Original subtitles

Look at her! She fell down and doesn't move.

Did you see her wobbling on her feet? Of course she's drunk.

We should have a look.

Go look. I'll keep an eye on your goods.

Don't you dare.

Keep an eye on yours.

NEZHIN

Grigoriy Petrovich, look at you!

You're just like your father.

You gave your word, and here you are,

less than a week later.

I never waste time...

after I've made a decision.

-Where do I sign? -Here.

Now she is mine!

BALABUKHA'S KIEV PRESERVES

Shame on their brazen eyes.

You don't like my eyes, do you?

But you do like my money.

Pour me some pumpkin seeds.

Come on, heap it.

Here.

Choke on them, you slut.

Look who's talking.

What?

You're the worst slut in town.

I'm an honest woman! I've been selling seeds here all my life.

Yeah!

I heard from this district policeman

how you paid him...

for this spot.

Goddamn you, slut!

Choke on my seeds.

You whore of Babylon!

I wish you ended up in the street like that drunk!

I wish nobody offers you bread or water.

God, look at these people!

Nobody even bothered to look at her.

God forbid you fall down, and nobody comes to look.

Wait...

It's our Katia!

Katia?

How strange.

-What do you mean? -Liddy isn't with us anymore...

and her poem is still

in my album.

"Like a lonely tomb

attracts a traveler,

Let this pale page

attract your dear eyes."

-She had a premonition. -Nonsense.

This poem has been in ladies' albums for at least a decade.

Don't torture yourself.

Nicholas,

how can you be so cold?

Don't you...

feel sorry for Lidia?

What about Katia?

Everything that happened to Lidia was caused by her own actions.

Katia didn't chose her fate. You're asking me if I feel sorry for Lidia.

I'm sorry...

that she was what she was.

I'm sorry she didn't try to change things,

even though she had every right and opportunity to do so.

I'm very sorry.

KIEV

Where are you?

Thank God you're awake.

Hello, Katrusia.

Who are you?

Don't you recognize me?

I'm Vasilina.

Vasilina?

Yes.

Yes.

You haven't changed.

Just lost some weight, and your hair...

And...

-God, you're burning. -Water...

Just a minute.

All right...

Here.

Katia!

Katia!

God, the poor thing is hot as a stove.

Vasilina!

It was an accident.

Doctor is going to leave! Do you need a separate invitation?

I still have time.

-Come down quick. -Coming!

Grigoriy Petrovich is here.

Grig!

Darling!

Nikolay Aleksandrovich!

I'll leave you to it.

Your brother isn't too courteous with me.

Grig, I missed you so much.

Please take me home.

Now?

But...

What about your fears?

You will be with me.

My house is in Chervinka now, isn't it?

Well...

Natalie, you're too gentle with them...

that's why you're scared.

They should fear you, not vice versa.

It didn't save Liddy, though.

She didn't have a man able to protect her.

You have me.

Yes.

By the way...

Lidia didn't have heirs.

I have a brilliant idea.

Why don't we buy her estate and...

What?

-Grig, why? -What do you mean, why?

It borders with our land,

and I don’t want the people sold separately.

No, no, and no!

Don't even think about it.

Did you forget what they have done?

Those people are long gone.

-Only the docile ones are left. -Please stop it!

I want to forget about all of this.

Let's not talk about it anymore.

Just take care of yourself, and everything will be fine.

-Next. -Why are you late?

You'll be in trouble.

-Madame doesn't like it. -Nastia, shut up.

What? Does he look at you down there?

No, she looks out the window!

Are you an idiot? Is it your first time?

It is. I'm here by accident anyway.

Yes. Sure.

It's true.

I was going to Poltava through Kiev with my relatives.

It's so many people here! I've never seen such a crowd before.

I lost my relatives on Kreshchatik.

I had been looking for them and crying for two days.

Why wasn't your family looking for you?

Family... Forty-second cousins!

I was cold and so hungry my stomach was rumbling.

Nobody would hire me.

And then this gent comes up to me and says,

"I'll give you a ruble."

What did you do?

I went with him.

It was either die or...

So he had his way with me and then...

took me to the police.

He said I was a prostitute.

They took my passport and gave me this... yellow ticket instead.

They told me to go to Madame.

So I did.

Did he at least give you a ruble?

Idiot! It was a cat.

-Who? -A pimp! A whoremonger!

You fool.

Come on. How long have you been so smart?

Everyone has her own way here.

Don't worry, girl.

Come on, go. The doctor won't hurt you.

What's going to happen to me?

Nothing. You'll work like everybody else.

