[MUSIC CRESCENDOS]
[MUSIC STOPS]
Bravo!
[CHATTERING IN DISTANCE]
Oh, shit.
Just tell me about this French actress.
Is it serious or just another one of his flings?
Did you talk to Dr. Harris yet? I don't need to see him, I'm fine.
[KNOCKING ON DOOR]
Yes? Who is it? REPORTER: Listen, Anne.
Tell me when he's going to England? ANNE: No.
[SPEAKS IN FRENCH]
Yes? No. No.
My name is Charles Serfiss. I wonder if we could see Nikolai? This is my fiancée.
My father is Lord Strathhammer, and he's giving a party this evening.
ANNE: We're leaving early in the morning for Japan. I'm so sorry.
PILOT: Hello, ladies and gentlemen. This is the captain.
On our left, you have a clear view of the Arctic coast of the Soviet Union.
We're experiencing the famous Soviet white nights.
I suppose you could say in summertime, the sun never sets on this part of the Soviet Union.
So if you care to sleep, please pull down your window shade.
Every time I leave New York, doesn't matter how many years go by,
I just get edgy.
Tokyo's absolutely our last date. I'm glad we cancelled Sydney.
Just couldn't face it.
Sounds like a gypsy song that's hiding. Right? Thank you.
What are you doing?
[WHISPERING] Giving notes to my conductor.
See, I'm putting music into the one channel and my notes to another.
What's that?
I don't know. I'm sure it's nothing. I'll go and see.
[CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING FROM HEADPHONES]
[QUIET HISSING SOUND]
Oh, my God! What is it? Some kind of electrical short circuit.
No oxygen!
The pressure's dropping on number 3. Could that be a leak?
Is the fire spreading anywhere else? There's no way of knowing.
Lan, have you found us a diversion airfield?
There's a military airfield 75 miles from here.
Hydraulic pressure's dropping fast!
Prepare the passengers for a rapid descent.
Right.
Raise the blinds. Excuse me, wake up.
Got to get ready, sir.
PILOT: Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please. This is the captain speaking.
We have developed electrical problems and will have to land immediately.
There is a Soviet military airfield about 75 miles from here.
Where are we? Are we landing?
Where are you going? What do you mean?
We're landing in Russia!
Get back here!
You must sit down! Let me go!
MAN: We're gonna crash!
Please, sit down. Please! Please!
Please, tell us... Strap yourself in.
What's the safety height? 3000 feet.
Okay, we'll level at four.
ATTENDANT: Keep your heads down. Keep down! We're in a rapid descent!
They won't allow us to land on a military base.
Oh, for God's sake! We're coming down to 6000 feet.
If those flames find the hydraulic fluid, we've got a real problem.
We won't make it to any kind of airfield.
[WOMAN SCREAMING]
We're leveling out. Into emergency landing drill. Please stay in your seats!
We're going to give you emergency procedures!
You will follow the lights.
Will the person who spoke English please come back on?
This is an emergency! We have a fire!
How long did you say this runway is?
It's too short. Decision plus 100.
ENGINEER: We have a fire onboard. Continuing.
Decision? Landing.
Secure yourself! Hold on!
Come on.
Stay down! Brakes.
Don't move! Stay down!
Watch out!
[GASPS]
Ah!
Come on, come on.
Come on. We're gonna hit them!
You're not wrong. Hold tight!
Brace yourselves!
Ah!
[SCREAMING AND CRYING]
Kolya?
[INAUDIBLE DIALOGUE]
It could have been a terrible tragedy.
Four people were killed?
Yes, there are 20 passengers here in the clinic.
Thirteen Japanese, six British nationals,
and one with no passport.
No identification of any kind.
All we found was this.
I have him isolated.
My, my.
This woman was with him.
I want you to phone Moscow immediately.
Captain...
nice work.
I serve the Soviet Union.
[IN ENGLISH] Hello. You're very lucky to be alive.
Amazing anyone lived.
Forgive me, you don't speak English?
[IN FRENCH] I am French.
