MOSFILM
Leonid FILATOV Tatiana DOGILEVA
Irina KUPCHENKO
in a film
FORGOTTEN TUNE FOR THE FLUTE
Directed by Eldar RYAZANOV
Screenplay by
Emil BRAGINSKY Eldar RYAZANOV
Director of Photography Vadim ALISSOV
Production Designer Alexander BORISOV
Music by Andrei PETROV
English Subtitles by T. Kameneva
Lyrics by Yevgeny YEVTUSHENKO
Eldar RYAZANOV Yuri RYASHENTSEV
Also starring
Vsevolod SANAYEV Olga VOLKOVA
Sergey ARTSYBASHEV Alexander SHIRVINDT
Valentin GAFT Yelena MAYOROVA
Vatslav DVORZHETSKY Yelena FADEYEVA
Alexander PANKRATOV-CHYORNY
Pyotr MERKURYEV Yevgeny VOSKRESENSKY
Nina AGAPOVA Tatiana AGAFONOVA
Tatiana NOVITSKAYA
We neither sow nor build, we're subsisting
On taking pride in our social system.
We're people of paperwork stature,
We have always been and will be in nature.
Our work is hard and pernicious:
We must know what our boss wishes.
We must guess, agree, not object,
So our career wouldn't be wrecked.
To send a paper on its due course
You need courage and guile, of course.
A document to sign or authorize
Is like walking on a cornice of a high-rise.
We are never punished for refusals and bans,
Our offices are like armored tanks.
We burn out when we allow,
Therefore we forever disallow.
Nothing's stronger than the red-tape structure,
No 'perestroikas' can make in it any fracture.
We're functionaries, soldiers, gladiators
Of the colossal bureaucratic apparatus.
We're people of paperwork stature,
We have always been and will be in nature.
We neither sow nor build, we're subsisting
On taking pride in our social system.
Chief Directorate of Free Time
Well, Surova, go ahead and report
how the Directorate of Free Reading
is turning up the reading masses,
how it responds to the new demands.
I suggest to stand up and fight against the paper for recycling.
Let's just think about the nature of that phenomenon.
People hand in kilograms of our ideological literature by weight
in exchange for a book of a Simenon or a Dumas.
- A very questionable exchange. - Perhaps they hand in bad literature.
Perhaps bad, but the right one.
And how do you like it
when people come to a political literature store,
where books costjust kopecks,
buy heaps of editions and at once take them for exchange!
Outrageous!
We must fight it mercilessly! What measures do you suggest?
We must rouse the public and beat, beat the alarm!
We can set up posts at paper recycling
collection centers, with the help of the Book Lovers Society.
Let them check every printed word when accepting paper for recycling.
That's not enough.
We should make up a list of books prohibited for recycling.
Such lists are already being made up.
May I, Yaroslav Stepanovich?
We'll be glad to hear you.
Yes.
Frankly, I don't know where to begin.
- Say it bluntly. - Bluntly?
- Yes, our time calls for it. - Well...
You want it bluntly, you'll get it bluntly.
Yaroslav Stepanovich, you're like father to me.
But, excuse me, you're hopelessly behind the times.
You're a reactionary! You're a hindrance!
- Is that all? - That's all.
May I, Yaroslav Stepanovich?
We'll be glad to hear you.
Dear friends, we're living at the time
of the flourishing of glasnost and freedom, and that's great.
We prohibit nothing, we allow everything, and that's great too.
But our comrades in provinces are dumbfounded:
freedom is great, but how far can it go?
I believe it's time to start working on a document
which will define clearly
what our citizens can do in their free time
and what they must not do in their free time.
- Good for you! - That's my idea.
It's very difficult to work now. I'd like to get directives.
You'll get them.
I've invited you, gentlemen,
in order to give you a most unpleasant news:
an Inspector General is coming to our town!
- What inspector? - Why inspector?
An inspector from Petersburg!
Incognito! And with secret instructions!
- Well, I declare! - As if we need this trouble!
Oh, my goodness! And with secret instructions!
- ''Eh,'' I said to Pyotr Ivanovich... - No, it was I who said ''eh''!
First you said, and then I did.
''Eh,'' we said, Pyotr Ivanovich and I.
Yes, and he is exactly that official.
What official?
The official you received a notation about, the Inspector General.
God forbid, that's not him!
Our Mayor is an ambulance driver, by the way.
He's very convincing.
- Well, is the droshky there? - Yes, it is!
Let everyone take a street... damn, I mean a broom
and sweep the entire street leading to the inn,
and sweep it clean.
May I ask you where you were walking to?
Really, I wasn't walking anywhere.
And why, I daresay, were you not walking anywhere?
Oh, I disturbed you. You had an important business.
Your eyes are much better than an important business.
Oh, you talk like a man from the capital!
What a beautiful scarf you have!
What a mocker you are!
You just love to make fun of provincial people!
I wish, Madam, I were your scarf
embracing your lily-white neck!
I don't understand what you're talking about. What scarf?
The weather's so strange today!
Your lips, Madam, are better than any weather!
Marya Antonovna is a nurse working in your department.
- Yes, she looks familiar. - Very gifted, very.
And so pliable.
You're talking weird.
I would rather ask you to write in my album
some poems, as a keepsake.
You must know a lot of them.
Anything for you, Madam!
Make your wish! What poem do you want?
Our Khlestakov works as an orderly in a morgue.
- Where? - In a morgue.
He's very true to life.
As you like, Amos Fyodorovich.
- We must take some steps. - What exactly?
- Well, you know. - Give him a bribe?
Why not?
Allow me to introduce myself.
The districtjudge, Collegiate Assessor Lyapkin-Tyapkin.
I've spent all I had, you know, while on this trip, this and that...
Allow me to introduce myself, the postmaster,
Court Counselor Shpekin.
Can you lend me 300 rubles?
I'll deem it an honor.
Do you have any money to lend, about 400 rubles?
The official from Petersburg, who's arrived by an imperial order,
wants to see you at once.
He's staying at the inn!
- Well... thank you. - Thanks everybody.
Let's discuss it.
There's nothing to discuss. Mockery at the classics, discrediting the author.
We just wanted to bring the classics closer to modern day.
And that's why you put the Mayor in a Chaika?
It's not a Chaika, it's an automobile in general.
- You know what it's called? - Yes, we know.
The finger behind one's back. Barking from a cover.
In old time I would have closed
that theatrical hooliganism as early as the first act.
And you would've done the right thing.
Now times are different, everything is permitted.
Well, not everything...
Aren't you afraid of being mobbed by the spectators?
And they would be right.
Oh, we're not afraid of the spectators. With them we have no problems.
Lida is right.
You can come and see for yourself.
Well, if you're so brave...
Well, then, onward!