Have a check-up twice a month.

You should be happy you ended up at Madame Makarova.

-There are worse places. -Yes. Nastia knows all about it.

How long do I have to wait?

-Go! -Come on, go.

Go!

Vaska, what are you hiding here?

What's this?

Are you having tenants? Is this an alms-house?

-Liubov Vasilyevna! -Are you the mistress?

No, let me explain.

Madame Liuba, she is the goddaughter of my old mistress, Katia.

She'll go as soon as she gets better.

Just don't throw her out now.

Your mistress's goddaughter?

Is she a noblewoman?

No.

A bondmaid like myself. The mistress just loved her.

She's pretty.

All right...

Go tell the doctor to examine her before he leaves.

If she is contagious, don't even ask me to let her stay.

Give her dress to the washer. We don't need this filth here.

What are you waiting for? Go.

What are you doing?

I unpacked your things, ma'am.

Why sneak up on me?

Did you do it on purpose?

Tell me!

I came to ask if you needed something.

Do my hair.

It has come undone on my way.

I'm sorry, ma'am.

Be careful.

I'm sorry.

Almost done.

Let's buckle it now. Let me heat up the irons.

No! Don't you dare!

Shall I leave it like that?

I said go! Do what you're told!

Orysia!

Orysia, what?

Did Nazar hurt you?

Is that why you rejected him? Come on, tell me.

If he hit you, I'll...

-Orysia! -No, it's the mistress.

I didn't do anything wrong!

And she yelled at me

and threw me out.

She probably thinks

I want to kill her.

Lukyan,

I even prayed for her.

I always thought our mistress was so nice, and she...

Don't cry, my darling. Don't torture yourself.

These nobles are weird.

It will be fine. You'll see.

I'll go to Kiev, become an engineer,

make some money and buy you out.

Myself, too.

Nobody will hurt you while I'm here, my sweetheart.

Here.

I brought it for you from Sorochintsy.

Isn't it pretty?

Don't.

I don't want anything, Lukyan.

Even freedom isn't freedom

with someone you don't love,

and with the one you love

you see sunshine even in a dark pit.

I'm sorry.

But...

It's all right.

It's all right.

What happened to me?

My head is all woozy.

The doctor said you got a cold.

I...

I was soaked by the rain...

and then...

spent the night under a bridge.

Are you on the run?

I need to go. Where is my bag?

Hush. Where are you going?

You can't go out like this. Don't you dare.

Somebody stole your bag.

Don't worry, the Madame won't kick you out.

She only looks mean, but she has a heart of gold.

Who is she?

Liubov Vasilyevna, the owner of this establishment.

What establishment?

This one.

Madame Makarova's.

Is it a hotel?

A house of tolerance.

Well... a brothel.

A brothel?

Katia!

Easy, easy.

Lie down.

Is Natalya Aleksandrovna sick?

Yes. Migraine.

Have Orysia flogged.

It's her fault that Natalie is in this state.

Also, make sure that nobody ever mentioned

the Shefer incident in her presence.

Do you understand?

-Will do. -Go.

My angel. You're killing yourself.

Enough.

It's all over.

"My dear and unforgettable Yelena Aleksandrovna.

Blah-blah-blah...

many ordeals...

your support..."

Yes. Come in.

May I?

Here, Ivan Fiodorovich.

For your time and work.

Thank you, Liubov Vasilyevna.

It's more than we...

This is for your trouble with our guest.

Well, how is she?

I hope she isn't contagious. It's not cholera, is it?

Don't worry. Nothing serious. No cholera, no typhoid.

She just got cold. It's autumn, after all.

Will she live?

She is in grave condition.

She is weak and undernourished,

but there is a chance. Yes.

She will survive with good treatment and nourishment. Of course she will.

How long will she be like this?

A week or two.

Here, put these mustard plasters on her feet.

I will give you a prescription

for this medicine.

Order it at Firsman's drugstores.

Others might sell you a fake.

How about women's diseases? Will she be able to work?

What diseases?

Your miss is a virgin intact.

Is she, now?

Well.

And my girls?

Are they healthy?

I have bad news, Liubov Vasilyevna.

One of your wards has syphilis.

Who is the lucky one?

I met my sweetheart in Chernigov...

goddamn him.

I fell in love at first sight.

He was so handsome.

Later he brought me here, to Kiev.

At first, it was nice.

We got along just well.

What happened then?

Then?

His friends came to visit...

got drunk...

and gang-raped me.

I was such a fool I didn't expect it.

I started yelling that I'd go to the police.

So they beat me half to death and threw me in a ditch.

