Original subtitles

Georgia-Film Studio

Second Artistic Association 1983

BLUE MOUNTAlNS, OR AN IMPROBABLE STORY

Written by Rezo CHEISHVILI

Directed by Eldar SHENGELAYA

Director of Photography Levan PAATASHVILI

Production Designer Boris TSKHAKAYA

Music by Gia KANCHELI

English Subtitles by Tatiana Kameneva

Cast:

Soso - R. GIORGOBIANI Vaso - V. KAKHNIASHVILI

Director - T. CHIRGADZE Mine Surveyor - I. SAKVARELIDZE

Cashier - S. TAKAISHVILI Irodion - G. NATSVLISHVILI

Grisha - V. MEZVRISHVILI Painter - O. GUNTSADZE

Bella - D. SUMBATASHVILI Lali - Z. BOTSVADZE

Secretary - N. TUTBERIDZE Otar - M. KIKODZE

Shukri - G. CHKHAIDZE Tengiz - G. LORDKIPANIDZE

Husband - G. PETRIASHVILI Chaanidze - O. SHOTASHVILI

My dear Vaso, this picture has hung here since I remember myself.

Yes, I know. But now you must put it somewhere else.

It may fall down any minute.

Why should it fall down, my dear Vaso?

I don't know, my dear. I don't know.

Last Friday the room seemed to have rocked.

And today my table got covered with plaster for no reason whatsoever.

Why don't you move the table to some other place?

What place? By the door? By the window?

At that table our new employee sits.

- Put the manuscript down. - Just a minute.

You may mix up the pages, or even lose some.

By the way, I've been sitting in this place for 26 years. Do you understand?

I understand, my dear.

And it's only today that you remembered about that picture?

Only today? And it is you who are saying it? I've asked you many times!

Good morning, Uncle Vano.

Good morning. Is that you, Soso?

- It's me. How are you? - I am all right.

Please, wait.

Thank you.

- Good morning, Soso. - Good morning, dear Irodion.

- How are you doing? - All right. And you?

I can't go on leave. Where have you been all that time?

I've been working.

Someone is one too many here. I'm sorry, but...

It's all right. I'll step out.

I've read your review.

- What a review! - Come on.

Is Vaso Chorgolashvili in?

I guess he is.

- I heard he was going to leave. - He didn't leave for anywhere.

Please meet our new colleague.

Nice to meet you.

I think we got stuck.

- Push the upper button. - The lower one.

Oh, we're moving!

I'll leave you a copy of my ''Blue Mountains''. Please read it.

You've finished it already? Good boy.

I was planning to go on leave, but now I won't. I'll certainly read it.

Thanks a lot.

I'll start reading it right away.

- Are you going in there too? - Yes. Go on.

- No, only after you. - Thank you.

Dear Vaso, write a request addressed to Otar,

or to the director.

Or whoever. Then I'll do what they'll order me to do.

If you want, I'll take the picture out. If you want, I'll throw it away.

No, I don't want it.

Good morning, Soso.

I didn't say ''throw the picture away''. I said ''take it out''.

Dear Vaso, I repeat:

I'll do what the comrades in charge will order me to do.

- Where have you been, Soso? - I've been working.

- Have you brought it? - Do yourjob!

I'll go to Otar immediately.

Yes, please, go to him and give him your request.

I will write it right away.

Come on, what is it you've brought?

Here, dear Vaso, ''Blue Mountains, or Tien Shan''.

- Is that it? - Yes.

Good for you. I'll certainly read it.

All right.

No, this is an office.

I'm sorry, it's the second copy, but it's quite readable.

I'm going to give the second one to our director.

And the third one will go to Otar.

The rest are for the editorial board members.

It's rather urgent.

We got everything urgent here.

What does it matter where I put it?

Oh, everybody's in a hurry, everybody wants it urgent.

But I don't mean you, of course.

Go and distribute the copies among the members of the editorial board,

as for me, I won't keep you waiting.

Thank you very much.

Save your thanks for later.

You can read it after our dear Vaso.

Thank you.

Good morning.

Excuse me, where is the director's office?

Take the right turn, then straight ahead, and the last door on the left.

- And I was told, on the right. - No, on the left.

Excuse me.

Hello, Shukri.

Very good.

You should have knocked first.

I'm sorry. I'll come back later.

Soso, will you give me your story to read?

After the board members have read it.

- It'll take me a couple of hours. - All right.

Guivi, it's Soso.

Guivi!

- Is Guivi in? - I don't think so.

It's us, Guivi.

Guivi, it's us.

Guivi!

Did I give you a copy, dear Irodion?

You sure did.

It's in here, well hidden.

I'm sorry, but it's urgent.

I wanted a leave, but they won't let me have it. No one to stand in for me.

Though I think they may let me go after all.

But I will read your manuscript today, even if they fire me.

Can you pass the copy over to Tsveraba then?

He's not here now. He's in military training.

Though he might be back by that time.

I will read it and pass it over.

What have you got, Niko?

Good morning, Soso.

Good heavens! To have written so much! ''Tetralogy'' by Simon Menabde.

Hello.

- Ah, Soso! How is life? - All right.

I haven't seen you for a while.

- I was working. - Hi.

What have you created?

Here, I've brought it.

Let me see it.

''Blue Mountains, or Tien Shan''.

- This is Otar's copy. - And where's mine?

This one is for the director. You take one from Boris after he has read it.

Here, Boris, this is for you.

What is it? Put it over there. No, let me have it.

- I'm the next to read after you. - All right.

- Move your knight. - We're playing for interest.

What about one for me?

I've got no more, Tengiz. Take one from Vaso or lrodion.

Boris, be quick about reading it.

Yesterday he said that he'd drop by the credit bank in the morning.

- Where did you go for vacation, Soso? - I didn't go anywhere. I was working.

Working? All summer?

Yes.

- Have you finished it? - Yes.

Vazha Zazayevich will be very pleased.

Do you expect him soon?

Who knows? Maybe soon, maybe he'll be late.

Or maybe he won't come at all.

What do you want?

I've come about the fables.

The director is not in, but even if he were here,

he wouldn't have received you before lunch anyway.

Can I wait for him until after lunch?

Please wait if you want to.

Thank you very much.