But we'll be crucified!
Just a minute, I understood everything, except one thing.
The Mayor has his hand bandaged. What are you hinting at?
Sasha has a finger broken.
Thank you. I appreciate your backing us up, Leonid Semyonovich.
Thank you very much.
We were so apprehensive about your visit. We thought you'd reject it.
- And you turned out... - Why?
Our duty is to support everything that is talented,
creatively unexpected and original.
What do we do with this?
I don't want to see it ever again.
I got you. Will do. It's not the first time, you know.
- Leonid Semyonovich... - How was your report?
Great. How's the weather in Leningrad? Excuse me.
Here's a form, fill it in, make two copies.
I've got people here. Give me a call before you come. I'll meet you.
A pleasant surprise. Where to?
Austria, a festival of amateur theatres.
My dear, aren't you tired of it?
I've been checked and rechecked on, I traveled abroad dozens of times.
If I ever wanted to defect, I would've done it long ago.
Why do I have to fill in those forms again and again?
Why don't you trust me?
It's our profession not to trust people.
And don't forget about photos, 12 of them, 4 by 6 cm.
Leonid Semyonovich, the Tambov Chorus!
Quiet, comrades! One at a time, please!
Women, quiet! Quiet!
Who's going to answer for this chaos?
Invited a chorus to a dance competition!
- Provided no hotel accommodation. - 50 people sleeping at the station.
You know what they were taking us for?
Comrades, our department offers you our sincere apologies.
We don't need your apologies! He refuses to buy us tickets to Tambov!
You're not at a fish market!
Comrades! Tickets are no problem. We'll buy them.
Excuse me, at whose expense are you going to buy them?
You see? It's outrageous!
Quiet! Quiet! Quiet!
Comrades!
I've got an idea that would please everybody.
Why doesn't the Tambov Chorus
give several concerts at the Black Sea resort?
Quiet! If they're going to have a tour, we must approve their repertoire.
We have a great repertoire, we'll show you right now!
- Please, no singing, comrades! - We prepared a song for the festival.
- We believe you... - To my own music.
Line up. Tanya, come here, Masha, over there.
Sopranos, group together. Musicians, up front.
On a spring night, think about me,
On a summer night, think about me,
On a fall night, think about me,
On a winter night, think about me,
Though I'm not with you, but somewhere going free,
So far away as though oversea...
- Whom are we auditioning? - The Tambov Chorus.
On a cool long sheet you're going to be
Reposing, like on your back in a wide sea,
Giving in to the wave so leisurely,
With me, like with the sea, only you and me.
Did you like it?
How can one not like it? On your back, on a sheet...
Giving in, only you and me. It's cute.
And so fresh and new.
With a chorus singing, you can't make out the words, but the music's good.
I wouldn't propagandize something so sexual as that if I were you.
You mean you're banning this song?
Comrades, we never ban anything.
We only give advice.
- You can't take words out of a song. - You can.
All right, comrades.
The Chief Directorate of Free Time has been created for the purpose...
You see how things turned out.
Now I'm in your hands. What's your name?
Take a deep breath and hold it.
You may breathe now.
My name is Lida.
Lida, you acted so funny in ''The Inspector General''.
- I rolled with laughter. - Thank you.
I never thought there were such gifted people in our department.
I'm not a doctor, but I think there's nothing serious with you.
Lida, didn't you try to enroll at an acting school?
- I wanted to, but it's too late now. - Too late for you?
Hello, Lida.
- How do you feel? - Thank you, much better.
It must be fate that it's you who paid me a visit.
No, it's just my turn to be on calls.
Where can I wash my hands?
The bathroom's on the right.
Well, by my position
and by my beliefs, I'm an atheist.
Of course.
But today I have a feeling
that there's someone up there who has arranged all that.
Oh, you're a virtuoso.
I got the knack. You're my 18th patient today, and the last one.
First I attended your play, then you took my EKG,
and now you came yourself,
right at the moment when I happen to be alone at home.
Get well. I got to go. Goodbye.
You think I'll let you go like that?
This chain of fateful events should be continued. Let's have lunch.
Are you inviting me to a restaurant?
I would be glad to,
but my medical condition doesn't allow me to go out.
How should I take it? You making advances to me?
Or what is it in your bureaucratic jargon? Selecting personnel?
Yes.
You're right, I'm making advances. And I'm surprised at myself.
Thanks for being honest.
- And take care. - Why are you disappointing me?
Please, stay. I'm begging you.
All right. I can stay for 5 minutes.
Thank you. Please.
You've got a beautiful apartment.
It's just an apartment. The building, though, is prestigious, as they say.
You must be having a big family?
- Why? - So many rooms.
Yes, at first there were three of us here: my wife, our daughter and I.
The daughter got married and left for Leningrad with her husband.
Her husband is just something, an absolute nonentity.
And where's your wife? At her beautician's or on a tennis court?
My wife? She may be at a beautician's, but she's in Leningrad now.
She goes to Leningrad to visit her beautician?
No, why? She's at an architectural symposium.
Oh, she's at a symposium!
Leonid Semyonovich, the situation is very simple. Let's discuss it.
Really?
Then, for a start, let's discuss the menu. All right?
So the lunch will be with drinks? I see.
No, it's just... I've never been a drinking man.
And in our time you just scored it right?
Which caviar do you prefer? Red or black?
Both. Leonid Semyonovich, do you eat like that every day?
Well, you see...
My position obliges. You see, I mix with...
- I'll eat up all your stocks. - It will make me happy.
Please.
Now say a toast.
A toast? Well, but...
Toasts are out of fashion today.
All right, a toast you'll get.
Usually, people drink to health.
Your glass, please. No, the wine glass.
I propose to drink to my illness,
which, so to speak, brought you and me...
With great pleasure. To illness, with pleasure.
If everybody was in good health, I would be out of work.
Crabmeat!
- It's delicious! - You're right.
Yes, crabmeat... crabmeat is really...
Oh, ham! I love ham!
Well, ham could be better.
- It's canned. - To me it's all right.
Lida.
I'll be honest with you.
I like you very much.
May I kiss you?
You're the first man who asks permission for it.
It means I may?
I'll just finish this mushroom, all right?
Yes, of course. Eat, please, I'll wait.
And you may pass me the red caviar.
Here, please.
Stand back, please, or I'll choke on it.
You're a naughty boy, Leonid Semyonovich.
I'm sorry.
Well, usually, one lets a lady eat first and then... all the rest.
Yes, of course.
As soon as you got sick,
your deputy forbade us to perform our play.
What d'you mean, forbade? On what grounds?
We're used to ignoramuses from your department
who come and put spokes into our wheel.
We'll see about it.
Alexei Akimovich? Good afternoon.
I've got a complaint.