They left me for dead.

And I would be dead if not for Madame.

I'll keep kissing her hands for as long as I live.

She raised me back to health.

What are you sewing?

A wedding blouse.

See...

the embroidery is so fine and fancy.

It will take a long time to finish it.

I made a wish to get married as soon as I finish it.

You think nobody will marry me after the brothel?

Things happen.

That's right.

Look at Roza from Madame Kotovskaya's house.

She was so skinny, and with a crooked nose.

Nobody would give more than a ruble for her.

And still she married a grocer from Goncharnaya St.

Maybe I'll get lucky, too.

Kiev is a big city.

Will you talk again?

Will you upset the mistress?

Enough.

-What are you-- -Enough!

Yakov Yuhymovych.

The mistress wants to see you. She says it's urgent.

That's enough for today.

Nazar...

Nazar!

Nazar!

I need another chambermaid.

You should know Orysia has learned her lesson.

I said I need another one!

I see.

Thank God we have enough bondmaids here.

Yakov, you don't understand.

I need a free girl.

Where will I find you one? Pavlina is the only free woman here.

All right.

Let Pavlina take care of me in the mornings.

-She's a cook. -So what?

So what, Yakov?

It's not her job.

I can't give her orders. She is a free woman.

-Maybe we can find someone in the city. -No.

Call Pavlina. I'll talk to her myself.

What are you waiting for, Yakov? Call her.

And put a deadbolt on my door.

-A deadbolt? -Yes.

A big and sturdy one. The one that can't be broken.

This lock is too weak.

It's a shame to disfigure a nice door.

Yakov, do what you were told.

Honestly, I always wished your fate for myself.

My fate?

You live at the manor,

wear nice dresses,

play the piano, and talk like a lady.

And this handsome landlord fell in love with you.

Tell me about it!

There is nothing to tell.

He brought me here, to Kiev.

We got married here.

And then?

Then...

Then he died.

Died?

He was so young.

You poor thing!

It's beautiful.

You have hands of gold.

If I don't find a fiancé, at least I can wear it at my funeral.

What?

Vasilina, Madame wants to see you.

Madame!

Come in and close the door.

You don't work here anymore.

Get your things and get out.

What?

Why?

Liubov Vasilyevna, I can make any customer happy.

Any whim!

Everybody was always happy with me. Some even paid double.

No more clients for you.

Why?

We don't need syphilis here.

What?

You have syphilis, you idiot.

To Grigoriy Petrovich Chervinsky.

Grig?

Did you miss me?

I missed you.

I missed you, Grisha. I was unhappy there.

I'm so lonely.

And this premonition... It's eating me from the inside.

Find something to do.

These horrible people, Grisha...

My darling.

Look, it's a wonderful day.

Great weather.

The business is doing great. And you...

Please spare me this flood.

-Grisha... -I'll be back for dinner.

I want you, no, I demand you to smile when I come.

-Gri... -That's all.

Yakov.

You called me your daughter, Liubov Vasilyevna.

Why did you save me that day?

I wish I died in that ditch, Liubov Vasilyevna.

Please don't send me away. I can do anything.

Mop the floors, empty the slops... Anything!

All right.

You can stay.

But you have to get treatments. Maybe you'll be lucky.

You'll stay in the closet. Don't come into your old room.

-The woman will bring your stuff. -Thank you, Liubov Vasilyevna.

Don't come close to the girls, their clothes, their things!

Not to mention the clients.

-I-- -All right.

All right.

Now tell me...

about this girl of yours.

What is her name?

Katerina Kosach.

We were at the same estate.

A gentleman fell in love with her.

He was so taken by her that he bought her out and married her.

So she's married?

No, a widow.

The gent died right after the wedding.

It was a famous love story. The talk of the whole area.

But he died, and now she is struggling.

This looks bad.

It will take a lot of money to restore it.

It won't.

I'm not going to live here.

But we need to clean this up.

You'll be a temporary steward here.

Thank you, sir.

Yes.

Inspect the estate.

Give me a report tonight.

Also...

find out which family our Katerina used to stay with.

Why?

I mean, why talk about the dead?

Do what you were told.

Yes, sir.

Mr. Chervinsky.

Hello.

Call the bondmen here. Let them meet...

their new master.

What is it? Why are you flattened against the wall?

Scared of the infection?

Are you made of sugar?

Is it true that syphilis makes your nose fall out?

Hush, you idiot.

You'll find out when you get it.

-I just... -Get out of here.

Now!

It's all right. You'll get better.

There are all these ointments and medicines.

You'll be as good as new.

Yeah...