I shall wait for him, too.

Excuse me, in case he doesn't come today, would it be all right

if I wait for him tomorrow?

You may wait.

And one last question. What are your director's reception hours?

- From morning till the end of the day. - Thank you very much.

You're welcome.

- Make us coffee. - All right.

Are you reading, dear Vaso?

Don't you see I am?

I mean the ''Blue Mountains''.

First I'll read this, and then the ''Mountains''.

Then give it to me. I'll return it tomorrow.

You'll forget to.

I swear, I'll bring it tomorrow morning.

All right, take it. If I'm not here, leave it with Bella.

Thank you.

He's not here, Aunt Tamara.

- Not here? - Not yet.

- Is that you, Soso? - It's me. How are you?

My headaches are killing me.

I can't even stick the hairpins in.

You've got six rubles left.

We've transferred them to the deposit.

Go see Lyuba about it.

Thank you.

Have you got cigarettes?

No, I quit.

Give this to Otar to sign.

Good for you that you quit. Tobacco is killing me.

I've been rocked from side to side lately.

There, I've been rocked again.

What exactly did you feel?

I wish I could tell.

Most likely, you've got low blood pressure.

Who knows?

Is there going to be a bonus?

What bonus? We haven't paid wages yet. Otar has disappeared somewhere.

- He's downstairs, picking up grapes. - Oh, I've been rocked again.

- Upward or sideways? - Leave me alone!

I'm sorry.

As soon as Vazha Zazayevich arrives, give him that copy.

Do not forget.

Don't worry.

This one I will take to Otar.

What is Tien Shan?

Blue mountains. Put it in a drawer, so it wouldn't get lost.

There you go!

Good morning, dear Otar!

Good morning, Soso dear. The grapes got ripe.

A very good harvest. Look, we've got lots of them. And you said...

I didn't say anything.

- Where have you been? - I've been working.

What? You've brought it already?

Yes, I've finished the ''Blue Mountains''.

Way to go, Soso.

Last night I dreamed that something joyful would happen.

I'll swallow it up today.

Take it!

This way!

- Come tomorrow, we'll talk. - All right.

Excuse me, Otar has sent you this. Try them.

- What is it? - Grapes, picked up in the yard.

I've distributed all the copies. They promised to read it quickly.

Good for you.

Offer them to Bella.

The harvest from the yard.

Thanks a lot. Would you like some coffee?

I'd love to.

I hope we're not disturbing you?

No. As soon as I do away with this one, I'll take on yours.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

I got an ''A'' for drawing today.

Good girl.

The teacher liked it very much. And daddy liked it too.

- This is my husband. - Pleased to meet you.

Your cap.

I don't want to disturb you.

Excuse me.

Please excuse me. I've come about the fables.

You should see the director.

Comrade Kuparadze gave him a call.

I've been waiting for comrade director for two days now.

Excuse me...

You think he'll accept my fables?

I don't, but he may not turn them down.

Thank you. I won't disturb you any more.

- Good morning, Uncle Vano. - Good morning.

Good morning.

- Check from the knight, and that's it. - No, that's not it.

No use to resist...

Nothing's been lost yet.

He's here, take it away.

- You've lost. - I haven't. It's a tie.

Good morning.

Vazha Zazayevich, did Tina give you...

Of course. What was she supposed to give me? Where's Tina?

She took a break.

A break? Very well.

I'm going to bring it.

I'm sorry, I didn't even have time to say hello.

Hello. Where have you been?

- I've been working, and finished it. - Already?

Yes.

- Have you brought it? - Yes, I have.

Very well. Have a seat.

''Blue Mountains, Or Tien Shan''.

Tien Shan?

Where's my copy?

Tina got it locked in her table.

Tina got it locked in her table.

Very good that she's got it locked.

And where's Tina? Oh, she went out for lunch.

You know, Soso, all those endless functions have exhausted me.

All those banquets, banquets, meetings...

There's no escaping them.

Yes, just look at them. I've seen everything in my life.

Well, soccer, basketball, volleyball - that I understand.

But motoball... What's that?

It's a nice thing to watch, Vazha Zazayevich.

Come on, what are you saying? What are so many balls for?

Handball, pushball and that silly motoball should be annulled.

There's even such a thing as autoball in Europe.

That's the last thing we need here, buses running the ball.

Yes, you're absolutely right.

Have a seat.

Yes?

I'll be in the office all day.

You can come at any time. Yes, of course.

It's already three years that I've been kept in the dark.

- Where have you been kept? - In the dark.

Very well. In the dark.

Yes? To be at your place?

And what time do we have now? Yes, in half an hour. I'll be there.

So you're in the dark.

I'm listening.

Tell the driver to get the car ready.

So what was Tina supposed to give me? Oh yes, your story. What's it called?

''Blue Mountains, Or Tien Shan''.

I'll read them both. ''Blue Mountains'' and ''Tien Shan''.

We've got a breakdown in the deficit, they just called, I got to run.

There comes Tina. What have you got?

Otar has sent it.

Excellent! Treat Soso to them.

- Thank you. - Help yourself.

Take this to Otar. Where's Mumanidze's resolution?

He won't accept it without your signature.

Let him sign it.

Put both of Soso's stories on my table.

- ''Blue Mountains'' and what's its... - ''Or Tien Shan''.

- But first give me one. - It's only one.

Then why two names? Both copies on my table.

- Both copies. - All right.

- It's only one copy! - That's what I said, one copy!

Will he be back today?

Maybe yes or maybe no.

- Can I wait for him here? - You can wait.

They say, you've got a breakdown in the deficit. Don't we know it?

You don't know it? Everybody knows it, so what?

And what's the reason for it? One is not supposed to ask.

Nothing happens without a reason.

I've left the first copy for you.

- Get it registered at the bureau. - Tina has it locked.

Can I count on your reading it soon?

Is it the first time that you're dealing with me?

I'll read it as soon as Tina brings it. What's that?

- The order with a resolution. - Get it registered at the bureau.

I'm busy, but I'll surely read it.

- Thank you. - Thank you for submitting it in time.

Tearing me away from my work again. And a deficit breakdown on top of it.

Get it stamped at the bureau anyway.

Take this picture out! Take it out!

I have no right to do that, dear Vaso.