[IN FRENCH] Excuse me.
Could I please speak to the French ambassador?
We haven't found your passport.
Can the French ambassador help us?
Yes. Of course.
[IN ENGLISH] Wouldn't it be simpler to call American Embassy?
Or have you recently defected from America to France?
I've seen you dance, Rodchenko.
Welcome home, Nikolai.
[IN ENGLISH] Can I have a cigarette? Of course.
[IN RUSSIAN] Please feel at home.
I refuse to speak anything but English.
Please inform American Embassy that I am here.
I am an American citizen. What you call yourself
is no concern to us.
Here you're just a criminal.
The world will demand that you hand me over.
The world.
What an ego. The world is overjoyed that we allowed the plane to land.
We saved hundreds of lives. Only four people died.
Who? What were their names? Don't worry, don't worry.
Your promoter was not hurt.
I sent her home along with the others.
I'll explain your condition to her.
My condition? What condition?
I demand that you let me out of here! You demand, Rodchenko?
I always admired you as a dancer. Our great dancer.
But what a pathetic man.
[MAN CLAPPING]
In a few hours, you'll be flown to Moscow.
Seven passengers who can be released from the clinic will go with you.
What about the others?
[SPEAKS RUSSIAN]
Now look, there are 13 other passengers...
I want to know the condition of my friend.
[WHISPERS]
The name of your friend? Please.
Nikolai Rodchenko. Yes, I'm his manager.
I'm sorry to tell you that your friend was seriously injured.
Yes, I know. They're not sure he'll recover.
I'm so sorry. Well, I must see him.
He's very ill. They're having a specialist brought in from Moscow.
I won't leave without seeing him. That you take up with your embassy.
Oh, I will. You can't let... You can't leave.
[IN RUSSIAN] So Moscow approved your plan?
Is it night?
Yes.
These white nights would drive me crazy.
[PEOPLE CHANTING IN DISTANCE]
ALL: Raymond! Raymond! Raymond!
[IN RUSSIAN] Sister, that Porgy ain't gonna be no witness now.
They gonna lock him up in jail. [IN RUSSIAN] Lock him up?
Ain't nobody home now but Bess and old Sportin' Life
giving you the stuff for scare away them lonesome blues.
Happy dust!
I ain't want none of that stuff. Take that stuff away, buzzard.
And remember, there's plenty more where that came from.
Listen.
["THERE'S A BOAT DAT'S LEAVIN' SOON FOR NEW YORK" PLAYS]
[SINGING IN ENGLISH]
[SPEAKING RUSSIAN]
Showoff American bastard. Tamara, calm down.
Ah.
[IN RUSSIAN] Hey, pretty baby. What's your name?
I'm not that kind of girl. I won't tell you.
You won't tell me, huh?
No, I won't.
Then I'll kiss it out of you.
[SPEAKS RUSSIAN]
[IN ENGLISH] You were very good, Raymond.
Colonel Chaiko. Long time, no see.
What are you doing here? Business.
Great play, isn't it? So much ahead of its time.
Very neglected in America, I'm told.
[IMITATES CROWD'S CHANTS] Raymond, Raymond, Raymond!
They really like you. Thanks.
We wanna do West Side Story next.
Oh.
I saw it in New York.
The original cast. Years ago. Marvelous. Marvelous.
A very accurate picture of the race conflict in America.
You should perform it in Moscow.
You should come back to Moscow, both of you.
Maybe something can be worked out.
That'd be great.
Standing out there tonight, watching you,
and I remember when you first got here.
How scared you were at that first press conference.
Your beautiful interpreter was already at your side.
I think I have to take a lot of credit for bringing you together.
Funny, the way things turn out.
I remember when you said, "I don't know how to say it," and I said:
Say what is in your heart.
People were so moved by your heroism.
I'll never forget that day.
Long time ago. Seems like yesterday.
I couldn't get in touch with you... I was so busy.
But when I learned that I'm going to be in this godforsaken area,
I just had to see you.
There's something you can do for me. I'll wait outside.
