Original subtitles

TV3 CHANNEL AND SREDA PRODUCTION COMPANY PRESENT

A FILM BY EGOR BARANOV

It's not salty enough.

Just add more bacon.

SOMEWHERE NEAR DIKANKA VILLAGE And it will be salty.

Don't pretend you're so clever!

I don't like it here.

It's a godforsaken place.

[Pensive music]

I'm on my way to Khortitsa, to visit my friend Taras.

We'll go fight the Turks - it will pay well

and I'll get a piece of land with peasants.

One can strike it rich even here.

Look, Petrovich is back!

With some loot!

Sorry, friends, nothing good came my way.

But I brought you a girl instead. To have fun with!

Now we're talking!

It's hard without a girl, for sure.

And you called it a godforsaken place!

[Maniacal laughter]

I'd rather you had brought us some salt.

Have mercy! My father and I will pray for you!

Don't worry, we aren't going to hurt you!

We're not animals, after all.

You don't need to fear us.

Hello there, traveler!

Have you lost your way?

Just look at his horse's harness!

It looks expensive.

And his horse is a good one too.

Well, how about we talk things over?

[Pensive music]

[Quivering]

GOGOL. ORIGINS

CHAPTER 1 MURDERS IN DIKANKA

BASED ON NIKOLAI GOGOL’S WORKS Miss Elena Atashinskaya.

ST. PETERSBURG, 1829 Found dead in her living room.

The victim has suffered burns

to her right hand.

There are marks of asphyxiation on the neck.

That's a nice nightgown, a French one.

No need to write that down.

Mr. Nikolai Gogol!

Start writing!

My wife bought chicken for dinner.

If I'm late, my kids will leave me nothing.

- So start writing! - Sorry.

[Dramatic music]

- Mr. Guro! - How are you, Mr. Kovaleysky?

Good, Mr. Guro.

I must say I wasn't expecting to see you here.

[Dramatic music]

Mr. Nikolai Gogol, what is it? Again?

Just look at him. Our Gogol had another fit of his.

- Gogol? - Gogol.

Is that your real surname?

I'm Nikolai Gogol-Yanovsky.

I had a friend whose surname was Omelet.

- Are you the clerk? - I am.

I told them he needs to get treatment, otherwise I don't want him as a partner.

So this Atashinskaya was going to marry Kirenin, the merchant.

He turned out to be well-connected, so he

contacted the Governor to help solve this case.

Obviously, this killing and robbery is the work of the Klimovskys.

Murder, robbery...

They broke in, strangled her, unlocked the coffer,

and took all the money.

We can arrange a couple of raids, maybe they'll turn in the murderer.

He knew her.

Excuse me?

The murderer knew her very well, and they were intimate.

See, it has started again!

So, clerk, you've written everything down? You may go now!

May I?

A volcano, a cross, and a lamb.

- What does it all mean? - I don't know, it wrote itself.

Itself?

A volcano, a cross, and a lamb...

Does it make any sense to you, Mr. Kovaleysky?

Volcano is her horse's name.

Did she have a coachman?

Here he is,

Ivan Somov - her coachman and her servant.

She didn't leave any heirs, so he'll be put to auction, and then...

as luck would have it.

My, my, Ivan! What a tragedy!

Are you a Christian, Ivan?

- Of course! - Good.

Then show me...

your cross!

Listen, Nikolai... What's your patronymic?

- Vasilyevich. - Nikolai Vasilyevich...

See the scratch marks on her palm?

Do they remind you of anything?

Hm.

- The cross? - Yes, the cross.

She tore it off the attacker when he was strangling her,

and then she clenched it in her hand.

Well, well, well... The lamb...

"Lamb" - is that what you called her

when you were in private?

Because of her curls...

Did you love your lady, Ivan?

I did. I loved her more than life itself.

And she loved me too.

Then why did she decide to marry another man?

'Cause she was broke.

That's why she agreed to marry this Ingrian...

She said, "I can't live like this any more, Ivan. "

"I just can't!"

And I don't know how it all happened!

[Sobbing]

Take him away when he's done crying.

Gentlemen, congratulations: case closed.

Especially you, Mr. Gogol.

Write a detailed report, but go easy on the whole Lamb thing.

Well, Kovaleysky, you owe Gogol now.

You'll be given credit for this, not him.

Tell me more about his fits.

He blacks out sometimes.

And it has been happening more and more often recently.

- Is he afraid of blood? - We don't know.

He can black out even if there's no blood.

But he'll certainly faint at a murder scene.

And if it's something less serious, like theft or

domestic violence, then he normally doesn't faint.

And does he always write something while he is unconscious?

Usually he does.

Moving his hand with the quill in it...

- Usually it makes no sense. - No sense?