Who has the right?! Who?!

The director and Otar Zedgenidze have the right.

But they've called you! They have!

Yes, but a phone call doesn't solve anything.

I need a written authorization from above, with an appropriate resolution.

Otar has signed it. There is a resolution!

That's right.

But there's no Murmanidze's signature.

And the resolution is not valid without his signature.

I've written several requests!

All the bodies have approved it!

They all have agreed, yet the picture's still on the wall!

It may fall down any second! There, look at this!

It's crumbling down more and more!

Take it away from here! Take it out!

Quiet, quiet! We'll discuss it.

We'll set up a commission and report to you on the results.

Take the picture out! Take it out!

- Good morning, Uncle Vano. - Good morning, Soso.

- Good morning. - Good morning.

- I got mixed up. - Why?

- It was a check. - You moved in check.

The last part. Tomorrow I'll finish it and start reading.

How are you doing, Tengiz? Have you read it, Tengiz?

Not yet. He gave it to me yesterday. Till the morning. Too little time.

I'll give it back and take it later. I swear I'll read it. Check.

What about you?

Rezo took my copy with him to Tsikhisdziri.

Why did you...

These are the missing pages.

Give them to Boris. But do it personally.

So you found them.

Tell him to leave it with Bella as soon as he has read it.

All right, only I'll have to leave soon.

Give it to Niko, he'll pass it over. I'm sorry.

It's us, Guivi. It's us.

He's not there.

Guivi, it's me, Soso. They're gone, Guivi.

Have you read it, dear Shukri?

No, I haven't read your story and I'm not going to.

And you know perfectly well why I won't read it.

Lali, I'm not coming in.

I'm alone. You can come in.

Has Kakauridze passed the copy over to you?

No, Soso. They've forgotten about me a long time ago.

But I would like very much to read your novel.

I'll try to find a copy for you.

- Good morning. - Good morning.

Have you read it, dear Irodion?

You've already asked me that question one hundred times.

I'm reading it. One might say that in fact I've already read it.

I can't leave for my vacation because of it.

I'm sorry for bothering you.

Take it out! How many times must I say it?

Don't shout at me, dear Vaso.

Calm yourself, it's not so easy to frighten me.

I have no intention to frighten you. Or frighten anyone!

You think it's so easy to throw away a product of art?

It's not a product, and not even a work of art.

lt's a Greenland landscape.

A copy of an unknown painter.

This picture has no artistic value. It is my personal opinion.

Take it away from here. I don't ask you to throw it away. Take it out.

I know why you want to throw the whole Greenland away.

You're afraid it's going to fall on your head!

No, my dear, you're mistaken. I'm not afraid of anything.

I have lived an honest life. Though some things did fall on my head.

No, no, I'm not afraid!

I had been a tank man even before the war. And you know it!

We still have to clear it up, what you had been and where.

How dare you!

Dear Vaso.

- Close the door. - Sorry.

Everybody knows what I had been.

We know you had been a tank man. Yet we have to clear it up.

I'm going upstairs right away!

You may go wherever you like. Let's get out of here.

Don't get so excited. Shall I call a doctor?

No, don't.

Dear Vaso, I'm returning it.

Everyone knows you'd been a tank man, he says, but we must clear it up!

I'm going upstairs. How dare he?

You may go upstairs or downstairs, but nothing will come of it anyway.

- Excuse me, I'm waiting for you... - Wait for me in the room.

Is Irodion here?

Forget about Irodion.

Oh, my God...

Didn't he give you the copy?

No, but I've got half a copy, and Khabuzania took a part of that half.

I tried to read it, but I couldn't. Take a look.

It seems to be the last copy. You think one can make it out?

It's rather difficult. I'll try to put together a full copy for you.

That would be nice.

- I've already got the first 20 pages. - Where are they?

Boris will give them to Kote, he promised to read them by tomorrow.

And I'll give them to you.

Good. Coffee by my own recipe.

Thank you.

When you drink it up, overturn the cup away from you onto the saucer.

- With my right hand? - Only with your right hand.

Mommy, I got an ''A'' again today.

- What is it you've got here? - This is for you, mommy.

And this, too.

This is for you, mister.

Thank you.

Your cap.

This is for me.

This is for daddy.

And what have you got in your report book?

I don't want to disturb you.

Now recite a poem.

Excuse me, have you always had that crack on the ceiling?

The crack?

Excuse me, I'd like to know if that crack

was on the ceiling before?

Yes, I think it was. Or maybe it wasn't.

I don't know.

My husband doesn't know it either.

Excuse me, I'm sorry.

Dear Vaso, the bendex has broken down.

Mikho's going to bring a cable, and we'll let you out after lunch.

I'm here, so don't be afraid.

I've never been afraid of anything in my life.

I'm going out for lunch, and probably won't be back today.

All right.

Or maybe I'll be back. You will be here, won't you?

You were right: upstairs or downstairs, it's pointless anyway.

- Will there be a bonus this month? - I don't know.

- Did they say when it would be? - They didn't.

Good afternoon, dear Otar.

Ah, Soso, it's you.

I've read your ''Blue Mountains''.

Well?

A very serious work. Congratulations.

They've delivered blue stone. We don't need it, but they keep delivering it.

The ultraviolet rays may spoil it, so let's get it inside.

Mikho, when you're done, lock the door. Give the keys to Grisha.

Thank you very much.

- What for? - For reading it.

I thought you meant the blue stone.

It's I who should thank you for giving us such topical works.

Chemistry is most important today.

- But it's about mountains... - So what?

Take a copy to the Physical Culture Institute.

Why there?

You said it yourself, mountains, peaks.

Take it there, not to offend them. Well, my congratulations!

Otar has read my ''Blue Mountains''. He says he liked it very much.

Why are you yelling? You're not in the forest.

Otar liked it.

He may say one thing today, and renounce it tomorrow.

But our opinion is being recorded in the minutes.

We get our wages for what we say.

And bonuses, too.

- Have you read it? - I'm reading it even now, as you see.

And I'll tell you frankly, it's too daring, you're too young.

You haven't got life experience. Too early to take up such themes.

When am I supposed to write about what I see and feel now?

I don't know. When you mature, then you write. Well, never mind.

Let the board decide. Has everybody read it?