On what grounds have you banned ''The Inspector General''?
You need a credible explanation?
Of course, I demand it.
Well, it's simple.
I went to Yaroslav and snitched on.
He, a man of old mentality, got mad and banned it.
So blame it all on me. Does it suit you?
What the hell! All right, goodbye.
Well, the situation is complicated.
Someone reported to Yaroslav Stepanovich, a man of old mentality.
He got furious and banned your play.
I'm sorry, but I can't do anything in this situation.
I see. Thank you for being frank with me.
And for the feast, too. I got to go.
Lida!
Are you really going to leave me alone here?
- I really have to go. - Your husband is waiting?
If I had a husband I wouldn't be here now.
Yes, of course.
All right, I'll wash the dishes and watch television.
Oh, what a sharp cookie you are!
All right, I'll wash the dishes. It's not a men's occupation.
Right. Most of all I hate to wash dishes.
- There's a whole pile of them! - For the last 3 days.
I see. Leonid Semyonovich, you seem to be an actor, too.
- What d'you mean? - You're acting such a prude.
May I kiss you?... You, with such a mustache?
What does a mustache have to do with it?
A mustache doesn't mean anything. A lot of men wear mustaches.
You may not believe me,
but I had very little experience dealing with females.
I noticed it and appreciated it.
Damn, that must be my colleagues.
- They promised to pay a visit. - Oh, how scared you got!
Me, scared? Why should I be scared?
Lida...
Why don't you put your smock on? Just throw it on.
Why?
Yes, you're right.
- He's alive. - How do you feel?
Thank you... I'm okay.
I mean I do feel some discomfort, but I'm better now.
Already better. Though, still weak.
But quite all right.
Maybe you'll allow us to come in?
Yes, of course, you're very welcome. Please come on in.
Peace onto thy home!
You look pale.
Peace... You look fine.
- He's very pale. - He's good.
Oh, Lyonya, we live at a time when it's dangerous to be on sick leave.
- How are things at the office? - The revelry of democracy.
- There're awful rumors going around. - General psychosis and panic.
If it goes on like that, soon we'll be electing our bosses.
My goodness! The table is laid!
Lida, what a pleasant surprise!
Lyonya, you got yourself the most charming nurse
of all our free health services.
What nonsense are you talking about? She came to give me an injection.
How noble it is - not only render a medical assistance, but...
I got such a mess here, so to avoid Yelena's wrath,
I asked the nurse to help me and she kindly agreed to do it.
- Look at this wonder of a fish! - Where'd you get it? Not at a store?
There's no such fish even in the seas now. I've inspected a fishing center.
- You got it as a present? - No, he just confiscates everything.
You underestimate me, girl. I caught it myself.
Give it here.
- The nurse agreed to eat, too. - I was very hungry.
I was having lunch when Lida came, and we had a couple of sandwiches.
But there're wine glasses, too.
Enough of this circus. Yes, I had lunch and drank Cinzano.
You think I don't deserve to sit at the table? Then I decided to tidy up.
- Yes, Lida, thank you very much. - You're welcome.
It's good you're here. Fry the fish while we play a game of cards.
I'd love to, but I have to go.
No discussions! Go to the range!
Some other time.
- Please, stay. - I can't, really.
- I'll take you home later. - No.
How much do they charge for washing dishes now?
- It was like Saturday voluntary work. - But today's Wednesday.
We can have Saturday voluntary work on any weekday.
Lyonya, don't be stingy.
Why do you look so dejected? Cheer up, my friend!
Pay up!
I can lend you some money.
Yes... really, Lida, how much do I owe you?
Well...
- For how much shall I rip you off? - You shouldn't be shy about it.
- I shouldn't? - No.
- I think, no less than 5 rubles. - It's cheap.
Here.
Please.
I'm taking it as a memento.
- Which way is Partizanskaya St., 3? - Take first turn left.
Thanks.
Lyusia, someone came to see me. Go tell him I'm not alone.
- Who are you with? - No one.
Oh, Comrade Filimonov! Hello. Come in.
Thank you. How do you know me?
Though your face does look familiar.
We see each other at the office.
You show me your pass. Only I wear a uniform there.
- Good afternoon. - Hello.
Can you tell me... is Lida home?
Yes, she's home, but... she's not alone.
Oh, really? In this case, will you please give this to her?
Goodbye. Yes, I'll leave a note.
Here. Goodbye.
- Poking your nose in other's letters? - You're like family to me.
Lida, please forgive me. I behaved like... What? A scoundrel?
- What has he done to you? - Nothing special.
- Why did he come? - He's courting me.
Wow, Lida, you're going places!
On a spring night, think about me,
On a summer night, think about me,
On a fall night, think about me,
And on a winter night, think about me.
I don't want you to think during sunshine,
May day send everything down the incline,
Cover with smoke and drown in wine
And make you think of something in a different line.
In daytime you may think of anything, it's fine,
At night your thoughts must be only mine.
- Good morning. - Nothing's good about it.
What happened? You can't leave a man in peace even when he's sick.
It's an emergency. Yaroslav Stepanovich is waiting for you.
Only you can save us, only you.
- How do you feel? - Never mind. We have an emergency.
The construction has been stopped. It's a bad sign.
- You don't say... - Yes.
Call your father-in-law. Use this telephone.
How high up has Fyodor Demyanovich risen.
He was just an assistant of mine at the Executive Council.
Hello, Fyodor Demyanovich, it's Lyonya. How are you?
Lena is still in Leningrad.
I talked to her the day before yesterday. She made a great report.
Thank you, thank you.
Fyodor Demyanovich, excuse me for bothering you at you office.
We have an emergency. The construction of our new building's been stopped.
Besides, there're rumors that we'll be closed up.
Lyonya, since you're a candidate for replacing that old idiot Yaroslav...
By the way, your CV has already been sent up.
I happen to be calling from his office.
- He sends you his regards. - Me too.
So I don't think you'll be closed up.
But I'll make inquiries, just in case.
Aren't you ashamed of taking advantage of your official position?
Official position is for taking advantage of it.
You were at the office. Why didn't you come down to the clinic?
You think I'm a fool?
- Where can I wash my hands? - The same place as yesterday.
I have 20 calls every day. I forgot.
Lida, forgive me for yesterday.
Believe me, I despise myself.
Turn on the light, or I may miss.
Can we do without an injection today? I feel fine.
Malingerers should be punished. Lie down.
- Why lie down? It's intramuscularly.
- Lida... - Lie down.
You're a coward, like all men.
- It hurts. - You'll be fine.
Goodbye, Comrade Filimonov.
Lida, please stay. I've been waiting for you, preparing.
As I can see. But I'm late for a rehearsal.
What shall I do to make you stay? Lida!