Maybe you just can't decipher it, Kovaleysky?

- Let's meet again! - Yes.

[Children playing]

[Dramatic music]

"Hans Kuchelgarten" by Mr. Alov - do you have it?

Hmm, Alov...

Yes, we do, 18 cents.

Eighteen cents? Tell him you want a discount.

We paid 16 cents at Zakharov's shop.

Yakim, wait outside.

I'd like to buy every copy of this book.

Let's see... One, two, three, four...

First you pay your own money to print them,

then you pay your own money to buy them.

And then you burn them all.

Your dear mother secured you a job with the Secret Police.

But instead of just doing your job, you'd rather be a writer.

Then you wait when the critics start criticizing you,

you weep like a girl and burn your own books.

Everyone has normal masters but me.

Yakim, I'll sell you to the Crimean Tatars!

They cut out the tongues of people like you.

I'll sell you and then buy you back, but this time without your tongue, got it?

Yeah, but you won't be able to buy me back

'cause you won't have any money left.

You'll have spent it all on your books, Mr. Nikolai.

Yakim, remember about the Crimean Tatars!

Alright!

[Dramatic music]

POLTAVA

MIRGOROD

[Horse neighs]

Life experience is just firewood to a writer.

It disappears during the process of writing, just like these books do.

The more you suffer, the better the writer you are.

So, worry not, Mr. Gogol, the best is yet to come.

Sorry for dropping in on you unannounced.

I'm leaving today, and maybe for a long time.

I was driving by and decided to pay you a visit.

I wanted to say that it was a pleasure to meet you and work with you,

From me to you.

Thank you.

[Clears throat]

I...

I've heard a lot about you.

That you are an investigator who can solve the most difficult cases.

That's what people say.

Yes...

Good bye!

- Wait! - What is it?

- Where are you heading? - To Poltava Province.

I have a matter of great urgency there.

Something tells me it might be one of the most interesting cases in my career.

You are going to need a clerk there, no?

Take me with you.

Will you manage?

The case is difficult, and the journey is long.

- And these fits of yours... - I'm sure I'll manage.

Moreover, I was born in that province.

I can prove useful to you.

Well, Mr. Gogol, you've got 5 minutes to get ready.

[Closes door]

[Dramatic music]

The bodies of young women have been found near Dikanka village.

Three bodies. So far.

Do you think they'll find more?

And most likely these are ritual murders.

The locals are poorly educated and thus - superstitious.

There are rumors about Gypsies, an evil spirit, a Masonic conspiracy.

Obviously, "these damn Muscovites" will get their share of accusations too.

You and I need to catch the murderer as soon as possible.

Or the murderers.

[Dramatic music]

[Dramatic music continues]

MIRGOROD

POLTAVA

Did you sleep well?

We're almost there.

[Horse steps]

[Pleasant music]

[Horse steps]

DIKANKA VILLAGE

[Dramatic music]

[Pensive music]

That's what I was afraid of.

[Opens door]

Mr. Guro, welcome!

Have some bread!

We'd rather have some bacon and borscht.

Of course.

Let's go to my place - the table is set, the meal is hot.

Come, you'll be staying at my place.

And who are you, my dear?

I'm Alexander Binkh, head of the local police.

And they are...

Or better yet, let's go to my place, you'll get to know everyone there.

Don't take it personally, but we'd rather stay at the inn.

That's what we are used to.

Of course.

So, where's the girl?

To be honest, we haven't even thought about it, but...

I think it can be arranged.

Mr. Binkh, where is the murdered girl?

You got a message -

to keep the body in an ice-cellar until the investigator arrives.

It's against the Christian tradition! What would we tell her family?

And who would agree to keep a dead body in their ice-cellar?

Mr. Guro, we are on the same side,

and we don't want to cause anxiety among the locals.

Our goal is to find the murderer as soon as possible.

We'll be exhuming the body today.

You want to dig her up?

- What do you mean by "digging her up"? - As usual, Father, with a shovel.

You've got good soil here, so it won't take us long.

Holy Mother of God!

It has been agreed then.

He refused to live at my place... Are they trying to dig up dirt on us?

Why would he? We are no big wigs.

Who knows what he will find here?

"You can't hide muck from a pig. "

Follow me.

Don't worry, we don't have any bed bugs.

Almost. Not more than the others do, that's for sure.

Make yourself comfortable. And your room is down the corridor.

How about some lunch, Mr. Nikolai?

I'm so hungry.

I passed by the kitchen, they have so much to offer!

They have pies, dumplings, fritters, and much more!

Mr. Nikolai, even my stomach started to growl!

Judging by the records,

a horseman was always seen not far from the crime scene.

Everyone describes him pretty much the same and calls him the Evil Spirit.

