Original subtitles

ZHUKOV

Part 2

In May 1945, when the last shots fell silent in Europe,

the bloodiest war in the human history has ceased.

It deprived millions of people of their homes,

of their documents, of any means of survival.

Hard and hungry first post-war years were ahead of them,

but that would come a bit later.

In those first days of peace people just felt happy to be alive.

Local action was still on here and there,

but the allies soldiers already dreamt of going home.

The toasts and the speeches praising the victory were still heard,

but in the shadows of the offices

the plans for Europe's reorganization were vividly discussed.

Zhukov headed the Soviet occupation government

and played one of the key roles in defining the future of Germany.

It is unknown

whether he saw the Western chronicles were he was called Stalin's heir.

But if he saw it and kept silent, it was his strategic mistake.

Stalin didn't forgive such things to anyone.

All this time, one of Zhukov's closest friends has been behind him.

NKVD representative in charge of the Soviet occupation troops in Germany,

Ivan Serov.

He helped Zhukov to send to Russia several truckloads of furniture and goods

which Zhukov purchased at his own expense.

And it was another mistake.

When they called Stalin and asked him

what to do with these wagons that were stopped at the border,

he gave it a thought and said: "Let them through."

He took his time. He was getting ready to act.

I want to draw your attention

that due to an increasing number of foray occurrences

among the Soviet military personnel,

the garrison headquarters shall tighten control

over the personnel and troop trains departing to the USSR.

In view of the urgency of the matter and the current situation,

this work should be commenced immediately.

This order

should be executed immediately.

You may be released.

Comrades officers!

Comrades officers!

Let's go inside.

Colonel!

- I've been waiting over half an hour! - I reported, Viktor Semyonovich.

- The commander is busy. - Report again!

The commander knows you are here.

Gone.

The commander is ready to see you.

May I?

Hello, comrade Marshal of the Soviet Union!

Why didn't you report when you came? You don't know what subordination means?

This is not the first time I am coming, and you know the goal of my visits.

Why the arrests were not agreed with me?

- It was agreed via NKVD representatives. - Representatives!

As of today, I am the commander here, and I have a representative.

Serov. I know him. Do you?

I order you to release the arrestees and get out of Germany in 24 hours.

Otherwise you'll be escorted. You may go.

So he just kicked you out?

- The head of the counterintelligence? - Yes, comrade Stalin.

Well…

We need to find you

a new job. More respectful one.

And Zhukov needs a new job, too.

He's been there too long, in Germany.

Comrade Marshal! Georgy Konstantinovich! Comrade Stalin is calling.

- Listening, comrade Stalin. - Did I wake you up, comrade Zhukov?

- No, you didn't. - I'd like to ask for your advice,

comrade Zhukov.

The US government withdrew Eisenhower from Germany.

General Clay was appointed to replace him.

And the British government withdrew Montgomery.

Maybe you should also return to Moscow?

I agree, comrade Stalin.

Whom are you thinking to appoint to your position?

Maybe General Sokolovsky. He is most aware of the Control Board activities

- and he knows the troops. I don't mind.

Come to Moscow after the next meeting of the Control Board.

The order on Sokolovsky's appointment will follow in a few days.

Now, one more question, comrade Zhukov.

We decided to eliminate the position

of the First Deputy People's Commissar of Defense.

Instead, we'll have the General Issues Deputy.

Bulganin will be appointed to this position.

He presented me the project of postwar army restructuration.

You are not mentioned among the chiefs of the Defense Commissariat.

General Staff will be headed by Vasilevsky.

We are thinking about Kuznetsov as the Navy commander.

- Which position would you like to have? - Me?

I never thought about it. But I'll work anywhere the Committee appoints me.

I think you should manage the land forces.

We think those need a commander.

- You don't mind? - I agree.

Very well. Good bye, comrade Zhukov!

Okay, lady, you may go. Doctor, you stay. You stay.

I can't quite get it.

Our Zakharova is…

- Pregnant? - Yes, almost four months.