Do you want me to stand on my knees before you?
That'll be too dramatic.
Well, then... then... this.
Did you ever see a department head
standing on his head before a woman?
No, I didn't.
But for a sick man you're too lively.
I'm an inveterate malingerer.
- I'm really running late. - I'll give you a lift.
I'd like to warn you that you're wasting your time with me.
I'll give you a lift anyway.
- As you wish. - Thank you.
- Thanks. - I'll be here after the rehearsal.
Aren't you afraid of being spotted by our people?
Well, I wouldn't like to be discovered by your band of actors.
I'll be waiting for you around that corner.
Goodbye!
- Take care! - See you tomorrow!
Bye!
- You taking the subway? - No, I travel in style.
- Excuse me. - Bye, I go to the right.
- Whose car is that? - Let's go and not intrude.
Lida, this is for you.
Thank you, Leonid Semyonovich. But I may get used to it.
It's exactly my intention.
- Where're we going? - I don't know.
Frankly, I don't even know how I should behave with you.
And what do you want?
- Everything. - What an idea!
No, I understand, of course, but... something's happening to me...
You just want to have a fling.
- I don't think so. - What do you think?
Nothing.
It becomes you to think nothing.
- You think so? - I think so.
- So where're we going? - Wherever you like.
Where would I like to go? It's my heart.
- Are you feeling sick? - No, it's a pleasant kind of ache.
- Do you have nitroglycerin? - I do, but I don't need it.
Lida.
What?
- Lida. - I'm listening.
- Lida. - What?!
I can't explain it, but I...
Then don't explain.
Don't explain anything.
Lida!
You're not home.
Lida, I got company, I need your dishes.
- It's Lyusia. - I think so, too.
Lida, I know you're home!
- Don't open up. - She won't leave us alone.
Just a minute.
Hurry up!
Coming, coming.
- What? - Let me in.
- What do you want? - Let me in.
- Let me in. What's the matter? - Are you crazy?
Give me your blue dish.
And forks.
And knives.
Comrade under the blanket,
I'll be happy if you'd drop in together with Lida.
I'm afraid we won't be able to. That's all? Get out of here!
- Lida, I... - I'm busy.
What's the matter?
Where did I see these shoes? I can't remember.
I don't know. They were bought in England.
So I was in England yesterday.
- Here. - Thanks.
I thought it was the end of the flowers.
It's only the beginning of the flowers.
- I'm so happy to see you. - Me too.
Now we're going to my place and celebrate an anniversary.
- Which anniversary? - Two days of our love affair.
Yes, that event certainly calls for a celebration.
Oh God, how lucky I am.
And I have such a bad luck.
I must be going.
- Why hurry? - It's late.
I'll take you home.
But first we'd better destroy all the evidence of the crime.
All right.
The chocolates.
And I must not forget the flowers.
Right, the flowers is a crime, too.
Even more criminal than chocolates.
By the way, someone promised me music and forgot. You cheated me?
Music?
You'll get your music.
You really can blow that pipe?
Anyone can insult an artist, but, for your information,
I finished the Conservatory, a class of flute.
Really?
Afterwards I did postgraduate studies.
I was even invited to play in an academic symphony orchestra.
- Haven't you forgot how to do it? - I'm not sure. Let's see now.
Oh, Lyonya, if you only knew
how many hours I've spent on the dancing floor as a young girl.
Just a minute. Yelena Fyodorovna, welcome home.
Don't get upset, but Leonid Semyonovich has a nurse visiting.
She came about 90 minutes ago.
This is a nurse.
Good evening.
- She's giving me an injection. - While dancing?
The doctor advised me to move more.
- And so... - And to the nurse, too?
- Well... - No, but...
Well, I see. And to play the flute.
Well, the flute is, of course...
Yes, it's a big fad now. We jog, to run away from a heart attack.
We jump, we dance. We wish to die healthy.
I didn't inform you about my coming, so you wouldn't rush to the airport.
My God, you look absolutely ill.
Thanks for the flowers. I'm touched.
I had a feeling you'd come back tonight, so I...
Well, hello, darling.
Hello.
- I'll be going. Goodbye. - Goodbye.
Tomorrow I'll be at the office and come to the clinic for an injection.
We can dance there, too.
Just look around, how clean everything is.
Everything's in order! Not a single dirty dish.
Do you remember ever coming back and seeing not a single dirty dish?
No, I don't. Do you love to wash dishes now?
No, I asked the nurse and she kindly agreed to do it for 5 rubles.
What's her name? The nurse's?
I don't remember. I think, Lida. What's on your mind?
Lida!
I'm working on my doctorate thesis now
and have no time for housekeeping.
- You need money, don't you? - Who doesn't?
- How much do you get? - With bonuses, about 1 10 rubles.
1 10 rubles? Poor girl, how can you live on that?
As you can see, I'm still alive.
Can you come here 3 times a week to clean...
Lena, think about what you're saying. It's embarrassing.
To cook, to wash. I got absolutely no time.
It's becoming interesting.
Come to your senses.
Are you hiring me as a maid?
Yelena!
And how much will you pay me, Fyodorovna?
I think, 5 rubles a visit.
- Not much. - I can raise it a bit.
Don't bother, it's a deal. When are you going to finish your thesis?
- In about 6 months. - Great!
I'll be coming to you all these 6 months.
But after that, you'll be coming to me and clean my room.
My living space is smaller, but I'll pay you more.
Six rubles for a visit.
After all, I'll be having a maid with a Doctor's degree!
I'm begging you in a quiet, silent plea,
I'm begging you,
To the rain rustling in the tree,
I'm begging you,
To the snow falling free,
I'm begging you,
In my dream, and yet quite really.
I'm begging you,
On a spring night, think about me,
On a summer night, think about me,
On a fall night, think about me,
And on a winter night, think about me.
He said he was going to the television, but he has no business there.
Are you sure?
- Spying? - Observing.
Watch out.
I envy him. With such a busy schedule, he finds time for everything.
Only bullets are whistling in the steppe,
With the wind humming in the wires...
He's in a hurry.
In his place I'd be in a hurry, too.
On this darkly night,
You're not asleep, I know, my darling...
I remember I was in a hospital for tests.
I had some hanky-panky with a gorgeous nurse.
- Later about that. - Sure.
That's it, can't go any farther, or we'll get stuck.
I wanted to take a walk, and now it started raining, as luck would have it.
Never mind, you'll take your walk in the car.
Are you in a hurry?
I have a meeting with Yaroslav Stepanovich at 3.
I don't feel like necking until 3.
You're necking and looking at your watch. You think I didn't notice?
- Lida... - I don't want to.
I don't want to meet you around the corner.
Yes, I'm cautious.
I'm cowardly, if you like.