He's waiting outside for us. What is he doing here?
Why are you talking to him? I don't want him in our lives again.
Did you hear what he said? He can help us get back home.
I think he helped us enough already. Don't worry about this now.
Everything's gonna be all right.
[SPEAKS RUSSIAN]
[IMITATES CHAIKO] "Raymond, your beautiful interpreter was already standing by your side."
DOCTOR: There's a large haematoma here.
Evidence of a concussion, swelling of the brain.
What's your opinion, Art?
From the evidence of these x-rays, it would be an idiot risk to move him. He could very well be in a coma.
How do we know these are his x-rays?
You got to insist that they release him to us. We have to go there.
There's not a chance. I've tried. That is a highly secret military base.
I'm surprised they even let the plane land there at all.
Well, you can't just sit here. He's an American citizen!
Not to the Soviets. By their rules, he's a criminal.
Eight years ago he was tried in absentia and sentenced to 15 years. He's got no rights at all.
We have to appeal to the U.N. I am going to schedule an international press conference.
No! Right now they're taking credit for saving 250 lives.
Oh, please. Soviet PR has never been better.
Larry! He's an embarrassment to them.
They're asking us to keep a low profile till he comes out of it.
I don't believe this. You're gonna let them get away with this?
Anne, go back to New York. The State Department will keep you informed.
I am not leaving this country without Kolya.
[RAYMOND AND DASHA CHATTERING IN RUSSIAN]
[IN RUSSIAN] Where am I?
Taimyr.
[IN ENGLISH] Oh, hi, you're up.
Hi, Raymond Greenwood, New York. Nice to meet you.
Thought you'd never come. I asked to call American Embassy...
I'm not from the embassy.
But you're an American citizen, yeah?
I'm American.
That's my wife, Darya.
We're gonna look after you for a little while till you get on your feet.
I am on my feet, I'd like to go home.
You got pretty shaken up in that crash.
You ought to be glad you're alive.
I am glad.
[SPEAKS RUSSIAN]
I suppose she's from New York too? DASHA: I am from Moscow.
We work in the theatre here. Yeah, I'm a tap dancer.
Tap dancer?
Yeah.
Of course. You're from New York, she's from Moscow.
And you live here, in Siberia.
It's only temporarily. Of course.
Nobody's here permanently.
Am I under arrest?
No, no, you're not under arrest. You're free as a bird.
And you're not my guard? No, I told you, I'm a tap dancer.
I can go out and get some fresh air? Yeah, sure. I'll go with you.
What if I wanna go alone?
Go ahead.
It's cold out.
Shit!
[SPEAKS RUSSIAN]
RAYMOND: Bitch!
I thought I was free as a bird.
Just hanging out for a while with another dancer. A tap dancer, right?
I'm sorry. I just don't like people making long-distance calls.
You and your wife are paid informers. Stool pigeons. Lowest of the low.
Watch your mouth. If they tell you to, you'll kill me.
Anything to survive. You're a real American paranoid.
I think they brought me back here.
How do they feel about you back home in New York?
Shut up!
Had enough? Yeah, the herring was just great.
I'm so glad.
Asshole.
Has your life in Russia always been like this? Like in a storybook?
No, I think it's only your life that has been like a storybook.
Oh.
You know, you're not as tall as I thought you'd be. Dancer of your stature.
Please, don't drink if it'll make you bigger pain in the ass.
We're in Russia. And in Russia, we open up a bottle, we drink it.
It's all right. You can leave it in the bottle.
Come on, drink up. You used to be Russian.
I'm still Russian. I'm just not Soviet.
Mm.
You're amerikanetz now, I forgot.
That's right, I am. Are you Soviet citizen now?
Amerikanetz, that's just fabulous.
It's a wonderful country.
What the hell do you know about America anyway, man?
You ever been to Harlem? Like, on your way to an airport? You ever look inside?
You ever dance at the Apollo?
You go on your tippy-toes to the White House.
Tell me...
why did you come here?