You aren't going to die.

So what?

How will I live?

This isn't the only way to earn money.

Here.

Drink it.

It'll make you feel better.

Why are you eating standing up like a horse?

Hello.

I'm Liubov Vasilyevna.

You can call me Madame. Sit down.

-Katia. -I know.

Vasilina told me all about you. So, you're free.

Do you have a passport?

I had it.

I lost it with my bag.

Did you? You should be more careful. Do you have family?

No.

No family, no friends.

Why did you come to Kiev?

I have a letter of recommendation.

Where is my dress?

It's in the laundry.

You were found in the street. It was filthy.

-The letter was in its pocket. -Let it stay with me.

You said it yourself: you're an airhead.

You lost your passport. Also, you're sick.

You can faint at any moment.

There are all sorts of people around.

Thank you.

I won't stay here long.

I'm not going to charge you much.

The rent, the medicine, and the doctor's fees.

I have money. It's inside the envelope with the letter.

-Take as much as you need. -Oh. There wasn't any money in it.

What?

There was 85 rubles.

It's all I have.

Are you saying...

I'm a thief?

I said it wasn't there!

Maybe Vasilina took it. Or one of the girls.

Please give me the letter back.

I will. As soon as you pay me.

You can take my word for it.

The Korenevs' mansion.

Wow.

Listen.

Go to the vice-governor's mansion

and find out discreetly

if they expect a Katerina Kosach. Got it?

Go there and ask.

Ask discreetly. Discreetly!

Got it.

Why are you standing here?

Bow to your new master. Move it!

That's enough.

That's enough.

Is this a good way to start an acquaintance?

I'm used to treating people well,

and for them to treat me well in return.

My name is Grigoriy Petrovich Chervinsky.

My estate is not far from here.

It's the one who was harassing our Katia.

I'm a strict but just master.

Yakov can confirm it.

This is Yakov Yuhymovych, your new steward.

Not as nice as me, but...

also just.

Always listen to him.

He's singing a sweet song, but we'll be crying.

It can't get any worse.

Remember my words.

I don't like his eyes.

How dare you...

burn your mistress's property?

We didn't. It caught fire.

-It caught fire! -We didn't do anything.

It wasn't us. It was strangers.

Why didn't you stop them?

All right.

For failing to protect your mistress's property,

I fine you for 30 rubles from every household.

-Where will we get it? -Where?

-Where? -Sir, where can we find the money?

I don't know. And I don't care.

One more thing.

Whose house did Katerina Verbitskaya used to live in?

I promise...

you won't regret it.

There are such violets in this garden...

But you're paying.

Of course.

Look who is here.

Come in.

Mr. Romashko, we're so happy to see you.

It has been a while.

Liubov Vasilyevna, my greetings.

Is Mimi downstairs?

Yes, waiting for you. Come in.

They've brought Italian liqueurs and cognac today. Come in, gentlemen.

Is Lionia back? What did he find out? What did the vice-governor say?

Nobody ever heard of Katerina Kosach at their house.

That's wonderful.

Come in, gentlemen.

You haven't been here for a while.

The same old faces.

I wish there would be at least one young man.

They are all alike. As long as they pay me and don't hit me.

I wish Zhadan came.

Last time he brought raspberry ice cream for everyone.

Ice cream?

I love it to pieces. Does he come often?

It depends.

Sometimes he stays for a week, and sometimes he doesn't come for a month.

How often does he come? Does he have a favorite girl?

Look at her! She wants Andrey Andreyevich for herself.

Grow up, birdie.

Madame.

Why are we here? Get up, smile, and work. Work!

Here comes your bagel man.

Goddamn it.

He almost crushed me once. I thought I'd die.

Give him to me. I don't mind.

No way.

He is my golden wallet.

My sweetheart!

My darling, come to me. My dear.

M. Van Gell!

Are you bored?

On a night like this?

I was...

waiting a long time.

I hope.

You promise.

I remembered you today.

That's why I sent for you.

You have?

-Yes. -I'm ready. Now. Go.

Patience, my friend. Patience.

The girl is here, but she isn't quite ready.

I want to see.

She's calm like a morning in May.

And very beautiful.

But she needs to recover first.

You'll have to wait a couple days. Your dream will come true.

Madame, I'm a businessman.

I give some money in advance.

-Yes. -But I want everything honest.

Is the girl an honest virgin?

Don't you doubt it.

I hope this is enough.

Well... Not quite.

Knowing your interest, your special passion...

What if something happens to the girl during your game?

What is her name?

Katia.

Kitty, in your language.

-Kitty? -Kitty.