Four months?

And why is this the first time that I get to hear about it?

- She didn't want to tell yet… - What's wrong with you, crum?

Lost your wits with an age?

- Abortion! Immediately! - How dare you talk to me like that?

I am a Doctor of Medicine! What do you think you are doing?

Now, listen carefully, the Doctor of Medicine.

Do you recognize? That's your brother.

The betrayer of the nation. Executed. And you didn't tell?

And that's your mamma, right? And here's our daddy.

What did you think, my dear aristocrat?

That taking your husband's name would be enough to fool us?

But we know everything, Velzhbeta Yanovna!

I told you clearly and definitely to report me every move of hers.

- Why did you start this today? - Why are you even asking?

The girls haven't seen you in four months.

You know how happy they were to hear that we'd make some fixing today?

They don't even dare to approach you.

- You are so great and all. - We'll have time now.

- Dad, we found an anthill! - Good. Where?

- Let's go and see. - Okay, let's do this.

- Elka, wait! - What do you call this flower?

This? I don't know. And this one is coltsfoot.

- What is it for? - What do you mean? Refine your question.

Era says, everything in this world has some meaning.

- It is meant for something. - Right.

I tore this dead plant off. So I am meant for something, too?

Well, why are you silent? Answer her.

She's got a lot of these questions.

If I start answering properly, we'd finish at night.

You are not going anywhere today. By night, you'll be done explaining.

Here is this grass. Is it also meant for something?

- Generally it is. - And what if I trample it?

I am strong, right? I can trample it all, right?

- Well, right. - So, this grass... I tore it off.

Era says, I hurt it. It means, I am strong and they are weak.

It means, I can tear things off and trample around, right?

Wait… What are you trying to say?

Dad, she's trying to say that she can tear things off and trample around.

Does Zhukov know?

Start talking! I didn't put you here for nothing!

- Does he? - No!

That's good.

Very, very good.

- Is a fetus healthy? - It is. Probably a boy.

That's what's going on, Velzhbeta Yanovna. The fetus is not healthy.

Rickets. Down syndrome. Whatever you say.

She'll believe you 'cause you treat all the wives.

And also say this.

She should never tell Zhukov. Never ever.

I'll make sure the diagnosis is confirmed.

You don't understand! It will ruin her psychologically.

- She'll tell him anyway! She's a woman! - Listen, Velzhbeta Yanovna!

Georgy is one of the leaders of our Soviet state.

Besides, he is married with kids.

And our Party keeps a watchful eye on his family morality.

While I watch over yours. You get it?

I do.

- Why people kill each other? - I don't know.

Did you kill?

I did.

But I killed our enemies.

We've been defending ourselves for 30 years, and they keep coming.

They won't let us be. But we've won. Now we'll live.

You know, girls, let's talk about the flowers instead.

This coltsfoot is very good for coughing.

And you are right, Ella. Everything in this world was created by someone.

But all this… Everyone… Oh!

Come on! Let's run!

Run! Come on!

- Wow! - It is raining!

Dear God! Please keep my little girls happy!

- Mom, come on! You'll get wet! - Please keep everyone happy, dear God!

Call Zakharova.

I can't call her. I don't have the number.

Call Zakharova.

Lidusha, hello! This is Velzhbeta Yanovna. Oh, you recognized my voice.

I've received… your blood test today.

Some numbers are heightened, and the antibodies aren't okay.

Maybe you could visit me? Tomorrow?

- At any time. - Please come at any time.

Of course. See you. Bye!

Come on, come on. You see how easy it was, Velzhbeta Yanovna?

Please keep this photos as a gift. A memento.

- Here! - Thanks.

Thank you.

Daddy!

Yes, thank you.

Zhora!

Zhora!

Come here.

- What? - Come here, please.

- Hold me. - What happened?

- I feel cold. - Here.

Well?

I want to tell you something.

Zhora, my love…

My life, my only one.

Stop fighting with them.