I'm surprised you never heard of me. I was right up there in the headlines for a while.
I was a big star. Not as a tap dancer, of course.
You're a defector.
I'm a selector, not a defector.
Oh, you got fed up with freedom?
Or you thought that audiences in Siberia are better public for your work?
Clever.
Very clever.
You know the funny thing about me? I can't imagine.
I used to feel the way you do about America.
I was a patriot.
The greatest country in the world. I was also a tap dancer,
which, for a black person, is not that unusual.
I mean, I don't know whether you know this, Nik... Mind if I call you Nik?
Most black people in America can tap.
I don't know, it's just a thing.
You're born, you're black, you can tap.
Don't get me wrong, I love to dance. Love to dance.
And I got work. I was cute.
Cute little colored kid. They called us colored in those days.
A cute little colored kid, tapping away.
Oh, I was a real novelty. Yeah.
Of course, by the time I grew up, it was a different story.
"He's an adult black man now. He's not so cute. Give him a broom."
Raymond!
The rich don't patronize tap, Nik.
So I'm 18.
I can't get a job.
I cannot get a gig.
My mother says... She says:
"Raymond, don't worry. This is your year.
Something good's coming. Something good."
She was right.
Somebody did want me.
Uncle Sam.
[IMITATES DRILL SERGEANT] And right!
Yeah, Uncle Sam wanted me, wanted the whole ghetto.
He said, "I want all y'all! Get on in here!"
I said, "Wow, this is it. I'm gonna get myself a real career.
I'm gonna get involved in electronics. Become a communications expert.
Defend my country against communism. Where are they?"
But when they made me the offer,
nobody said, "You're gonna become a murderer.
You're gonna become a rapist.
You're gonna maim and rob people."
I kept saying to myself, "This war has gotta be about something.
We can't just be hired killers. No, it's not possible. We're Americans."
A little voice in my head said, "Ray, you're being used.
They're trying to kill you.
They don't even think you're human, and they want you to die for them.
Make them richer."
It was all very clear.
[SPEAKS RUSSIAN]
Now I remember you.
Sure, I was big news while they needed me.
It's still a better place than this.
Don't talk that shit to me, man.
I know about America. Shh.
I know what makes it tick.
You don't fool me for a second.
You're no hero.
You just made a run to where it pays better.
I can't remember. I can't.
RAYMOND: I think I'm going crazy.
[SPEAKS RUSSIAN]
What am I doing?
Did you tell him he would be given the opportunity
to live the life he had before?
No. I mean...
Why not?
He's had a big shock. Plane crash. Lot of bad luck.
Yes? I don't wanna blow it.
[SPEAKS RUSSIAN]
Get out.
Please.
What did you mean last night, huh?
You were "hot news" while we needed you.
You mustn't think you're being used.
This country gave you a shelter, an education, a forum for your views.
I was drunk. The guy's a pain in the ass. He's driving us nuts staying there.
He's a prima donna, isn't he? Yeah, he's a big star.
You can't walk up to him and say, "Look, you gotta dance here, or else."
It's not that kind of atmosphere.
A man gets old before his time in places like this.
Look at them.
Modern man is so confused, Raymond.
But finally, it's better to work in a theatre than in a mine.
[RAYMOND HUMMING]
[IN ENGLISH] Raymond, are you all right?
RAYMOND: Yeah, yeah. DASHA: What did he want?
He wanted to chat. He's got a big ego, he likes to keep tabs on people.
No, what did he say to you?
"Modern man is so confused."
Listen, I'm sorry about last night. It got a little out of hand.
Everyone drinks too much here. It helps.
Yeah, well, I don't think I'll ever be able to look another bottle of vodka in the eye again.
Want some coffee? Yeah.
I am sorry about last night. I just... I got embarrassed.
A big star like you having to stay in a dump like this.
I know it's not what you're used to.
Anyway, you're home now.
I guess you consider that a lot of bad luck.
Unluckiest guy in the world, right?
But on the bright side, everybody here is so glad you're back.
Who's everybody?