See, Mr. Gogol -

the farther you go from the capital, the stronger people's superstitions.

What's the point in murdering all these girls?

It must be some degenerate who finds pleasure in doing this.

Have you often come across such people?

Not really.

Although some time ago I had an interesting case.

One registrar, who had his coat stolen,

suddenly began to kill people.

Not just people, but officials ranking no lower than 'Counselor'.

He killed and disemboweled them,

took out their organs, then roasted and ate them.

Wow!

Mr. Gogol, do you want a bigger slice or a smaller one?

A smaller one.

What's that house over there?

The Danishevsky family lives there.

The man is not from here, he is rarely seen in public,

only on special occasions.

Well, we don't have a dead house here,

so we've arranged a shed for you.

Well, what are you going to tell us?

There's a small cut made with a sharp object above the girl's breasts.

The cut is not deep, so it couldn't have caused her death.

[Dramatic music]

Wow!

Her aorta has been severed.

Most likely by a professional - a doctor or a butcher.

How are you feeling, Mr. Gogol?

- I'm fine, Mr. Guro. - Wonderful.

The most impressive thing is that there is no blood at all.

My congratulations - you haven't fainted today.

I'm doing my best.

Although you aren't looking very well.

Hey, how about a drink?

Thanks, but if you don't need me anymore today, I'd rather take a walk.

Go ahead.

[Water ripples]

[Dramatic music]

[Screaming]

It's you?

It's me.

Am I dreaming?

As far as I know, you aren't. I can pinch you, if you want.

Where am I? How did I get here?

Our carriage ran you down.

Our coachman tried to warn you, but you didn't hear him.

Alexey and I brought you here.

And you were raving badly all the way.

Sometimes even in verse, about some Louisa.

Is she your sweetheart?

No, not at all.

She is the character of some horrible poem

that you've never read and, thank God, you never will.

Well, how is he?

He's talking about poetry.

Excellent! It means he is getting better.

I am Alexey Danishevsky.

I see you've met my wife already.

Did you introduce yourself to our dear guest?

Lisa.

Nikolai.

Yes, everyone is talking about these murders these days.

And what are they saying?

Well, nobody knows for sure,

but naturally everyone has their own theory.

Entertainment is limited here.

Local landlords enjoy doing two things -

drinking vodka and arguing about who has the most serfs.

You didn't take anything to eat. Take.

And how did you... end up here?

"My uncle, a most worthy gentleman... "

Have you read "Eugene Onegin"?

Alexey means to say he inherited his uncle's estate.

We wanted to settle all the formalities and go back to St. Petersburg,

but we got carried away by the local flavor.

Lisa, what's wrong with you? Are you alright?

No, I'm just a bit tired.

Lisa, did you forget?

[Dramatic music]

Excuse me, Nikolai.

[Dramatic music]

Don't worry.

She just needs to take her medicine regularly -

it's all about the frail female constitution.

- Have some more wine. - Thank you, but I have to go.

I'll give you a horse.

You can ride a horse, can't you?

What the hell! Go that way!

[Dramatic music]

Hey, horse, gee-up!

[Horse neighs]

[Thundering]

[Pensive music]

- Who are you? - I'm Oksana, the miller's daughter.

And what are you doing here?

The horseman who murders people was chasing me through the woods!

Nobody's chasing you.

I saw him, he's real.

Follow me.

Where to?

To warm up. I'll treat you to some tea.

[Thundering]

Thanks.

- Aren't you afraid to be out here? - What should I be afraid of?

Of the murders.

Haven't you heard?

Three girls have been killed...

so far.

More than three.

- What? - More than three.

Many girls have been murdered.

What do you mean by "many"?

What do you know?

Tell me.

Get some sleep.

Soon you'll find out for yourself.

There is time for everything.

So her name was Oksana?

Yes.

Hanna, tell me one thing,

is there a lake with a windmill in the neighborhood?

That was a long time ago.

Mr. Guro, maybe I did dream it?

The difference between a dream and reality is sometimes insignificant.

And for impressionable people like you,

there is no difference at all, I am afraid.

It is helpful when writing books,

but as for the investigation... time will tell.

Well, let's go, Mr. Gogol.

- Where to? - To the mill.

[Dramatic music]

This mill has been in ruins for 30 years now.

What do you expect to see there?

[Dramatic music]

Well, are you happy?

Did you enjoy your stroll?

The girl was here.

She said she was the miller's daughter.

And the mill was intact.

That's my coat!

I lost it here.

Are you saying it was here you saw the miller's daughter?

And that her name was Oksana?

Yes.

Dear Lord!

- What do you know about it? - Everyone knows it.

It happened about 30 years ago.