With this Abakumov, with Bulganin. Just stop!

- What came upon you? What happened? - They all talk about it.

The minute you came you started these reforms and drills.

- And Bulganin is all against it! - Come on!

- What? - Who tells you those things?

- Who told you? - What does it matter?

Ruslanova is telling you? She's a fool.

- And Kryukov is a fool to tell her. - Did you win the war? You did!

Is people's love not enough for you?

- Please don't stick out. - Don't stick out?

- Don't! - Hush! None of your business.

I won't hush! Who else will teach you how to do things?

You have girls! Gotta think about them.

It is funny though. Who am I for you?

Your housekeeper? Though you always used to listen to me.

I gave you this book about twelve caesars for a good reason.

The history says, all the winners that brought victories,

they've suffered.

Your beloved Suvorov… Kutuzov!

They are slandered, bespoken and expelled from the metropolis

to the edge of the empire. And that's the best case.

Think of Tukhachevsky.

Blyukher! What happened to him after the victory in the Civil War?

- I am tired of your fears and hunches! - Oh, come on!

Zhora!

This transfer of yours, it is…

He just wants to set you aside. He doesn't want you to be the first, see?

- Are you done? - I'm done!

Marshal Zhukov, in front of the generals and chief officers expressed...

...his discontent with his condition.

His position of the land forces commander

he sees as a ceremonial one.

- You see, he is lacking power. - Go on.

The First Deputy of Defense Commissar Bulganin reports

that he's been having a conflict with Zhukov.

Zhukov is unwilling to come under command

of the Minister of Defense Marshal Vasilevslky.

He thinks that he should report directly to you, comrade Stalin.

- Please sit. - Thank you.

- What did Bulganin tell him? - He told that comrade Stalin

- is busy with Party and state matters. - An idiot!

- I am sorry, comrade Stalin? - Your Bulganin is an idiot.

Aren't army matters managed by the Party and the state?

- I totally agree, comrade Stalin. - Totally agree with what?

- Keep going. - Zhukov said to Bulganin, literally:

“Today, Stalin is the Commissar, tomorrow someone else is.

The rules aren't made for individuals but rather for particular positions.”

In my opinion, comrade Stalin, Zhukov' statement indicates

that he is planning a coup.

And he has all the land forces under his command.

Go there.

Go.

What was the position held by comrade Zhukov in Germany?

He commanded our troops at the liberated territory.

In Berlin, a half of the generals owe their ranks to him.

And they looked up to him as his one-man dogs.

And then there were these allies all around.

They saw comrade Stalin as a thorn at their side.

Why didn't Marshal Zhukov take advantage of the situation?

Why didn't he go east with his troops using some British and American help?

Zhukov could sit in the Kremlin in one month!

You made a fool of yourself

with your failed attempt to label him a traitor.

May I continue, comrade Stalin?

There is also something about the morals.

Zhukov has a mistress. Her name's Zakharova.

She used to be a nurse. 35 years old.

Comrade Stalin, this chick accompanied him to the formal receptions in Germany

as if she were his wife.

Zakharova? What baby?

I am not interested! Don't call here anymore.

How did we get there?

A man with an image of a womanizer can't lead our army!

- Such a shame. Right, Viktor Semyonovich? - I totally agree, comrade Stalin.

Do you have a mistress yourself?

- Comrade Stalin… - You do. You have a few.

Hence, you gotta be fired as well! You have fallen, too.

This Okunyevskaya, the actress. She slapped you in a face.

Well done! That's a Russian fearless wife. In front of the crowd! At the reception!

- Tell me, is she any good as a woman? - She's good.

- Very good. - You had nothing with her.

You are a liar, Abakumov.

Zhukov doesn't just chatter with his lovers,

he does a real thing. And you are a sissy.

You put Okunyevskaya in jail. Such a fair lady!

Why are you torturing her? Let her go!

According to our sources, she's been involved with the British intelligence.

She refused to sleep with you, so you decided to torture her.