Well, you were so popular when you were here.
I think it'd would be fabulous for everybody concerned if you danced again.
People would love it.
People? The people and the higher-ups too.
Is this an official proposition, or just your advice to me,
comrade to comrade?
Look, man, your situation here would improve a thousand percent if you danced again.
My situation? Uh-huh.
Why don't you just go lie down.
Listen, you're here now. Face it. Make the best of it.
Here in Siberia? Well, not here. Russia.
I think they would bend over backwards for you.
They would?
They'd let you have your old life back again.
My old life.
The whole thing. They'd be delighted.
Well...
I'd have to make sure they were sincere.
It's no problem.
I'd have to go to Leningrad,
see what sort of situation they're talking about.
It's a piece of cake.
How does it feel to be back?
What do you want me to say?
Oh, these are yours.
Your luggage is in the boot.
Amazing what they were able to recover.
The Kirov Ballet. This is where Pavlova, Nijinsky, Balanchine were taught.
Oh, yes, Nikolai Rodchenko shouldn't be forgotten.
All of them dance here in the Kirov.
And all of them left here.
A new season opens in 10 days.
Your appearance on the opening night will be a great moment in the history of dance.
I'm sure of it.
I'd see.
CHAIKO: Actually, it's a terrible embarrassment to us, you being back here.
There were many well-publicized defections.
Yours was the worst.
However, we have not thrown you in prison, have we?
Everyone wants you to know that our offer is sincere.
No one will hold your past mistakes against you.
Everyone?
[IN RUSSIAN] Hello, Pasha.
[SPEAKS RUSSIAN]
How is your mother?
She died four years ago.
Oh.
I'm very sorry.
This is where you lived, huh? Eight years ago.
NIKOLAI: It's just the same.
CHAIKO: It was kept just as you left it.
I wouldn't moan about coming back here.
I hope you can see how sincere the offer is. You have everything you need.
A rehearsal studio, a car at your disposal.
Food, drinks, anything.
Raymond, look.
Raymond, tomorrow you start at the dance studio.
Six hours a day. I need him on his toes.
I'm a tap dancer... That's your problem.
This is the place for you, Kolya.
Your history is here. Your culture.
If you return, you will be respected as a cultural hero.
In America, what are you really? A curiosity.
A momentary fad.
In a few more years, you'll be a has-been there.
Think it over.
NIKOLAI: Bastards.
Damn it!
I wish we could lose ourselves here. Just you and I.
With no one watching us. Everything's gonna be all right.
I wish we could just disappear.
Things are gonna get better for us here.
Your friends should hide their mikes better.
[PIANO PLAYS]
So, what about it?
They want you to be fit. You gotta work out.
Please forgive me.
For some mysterious reason, I don't feel like dancing.
That kind of attitude's not gonna get you anywhere.
Attitude?
You've learned to play the game, haven't you?
No one's gonna hold a gun to your head, but if I were you...
No, no gun. How smug you are.
[LOU REED'S " MY LOVE IS CHEMICAL" PLAYS]
If I dance, you and your wife get crawl up the ladder. Just a little bit.
You see the difference?
I dance when I feel like it, you only dance when you're drunk.
Shut up and work out.
You want me to dance? I'll dance anything for you.
A little ballet? A little ballet. A classical ballet. Coming up.
How about that? That's what they want?
Very funny.
This is good stuff. Who is it? Good, huh?
Maybe you should plug your ears.
It's dangerous stuff, don't enjoy it. People might be watching.
Okay, I'll dance for you. You want a tap?
You couldn't tap to save your life.
Save my life? Freudian slip?
Okay, okay, enough playing around.
Let's get to serious business. Some serious ballet?
It's about time.
How much money you got? Why?
How much money?
I got about 10 rubles.
Okay. Watch.
One pirouette, 1 ruble. Two pirouettes, 2 rubles. And on and on.
You a betting man?
Yeah, what do I get if you lose?
That's good question. They took my money. My watch?
Uh-uh.
You're a black-marketeer as well.
That's right.