They are all reading, except Shukri Gomelauri.

Otar Zedgenidze liked it very much.

Great.

Excuse me, I was told you got stuck in the elevator. Is it true?

It looks like it.

- The bendex has broken down. - The relay should be replaced.

- What should be replaced? - The relay.

Hold this.

Close the door.

Push the button.

Kuparadze did call, but I couldn't speak to the director.

He's really so busy. Your work is very complicated.

It has worn us out.

Kuparadze called, so I came. But if he didn't call...

- Is it about work? - Of course.

Are you a writer of fables?

No, I am a mine surveyor.

What?

A mine surveyor.

I think we don't have such a position among our personnel.

But don't worry, we'll go to the director.

And he will get it authorized from above.

- Good afternoon, Vano. - Good afternoon, Vazha Zazayevich.

Forward. Up.

To the sides. Down.

Good afternoon.

And I'll move here.

He's here!

Didn't let us finish the game again.

A strange man, always comes at a wrong moment.

- Oh, hello! - Good afternoon. May l?

Come in. And where's Tina?

- She's left for lunch. - All right.

Soso, what's the matter... Where have you been?

- Don't you care about your work? - You've been busy.

I shall always be busy. What do you think?

We got a breakdown in the deficit and it doesn't look promising at all.

Have a seat.

All those banquets, meetings... They will kill me.

Just look at them. What kind of people are they?

There's no summer, no autumn, no winter for them. Just keep running.

Yesterday we turned the heating on.

The air wasn't let out of the system, and hot water ran down the toilets.

I understand everything.

I root for volleyball, I vote for basketball, even soccer.

But I can't understand motoball.

I recognize hockey. What is the Georgian word for that stick?

- What? - The stick.

- Hockey-dzhokhi. - Very good.

To be short, I've read your ''Blue... Mountains''.

- And the other name? - ''Tien Shan''.

Why two names?

Hello? Who's speaking? Ah, hello!

I was allowed to wait for him till the end of the day.

Please let me know as soon as he arrives.

Sorry for having disturbed you.

Dear Vaso, excuse me, is that ''Blue Mountains'' you're having?

Yes. Why?

If you're not going to read it now, give it to me. I'll return it tomorrow.

I had already given it to you.

Every time you gave it to me I returned it. Isn't that right?

- Here, bring it back tomorrow. - It goes without saying. Thanks.

- So you say you're a mine... - A mine surveyor.

A mine surveyor. Was it Vashelidze who called?

No, it was Kuparadze.

Kuparadze and a mine surveyor.

Speaking. Yes, I got it.

In half an hour? Yes, all right.

The personnel list and the year's balance sheet. Yes, I know.

Another meeting.

In short, I'm pleased with your work. But why two titles?

Keep one or the other.

- Did Otar read it? - He liked it.

Good.

- I'm listening. - Bring the car.

Keep only one title.

- I promise to cut one. - Good.

- But does it matter? - Who says it matters?

Take it out now! Take it out! I insist!

- I have no right. - Who has the right?

The director has.

What do I have to do with it?

Are you here? Catch up with me in the hall.

Take the personnel list and the year's balance sheet with you.

I've been again called up somewhere else.

Yes, speaking.

No, he's at a meeting at the credit bank.

I don't know.

Excuse me, have you always had that crack here?

Sorry to have bothered you, excuse me.

I don't know. I think he won't be back soon.

Excuse me, did he say when he would be back?

- Who? - The director.

The director is here. Wait, he's talking to an author.

I'll go tell Vaso Chorgolashvili and bring him here!

To be short, I personally liked it.

This is for Murmanidze, let him look into it while I'm at the bank.

All depends on you.

It's not for me alone to decide. Has everybody read it?

They're reading.

I liked it. What else do you want?

Nothing. Thank you very much.

They'd better read it quickly, and everything will be all right.

Thank you.

He liked it.

What did he like?

The ''Blue Mountains''.

- And what's its other name? - ''Tien Shan''.

Your ''Tien Shan'' is here. I forgot to give it to him.

You asked me to put it in the drawer. It's been lying here since last fall.

Then what did he like?

I'm awfully sorry!

- Vazha Zazayevich! - What is it now?

This is the first copy, specially for you.

You don't have to ask, of course I'll read it.

What is it? ''Blue Mountains, or Tien Shan''. Why two names?

Where was it?

Tina forgot it in her drawer.

She's a bungler, that Tina of yours.

Hello. And what was it that I read?

I can't understand anything. You all will drive me crazy.

They've delivered another shipment of blue stone.

A breakdown in the deficit. We're 20 tons of paper short.

Vazha Zazayevich! The personnel list and the year's balance sheet.

Oh, thank you. Has everybody read it?

We must convene the board. Please ask Vaso to do it.

Khaburdzania never comes, Tsveraba is at a refresher course, Chichinadze...

Hold it.

Gomeladze refused to read, Kopaleishvili is I don't know where.

You see? We should entrust it to Vaso, he's a former tank man.

And you too, be active, stir up the people you need.

The winter's almost gone. It's no way to do it!

What are you doing?

Good morning, Uncle Vaso.

Damn it... When did you come?

A short while ago.

At last you're taking that picture out. Thank God!

Not taking it out, just reinforcing it.

Reinforcing it? You were supposed to take it out.

I was told to reinforce it, so I'm reinforcing it.

Get down now! I said, get down!

Quick!

I can't reinforce it anyway, the hook got loose.

Grisha says it's vibration because of the motorcycles.

People say all kind of nonsense. Why repeat it?

And what am I, Uncle Vaso? I'm just a little man.

And what can a little man think up? I'm doing what I'm told.

Not because I don't have my own opinion, but because that's life.

They tell me to do this, and I do it. They tell me to do that, and I do it.

- Excuse me, he's arrived. - Ah, he's arrived.

I don't know, but maybe something will work out.

Kuparadze did call, otherwise I...

- Is Guivi in? - I don't know.

- Is Vazha Zazayevich here? - Yes, he is.

Thank you. Let's go in.

Hello.

Come in.

How are you?

- Hello, Uncle Vano. - Hello, Soso.

Hang up, you're interfering! Hello? Connect me to Kutaisi!

- Wait, Soso, he's busy. - Who is in there?