Of course she was involved with the intelligence!

Flirted with Tito a little bit.

Zhukov, Zhukov…

All marshals and generals in this world have mistresses.

Even Budyonny from the cavalry who's turning 200 years old,

like the Bolshoy Theatre, is having some affairs, too.

Only the fools don't have mistresses.

But the fact that we'll press Zhukov down a bit

is a good thing.

It came at the right time.

Come on in!

Go ahead.

Hurry along.

- What are you doing? - Helping you.

Doing some house cleaning? Atta girl.

Shura… Come on. Stop it. Stop it, please.

Enough! Come on, calm down.

They told me, she's expecting for a boy.

Come on, let's go. Who told you that?

You know how people say things out of envy and hate. Calm down!

Come on, Shurochka, sit down. Hush! Hush now.

- Bring us some tea! - I just feel it.

I feel it, you know? She'll have his baby. She will.

- A baby boy! - Hush, hush.

Come on.

- He'll leave us to another family. - What? Your Zhukov isn't leaving anyone!

That's it! Stop it!

Calm down.

Your Zhukov goes nowhere. He'll have fun and come home. Trust me!

Come on! Calm down.

- I'll have some tea. - Come on.

That's my good girl. Come on! My good girl. Come on!

- You see? - Oh my God!

- Better now? - Not much. God!

Oh God!

- Hello! - Good afternoon!

Sit down a bit. The doctor will see us soon.

Yes!

- Velzhbeta Yanovna! - Yes, Lidusha.

May I?

- Hello! - Good afternoon!

What? Our men started getting female diseases?

No, that's my patient's husband came to pick up a prescription.

- How are you, Ludusha? - I am just wonderful. And you?

Very good. I'll check you know. Here, please!

Yes, that's a usual.

Alright, let me see what's going on with you.

Comrade Serov?

She is seeing her doctor. Everything's under control.

- Where is Georgy? Why is he missing? - Zhukov?

- He's busy. His wife won't let him. - Come on!

- He never listens to Dievna. - Obviously this time he did.

Him and his women are just a hell of a mess .

- Okay, let's drink. - To the victory!

- Hey, sprats! To the victory! - To the victory!

Come on!

Well, Lidusha,

the body is healthy but there are some complications.

What complications?

- It was all good two weeks ago. - Well, It was.

- You lifted anything heavy recently? - Of course not! What's wrong?

There are some…

…complications.

We'll have to abort the baby.

What?

What are you…

Excuse me.

I… I don't understand. Velzhbeta Yanovna, what…

- Why? I can't… - In two weeks, it will be too late.

You have to decide right now.

But why? I feel great. No pains, no bleedings.

- What makes you think so? - You are arguing with me?

I am arguing 'cause I am a paramedic and I also know things.

And I am a doctor! When I say things, I know what I'm saying.

The fetus is improperly located and improperly developed. You see?

And the baby…

- Can be born disabled? - It's all God's will.

Semyonich!

One net is ready. You see, the corks are down? There's something.

- Come on, act on it. - Alright.

- Does he always buddy up to you? - Yes. He's been with me for a while.

He's Siberian. Tough. Very straightforward.

- We used to attack together in a Willis . - I used to have someone like him.

He covered me two times. Died in a battle. People like that have won this war.

In 1943, when Vilenchik died, he went to the funeral. I couldn't.

So he buried everything that was left of my son.

He came back, started telling me about it and burst into tears.

He loved Vilen like his own son.

But he's got an attitude.

Last time we went fishing, he put too much pepper

to the soup, so Zhukov threw the soup away and raised a hand to him.

And he says: “Georgy Konstantinovich, don't try to pick a fight.”

Zhukov almost bounced back. ”What? Who do you think you are?”

And he says, “I am afraid only of a bear. And it lives in taiga .”

Zhukov still laughs at this.

- I need to think. - Think.

Think well. And come back in a couple of days.

Thank you. Good bye!

That's it. You've heard?

