Original subtitles

VLASIK THE SHADOW OF LONELINESS

From some point on, Stalin’s life resembled a life

in a besieged fortress.

His trust to his companions was constantly withering.

He thought that each one of them could stab him in the back.

He scared them with the purges of 1937 and 1938,

but he wouldn't ever trust anyone again.

The loneliness of those in power.

He read Machiavelli and Karamzin about it in

but he already couldn't help it.

That's what usually happens to absolute power.

It takes you hostage and does not let go until the end,

often taking your private life from you.

The shadow of Nadezhda Alliluyeva and her suicide

will haunt his home till the very end.

Stalin didn't think of marrying again. The kids were growing fast.

Before his eyes, Svetlana was turning

into a wayward young girl with a very uneasy character.

Vasily left to study in the Crimea, in the famous Kacha Aviation School.

Vlasik helped him to get in.

From time to time, he was checking his progress

and reporting to Stalin.

As for Vlasik himself, as his position grew stronger,

more and more people gathered around him

showing their respect and promising eternal friendship.

In fact, they wanted something else.

They wanted the things

that knowing the almighty head of Stalin' security could bring them.

Part 8

Volodya!

Oh! Why is the door wide open?

Look who's here!

Hi! Listen, I just got back from Rostov. I was staging a sport event there.

- Come on! - No.

What? Why?

- I don’t recognize you! - Why?

We are finishing the village for the guards.

Next to the boss’ "dacha".

So we'd live in normal conditions,

not squeezed.

Well…

It’s a pity that Miron is busy now.

- We miss him. - Well...

But we'll manage without him. I gotta go now.

Come tonight. We'll have the girls

- from the Bolshoy corps de ballet. - I am not sure.

Why not?

Wait! Why did you come at all?

Ah! Volodya...

Do you know some...

...professor of culture?

I need one, urgently.

Oh, my dear! Of course I know culture professors.

Come tonight. I'll give you the address.

Cholera.

What, you are doing culture now?

Okay, I'll tell Miron to do it.

- Please. - Thank you.

First Volodya Stenberg

and then your boss, Vlasik.

They said, you had some important matter.

Affirmative.

Will you be able to…

…teach us some culture?

Please excuse me!

Again, please excuse me.

Culture, isn’t it?

Very well. Okay…

I saw you and I saw Vlasik.

I need to see other comrades that are looking for culture.

Sure thing! Let's go?

I have five minutes.

Thank you.

Well…

- Thanks! - You are such a stud, baby.

Why do you keep staring at this prostitute?

That’s a business matter. And why do you think she’s a prostitute?

- She seems a decent woman to me. - Oh, baby!

What kind of cop are you if you can't tell a prostitute

from a decent woman?

"Cleopatra" perfume. Only those girls use it.

Flowers.

- One bouquet, please. - Here.

Keep the change.

- That’s a surprise. - Thank you. Thanks.

Be bored for 20 seconds, darling.

- My dear! - Yes?

What did that man tell you?

The customers often ask me to order a taxi for them.

Can I see the address?

I am a very diligent waiter.

17 Frantsuzky Pereulok, entrance No. 3. Good job!

Go on being diligent now.

Say a word about this, and you’d be a dead diligent waiter.

- You get it? - Comrade, I am very, very diligent.

Okay, go.

I am sorry. Let’s raise a toast to you.

To me?

Varvara Grigoryevna, please come in.

Come in.

Sit down.

Please hold on. I'll call my men, alright?

Yeah.

Varvara Grigoryevna!

Please let us… Guys, come on in!

Come on! Move!

This is from our greenhouse, they are home-grown!

- Congrats, Varvara Grigoryevna! - Thank you!

Out of respect for your achievements!

Thank you!

- Thank you! - Thank you!

Yes!

I am very touched.

Thank you so much!

So that's you who need to be taught some culture?

Well…

Greetings! May I come in?

Come in.

Well… What are they up to?

I’ve been standing under their windows till morning.

It was cold like hell.

- Take some tea over there. - Thanks.

- Can I have a pie? - Sure.

Thanks!

Well…

So? Tell me. Come on, sit down!

So Parulava went out at 3 AM, and the other one stuck there till 8.

The lady's still there.

She's asleep. She probably worked too much.

And here's more for you.

From a photographer that I know.

He's paid to make the photos of these girls from special apartments.

They have a special name for it. Reclamation or something like that.

Very well. We'll check that apartment.

I could go there and check while the lady is still in bed.

Slava, go to sleep! Have some rest!

So what do we have here?

These Beria fellows build their spy network

with the help of the prostitutes?