They say she was a good-looking girl... until she drowned.

And then her father went insane and hanged himself.

And her stepmother left for good.

It was a bad summer.

How could she have been the miller's daughter who drowned 30 years ago?

Mr. Guro, is your clerk capable of raising the dead?

Mr. Gogol's abilities can be beyond your understanding.

I see.

Several other girls disappeared at that time too.

A dozen of them...

You mean...

You mean to say you already had similar crimes here?

And you didn't say anything to us?

What do you think you are doing?

Do you understand why I am here?

Or are you withholding this information on purpose?

Mr. Guro, I wanted to tell you--

I'd appreciate if you answered my question!

My duty is to prevent silly gossip from spreading.

These murders cannot be connected.

Today's murderer must have been...

He might not even have been born then.

It's the Devil's doings.

And the Devil has no age.

[Pensive music]

If it hadn't been for you and this Oksana,

he would still be keeping those murders a secret.

Do you remember all the details of your night stroll?

I do, but what if it was really just a dream?

Mr. Guro, do you know a good doctor in St. Petersburg?

- I think I need a good therapist. - Why?

I might be going crazy.

We are in search of the truth, and there're only two possible ways here -

the one that leads to it, and the one that leads away from it.

You don't need to see the doctor yet.

Nikolai Gogol!

Lisa!

You are alright, thank God!

I'm fine...

How did you know... ?

The horse Alexey gave you came back covered in thorns and scratch marks.

I've been worried...

You have?

Mr. Guro, please meet...

When my time on this earth shall be past...

And the images of my dreams are cast.

Unto the wilderness my remains shall be...

Scattered to the wind from a hilltop high.

There shall be no tears or no sad eye;

I shall be honoured and so must thee

To rest with my guardian angel at last.

Did you write this poem?

Don't lie to me.

You're Mr. Alov, aren't you?

I am.

But... how did you... ?

Alexey and I read a lot of books.

When you were talking in your sleep, your words rang a bell...

I've read your "Hans Kuchelgarten".

So you are a poet, Mr?

I thought I burnt all the copies.

Never ever do that again.

You're just an instrument in the hands of God who talks to us through you.

Your books do not belong to you.

And don't you dare burn them!

Promise me you'll never do it again.

- I just-- - Just promise me.

All right, I promise.

That's better!

Perhaps your stay here...

will bring you inspiration for new works.

- Yakim! - Yes?

I've been scolding you lately...

Lately?

When I nursed you in these very arms, you were kind to me.

But I don't hear anything good from you now.

You are so grumpy, Yakim!

So you've met a girl? That's good.

At least we didn't come here in vain.

What does it have to do with it?

We have a platonic relationship.

We are just friends.

Of course you are, Master!

I've got loads of children all across Russia

as a result of such platonic relationships.

They could easily populate three villages.

Yakim, go to sleep.

And keep your dirty stories to yourself.

As usual... my stories are dirty, but yours I have to listen to.

[Ominous music]

Raven, raven, what are you doing?

I'm digging a hole.

Why are you digging a hole?

To find a coin there.

Why would you need a coin?

To buy a needle.

Why would you need a needle?

- Help me! - What?

You can see what other people can't.

Who are you? And where am I?

You are looking for the black horseman who murders young women.

I'll help you if you help me.

But how can I help you?

Help me take vengeance on my stepmother.

Every night she comes to my lake disguised as a mermaid

and sucks the strength out of me and my sisters.

She caused so much pain to me.

Look at my face -

she took all the color from my cheeks with her evil spells.

Look at my neck -

these bruises are caused by her iron claws,

and they won't fade.

Look at my eyes -

I can't see anything because of the tears.

How can I help you?

You can see. Have a look.

She is among them.

She is hiding, but she is among them.

Raven, raven, what are you doing?

I'm digging a hole.

Why are you digging a hole?

To find a coin there.

Why would you need a coin?

To buy a needle.

Why would you need a needle?

To sew a bag.

Why would you need a bag?

To buy some salt.

Why would you need salt?

To put it into the soup.

Why would you need the soup?

To pour it into your children's eyes.

Hanna?

[Scoffs]

[Dramatic music]

Mr. Gogol, I think it was stupid of me to agree to come here with you.

I didn't even have time for breakfast.

And a good breakfast is the basis for a healthy diet.

And a healthy diet is the basis for a long life.

So it was here where she was torn to pieces?

[Pensive music]

Hanna, wait!

[Pensive music]

It's all your fault.

Hanna, I don't really understand what you are talking about.

Hanna, dear, what the hell are you doing?

[Gasps]

You've ruined everything!

It was none of your damn business!

[Gun shots]

[Gasps]

[Door opens]

You are on the right time!

Some strange powders...