Velzhbeta Yanovna… Ah!

Excuse me.

Lidiya Vladimirovna!

- Lidiya Vladimirovna, wait! - Here you go, Velzhbeta Yanovna.

I think, this American, Eisenhower, wins. He's getting ready to become a president.

De Gaulle already is a French president.

And if you ask anybody at the street who is the symbol of the victory…

It is not you, Pasha, it is not Vasya, it is not me.

Marshal Zhukov is the hero of the nation.

- And he is just 50. The best age. - Well…

Why he is not here, with us? How long can we keep silent?

You promised you'd talk to him. Did you?

I did. But he's been so busy since he's back from Germany.

- He doesn't see what's under his nose. - And he never will.

- Before he smashes to bits. - What are we waiting for?

We handed him this victory on a platter.

In 1941, he reduced the army to dust.

Executed people all around. And put all the blame on the others.

He destroyed all the best.

- What, again? - Stop it!

- Enough, Pasha! - It's not enough.

And we are the next.

- How are you, comrade Zhukov? - Very good, comrade Stalin.

- After you invited me. - How could I not to?

Everyone is saying, Zhukov is unhappy, Zhukov is not content,

- he can hardly work. - Who says, comrade Stalin?

- I am just... - You are a hunter, right?

- I am. - Can you clean my rifle?

- Of course. - Please sit. Sit.

I've read it. I've read your project.

There are a lot of innovations. I'd say, useful ones.

-The Minister of Defense wouldn't agree. - You know, it's not quite right

to discuss things behind Bulganin's back. You are offending the minister.

Comrade Stalin, he knows nothing about the army.

How come? Are you saying that the Party and the government

have assigned this important position to a fool?

No, I am saying that there are more knowledgeable people.

- Like yourself, right? - Among the others.

- You want to control the whole army? - Comrade Stalin,

I've always wanted to serve our great country and the Communist Party.

If the project is approved, the army will very soon become mobile

and capable of repelling any attack.

- Controlling it… Why would I need that? - Alright, fine.

I don't believe you anyway. You are lying, Georgy.

Read carefully.

And sign it.

My…

My hand is broken. I can't.

I see.

I will tear the other one off as well.

You'll sign it with your teeth!

Take it, crap! Sign it with your left hand!

- I have a request. - Ask.

Could you move me to another cell, away from this scary men?

I don't know. We'll see.

Now, tell me what else did you talk about at that lake.

You put it so well on a paper: "About the Red Army destruction."

Right. But what about the details?

You wanted to cannibalize the aircraft so it couldn't fly.

It's all nonsense. Marshal Novikov is the air force commander. He wouldn't...

That's right. Right.

That's right.

Novikov, the commander.

The English ward! Whom are you protecting?

I have so much evidence! From the drivers, from the adjutants!

On the meeting that you had at that lake!

And on the spy that was there!

- The spy was there? - What spy?

Right! What spy?

General Gordov!

Gordov. The general.

Everything is written in protocol for you.

I am surprised that the Soviet general could write this nonsense.

It is…

It is just delusional.

Pure delusional.

You see, my friend, you and I, we discovered a plot.

And whom is this plot against? It is against comrade Zhukov.

Do you understand? Get up. Get up.

Come on, come on!

Come on!

Well done!

Well done!

And now you will repeat word by word what is written in this protocol.

In front of a witness.

Go ahead.

Bring him in!

I have kidney injury.

- I am bleeding! - Take this one out!

I can't piss. Please tell them…

Please!

- Hold up, brother! Hold up! - Please!

Soikin, get up and sit on the chair.

You know…

I don't look in a mirror too often.

Just sometimes.

And when I look at myself, I say: ”You are a liar, Joseph."

"I don't believe you."

"You are up to something against comrade Stalin."

Why are you so serious? I was just kidding.

Even a little bird… I don't believe it either.

What if this bird

came from abroad?

And what if this bird

just a week ago was fed by someone over there?

And maybe this someone was Churchill?