We'll find it out, Slava, and we'll report it.

- Take some rest now. - Yes!

- Can I have one more? - Yes.

Thanks!

- And bring that glass back. - Sure. I’ll wash it too.

- Please. - Thank you!

- Hello, Varvara Grigoryevna! - Hello, comrade!

- How was your ride? - Oh...

I am surprised that Vlasik hasn't fired you all yet.

We went very slow, like the turtles.

And the great Russian classic said,

"And what Russian does not love fast driving?”

Tell me, which great Russian author wrote these words?

- Tolstoy? You are a dumbhead!

It was Pushkin!

Oh my God!

They don't pass, comrade stage director!

- It was Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol! - Well done, Istomina!

Come on, sit down now.

Sit down. Come on. Well, Istomina, you can improve your achievement.

Tell us.

And what Russian does not love fast driving?

How can his soul, which yearns to get into a whirl,

to carouse, to say sometimes: "Devil take it all!" –

how can his soul not love it?

Gogol, "Dead Souls", the poema.

Bravo, Istomina! Well, let’s go now.

Well done!

- I wanted to say it was Gogol. - Why didn’t you? You said, Pushkin.

- Who is this Baba Yaga? - Who’s Baba Yaga?

That’s our stage director. Mordovtseva, Varvara Grigoryevna.

- She trained Stanislavsky himself! - Oh.

The old regime lady.

Isn’t she a widow of General Mordovtsev?

We’ll make a theatre here. Vlasik has approved her.

It was hard to convince her. She’s very sick.

She's a tough one but very fair too.

Stay, I beseech you!

One blow! one deadly blow!

Again forsaken!

Draw thy sword, and have mercy upon me!

Oh, for heaven's sake! by all that is merciful!

I ask no longer for love.

I know that our stars fly from each other in opposition.

Death is all I ask.

Forsaken.

Forsaken!

Take that word in all its dreadful import!

Forsaken!

I cannot survive it!

Thou knowest well that no woman can survive that.

All I ask is death.

See, my hand trembles!

I have not courage to strike the blow.

I shrink from the gleaming blade!

To thee it is so easy,

so very easy; thou art a master in murder-draw

thy sword, and make me happy!

And he just…

My Carl! My darling Carl!

Valya! It is horrifying!

You are quite an actress.

And where is this...

The whitey...

- The agronome's daughter? - Valya Istomina. But she is…

- She’s busy. - Oh.

I’ll have the tea later. Later.

I’ll take a walk now.

Matryona…

And give me that.

Busy…

Well, comrades, here comes the finale of Schiller's great tragedy.

We can sink our audience in tears. Well, are you ready?

We’ll do our best, Varvara Grigoryevna.

- Is it okay if I don’t fall today? - Why? What’s wrong?

- I dragged the cisterns and hurt my back. - What cisterns?

Comrade Mironov! Why do the actresses have to drag some cisterns?

- What cisterns? - I don’t know. Some cisterns.

Because our actresses work at the kitchen at their spare time.

With all due respect, Varvara Grigoryevna.

Don’t you have men?

It is it is inexcusable! Are you married?

Does she drag cisterns too?

Amelia with her back hurting.

This is just… An artistic move.

It is a strange choice of play, don’t you think?

- And what is the play? - "The Robbers".

Be quiet, or this nasty old bones will throw us out.

Let’s get started.

Is it possible for a great sinner to return?

No.

No!

A great sinner…

…never can return.

Tis all as it should be.

Tis all as it should be!

I sought to turn back the tide of time

and bring back

my immortal soul.

But He…

He had none of it.

When He sought me…

…I would not!

Now that I…

…seek him,

He will not.

Oh!

Don't you see that I am ready to die

- if you are the messenger of death? - Istomina! What about passion?

The passion! You’ll be stabbed in a few minutes.

Hold on.

Well, the talents are in short supply here.

You are quite a connoisseur, aren’t you?

Go on with your lines.

Blind fool that I was!

Blind fool that I was.

I dreamt of amending this world with my unrightful deeds

- and maintaining law with unlawfulness. - One blow!

One deadly blow!

Draw thy sword, and have mercy upon me!

Away with thee!

Away with thee!

Away with thee.

- I kill no woman. - He is so sincere, it’s amazing.

What a keen eye you have.

So that's what keeps her busy in her spare time.

- An actress, damn it. - Comrades, we are not bothering you?

I am sorry. I am sorry.

- What are you… - Let’s go.

Varvara Grigoryevna!

- One more time? - Yes.

Blind fool that I was!

Well, well, well.

Blind fool that I was!

Yes...

I didn't expect that from Vlasik.