Please understand, you're the first foolhardy thing I'm doing in life.
You fool.
My little fool.
- Don't you dare making passes at me. - And what if I do?
- I'll yell. - Go on, yell.
- Yes. - Yes.
- I'll shout for help. - Shout. No one will hear you.
I'll make a scene!
Go on, troublemaker.
- Oh, how awful! - Damn them!
Look for them yourself. Your boots are in the front seat.
Yes?
Excuse me, your documents please.
What's the matter?
I hope you know yourself what's the matter.
No. I haven't done anything wrong.
You should know better. What's your name?
Ivanov.
And if you think well?
Katanyan.
That's more original. Suppose it is.
There's a children's sanatorium nearby.
The kids are walking around.
What kind of example are you setting for them?
A bad example.
I think you'll have to go with us to the station.
I'm not going anywhere. You have no right.
You will. Your documents, Miss.
Am I supposed to walk the woods with my passport?
Sasha, write down the license number. We'll find out who's the owner
and report it to his place of work.
Look, comrades, why do that?
Let me pay you a fine and we'll close the matter.
Though I still don't understand what for.
For immoral conduct in public places.
You have to pay 10 rubles. In here, please.
Thank you, comrade. Thank you.
Will the young lady pay herself?
You think I'm crazy?
For 10 rubles I'll go anywhere, especially to the police station.
Come on. No, I want to go to the station. Let's go.
I'll pay. Here. Thank you, comrades.
- You need a receipt?... - No.
Take it. They'll pocket the 20 rubles.
I don't like what you're saying. Let's go to the station.
We're already leaving, comrades.
You should be grateful that we're too busy. There's another car coming.
- Why an Armenian name? - The hell do I know.
Oh yes, today I signed a telegram addressed to a Katanyan.
It probably was subconscious. Well, they didn't take much.
I can't live like that any more, Lyonya.
I simply can't.
Where have you been?
Your chief's secretary called, you weren't present at the Collegium.
Why are you so dirty?
First, please don't yell at me, okay?
And second, from now on I won't let you slight me anymore.
How brave you've got. What's the matter?
Lena, I must tell you.
I fell in love with another woman. I'm sorry.
That whore of a nurse?
Listen! I won't let you insult Lida!
You never loved me. You married me for your career.
My father has pulled you from rags to riches. You miserable flute player!
Yes, you and your father have ruined my talent!
You had no talent! You never had any talent!
- What happened? - Please don't ask.
Why are you so dirty?
I've had a most unlucky day.
Take it off.
Your chief's secretary called. You weren't present at the Collegium.
I auditioned a dancing group.
At the end of the world, Dmitrov Region. Can you imagine?
My poor boy.
Where're you going with your shoes on? Put on the slippers.
The road was terrible. And on top of that, there began a downpour.
Of course, I got stuck.
It took so much time to find a dump- truck driver, to have a cable fixed,
to get me hauled out onto the highway and then drive there...
Don't take too long, we have a reception at the Austrian Embassy.
- Yelena Fyodorovna? - Yes, it's me.
I'm calling at the request of your husband's close friend.
With the best intentions, in order to preserve your family.
What are you talking about? I don't understand.
Your husband has a very serious affair with a nurse named Lida.
This is a foul slander! You should be ashamed of yourself!
I'm sorry, but, unfortunately, it's not a slander, it's the truth.
- You're not ready yet? - I no longer feel like going.
It's protocol, I'm invited with my wife.
- You can go without your wife. - No, it's impossible.
You know that soon I'll have to travel to Austria.
You can tell that your wife got sick.
Anyway, Lyonya, something between us...
What between us?
Something's got wrong between us, Lyonya.
Tell me, am I not exciting you as a woman any more?
Why did you get that idea?
You don't sleep with me anymore.
Lena, come on...
You know I work so much, I get tired.
You can see that I come home and fall down absolutely exhausted.
Enough talking, we may be late.
I'm not going.
It's not the right time to have it out now.
All right, I can tell you only one thing.
I love you very much.
Sorry, but the Austrians are very punctual people, I can't be late.
I dropped by only for a minute. Here, I've brought you some foodstuffs.
Oh, thanks. I thought about you, too.
You won't walk here barefoot anymore. I bought you slippers.
Great slippers!
- Will you try them on? - Not now.
I'll try them on Sunday. Put the beef in the fridge.
Are you going to be here on Sunday?
- Why not? - And what lie will you tell at home?
Lie? As a matter of fact, I never lie.
On Sunday, our team, led by Yaroslav,
is going to make a raid on a fair where artists sell their paintings.
They say it's very interesting there.
Nobody knows how long I may be there.
But as soon as I'm free, I'll come to your place.
Lyonya, I want to go there, too. I want it so much.
No, it's impossible. That's all, I got to run.
Lyonya, I want to see the fair so much.
I won't be alone there.
I'll be keeping a distance, then we'll meet at your car.
No, all our people will be there. They know you.
- Please. - All right, if you want it so much...
- How shall I cook the beef? - Whatever you like.
I mean, beef stroganoff, of course. Your piece de resistance.
All right.
I'll cook it with fried potatoes. Can't you stay now?
Lida, really, I can't. I'm so busy. See you on Sunday, all right?
On a spring night, think about me,
On a summer night, think about me,
On a fall night, think about me,
And on a winter night, think about me.
Please hear through the whistles of a train,
Through the wind tearing clouds in the rain,
How I need, being in a vise most insane,
That in a room, where walls only restrain,
You'd close your eyes from happiness and pain,
Pressing in your temple's pulsating vein.
When will be the end of this nightmare?
They're going to send us to Kamchatka. My husband writes I may not return.
- I think I'm pregnant. - Oh, God!
It's cold and I got no warm things.
- We should wire a complaint. - I want to go home so much.
I don't understand why you're going.
It's snowing, and you usually catch cold so easily.
- Are you finished? - Yes, thank you.
It's okay, I'll put on something warm. They say it's very interesting there.
I'm going there on business.
Our entire team will be there, led by Yaroslav.
Those artists are a big problem, we must solve it as soon as possible.
Don't be afraid. I won't inconvenience you.
I'll be keeping a distance, and then we'll meet at the car.
You're putting me in a silly situation before my chief.
I'm coming on business and there you are, with my wife!
Will you hold it, darling?
I can go in a taxi.
No. Well, if you want it so much, let's go together.
Fine.
Dear artists, don't use the horse-riding equipment
as painting stands.
- How much is it? - 300 rubles.
Oh, that's much! And this one?
Four hundred.
- Why is it more expensive? - More work put into it.
You call it work? Just outrageous! Some daub. Myasoyedov.
There's no sex.
- What sex? - It's even worse than sex.
The woman selling Hungarian pantyhose,
leave the territory of the fair at once!
