What time, Egor?

At least let my hair grow a little, I'll look more decent.

Oh dear.

Oh, how hard it is.

- Come on, let's go back now! - I sent her money.

She'll take them to the village committee, will be asking who it came form. Will refuse to take it.

Go to her tomorrow. Tell her, it belongs to her.

Lord, how can you people be like this?

So neglected!

It's nothing, Lyuba.

- What am I to do with you all? - Nothing, Lyuba.

Give me time.

Everything will be fine. I swear! I swear!

I'd eat this earth, but I'll make it!

Her husband came back.

Peter, why are you fooling around? Kolya is inside.

- Let them talk. - You go talk to him!

Egor, let's go.

They'll have to talk some day.

Kolya will only start a fight.

So what?

Nothing! Kolya will start, and Egor will have to go to jail.

Luba, that's not right either. What am I supposed to do, run and hide?

Let them talk once. Then it will be over.

Egor don't go, you don't know him.

When you talk keep in mind there are two more guys behind the fence.

I expected to see some legendary warrior Ilya Muromets.

But seeing such a worm, I can manage him myself.

Nikolai.

Let's go outside, prisoner.

- Go, go! - Just you wait!

- Not here, Kolya, not here. - Follow me.

You go first.

You dog, I'll show you...

Don't crack up the Devil, walk next to me. People are watching!

You go, go!

You're a crackpot, Kolya. With a capital letter.

- Shame on you. - Move! I'll show you "a capital letter."

Here's for attacking from behind.

Dogs! I'll maim you.

- I'll kill you right here! - Wait, he's got something in his pocket!

- You won't have time to wack, Kolya - What are you threatening me with? With a knife?

Come on, pull out your knife!

Drink less, silly, your hands are shaking.

- What can you do? - Kolya, to hell with him, let's go!

We'll setttle it with him another time.

- See you later! - Sure.

Look at you, my little ones. Are you hiding?

You're my sweet girls! Why did you not call out?

Could have called, "Come, Egor, see us."

But, no, not a word, hiding here. This time I saw you myself.

Hello.

My darlings, how you doing?

Finally.

Soon it will be very warm.

Well, I have to go plow.

Now I'll stop by often, I'll be working nearby.

Well, stay well. I have to become a record-setter.

I worked so much today.

Why should you be tired? Did you start taking the cows out?

- Hello! - Oh, what a guest!

- Sit down, Vasya. - I'm Shura.

Sorry, I keep confusing you with that brigadier. Remember, that huge one, Vasya.

Shura and I were in the army together, under the General Kumov.

Sit down, Shura. Have dinner with us.

- Sit down, eat with us. - I can't, there's taxi waiting for me.

I have to pass something on to you.

Have dinner first, taxi can wait.

Do you remember what Vasya used to say:

"When it comes to eating, I'm like a vacuum."

No, I have to catch a train later.

Well, let's go out. What is it that you have for me?

Do you see our friends? Ah, those golden times!

I often dream about that army service.

How much is it to the city and back by taxi? Do you know, Lyuba?

- How much for a kilometer? - I don't know. Ten cents, maybe.

Ten cents by thirty-six... How much will it be?

- Thirty-six cents. - Hey, can't you count?

Ten kilometers are one ruble, then thirty-six ...

Here and back, it's 7.20.

There were times I had to work all month to get 7.20.

These people live well.

What did he come for?

Something must have happened, pops.

Tell him like I told you. Got it?

I will, but you know him.

I know him. And he knows me.

- Did he get my money? - Yes.

That's all. I don't owe you guys anymore.

If you come looking for me, I'll raise the whole village against you. With pitchforks.

Grief, I'll do as I was told.

He said: "If he has no money, give some to him."

Why, you little bitch! Brought me money, huh?

Did you ever think I'd have to give it back? Creep!

Egor!

Get the money.

Did you remember what I said?

- I did. - Then off you go.

Egor, who was that?

Hold on.

It's not a home anymore, but like some headquarters! What happened this time?

- A person came to see Egor. - What for?

What do you care?

I don't care. But when they start slaughtering you, don't yell for help.

Created some brothel here.

- I'm afraid, Egor. - What are you afraid of? What?

Come on, afraid of what?

- I heard that when you ... when they ... - Forget it!

And never mention it again.

"You heard." Where did you hear?

- Did you do time or something? - What do you mean?