What, Joseph Vissarionovich? Building such a village for his men?

Not for his men,

comrade Nakashidze.

They are my guards.

I was surprised that he established this theatre.

That's what I am saying. The art to the people.

Very wise of him, comrade Stalin.

It’s a different issue.

Why didn't they choose a Russian play?

That's exactly what I want to talk about. It's a very strange choice of a play.

Although I think

that Schiller is a very powerful author.

And this play seems quite modern in our days.

Comrade Stalin, you are so very right. Schiller is a pride of world literature.

I am sorry,

Alexandra Maksimilianovna.

I really enjoy walking in a hallway all alone.

Such a wise woman!

It's even scary.

How is your back, Valentina Vasilyevna?

I can’t hear you.

It is fine now.

Very good. But please don't drag any heavy cisterns anymore.

Don’t do that.

There are men in the kitchen for doing so.

I won’t, comrade Stalin.

What's going on there, Valentina Vasilyevna?

Where, comrade Stalin? At the kitchen?

No.

In your recreation room.

We…

- We are… - Staging a play?

Yes.

"The Robbers" by Schiller.

Vlasik wanted to engage everyone.

Even the bathhouse guy, Dubinin, plays one of the robbers.

We need to improve our culture.

And why…

…didn’t you choose a Russian play?

We wanted "The Government Inspector" but it has a complicated set

and the costumes. And then comrade Mordovtseva offered us Schiller.

- Mordovtseva? - Yes, she’s directing us.

She is very tough,

very honored and serious, comrade Stalin.

I saw that. Well,

theatre is a good thing.

It is useful and…

It is truly necessary for a culture education. Truly.

But I'd like to ask you. In the evenings,

please attend to your duties and…

Nevertheless keep bringing me my tea.

I will attend to my duties.

May I go?

Valentina, why do we have a feast today?

It's way too much for me!

Take all this away and keep just the soup and the wine.

Okay?

Unfortunately, I can’t do anything about it.

No. The NKVD has the right to come and search even at my home.

Comrade Alliluyev!

That's okay. You can always call me, Pasha. Yes.

If I will be able to help, I’ll do that.

Send my regards to Sergey Yakovlevich.

Have a nice day.

Vlasik, I'd like to ask you one question.

How do you get along with Beria?

In general, comrade Beria is a great professional, comrade Stalin.

Right?

You know,

you'll have to go to Kacha.

But isn’t visiting Vasily comrade Beria’s responsibility?

I know. I forgot to send Vasya some books.

I am asking you as a friend...

Can you fly over there for a day?

Yes, comrade Stalin. I’ll fly to Kacha for a day.

Very good.

Thank you.

I’ll write a letter to Vasya now.

And you can go in thirty minutes.

Yes, comrade Stalin!

Schiller!

One more thing, comrade Stalin. I'd like to go to Kacha.

- I haven’t been there for a while. - Vlasik is there.

He’s checking on Vasya.

- He’s coming back tomorrow. - This is great, comrade Stalin.

It is very wise of you, as usual.

They are used to my people in Kacha now,

and Vlasik is keen, thorough and meticulous.

He’ll take a good look and he’ll report whatever is essential.

Now, if we are talking about Vlasik...

Since I am his direct boss now, I think it is mandatory

that he notifies me of any trips, wherever they might be.

- Lavrentiy! - What?

I told you this recently.

Cool off!

Cool off.

Don't touch Vlasik.

I comply.

I understand.

That’s alright. We survived Beria, and we’ll survive Vlasik too.

Yes! Come in.

Hello, comrade Ivanov!

Comrade State Security Senior Major!

Let's not waste our time. How is it going

with your cadet Vasily Stalin?

There were several violations at the beginning.

He was late for his training.

He argued with the group foreman.

But it’s history, right?

Affirmative, comrade Senior Major of the State Security.

- It’s history. - And how is he doing now?

His discipline has radically improved recently.

Cadet Vasily Stalin

openly admits and eliminates his faults.

He shows excellent attention in flight.

His piloting is vibrant and free.

He performs flights at high altitude with oxygen.

The training units breakdown. Take-off – excellent.

Climbing – excellent. Touch-down...

Come in!

Comrade headmaster! Cadet Stalin is at your service!

At ease!

I’ll be right back.

- Come on! Sit down! - Uncle Vlasik!

Dad couldn’t come, right?

He’s waiting for you at home at the school break. Hi!

- Well, how've you been? How are the guys? - It's all good.

Timur Frunze is getting settled.

Lyosha Khruschev failed at geography lesson yesterday.

But did you bring any milk jam?