Looks like they are for witchcraft.

Find anything?

- How are you feeling, Mr. Guro? - I'm alright.

And here is a knife made of Damascus steel.

Most likely it's the murder weapon.

The same sign was found everywhere, where the girls had been killed.

Wow!

I would've never thought the murderer was a woman.

I thought the murderer was supposed to be a young man.

And she was strong, I assure you.

Anyway, I think everything turned out well.

Mr. Guro caught the murderer with our help,

the murderer put up a fight and was killed.

Your report will be perfect.

I suggest having dinner at my place to celebrate it.

You know, I have no appetite at all.

We're going back to St. Petersburg tomorrow,

so all I want is to sleep. No offense, I hope?

None taken.

No I don't feel bad.

Lisa?

I was told you are leaving tomorrow.

I had to come and say goodbye.

I will miss you.

I will miss you too, Lisa.

I will miss you,

and this place, and this air...

[Dramatic music]

It wasn't the murderer you caught.

[Dramatic music continues]

The black horseman continues to kill.

[Dramatic music continues]

Wake up! Or you'll burn to death!

[Dramatic music]

Mr. Guro!

- Stop or you'll get killed! - Mr. Guro!

Let go of me!

[Dramatic music]

Take Mr. Guro's body with you back home.

Although there is not much left of him,

but still it's better to bury people where they belonged.

I'm not going anywhere.

Excuse me?

The real murderer hasn't been caught, his body wasn't found in the house.

Hanna was just an accomplice.

I'll replace Mr. Guro until the new investigator arrives.

That's my decision.

I respect your wish to be of help,

but you are an educated man and you should understand –

Mr. Guro was a great man, a legend, and you...

All you can do is scribble on paper.

Enough with your antics.

Look at things the way Germans do - realistically.

You've got no business here anymore.

If you have any objections, appeal to the Secret Police.

But please, Mr. Binkh,

give a detailed account of everything that happened here.

We must find the murderer.

The real one...

...or ones.

Yakim, unload the stuff!

Mr. Nikolai?

[Spits]

Unload the stuff!

As you please!

[Pensive music]

[Foot steps]

No! It's him - the clerk!

I don't know how he found out everything.

Something's wrong with him. I've never met people like him.

He has some strange power -

it's a dark power, from a dark source.

How should I have known it?

No, please, don't!

No!

[Screams]

GOGOL

CHAPTER 2 THE RED JACKET

[Dramatic music]

A FEW DAYS LATER

Psst!

Come here!

Over here, hurry!

And now, Khavronya...

my heart desires something sweeter than your puddings and pies.

I haven't the faintest idea what you want from me.

Your love, of course.

Oh my, what a thought! God forbid you try to kiss…

We've been discovered.

Who's there?

Get dressed, quick!

Hurry, get up on the stove.

[Dramatic music]

- Who was it? Who's there? - No one, it seems.

What's that?

Looks like a jacket.

A red jacket!

Don't worry, Khavronya. It's just some kids playing a trick.

God help us! They'll tell your husband and then--

[Pensive music]

[Dramatic music]

So, you've already sniffed out the incident with the priest's son.

I didn't sniff anything out. I heard about it.

And now I'd like to know the details.

As you wish.

Last night a local woman, Khavronya, was stabbed to death.

In her own home. A mark was painted on the stove.

The same mark as the one left by your horseman.

And here he is.

The murderer, already waiting for you.

Question him, if you wish.

A jacket.

A red jacket. On the doorstep.

- What jacket? - Everyone knows.

It's a sign of the devil.

Unfaithful wives fear it more than death.

If the devil leaves a jacket at your door,

it's a sign that soon he will surely appear.

God forbid!

The candle's smoke turned green.

Then came a pig's snout... from the fires of hell.

Mr. Binkh, do you really suppose that this man is the horseman

who killed three girls, an adult woman and Mr. Guro?

Now listen to me.

You're the investigator. So investigate!

Find me the real killer.

And I'll make sure he gets precisely what he deserves.

First, I need to inspect the dead woman's house.

I will also need a sketcher.

- What? - An artist.

Who will draw whatever he's told to.

Of course.

And a sculptor who will sculpt it.

Paraska!

A witch!

[Dramatic music]

He's with the iron smith.

Good day, Vakula!

A good day to you.

This is Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol, our new investigator.

He has come from St. Petersburg to investigate the girls' murders.

Did you draw that?

I did.

I should have covered it up long ago.

But I never found the time.

The police require your... assistance.

Your artistic talent, to be precise.

I don't do that any more. Find someone else.

You must understand. This is important.

We are seeking a horseman who is killing innocent girls.

And…

and you have the opportunity to help us!

Your horseman is evil itself.