Okay, 7 rubles against my tape recorder.
No, no, no. I got 10 rubles.
I want 10 pirouettes for it. Be serious.
I'm very serious. This isn't ice-skating rink. Impossible.
Ten rubles, 10 pirouettes.
You're a betting man. Wait a minute.
Eleven rubles.
Eleven pirouettes.
Eleven rubles?
Okay.
Can you count? Yeah, don't worry. Just spin.
Eleven pirouettes...
11 rubles.
Rubles.
Sweet, sweet rubles.
You're right.
This music feels good! Woo!
Rubles! You know, I forgot how small they are.
Very impressive.
[IN RUSSIAN] My God, it's you.
[IN ENGLISH] Turn it off.
Please.
Galina Ivanova. Raymond Greenwood.
Would you please wait outside?
Yeah. I'll wait outside.
[IN RUSSIAN] Galina. How many years?
[IN RUSSIAN] Eight.
How's your life?
I'm very well, thank you.
I heard you were married.
Not anymore.
You look wonderful.
I'm older.
[IN ENGLISH] But why are we speaking Russian?
You're no longer Russian, are you?
I thought I'd never see you again.
Did it make it easier for you, Kolya?
Easier to forget? No, harder.
You bastard! I had to go. I had to do it.
It wasn't right to say anything to you... "Right"?
You knew what was right?
I was choking here, you knew it.
When I came back from London, I had to defend myself to the KGB.
They didn't believe you stayed in the West without word to me.
I couldn't believe it myself.
I'm sorry.
They took away my passport.
For four years, I was not allowed to travel.
And for three years, I was taken every week to answer their questions.
Every week, the same stupid questions!
You answered well.
You are an important person at the theatre.
Powerful, just as you always wanted.
I heard you're driving a Mercedes.
And what do you drive in America, Nikolai? A donkey?
Yes, I rebuilt my life. I was supposed to give up everything so that you could live in Disneyland?
Well...
I'm sure you know why I'm here.
I want to offer you a place at the Kirov.
It's a very generous offer, and I think that it's one that you're not in a position to refuse.
What are you saying? You know what would happen with me.
I cannot play their games anymore. I'll be finished.
Don't exaggerate.
Get word to the West that I'm well and they are keeping me here.
Why should I risk anything for you?
You see foreigners every day at the theatre.
All you have to do is to tell one that I am here.
You haven't changed. You're just as selfish as you always were.
You've never thought about anyone in your life but yourself.
I didn't want to leave you. I was in love with you.
Oh, you'll say anything to get me to help you, won't you?
I've never lied to you. Hah!
Help me! No.
[SPEAKS RUSSIAN]
A lady from the past?
She was a great dancer.
I'm not talking about her feet.
I hurt some people when I left.
Didn't you?
It happens.
I'd like to take a shower, a long one. Do you mind?
No, go ahead.
CHAIKO [IN RUSSIAN]: Was he receptive to the offer?
GALINA [IN RUSSIAN]: I'm sure he'll consider it.
Did you do your best to convince him?
Yes, of course, Vladimir Ivanovich.
I hope you were persuasive.
If he dances at the gala,
what position will he be given at the theatre?
I suppose he would dance the opening night,
but I don't think he'd be available for the current season.
He'd have to take time off for a long debriefing.
But ultimately, it's a political decision.
[DAVID FOSTER'S "tapDANCE" PLAYS]
[BALLET MUSIC PLAYS]
[IN RUSSIAN] Hello, kids.
Who's your teacher?
[IN RUSSIAN] Semionov.
Semionov, we're old friends.
Give him this note, please?
No. We are rehearsing here.
I am Nikolai Rodchenko.
I studied here too. I danced with Ivanova.
Liar.
No, I am not. I am Nikolai Rodchenko.
You're lying. We know everyone who has danced with Ivanova.
You've never heard of Nikolai Rodchenko?
He's crazy.
Of course, how would you know?
Get out! I'm going, little one.
Pervert!
[IN ENGLISH] Little shit.