- You're in the way. Step aside. - I'm sorry.
Excuse me.
Lida, can I talk to you a minute? Let's get out of the way.
- Sure. - Excuse me.
It's your fault, Myasoyedov. What do we do with this crowd?
- Of private profiteers. - And speculators.
I have a friend, a former tank man, he's in charge of bulldozers now.
I'll give him a call and there will be nothing left here.
- No, that's too much. - It's history, my friend.
Really?
The time of bulldozers has passed.
Yes, unfortunately, it has passed. Today we use different methods.
We'll call up critics, and they'll do away with them better than bulldozers.
Today they come out on the streets with pictures, and tomorrow...
- With banners. - But there's no sex.
- What does sex have to do with it? - Yes, what?
Well, Myasoyedov, you got me into a mess.
Sorry. But I know what to do.
The only way to stop a spontaneous initiative...
is to organize it and head it.
So organize it and head it.
- You've got a charming wife. - Yes, she's all right.
And her fur coat is beautiful! Where did you buy it?
- Her father gave it to her. - You don't say!
Excuse me, Zhenya.
I think there're many interesting painters here.
Give me the keys.
- Hello, Lida. - Hello.
I've got the home keys. Give me the car keys.
- Please, don't leave, Lena. - You disgust me.
Lena, if you think there's something between Lida and me,
you're wrong, there's nothing between us.
- Oh, Lyonya! - Lyonya!
I can't leave as long as Yaroslav's here.
- Serve well, Lyonya. - Don't leave!
You swine! Where the hell are you going?
What did you tell her?
Please never call me again at my work and never come to my place.
Lyusia, let's get out of here!
Lena!
Let me in.
I'm tired of living in filth.
I'll try to cross you out of my life.
Lena, I would like to...
Who is it?
Lida, it's me. Open up.
I left home. Here, my things.
You're crazy. What time is it?
Past one.
- You left yourself? - Yes.
I left myself.
Lida, let me in, please. I beg you.
I'm sorry, Leonid Semyonovich,
but this is not a hotel.
The clinic.
Lida, it's me. I want to see you.
You got the wrong number.
I was so scared I nearly died. Sasha, you're the hell of a driver.
- What if you rode in an ambulance? - No, thanks.
All right, bye.
Tanya. So we've agreed.
Wait, isn't he from the Department of Amateur Talent? Filimonov?
- That's the man. - How come? It can't be.
I have an excellent memory.
He visits a girl from our house.
- What a coincidence. - So, he's only human.
- Why is he sitting here? - She must be out.
- See you, guys! - Goodbye, Lida.
Don't be late tomorrow! Bye!
- Sasha! - Yes?
Too bad you can't stay at my place tonight.
I can.
Yes...
- Bye! Bye! - Bye!
And who was that?
My personal life is none of your concern.
How long have you been hanging around?
Too long. I'm chilled to the bone.
And hungry. One can't get a seat in a restaurant now.
- Where did you come from? - From a rehearsal.
Lida, give me something to eat.
All right. Since you treated me to a dinner, I'll feed you too.
Thank you.
Sorry, I got no ham. What else were you seducing me with?
- With caviar. - Oh, I do have caviar.
- Squash caviar. Please. - Thank you.
Lida, I have a feeling
as though I'm a tree that has been cut down.
It was you who cut yourself down.
Yes, I know. Lida... where can I rent a room?
That's your problem.
Why did you come here? Where're your belongings?
- My belongings? - Yes.
My belongings are in the baggage hold at the Kursky Station.
I left the car to my wife.
I took only the most necessary personal things.
Lida, rent me a corner.
- What corner? - Any of the four corners.
No.
It's too late. You've actually lost me.
I understand.
Well, thanks for the dinner.
Yes...
You know, you look different. You've lost your gloss.
- Don't try to finish me off. - Yes.
I can imagine how shabby and savage you'll become.
Well, what the heck!
I'll let you in.
Lida, sweetheart...
But don't do anything silly. I'm letting you in only as a tenant.
- It's for me. - Are you expecting anybody?
If you're afraid, you may hide in the wardrobe.
Lida, I've come to stay.
Good evening.
Give me the flowers and go home, to your wife!
But you said yourself!
I see you're having a stormy personal life.
Yes, I'm not wasting time. Help me to move the wardrobe.
First the TV set, over there.
Why?
I want to shield myself from strangers. You're on this side, I'm on that.
And mind you, I'm letting you in only as...
Sorry.
As a tenant.
- Hello. - Good morning.
Hello, Leonid Semyonovich.
Good morning, Leonid Semyonovich.
- Hello. - Hello.
- Good morning. - Good morning.
- Go on. - Good morning.
Go on.
Why don't you say hello?
We've seen each other in the morning, in the kitchen, when you fried eggs.
Lyusia, remember, we haven't seen each other and I didn't fry anything.
- And I don't live there. Is it clear? - It's clear.
Hello.
I respect you very much, but I think you've made a mistake.
Why did you move in with that woman?
Why so openly? You may do anything, but in whisper.
Lyonya, be reasonable. What do you need it for? You can live at my place.
My dear, you'll cool off and come to your senses.
Lecher.
It's not the time to fall in love.
What do you need that scandal for now, when you're slated for promotion?
Love her to your heart's content, but in secret.
Believe me, there's nothing between us. I just rent a part of her room.
Don't tell anyone about it.
To move in with a woman you love and not live with her is a perversion.
But how could they find out? I moved in only yesterday!
Lyusia, I'm going to strangle you!
- I didn't say a word to anyone. - Then why's the whole office buzzing?
- I have nothing to do with it. - And who has?
Come with me.
To be honest, I envy you. She's young, beautiful, healthy...
How do you know? You've just come in.
My position obliges. I must know everything.
I even know that you're aiming at my post, you ladies' man.
Lida, I'm tired of living behind the wardrobe. Can I move it?
You don't like it, you can move out. Good riddance.
- Why are you being so rude? - I didn't get a proper upbringing.
My mother worked at a weaving mill. She was a heavy drinker.
As for my father, I didn't even know him.
So I'm no match for you.
Stop saying nonsense.
It's for you, two rings. Who the hell is that?
It's Surova. How awful!
Hide in Kapitolina Ivanovna's room.
Come in, please.
Take off your apron.
- Why? - Take it off.
Open up.
Hello. Is Leonid Semyonovich here?
He's at home. Oh, there he is.
Oh, look who's here! How are you?
Today is our turn to clean the places of general use.
Lyonya dear, you can finish later, we got...
I'm afraid l came at a wrong time.
You're just at the right time, or you would've missed me.
I have to go shopping for yeast, flour... and butter. Wipe your feet.
I see you're busy, but I've got a problem.