The devil is his servant.

I'm not getting involved, and I advise you don't either.

Good day!

- Good day! - Good day.

Papa, Marushka wants to say something, but she's shy.

Tell me, Marushka, what is it you want from Papa?

Marushka wants earrings like the stars in the sky.

Can you make her some?

Go inside, my child. We will talk later.

Yes, Papa.

Goodbye!

If we do not stop the horseman...

then soon he might come for your daughter.

[Sombre music]

Give rest, O Lord, to the soul of Your servant Khavronya

in Your Kingdom, where there is no pain, sorrow or suffering.

In your goodness and love for all men, pardon all the sins she committed.

Greetings, good people!

An investigator has come from St. Petersburg.

So, Father, the funeral will have to be postponed.

Until... the investigator has investigated.

Tell me, where was the body found?

Right where you're standing.

Gritsko and I were out drinking. He asked to marry my daughter.

Then I came back and…

Thank God my daughter Paraska was out with friends

and did not see this villainy.

Excuse me.

Where is the mark the murderer painted on the stove?

Right where you're standing.

We covered up that devilish thing.

Why did you do that?

Whatever's covered can be uncovered.

Do you have any vinegar?

With God's help this may work.

[Dramatic music]

God save us.

God save us.

[Dramatic music]

Mr. Gogol!

Easy now, easy! Get up!

What kind of tree is this?

I see you draw even worse than you investigate.

It looks like an oak. But it might not be an oak.

That is a linden tree. Just like the one on our estate.

You liked to sit under it when you were little.

Linden...

Let's go!

[Dramatic music]

Where are you taking them?

Why are you ransacking Solopy Cherevik's house?

Because the horseman is not the killer.

Really?

- What about the mark? - The mark proves nothing.

The inner symbol was painted upside-down.

The horseman targets young girls, so why kill Khavronya?

He killed the girls in the forest, not at home.

Get to the point.

My point is that it's all a fabrication.

Somebody killed Khavronya and tried to blame the horseman.

- So it was Cherevik? - Yes, precisely.

He wanted revenge on his unfaithful wife.

So while his daughter was out...

he came home, left a red jacket, and then killed Khavronya.

He tried to throw us off the chase.

That seems too clever for Cherevik.

Mr. Binkh! Look what I found!

This was under a barrel.

[Dramatic music]

Got you now, haven't we?

You painted the mark on the stove. How clever of you!

I didn't kill her!

I was at the inn! Gritsko will back me up.

If he does, it means he's covering for you.

So he'll be sent away with you.

You'll have no son-in-law and no grandchildren.

- Have mercy, please! - I will not!

But there is hope for Gritsko.

If you confess to everything, you will go to the labor camp alone.

Well?

Think, Solopy.

Think of your daughter.

Don't take away her husband.

There is no use denying it.

I killed her.

I grew tired of that snake, and I killed her.

Leave Gritsko out of it.

He didn't know.

There we go.

Write it down.

[Dramatic music]

What about the candle?

Paraska bought it from some gypsies in Poltava.

To decorate the house.

Mr. Gogol, you're not really helping.

Perhaps you should go.

Hear my one request!

Before you send me away to the camp...

let me celebrate Paraska's wedding today.

It's my only chance to see her get married.

And today we celebrate the autumn equinox.

Could I attend the wedding, under your supervision?

Yes?

It's all over. He has signed and confessed.

It wasn't him.

We need to conduct an autopsy.

What do you mean?

You yourself said that it was Cherevik.

And that the horseman had nothing to do with the murder.

Get back to your investigation.

This is my case.

Come on, hurry up! Work together, now!

Put it over there.

Mr. Investigator, where should we put the doctor?

What do you mean, "put"?

Well, you asked for a doctor. Here he is.

Leopold Leopoldovich Bomgart.

[Snoring]

- Is he drunk? - Well, yes.

Bring him in.

He's not too steady on his feet, but he can still do surgery.

Here. Give him some if he starts to drift off.

But don't overdo it.

[Dramatic music]

Have a drink, son. You look awful.

Drink! It will help. Trust me, I'm a doctor.

Thank you.

[Dramatic music]

The wound is trivial. Her lung is punctured.

She could have lived for another day or two.

So... what killed her?

There it is.

Her little heart.

Here, take a look.

The capillaries have burst.

Poor thing.

Her eyes opened wide before she died.

Her throat ligaments are torn, as if she gave a long, loud scream.

Her heart ruptured.

Do you mean to say that she died of fear?

I'm impressed.

You know a thing or two.

Believe it or not, I was the best at my university.

I even wrote a doctoral thesis.

That's why they sent me here into exile.

I'm wasting away here. All alone.

Do let me know if you find any more bodies.