Vaso and the man who's so interested in cracks.

Wait, they'll be out soon.

Hello? Give me Kutaisi!

Did he like it?

- ''Blue Mountains'' and what else?.. - ''Tien Shan''.

- He forgot it at the bank. - How could he?

He forgot it on a windowsill. He got so upset.

He asked you to give him another copy.

Where can I get it?

Hang up, Miss!

Soso, go and bring another copy.

That was the last copy.

We don't have such a position.

I'll be frank with you, Kuparadze's call did play its role.

Otherwise I don't think I would have been able to do anything.

Our staff is inflated, as everywhere else, you know.

We'll have to take you on as a freelancer.

Dear Vaso, have the comrade acquainted with our specifics,

let him familiarize himself with the collective.

He has already familiarized himself.

Very well. It was nice meeting you.

Likewise. Thank you.

You don't go.

- May I? - Come in.

Dear Vaso, who called us about this man?

- Kuparadze. - Ah, yes, I remember. Kuparadze.

About that picture...

Everything will be all right with the picture. We'll solve that problem.

Grisha is here. Misha is here. Gosh, I meant Otar, not Misha.

- I'm begging you. - What am I here for?

Oh, God...

I can't wait till Irodion goes on leave.

The director must read it as soon as possible.

All right, but you'll be responsible.

Is it difficult to open it?

No, it's not. It doesn't close anyway.

Irodion is here

to guard the safe, he's got nothing else to do.

There are parallel cracks in rooms 4, 5, 16,

in the paper and drying shops.

There have been instances of plaster crumbling.

In rooms 6, 8 and 13, there're perpendicular cracks.

- Who is Kuparadze? - Kuparadze?

I don't know. This is a report to the higher bodies of power.

And this is a copy to the Chairman of the City Motoball Association.

Let's call that motoball here and set up a commission.

For how long can we talk to them by correspondence?

Our building is shock-resistant!

We've been in the demolition zone for a long time!

They are not giving us money for major repairs.

A breakdown in the deficit, they say. What has a breakdown to do with it?

No one's going to lift a finger until the ceiling falls down on us.

- What date is today? - The 9th of April.

You see? Have a seat.

Did you find it?

It's got sodden from rain and snow.

How could rain get here?

Kote, is Khaburizania back from Tsikhisdziri?

No.

If he shows up, take his copy from him,

lock it in Gomelauri's drawer,

and give the keys to Tina.

All right. Give me those pages, I'll have them ironed in the drying shop.

It won't work. We'll have to type a new copy.

You were told to take the picture out!

No one told me to take it out, they told me to look into the matter.

We looked into it, but Murmanidze didn't sign a draft resolution.

Why?! Will you tell me, for God's sake?

They told me to strengthen the hook.

I demand that it be taken out!

If you're afraid, dear Vaso, move your table

or move yourself to another room.

Where am I supposed to move?

I've been sitting in this place for 26 years. Can you understand it?

Speaking.

No, you've got a wrong number. It's 83, not 82.

It's a matter of principle, if you wish! Take the picture out!

- Put the manuscript down! - Yes.

I'm not afraid of either God or devil!

We know you'd been a tank man. But it has to be cleared up.

- Look into your own soul! - What are you driving at?

Where's Alyosha Devdariani's archive? Where are the manuscripts and photos?

They've been removed. By the proper authorities.

I won't tolerate your insinuations! My services have been recorded.

What services?

I've got citations... five of them! I'm going upstairs!

Go wherever you like.

- And tell them where the archive is. - I will.

- I'm going there now! - Go, go.

Hello.

Don't stand up.

- Who's in there? - Simon Menabde.

He told me not to let anyone in.

Don't leave yet. The meeting will take place, but later.

- That's what he said. What can I do? - I see.

Irodion, are you back from your vacation?

I've never left. They won't let me.

- Have a cigarette? - Please.

Want to try mine?

- How are you? - It's headaches and rocking.

I can't even put hairpins in.

It's blood pressure.

I'm being rocked like on a ship.

Why on a ship? Sometimes the earth is rocked too.

- That's right. - Will there be a bonus, Aunt Tamara?

I don't know.

- What about the salary? - No.

And the holiday pay?

The director said not to give it yet.

Has he signed the payroll sheet?

- Are you all right? - Oh God, I've been rocked again.

How were you rocked? Sideways or from down up?

God only knows.

Please stretch your arms, spread your fingers. Don't be afraid.

Leave me alone. What do you want from me? Who are you?

Leave her alone.

It will take too long to rewrite it.

And your handwriting is illegible. Let me help you.

- I don't wish to trouble you. - It's no trouble at all.

- What about the meeting? - They can do without me.

All right. Look here.

Am I being too familiar with you?

We've been familiar for a long time.

Then rewrite it starting from this page to page 52.

Got it.

Fine, this will not do any more.

Neither will this. This goes to the wastebasket, too.

These violets. I brought them for you.

Your cap.

We'll get it approved now, and you can begin inspection.

Vazha Zazayevich is busy.

- Who is in there? - Simon Menabde.

Aunt Tamara, don't start paying salaries before he leaves.

What about my holiday pay?

Were that your trousers that burst?

No, no, the seams are intact. It was a false alarm.

Strange... It was a very unusual sound.

The ceiling has cracked.

The ceiling has cracked!

Strange... Yesterday it was like new.

Why are you all staring at the ceiling? Hello, Otar.

Hello.

Sign this document, please. Grisha, you sign it, too.

Where's Soso? Oh, you're here. Well, are you still writing?

Go on, the director's waiting.

How is life?

- This is for you. - Thank you.

- And this is for you. - Thank you.

I'm in conference. I'll call you back.

Soso, did they tell you that I forgot your ''Blue Mountains'' at the bank?

How could I, I can't understand it. Don't worry, I'll go and pick it up.

What's happening to me, I can't understand?

Well, has everybody read it? What kind of a man are you, Soso?

You should stir people up, push them, disturb them, incite them.

Yes?

I see.

I'll be there in an hour. Yes, all right.

They want me again.

Tina, do you hear me? The meeting will be tomorrow at 11 .

Got it.

The meeting will be tomorrow. At 11 sharp everybody must be here.

You'll have to wait.