Of course I did. I also brought churchkela and cornel, and some books from your dad.

Comrade Ivanov, let's take a walk?

Sure.

I'll see you later. Follow me!

I need a duty officer here. Right now!

- Good morning, Valentina Vasilievna! - Good morning, comrade Stalin!

No, I’ll manage.

Valentina, would you like to take a ride with us?

- Dad, we are late! - That's okay, Svetlanka!

We won't be. I am trying to lure Valentina Vasilievna to take a ride,

- but she is... - We have no spare seats!

We promised to take Marfusha and Sergo with us.

She’s my bosso.

Thank you.

You are offending me, Kolya! I’ll find you the best girls! Hi!

Hi there! Alik, the usual for us.

You know, one barber told me

that there are several apartments in the city for...

You know, for serious men looking for something.

They've got these girls. Just see them, and you forget the world.

Hold on, Kolya!

Let's agree! No NKVD tricks.

I am giving you this address so you could have fun,

- not raiding the place. - Come on, Volodya!

I am telling you, it's just for me.

- And maybe another couple of comrades. - Great! Alik!

- But please don’t forget the password! - I won’t. Don’t worry.

- Great! Is Robert at the kitchen? - Yes.

Then the dinner is a success.

Someone came by yesterday night and talked to mom at the porch.

Then she came in running like a crazy and started kissing us.

Nadya, sweetheart, not so fast. Slow down.

I’ve heard her telling grandma of a one-handed man

who brought some news about the father.

But then there were some loud voices and both playing boys joined the...

Nadya, sunshine, ask who is calling.

And if it is dad, what shall I lie to him? About the work trip?

Hello!

Yes, Lilya.

What?

What about Sushka?

They took him? How? When?

Hello! Wait, Lilya, don’t cry!

You?

Lilya, please calm down. When Kolya comes, I…

Hello! Hello, Lilya!

- Honey, please bring your mom her drops. - The valerian drops?

Yes.

Just a second.

Put me through to 2-7-9. It's urgent.

Kolya, my dear, please pick up the phone.

Where are you, Kolya?

- Good afternoon! - Welcome!

Well…

72-10.

He is not here.

The wife? Put her through.

Yes, Lyuda!

What is it, Lyuda?

The perfect "ondulation".

By paying tip, you insult the Soviet barber!

I just love insulting the Soviet barbers. I hope I insulted you enough.

Many thanks!

Please let me.

- In fact, I come from Volodya. - Just a second.

You can keep the second part of the password.

Are you interested in a specific girl?

Here.

You have a very good taste. That's our gold reserve.

If you made your choice, I’ll give you the address.

Yes, of course.

Here you are.

Thank you. Have a nice day.

You came to take me?

I came to visit you.

Lock the door.

You are gritty, bitch!

Like a chancre!

Come on!

Roly poly!

I am asking you again.

When have you been recruited?

Which member of the Trotskyist gang you were to contact in Spain?

What mission did Vlasik give you?

Vlasik?

He’s gonna kill you when he finds out.

You hear that?

We started working with your wife.

Yes!

And then your daughter's turn will come.

You’ll die!

You’ll die, bitch! You’ll die!

Guards!

Enough!

Dispatch him.

Come on! You’ll bring me your Vlasik on a plate!

Hey, you! Stop screaming.

We don’t need it anymore.

Is it enough?

It’s too much.

Don’t see me off. I’ll find my way out.

Thank you!

Well, girl… Let’s go.

I am Natasha Sushkova. Sergey's daughter.

Let’s go, Sergey’s daughter.

Give me your hand.

- Where are they taking the girl? - An orphanage, probably.

I feel sorry for Lilya.

She made me injections.

- And she brought me herring! - But her husband’s a public enemy.

I feel sorry for the girl.

Let’s go. Lemeshev will be singing on the radio.

Look at her! She feels sorry.

Do you recognize?

Don’t look at me like that.

Moreover, since Judith couldn’t behead Holofernes…

You were very young and inexperienced then.

- Uncle Lara could forgive a first-timer. - He did. He even offered me a job.

Listen…

There was no day when I did not think about you.

That’s good.

That’s a good thing that you are at such a good standing

with our uncle.

You have to do something for me.

I am an idiot.

I am such an idiot.

You are an idiot.

There was no day when I did not think about you.

I’ll take you out of here.

We’ll be together.

Do you believe me?

Now listen carefully.

Hey! Such a nice morning!

Miron!

Did you see how nice it is?

What is it?

Miron!

They arrested Sushka.

And Lilya too.

And Natasha has disappeared.

Lyuda told me.

She asked you to call.