I greatly prefer this to sitting idle at home.

Mr. Nikolai... listen to me!

- You're a real master of your trade. - I'm at your service.

Must close the door...

or the goats and chickens will come and make a mess again.

And, Mr. Nikolai... where are you?

[Laughter]

Lisa!

Mr. Nikolai... What are you doing here?

Ms. Danishevskaya, forgive me...

I just wanted to…

talk.

It's very late to be visiting...

but we can call it an evening reception.

What did you want to talk about?

[Dramatic music]

Forgive me for asking a stupid question.

Did you happen to…

visit me?

The night before last.

I don't have a habit of paying visits at night.

Least of all to young men.

I am re-reading your poem, "Kuchelgarten".

Why would you read that nonsense?

Why are you so ashamed of your own work?

Ashamed is... too soft a word.

When I was in St. Petersburg, I went to visit Mr. Pushkin.

I wanted to show that great poet this piece of trash.

And what did Mr. Pushkin say about your poem?

He said nothing, thank God.

He had been gambling all night and was not accepting any visitors.

Sometimes I imagine, what if he had seen me that day?

And do you know what? That is my worst nightmare.

Here you write about Germany, and you write very beautifully.

But perhaps you should write about something you know well?

Take this place, for instance. You feel this place like no one else.

You were born in Ukraine. It's your home.

So write about it.

Please, forgive me for my late visit.

I should go.

Wait! You shouldn't walk through the woods so late.

I will call for a carriage.

No.

Please don't worry.

I will find my way. Take care!

You are a good girl.

Paraska!

Paraska!

Paraska!

[Screaming]

Mr. Guro.

Mr. Guro! I am here!

Paraska?

It's the devil!

[Horse steps]

Quiet!

Let's go.

- Have you seen in these woods... - Seen what?

Paraska!

There you are! I've been looking everywhere.

Paraska, what were you doing in the woods with this foreigner?

Gritsko, it's not what you think.

I can explain.

Go on then, explain.

- You see... - Oh, I see.

[Chuckles]

You should stop.

You have no money left.

- Mr. Pushkin, my dear... - Calm down, gentlemen.

I'll borrow 500 rubles from Pyotr here, and win it all back.

Mr. Pushkin, you should borrow it from me.

You will lose it back to me, anyway.

[Chuckles]

Who's there?

[Gasps]

[Horse steps]

[Incoherent chatter]

[Dramatic music]

Oksana!

But...

you're dead!

What's going on?

How is this possible?

Don't you know how it works?

You're having a bad dream.

You try to wake up, but instead, you fall into an even worse nightmare.

Your world is not the only one.

There is another world. A dark, hidden one.

Where evil does as it wills.

You are able to enter this world,

for you are somehow bound with evil, with its power.

It is your gift.

If you do not learn to control it, you will never find the horseman.

Will you help me?

I can only guide you.

The rest is up to you.

There is someone in your way.

Who?

Lisa.

Why her?

She has taken your heart. And she is leading you astray.

Tell me about that night.

You, Lisa and I… what was that?

Which one of you came to me?

Does it matter?

You enjoyed it, didn't you?

Tell me, which one of us was better?

So it was you, then?

How dare you pretend to be her!

Do not go near her, understand?

Understand?

[Screams]

Wake up! You've been snoozing all day.

Mr. Gogol, you certainly living life to the full.

Who gave you that wound?

Do you remember?

No, I don't.

Yakim, bring me some Kvas to drink. I'm thirsty.

And I have a headache.

- It must be the bruise. - No, it's the booze.

Kvas won't help you. I've made you something else.

By the way, the blacksmith came by. He brought some drawings.

He said you asked him to draw the dead girls.

Thank you.

Drink it down with boiled water. It'll help.

[Chokes]

Are you trying to kill me, Yakim?

Why would you give me that poison? I can't even bear to think of booze.

But the headache's gone, right?

There's no need to curse.

But don't drink any more or you'll end up the same way.

- Oh dear, I splashed the drawings. - No need to worry.

We'll put them up to dry.

What's that?

Oh sorry, sir, I forgot.

It's Mr. Guro's trunk.

When we packed his things for St. Petersburg,

we found a note attached to it.

Here it is.

"In the event of unforeseen circumstances,

please give this trunk to Mr. Gogol. "

But there's no key.

It can't be opened.

To the bride and groom!

[Celebratory music]

Come on, come on!

Paraska!

You will not find happiness!

- Go home, I tell you! - Let go of me!

Doctor Bomgart!

Ah, the investigator!

Please, join me.

I'm sitting here all lonely with no one to talk to.

Doctor Bomgart...

You're a doctor, so you must know chemistry.

Of course.

Medicine and chemistry are sister disciplines.