So, you say, Georgy,

that your friend Eisenhower

- wants to attack the Soviet Union? - Why is he my friend, comrade Stalin?

Why! You want to go to the USA by Eisenhower's invitation.

Yes, the aircraft is ready but I thought it was our shared, political issue.

Political, you say.

Heh, Georgy! Politics is not your cup of tea.

The politicians are foxy, and you are honest.

Straightforward. Come on!

Let's drink to you.

No! To you, Joseph Vissarionovich!

To the great commander!

You'll be the next in this cell. They'll beat you to bits!

- I swear! - He is 23.

Let him go. He is just a kid.

Sign the protocol! Sign it!

Everything that was discussed at that lake!

Everybody signed it! You are the only stubborn one!

Siberian piece of shit! Sign it, I said!

I've heard nothing. I was at the lake, busy with the net.

Sign it, Soikin!

Good day, comrade Merkulov!

- Did he sign? - No.

Well...

Sign it, and I'll let you go.

All of you.

They have families, kids. Why are you the only stubborn one?

Here!

- They say, you hunted a bear all alone? - That's right, comrade general.

You throw a hat into its face and then to its feet.

- And you cut its throat with a knife. - So do it, Soikin.

Cut the bastards' throats with a knife!

They are feasting, and you are carrying the can.

Sign it.

And I give you the officer's word, I'll let you go.

You'll go to Siberia to your bears. Come on!

The officer's word?

You'll let me go?

- You'll let us all go? - The officer's word.

Everybody will go home. I swear.

But… This is… Zhukov. Zhukov was not there, at the lake.

But he did come later.

Rybalko called Zhukov.

They waited for him at that lake.

It never happened.

Scum!

In a week you'll be a cell underdog, and then you'll sign.

The marshals and the generals waited for Zhukov at that lake.

Zhukov is a key character in this disgusting plot.

Stop it!

Scum!

Did they sign?

They did, comrade Merkulov.

Very good then.

Scum!

- Here you are. - Nice work.

Alright.

All kidding aside.

You can't go to America, Georgy.

It is unworthy of the Soviet commander, the war hero,

to go there if not officially invited by the President.

You are paying Eisenhower a private visit. And who is he?

He is a capitalist. And you? You are a Bolshevik.

Is he your equal? Did he win the battle of Stalingrad?

Or the battle of Kursk? Did he take Berlin?

He is just a decent general. It is unworthy of you.

I didn't think of that, comrade Stalin.

You have to send a telegram.

Like, unfortunately, my visit is delayed due to a health condition.

They show Ivan Susanin at the Bolshoi Theatre.

Let's go there together.

We'll invite the members of the Political Bureau.

The journalists, the diplomats.

Let them see how we drowned our enemies in the swamps.

Well…

I see, comrade Stalin. But the diplomats will see me there.

They'll know I didn't come to America under false pretenses.

False? They haven't started the second front for three years!

They waited for the Red Army to be drown in its own blood!

Sit down.

You've got no business there.

They are not our friends.

You better go to Tito.

Go to Poland.

I am all for it.

That's where our friends are.

- Do you understand now? - I do, comrade Stalin.

Let's eat something. I am suddenly hungry.

It is one thick soup.

He made me drunk.

I hate this piss.

Come on!

- Let me drive. - Yes!

And he's afraid.

He's afraid of his own shadow, our father.

A little bird. A little bird…

This bird flies no more.

The bird is in a cage. He is afraid of me. Of me!

- A little bird… - Georgy Konstantinovich!

The car will get stuck! Please! We'll catch on fire! Please!

That's it! We're stuck.

We are stuck, Georgy Konstantinovich!

I'll have to bring Studebaker from the garage.

Stop whining! We'll fix it now.

Take to the wheel!

- Georgy Konstantinovich, let me! - To the wheel, I said.

We'll fix it now.

Jump in.

Just open the throttle.

Now!

Accelerate! Come on!

Come on! Come on!