As soon as Soso is out, you'll go in. I'll call you.

Don't forget to call Vakhtang.

What is it you've brought me? I'm not speaking to you.

Yes, I got it. On five stands?

Two titles again? It's not to you again.

I think five stands will be enough. Just a minute.

Yes? Wait a minute, I'm discussing an important matter.

Excuse me. There will be no problem with transportation?

What an awful handwriting you have. Sorry, it's not to you again.

Just a minute, don't hang up.

Call the ''Intourist'' and make all the arrangements.

I'll be there in an hour. All right, I got it.

Yes.

Are we taking wives?

All right, I'll be there at four.

What have you brought me?

The same thing, ''Blue Mountains'' again.

Partly written by hand, partly typed.

- Can you read it? - Of course.

- Can you make it out? - Why not?

It's bold type, and your handwriting is quite legible.

Did you feel anything?

No, nothing.

It must be my blood pressure.

Yesterday I couldn't slip away again. Banquets, farewells, meetings...

It's not polite not to go.

You go, and you get this result.

- You didn't feel it again? - No.

It's strange. So it's high blood pressure again.

I shouldn't have gone to that banquet yesterday. That motoball will kill us.

If we don't drive them out, they'll topple the ceiling on our heads.

Now it's not so bad.

But what will it be like when the hot weather sets in?

We won't be able to open windows.

Now I will read it for sure.

But what do you need two titles for?

What a handwriting! Can anyone make it out?

Did you keep it in the water or what?

Vazha Zazayevich, may I come in?

- Yes, come in. - Please.

Please meet the chief commissar of the City Motoball Association,

the captain of our city team, Comrade Artyom Chachanidze.

- Very pleased to meet you. - So am I.

Where shall we begin?

With the 18th.

- Follow us. - Give me a hand.

- Where's Shota? - On a sabbatical leave.

When he's back, I want to see him. And Mitradze?

He's at a seminar in Pitsunda.

All right.

Look, one lengthwise and three crosswise cracks.

Let's begin.

Step on the gas.

- Where to now? - Let's see this room.

Look at the plan.

- Come on. - Step on it.

This is our new employee.

- Very nice. What's your name? - Bella.

Sit down. Vaso, we've already seen each other. Hello again.

- Working already? - Yes.

- Got acclimated? - Entirely.

Good. He should be fully occupied.

Soso, give him a copy.

The room is in a state of emergency.

Look how many cracks there are.

And another one there.

Comrade Chachanidze, please note to what state you motor vibrations

have reduced the ceilings in the rooms you've just inspected.

And that's not all.

Plaster from the ceiling in this corner is continuously crumbling.

I can't work because of this picture.

We'll get it reinforced for good!

You were supposed to take it out! Here, Otar has signed it.

- Is this my resolution? - Don't recognize your own signature?

But Murmanidze didn't sign it.

We've already solved that problem. Let's put an end to it.

I'll do as you say.

Here. Let's go on.

Step on it.

Hello.

How are you, Vazha Zazayevich.

How are you feeling?

My headaches are killing me. I've lost three kilos.

And I'm being rocked from side to side.

This is because of cigarettes. You must quit.

Nothing is crumbling down here?

No, nothing seems to crumble down. But we're rocked from time to time.

There, I've been rocked again.

Give me your hands, please.

How were you rocked, from the side or, pardon me, from the bottom?

Tell me, it's very important. From what side?

- Let go of my hands! - Tell me!

From the bottom.

The motorcycles and street noises have nothing to do with it.

Didn't I tell you?

These are underground vibrations. They blow up rocks.

So you weren't imagining it.

I'm still in my right mind. I told you I was rocked.

Couldn't that man be spying on us?

What did you say they blow up?

Shall I give this information here, or maybe tete-a-tete in your office?

I would appreciate if you read it. My friends say it's not bad.

But your experienced eye is quite another matter.

I won't bear a grudge if anything. Will you read it?

We'll read it and discuss it. Artyom Chachanidze. Lyric poems.

Wonderful.

Soso, read it carefully

and show it to the members of the editorial board.

You can go now.

The experiment is over, everybody come to my office.

They are mostly love poems.

Dear Shukri, excuse me.

Vazha Zazayevich asked you to read it and show it to the board members.

And inform him of your opinion as soon as possible.

Low-charge explosions of rocks

are under way now in this district.

Possibly it's the subway

or the construction of an underground artel.

I haven't been able to establish that yet.

How do you know that?

It's my specialty. I'm a mining engineer.

You said you were a mine surveyor.

A mining engineer and a mine surveyor are the same thing.

Those double names are going to drive me crazy.

I told you how badly we needed a mine surveyor.

We ought to have gotten ourselves two or three good mine surveyors sooner.

- What day is today? - Friday.

Good.

Where's that Chachanidze?

Where's he? Has he left already?

Yes, he has.

Who said it was motorcycles' vibration?

- I didn't say that. - Who was it?

Soso, you have to help us. A very important mission for you.

Please, go down in the subway and find out how dangerous it is for us.

What are they doing right under us?

Only you can do it. I can't trust anyone else with this task.

We'll make it a business trip. Can you pass it as a business trip?

We'll do it.

An advance, a per diem. Anything it takes.

If you want, we can give you an artist to make drawings.

Have you brought anything new? ''Blue Mountains, or Tien Shan''.

Everyone can go. You stay.

Prepare all the papers for Soso's business trip.

Call Aniko, let her clean up here.

Tell Tina not to let anyone in.

What the devil!

Have a seat.

Oh, that motoball!

- So you've kept both titles? - Yes.

You're stubborn, Soso.

You won't be able to make it out, let me read it to you.

- The whole story? - Yes, the whole story, of course.

You know what, Soso? Read me some parts, the key moments.

- I may not read it at all. - Why are you getting angry?

Yes? Speaking.

Yes, I'll be there. I'm already on my way.

Did you hear? I have to go.

They call me. What can I do? I'll be back soon.

- When are you going to take it out? - Any time you like.

- Tomorrow. - Tomorrow they'll bring blue stone.

- The day after tomorrow. - We'll have to unload paper.

- When, then? - Any time you like.

When?!

Today, if you want, or tomorrow,

but we need Murmanidze's resolution.