Take a look at this candle. There's something strange about it.

What it is made of? Apart from wax.

Laudanum...

belladonna, wormwood, and something else.

- Where did you get it? - From the crime scene.

Cherevik's daughter Paraska bought it from a gypsy.

Gypsies know much of chemistry, I tell you.

The priest's son said it burned with a green flame.

Green?

So it must contain copper oxides.

What else did he see?

A pig's head came into his house. Its eyes shone and...

Are you, Mr. Pushkin?

Precisely.

And you are Gogol, correct?

Yes.

How do you feel, young man?

Good. I feel fine.

Then allow me to inquire: what are you currently working on?

I'm working as a clerk in the secret police, writing a report about a pig's head...

and a red jacket.

Are you being serious?

[Chuckles]

Do you really think that is going to sell?

[Chuckles]

Good heavens, Mr. Nikolai. What happened to you?

How you frightened me!

Forgive me for lighting that horrid candle.

I was expecting a little hallucination, but you fell over as if you had died.

Oh Lord. Tell me, what did you see?

A nightmare! And it was all so...

so real.

Heavens, who would have thought

they would put so much nastiness in that little candle.

Wait!

You mean...

when the flame reached that substance, the candle started to smoke,

and when they breathed it in, they started to...

hallucinate?

Well, yes.

It's like the proverb - fear is the mind's creation.

[Gasps]

So someone gave Khavronya the candle.

When the priest's son arrived she lit it, and they started hallucinating.

Then the killer came, in a pig mask...

She died of fear before she was stabbed.

Who could have done it?

Perhaps it was...

the man who gave Khavronya the candle.

Or...

the woman.

[Country music]

Why did you take the blame for her?

You know who I mean.

Your daughter.

Paraska. I know she killed Khavronya.

- What is this nonsense? - Keep quiet, Gritsko.

When Gritsko fell asleep drunk at the inn,

you went back home.

Because you knew your wife was with the priest's son,

and you wanted to catch them.

But when you arrived, you were met by a terrible sight.

[Pensive music]

I know that you love your daughter, and want to protect her.

But she has committed murder. She should bear the punishment, not you.

Why did you take the blame?

Paraska... is this true?

I am the only one to blame.

My child suffered because of that wicked crone.

I should have sent her to the grave long ago.

It's a shame I realized too late.

Forgive me, my daughter.

Forgive me for letting that snake into our house.

I should have killed that dirty beast long ago.

Stop that!

[Country music]

Stop this at once!

Up you get, Mr. Gogol.

Are you all right?

Where's Paraska?

[Dramatic music]

If we just get to the river...

Damned root!

[Dramatic music]

They can't have gone far.

- Tesak? - This way.

They're probably escaping by the river.

And if they are...

we can catch them at the bend in the river.

Can you guide us there?

Yes, I know the way.

Come.

Time to warm myself up.

[Dramatic music]

[Water ripples]

Don't look at me like that. It makes me shiver.

If I hadn't killed that witch, we couldn't have married.

She forbade Father from giving his blessing, remember?

My beloved, we'll go far away from here.

Peace and happiness await us.

We will pray for our sin in a new place.

There will be no forgiveness, murderer!

[Maniacal laughter]

Where's your bride?

[Maniacal laughter]

Did you think killing me would make you happy, you swine?

Save me!

No, you will not find happiness!

-No! No! -You'll follow me to the fires of hell!

Here's your new husband!

Take her, she's yours!

[Ominous music]

No!

Stop!

She's near.

The living may go no further.

I have all the symptoms: delirium tremens, barrel fever...

[Ominous music] [Maniacal clacking]

Where am I?

Why is it so dark?

[Pensive music]

[Screaming]

No!

Stay away from me, dark one!

Good heavens, sir.

How did you scare that witch away?

I don't know.

Witches don't exist!

One just has to warm up a little less often.

[Dramatic music]

Gentlemen...

God be my witness, you're the only men in Dikanka in whom I can trust.

Please, help me find the horseman.

I am confident that together we can stop him.

Well...

you are doing God's work.

I'm with you.

Unlike the others here, I believe in neither the Devil nor God.

But I must admit your arrival here has rid me of my boredom.

Sir, I am at your disposal.

But sir, we'll never escape from this hellhole.

Stop complaining, Yakim.

This is Mr. Guro's trunk.

I am sure that its contents will prove useful to our investigation.

Can you open it, Vakula?

He who makes locks can break them too.

[Clink]

You're welcome.

[Pensive music]

Lisa!

Sir!

Mr. Gogol, my dear, don't frighten us like that!

[Dramatic music]

Lisa is in danger.

[Pensive music]

TO BE CONTINUED

[End credit music]

[Foreign Music]