Come in, I'll be glad to hear you out.
- Please. - Thank you.
- Good afternoon. - Good afternoon.
- Shoot. - Kiril's been expelled from college.
- Who's Kiril? - My nephew. He's at a theatre college.
Come on in. Sit down.
Zhenya, do you mind if I'll be fixing an iron while talking to you?
It doesn't heat well, and I have trouble ironing.
Give me another screwdriver. I'm listening.
Students get a very small stipend, so Kiril put together a group...
- We should buy a new one. - Buy it, you're the man of the house.
They made their money in the woods.
- Robbing? - Oh, no!
They lay in wait for cars,
in which couples...
Well, you know?
And pretending to be a militia patrol, extorted money from the debauchers.
He was unlucky one day, running into the newlyweds.
The man turned out to be a wrestler, he tied him up and took to the station.
Leonid Semyonovich, please help.
- What can I do? - Call the rector.
You're friends, aren't you?
Perhaps his methods were wrong, but Kiril was fighting for our morals.
Yes, of course.
But I would like to see that enterprising young man first.
Me, too.
He's here, waiting downstairs.
Here he is, my Kiril.
Comrade Katanyan? How are you?
Why do you call Comrade Filimonov Katanyan?
- Are you his wife? - Yes, I'm the Katanyan woman.
Why did you pay to me for her, then?
How much did you take?
I said that I have a fixed rate - 20 rubles a couple.
You scoundrel! Leonid Semyonovich!
Leonid Semyonovich, he sent half of the money to his mother.
See this scarf on me? It's his present.
He's so talented, he...
Let me do it. Scoundrel! Leonid Semyonovich, he's very talented!
Talented? We'll see it now.
Can you playact a moving worker, for example?
A moving worker? I can. I can do anything.
Move the wardrobe against the wall.
Do you mind?
You command, you're the man of the house.
Go ahead. But first take the folding bed out of there.
20 rubles for moving a wardrobe? Some rates!
But he's not bad in the role of a mover.
You will try to help him, of course.
We have a shortage of movers in our art now.
It's done. See for yourself.
Thank you very much. Goodbye.
What do you need it for? You were making such a great career.
Our people don't like it. I wish only the best for you.
Go, Zhenya. I still have to finish the floors.
A man from the Foreign Relations Dept. went to Austria instead of you.
Kiril, wait.
Well...?
What do you say?
I say that you were beautiful. Especially washing the floor.
I have a suspicion that you've forgiven me.
But what's more important, Lyonya, you've completely ruined the iron.
We'll have to buy a new one.
The perestroika's just words. Destroyed the old and didn't create anything new.
Lyonya!
What a pleasant surprise! Glad to see you. How are you?
Excuse me, Zhenya.
- What's up? - It won't take a minute.
This small key's from the mailbox, so you can come and pick up your mail.
Then, the key from the car, so you have something to come in.
After all, it's your car.
And the new key from the apartment. After all, it's not only my apartment.
That's about all.
I can't understand, is it an attack or a capitulation?
Neither.
You know...
I feel lousy without you.
Well... it was stupid of me to start all that fuss.
To be honest, I'm very glad to see you.
Have a nice ride home.
You look great.
Yes, for a dumped woman, I look just stunning.
I'm dining at my father's today. Shall I tell him that we separated?
Doesn't he know yet?
No, if you didn't tell him.
No, I didn't.
Well, I won't be telling yet, either. Bye.
Give alms to a former bureaucrat.
You look tired. It's enough, take a rest.
Eat something hot. Come on.
I broke my personal record today - 24 rubles plus change.
Oh, really?!
- I brought you beef stroganoff. - Good girl.
- Maybe you'll call it quits for today? - No, I'll sit for a while.
There'll be a lunch break soon at the department next door.
There's a rumor they're going to be closed, too. So they pity me.
Come with me, mister.
On what grounds?
The law forbids begging.
Excuse me, but there's no such law.
Because in our country of socialism there cannot be any beggars.
Give alms for food! Give alms for food!
Brothers, give as much as you can spare to a former department chief!
I've got a big family! We're starving!
Thank you, dear.
Give alms to a former department chief.
Your kind should go to a collective farm. They're short of manpower.
We can't go to collective farms, we don't know how to do anything.
We will ruin them completely. They're on the verge of collapse as it is.
Gloomy clouds gathered at sunset,
Perestroika began at the dawn.
An unjustly fired bureaucrat
Bid adieu to his office before he was gone.
Farewell, my room, so nice and fair,
Farewell, the red carpet's running train,
Let me sit in my Karelian-birch chair
For the last time, just once again.
Once again my stern look be pronounced
In the lamps' shining glare,
May my all fifteen telephones
Ring for me a farewell fanfare.
Have I ever given any permission?
Didn't I knock at doors? Or didn't I bend?
Why did Fate, then, with so much derision,
Put a rock in my outstretched hand?
Why have you abandoned your old friend?
For him the life of hardship is to come!
For his simple soul won't comprehend
How one can talk not through an intercom.
He said so and out he took a trip,
Moving away along the carpet's trajectory,
And a tear was running down the hip,
The shapely hip of his personal secretary.
Folks, I'm pure in my soul.
Any possible help will suffice.
The world's poorest orphan on the dole
Is a man without his office.
Of the present moment my own slogan
To introduce I'm harboring an intention:
Help with your hard-earned change if you can!
You're seeing a victim of acceleration!
Help with your hard-earned change if you can!
You're seeing victims of acceleration!
What is it, my love?
Nothing. I dreamed some ghastly things.
Now I'm fine.
I feel as though I'm a child again and you're my mother.
I got to run to work. Your breakfast's on the table, the lunch in the fridge.
I'll go and take a walk.
But not for long. And muffle yourself.
I'll miss you.
Bastards!
What happened, Leonid Semyonovich?
Someone's stolen a wheel.
- Let me put the spare one. - Can you do it?
I started as a driver for a district Party Committee Secretary.
Then he was promoted,
and fixed me up with a job of instructor at the Culture Department.
Leonid Semyonovich, we've got a problem.
The Tambov Chorus has been arrested.
- Arrested? Where? - In Krasnodar.
What for?
They were selling their folk costumes at the market.
Why?
They've spent up all they had, got no money for tickets back home.
Damn! Listen, Alexei Akimovich.
Fly to Krasnodar at once and get the chorus freed.
All right.
Leonid Semyonovich, Yaroslav is finished. He's been told to retire.
I know.
Excuse me, but my advice to you is to return to your wife.
- Or it'll be the end of your career. - What d'you mean?
It is in my interests that you sit in Yaroslav's chair.
What is in it for you?
Then you'll help me to sit in your chair.
Are you sure?
You'll need your own people.