Wait for me here. I'm going to Murmanidze. Don't leave!

You've locked me in. How can I leave?

- Good afternoon. - Good afternoon.

Have you done the paperwork for his business trip?

We don't have forms for underground business trips.

No one has ever sent anyone on a business trip underground.

Pass it as a ground trip, a mountain trip. He'll get more money.

That's what he's just written, ''Blue Mountains, or Tien Shan''.

But leave only one title. Catch up with me in the hall.

When shall I read it to you?

I can read it myself. What am I here for?

- Couldn't you make it shorter? - That's not all here.

- When will be the discussion? - It should've been discussed long ago.

Soso, you must be more active. Bother people.

- I am bothering you. - Good.

I'm going to the credit bank. Hello, Aniko.

We'll discuss it tomorrow. And Chorgolashvili is here.

Dear Vaso, discuss the ''Blue Mountains'' tomorrow.

- Tomorrow is Saturday. - The day after tomorrow.

- That will be Sunday. - On Monday, then.

On Monday we're meeting people from Department of Motor Vehicles.

We can't postpone it any more.

Have both the discussion and the meeting.

- The mountain business trip. - Very good.

So you've kept two titles? All right.

You can go.

- Have you taken the picture out? - Murmanidze...

Forget about Murmanidze. You got my resolution on your request?

Yes, but they say it's not enough.

- Take that picture out. - Yes, we'll do as you say.

The elevator should be stopped. It's on the brink of breakdown.

When did its warranty period expire?

- When we got the elevator. - You see?

We've been sent someone else's paper in an open train car.

Get that man out of the elevator. He's not of the faint-hearted kind, yet...

- What about the paper? - Unload it!

I can't do everything for you!

I will not sign the old payroll sheets until you bring me the new ones.

All right.

- Going to the mountains? - I am.

- There're avalanches, you know. - I know.

- It's crooked, you hung it wrong. - Lower that side, Mikho.

- Come to see me after lunch. - All right.

Congratulations! I've been on your side all along.

- Are you satisfied at last? - Yes, it was a matter of principle.

Follow me.

He's coming.

Good morning. Please sit down.

- Is everybody here? - Guivi's on a business trip.

He's always on a business trip.

- Who's playing the zurna there? - There's a wedding in the yard.

You already back, Irodion?

- Back from where? - From your vacation.

I haven't gone on vacation yet.

I was told you were on leave. And what does dear Lali have to tell us?

I counted 6,000 lines exactly.

Well, that's what we have. Let's start. What are you waiting for?

- Go ahead. - Why me? You begin.

I have very little time.

I'm expecting actors. They asked me not to be late. Let's be brief.

Please, dear Vaso.

All right. Today we're here to discuss

''Blue Mountains, or Tien Shan''.

It's very urgent.

We'll transfer it.

For the last time. As if they don't know we're in the demolition zone.

Speaking. Hello.

Wait. I'm not speaking to you. Go on.

I passed the blue stone over to the technical department.

I got it. Yes, I heard.

The wine and fruits are here.

Come back soon. Come here and we'll decide it.

Otar, do you have something to say about the ''Blue Mountains''?

I didn't have time to read it, but I'm for it. I liked it.

Thank you.

Go ahead, dear Vaso.

Today we are to discuss ''Blue Mountains, or Tien Shan''.

Without the author?

I thought he...

Murmanidze won't sign it.

We need seven more air conditioners. Two of the three don't work here.

Why do we work, and the conditioners don't?

Go on, please.

So, today we're discussing ''Blue Mountains, or Tien Shan''.

He's kept two titles after all. Who's going to clear up the rubbish?

We're counting on them, and they're counting on us.

We'll clear it up.

Let's begin.

Today we're discussing ''Blue Mountains, or Tien Shan''.

What happened? What is it with you?

It's my head again, and that occasional rocking.

It's all muddled up in the payroll sheet.

Kopaleishvili's salary for the second half hasn't been added.

Tsveraba and Khaburdania are not included for a bonus.

The holiday pay due to Irodion is written out to Kopaleishvili.

Can anyone tell me whether I'm here or on leave?

- You're here. - Calm down, don't get excited.

Dear Tamara, let Otar sort it out and report to me.

All right.

Excuse me, where did you feel that shock coming from?

Leave me alone! Go away!

Don't get distracted, comrades. Yes? I see.

Where does that sound of zurna come from? Is the window closed?

I'll go and look.

Ah, it's you. We're having a discussion.

It's nailed down.

Come tomorrow and we'll talk. All right?

Go ahead.

Please, comrades.

Shukri, please.

I repeat, dear Vaso, that I don't read on principle.

I have reasons for that. Everybody knows it, and Soso, too.

- I thought he didn't know. - He knows. Go on.

Please.

We've got Gamkrelidze's written conclusion.

I've carefully looked through ''Purple Mountains''...

Not purple, but ''Blue Mountains''.

Right, blue.

I'm pleased to inform you that, in general, I approve

and share the point of view of those who gathered here.

I fully subscribe, and so on,

Gamkrelidze. Please.

It should have been read in the end.

What difference does it make when Gamkrelidze's conclusion is read.

We've fixed it. Tamara took it to Murmanidze to sign.

Everything's all right, dear Irodion. Oh God, how hot it is!

Shall I open the window?

Look what's going on outside.

That din and dust from those motorcycles.

Don't open the window. What about the bonus?

We could pay it, but Murmanidze won't sign.

- But we've got the money? - Yes.

Quiet! Let's go on. Your turn, dear Irodion.

Actually, I shouldn't have been here now.

I'm on leave, in fact.

I'd say that I like Gamkrelidze's conclusion very much.

As for the second title, I agree with Vazha Zazayevich's opinion.

I like both titles,

but I believe only one should be left.

Dear Irodion, we would like to know if you back up this work.

I back up Gamkrelidze's conclusion.

Hi, Soso!

- Hello. - Hello, Soso.

- Here. - You've written some more?

A report on my business trip.

Already?

- Hello. - Who could imagine that?

- Who's supposed to sign it? - I think you are.

First they have to sign. Why are you late? What were you doing there?

I've found the cause of vibration. They're building the subway under us.

They blow up hard rocks.

They've gone through the hardest area, the explosions will end soon.