My little girl, forgive me.

- Better let's sing. - I can't think about singing now.

Why not? Come on, there's one good song: "Red snowball tree."

- I know it. - Sing along then.

Red snowball tree ended it's bloom...

Egor, I beg you, promise me, they won't do anything to you?

Dear Egor, don't be mad.

I've waited so long for my happiness. How come you don't understand me?

They're gonna take you and... Do I not have a right to some joy in this life?

Lyuba, I can't stand people crying. Give me a break. Don't cry.

Maybe let's go away from here?

Why did this night have to be so good? If not for it, I would not have been in such pain.

She did not like the end of my life...

She did not see me standing in the church...

Re-write the lyrics.

Sit down.

- Who was that? - A friend.

- Shall we get the banya ready? - Of course.

- What are you looking at? - Come over, I'll tell you something.

Don 't cry.

Come on, I know everything. After banya.

- I just want him to take a look at the motor. - Lyuba, really, it's about a motor.

- Vasya, how is it going? - Okay.

- Do you treat your wife well? - As if I'd do otherwise.

- Don't give her a hard time. - And how's yours?

What do you think, is it good that we are alive?

Could it have been better not to be born at all?

Nobody asked us.

Right. Let's go plow.

- Did you say something? - Just singing.

- What? - Singing!

I am tender just the same, and I only dream about the moment

To escape the sadness and return to our old house.

I'll be back when I our luscious garden blossoms.

Only please don't wake me early in the morning.

Don't stir the old dreams, don't mention what did not come true.

In my life I had too much early loss and fatigue.

And there's no point to pray, you can not return to the past.

You're my only joy and help. You're the only light of my life.

Vasya, go have lunch.

- Egor, we've just started. - Go see your wife then.

- I don's miss her yet. - Do as I say.

I have visitors. I'm going to talk to them.

Go on!

Do as I say!

- Bernie, you're not going to touch him. - Lyusya, what are you talking about?

He would not touch me. Go tell him not to touch me.

- What if he breaks my neck with his iron fist. - You won't touch him, you asshole!

- You'll rot soon yourself. - Shut up!

Or I'll bury you two side by side, like doves.

Please, let him live, let him plow the land, if he wants to.

I'll rot and he'll plow? Where is justice? Did he not do enough?

Even his gait has somehow become like that of a working man.

- Proletariat. - Peasant, not proletariat.

Peasants are working class too.

- You can even call it intelligentsia. - Yeah, teachers?

Stay happy with your fourth grade education. Read comics and breathe through your nose.

Oh! Hello, Grief.

So, how is it?

What's wrong?

Did someone come to see him again?

Mom, speak up!

Bernie, they're coming! This is her brother, quick!

Egor, darling! Peter!

- You'll get dirty. - Egor, dear, don't speak.

What happened?

Easy, come on.

Hang on, Egor. It's nothing. Some tried bayonets on us, and we're still alive.

- Let me be, Peter, it's a bullet. - Egor, darling, we'll be in the hospital soon.

- Don't cry. - I'm not crying.

- You're crying, I can hear, and there are tears on my face. - I'll stop, I'll stop.

- Lyuba. - Here, Egor, here I am.

In my Sunday suit, there's money.

Split it with my mom.

Then I'll come visit you ... He's not a bad man, I know him ...

Mom saw him in her dream... He wrote her everything.

- He's dying. - Too bad she can't read.

Bastards, you won't get far!

Darling, darling, don't die!

Thirsty, go soak your handkerchief in the lake.

I'll be right back, Egor, wait. Don't die!

What are pouting about, honey?

Stop!

Don't feel sorry for him. He never was a human being.

He was a brute. There's plenty of them in Russia.

You could have done it differently.

No, that was the only way.

This is that fool, his relative.

Watch out!

Jump!

Did you see what he did? Was he drunk?

Hey, what have you done?

Don't be sad, dear Lyuba. Don't.

Look how many good people there are around you.

One should live. It's better to live the smart way.

Wait, if me meet again, I'll tell you everything.

I've seen a lot in my time.

Even got tired. My soul is suffering.

But I remember everything.

Give me some time, and everything will be fine.

Best regards, Egor Prokudin.

THE END

SUBTITLES WRITTEN BY: Katia Kutyavina (Seattle, WA, USA) e-mail: djkatish@gmail.com