And you're my man, aren't you?
- As long as you're in power, I am. - I see.
Stop by this shop, I'll buy an iron at last.
Don't be long, we'll be late for the movie.
I'll be right back.
I'm tired. Too bad my mother didn't live to see this day.
Lyonya, this is my present to you.
I bought this tie in Paris and saved it specially for this occasion.
Oh, Lena dear.
Thank you. I'm very glad we're together again.
We're having a difficult period now.
But I'll try to do my best.
Everything will be all right.
Being a wife is a difficult profession.
I'm so guilty, so guilty before you.
Well, thousands of men live with wives they don't love.
And it's all right.
They're happy.
Don't push.
So he hasn't show up for a whole month?
Bastard.
He's risen so high as to get a black Volga and a personal secretary.
And all this because he's sold you. Otherwise he wouldn't have got this.
At least he didn't sell me cheap.
Dear Leonid Semyonovich, my sincere congratulations.
- Congratulations on your 1st workday. - Thank you.
- Good luck! - Thank you very much.
- Congratulations! - Hello. Thank you very much.
Congratulations, Leonid Semyonovich.
- To you too, Alexei Akimovich. - Thank you for your trust.
I hope that at your new post
you'll surpass your, so to speak, predecessor.
I'll be doing my best.
- We're happy for you. - And for ourselves, too.
Congratulations on your first working day. There's...
Excuse me for coming in your office without permission.
I came early to be able to leave before you arrive.
I forgot a photo of my daughter and grandson.
Come on, Yaroslav Stepanovich, come whenever you feel like it.
Don't worry, I won't feel like it.
How's your grandson doing at school?
Working hard on foreign languages. He's doing all right.
Good for him, the future diplomat must know foreign languages.
I'll tell him that you think so.
Hello?
Fyodor Demyanovich's on the line.
Hello? How are you, Fyodor Demyanovich?
Thank you for your congratulations. I'm very touched.
Oh, it's a truly royal present!
Thank you very much, Fyodor Demyanovich.
Thank you. Goodbye.
Comrades, you won't believe it.
I've persuaded them to resume the construction of our new building!
- Amazing! - Incredible!
How do you manage to succeed in everything?
Call in my driver. Let him take Yaroslav Stepanovich home.
Don't bother, I can walk. I'm still hale and hearty.
- Goodbye. - Goodbye.
Tatiana Georgievna, this must be fixed.
Not only the clock stopped here, the time stopped here, too.
We'll do it.
- I'm not going to sign this. - I won't work here anyway.
I know why you're leaving.
You may sign it or not,
but I'm not staying in this building another minute.
And I'm asking myself, comrades: have we done everything
for the free time of our citizens not to be free?
And I'm answering myself: no, not everything at all.
We're living in a new era that demands from us large-scale thinking.
And the trouble with our art is in the fact...
that...
- Whose trouble? - Of our art.
All right, comrades.
I don't want to make the Tambov Chorus run around the country anymore.
I want to do real, human work.
Let people dance, sing, paint and play whatever they like.
I don't want to do it anymore, because it's idiotism!
Leonid Semyonovich, how can we do idiotism without a chief?
Lyusia, I'd like to ask you: what are you guarding here, what secrets?
Why don't you become a traffic controller? It'll be much more use.
Can you imagine how many people around our country
are just wasting their lives, issuing passes,
guarding the void...
What are you standing here for?
For... not letting outsiders in.
I'm sorry, Lyusia, but our people can't be outsiders.
Only we can be outsiders.
Good.
It's good that you came.
- Did you buy a good iron? - Yes, a good one.
I wanted to bring something for dinner, but I got no money, just some change.
My fridge is empty. My pocketbook, too.
I can fry potatoes.
There's no oil.
We can boil the potatoes.
I'm out of sour cream, too.
Yes...
We've already played that game.
Lida.
I've just quit my job.
For good.
For you.
What?
For me?
Get out of here! Now! I beg you, go away! Please!
Lida, forgive me! I love you! I can't live without you!
Forgive me...
I can't live without you.
I have 5 rubles somewhere,
which you paid me for washing dishes.
I kept it as a souvenir.
You know, let's have a feast on it.
All right. Go to the shop.
Buy sour cream, oil, milk and a bottle of buttermilk.
I'll drop at a vegetable store too and buy pickles there.
All right. It's a very good idea.
You know how I love potatoes with pickles.
Oh, God...
So the trouble with our art is in the fact
that it's always been regulated, and often by ignorant people.
In this connection, I'd like to tell you an Oriental parable.
Interesting.
If you squeeze a singing bird in your hand,
it will, naturally, suffocate.
If you loosen your grip, it will flutter and break free.
But if... you open up your hand,
it won't feel like flying away, it...
it will... it will sing, and that's the moral.
Are you all right?
Leonid Semyonovich!
Open the window! Nitroglycerin!
Pass the water!
Hello? Hello? The clinic? Leonid Semyonovich doesn't feel well!
The doctor's out for lunch, and the nurse quit the job.
Quit...? quit... quit...
Lida! Lida! Lida! Lida! Call Lida!
Get ready for resuscitation. Everybody out.
Hurry up.
Careful.
- Intracardiac. - Go ahead.
Prepare the defibrillator.
- Did they come to him? - Yes, they're in his office.
Ready? Discharge.
Asystole.
They really couldn't save you, sonny?
What a misfortune that it happened so early.
Mamma, I...
Have I died?
Dad. Answer me.
I want to hug you so much, but I can't.
Why not?
Because we don't exist.
So I don't exist, too?
No, neither you, nor I, nor they do exist.
And who... are they?
They're in line forjudgment.
Last Judgment.
Before the judgment you're allowed to see your relatives and close ones.
It's sad, Lyonya, that you've forgotten us.
You haven't been at our graves for two years.
You've missed my birthday and the day of my death.
You've forgotten your father's days, too.
Let me in! Let me see him!
Lyonya! Lyonya, darling! What?
What?!
No... No, I... I don't want him to die!
Lyonya!
I beg you, go away from here! Go away!
Lyonya dear! Lyonya, don't die! Don't die, my darling!
Lyonya, darling, only don't die!
Don't die, please! I beg you, don't die!
I love you! I love you!
Oh, God! Oh, God, do something!
Don't die! My darling!
My love! My only one, Lyonya!
Lyonya... My Lyonya... my love...
I'm here, I'm here, I'm with you, my darling.
Wait.
I'll be right back.
Hurry! Help him!
Help him! Hurry! I beg you, hurry!
Tones are in. Pulse is in. He's alive. Intravenous drip.
Blood pressure sixty to twenty.
- What's on the cardiograph? - Sinusoidal rhythm.
Intravenous drip ready.
He's breathing on his own. He's coming to.
The End