We're saved!

What's the matter?

It's the radio operator. I'll be right back.

Stop it now!

You said, after the applause.

That's not the right applause. It's too early, we're in conference.

I have to leave for a minute.

What are you discussing?

- Haven't you notified Soso? - Well, of course...

Why are you looking like that?

We should close the door, there's a draft.

The technical department didn't accept the blue stone.

Put it in a dry place. Close the window, I'm tired of that zurna.

The windows are nailed down tight.

Don't touch the bottles!

- Shall I open one for you? - No.

Let me know when the guests arrive.

You will say a welcome speech.

- Why I? Spare me, please. - I won't even listen to that.

Dear Lali, we're listening to you.

To me? You may be listening to me, but what can I tell you?

- Tell us whatever you like. - Do you have any special opinion?

I don't have any special opinion.

She has no opinion at all.

I like the title.

Let's go on.

Is Guivi here?

- He's on a business trip, isn't he? - Yes.

When will he be back?

Who knows? More likely, by the end of the month.

Have a seat and wait.

Who else wants to speak?

Who is Guivi? I don't know him. How long has he been with us?

Boris, please. But be brief.

Brief?

It's not by chance that the author has chosen this title.

There's something poetic about it, I would say.

The blue colour, the azure colour...

Your move.

- I approve the title, too. - Get to the point, comrades.

Who's next?

How many discussions must we hold next month?

Sixteen planned, twenty-one pledged.

We must have them all! Work more efficiently!

We're doing our best.

Let's hear our specially invited board members,

our dear Varden and our dear Yevgeny.

- Shall we speak together? - One at a time.

Let me begin. The point is that we could speak more extensively,

but, to our great regret, we haven't been able to read the story.

The copies has never reached us.

- Vazha Zazayevich! - What is it, Tina?

They're here.

Entertain them for a while.

Our dear Varden and Yevgeny haven't even been given a copy.

Besides that, someone is at a refresher course,

someone's fishing, someone's at a seminar, someone's at a funeral.

- What is it now? - Your wife is here.

What does she want?

She wants to meet the actors. She's with her girlfriends.

Oh, my goodness...

Speaking. Yes, of course, just a minute.

Speaking. Hello. I liked it, but not so much.

No, we don't need it. We don't need it, but you may bring it.

No, we're busy now, bring it tomorrow.

Dear friends, as far as I'm concerned, I will refrain from any comments.

I'm sure you'll make a right decision, but I've got business.

Soso, couldn't you get that subway tunnel deviated from us?

I guess it's not very difficult to do. I congratulate you in advance.

What's up again?

There're salaries due to our dear Varden and Yevgeny.

If I don't pay them today, I'll have to deposit them.

Very well.

Oh, how hot it is... It's hellishly hot!

That man will drive me crazy. Take him away.

Isn't it time for a break?

- Is there a bonus? - No.

- And the competition pay? - No.

Quiet, comrades.

The board meeting is adjourned for today.

- Have we accepted ''Blue Mountains''? - At this stage, yes.

One of us must write a conclusion.

I can't sign it, it's Irodion's duty.

I'm on leave.

The conclusion must be handed to the director, together with a copy.

- And what will Soso do? - What he's been doing before.

Right. Who has a copy?

There's not a single copy, so we have nothing to talk about.

I don't feel well, open the window. There's no air to breathe.

Soso had several copies registered at the bureau.

- We should ask Lyuba. - Lyuba has passed away.

But there must be the number. Who remembers the number?

I remember. It ends with a zero.

Tengiz, where's my copy?

You gave it to me, I read it, and returned it. Several times.

You mean you read it before me?

Of course not, you always read before me.

So where's my copy?

You gave it to me, I read it, and returned it.

Then I took it again, and returned it again.

Took it again, and returned it for the last time.

You never returned it to me! You probably threw it out of the window!

Threw it away?! Who do you think I am? I'm not a boy!

I'm a responsible man! How dare you talk to me like that?

I'm talking to you like you deserve it!

Let him go! Or he's going to strike me!

How could you even think of that?

Are you going to say now that Soso has never submitted any copies?

What do you mean, never submitted? I didn't say he's not submitted...

Leave my wife alone! Leave her alone!

Oh, come on, who needs your wife?

This is our conference room, dear Medea.

I'm so happy you've come. We're all happy. This way, please.

What institution is that? Who invited us?

I don't know.

- Please. - Thank you.

Let's welcome our guests!

Oh God, dear Vaso!

Help!

Let me through!

That's the last thing we need.

Hello? Send an ambulance! A man has been injured.

''Greenland'' fell down on his head!

- Why didn't you take the picture out? - We did.

- Why didn't you take it away? - Murmanidze didn't let us.

What does Murmanidze have to do with it? Get it out of here now!

- How is he? - All right, he came to.

Dear Vaso, hold on.

- Hello. - You're an old cavalryman.

I was a tank man before the war.

Very well.

Vacate the premises!

Immediately! And orderly!

Who invited us here? What institution is that?

Where're you going? Come back, dear guests! The front door's closed!

Follow me! At a distance!

The exit is on your right!

Dear Irodion, quick! Run!

Please, don't panic.

This is a dangerous zone!

- Go on. - After you.

Go!

No reception today!

I've brought my sonnets.

Artyom Chachanidze. Sonnets. Good.

Keep a distance! Keep up the speed!

Tell the patient that I'll bring him a copy to the hospital.

Irodion!

Oh, that motoball! Is everybody here?

Now they'll find the money for major repairs.

We took the picture out.

I forgot my hat. With no hat in such hot weather...

Where're you going? Get your leave pay. I have the sheets here.

How can I go on leave without a hat?

I said it was rocking.

- Where did that shock came from? - Don't come near me!

- You're alive! - You all may go to hell!

Take your sheets! I'm going home.

Give this to Murmanidze. I'll read the sonnets at the bank.

Go on with the discussion, don't leave.

Tell Soso to keep only one title. Keep me posted.

Take it out! Out! I don't say, throw it away. Just take it out!

You want to throw ''Greenland'' away because you're afraid

that it'll fall on your head again?

I'm not afraid of anything! I'm not afraid of anybody!

I have no right to take the picture out.

Who has the right?!

The End