Vysota (1957) - full transcript

Mosfilm Studios

THE HEIGHT

Based upon a novel
by Evgeny Vorobyev

Script by M. Papava

Directed by Alexander Zarkhi

Director of Photography
V. Monakhov

Production Designer - A. Freidin
Assistant Director - M. Gomorov
Camera by Yu. Skhirtladze

Music by R. Schedrin
Sound by V. Kirshenbaum
Editor - G. Maryamov

Cutting by E. Ovsyannikova

Production Manager
A. Stefansky

Orchestra
of Film Production Department
Conducted by G. Gamburg



The Cast:
Nikolai Rybnikov as Pasechnik
Inna Makarova as Katya

G. Karnovich-Valua as Tokmakov
V. Makarov as Deryabin

M. Strizhenova as Masha
B. Sitko as Dymov

S. Romodanov as Berestov
E. Maximova as Berestova

L. Borisov as Boris
L. Chubarov as Khaenko

Kh. Abramyan, V. Pobol,
V. Pechnikov, E. Zinovyev,
M. Vorobyev as mounters

Taken part in filming - builders
and mounters of blast furnace 12

at Dnieper Steel Plant
in Dneprodzerzhinsk
Consultant - S. Rabinovich

Filmed in 1957 at Mosfilm Studios
Decorated with Lenin Order

A long-time work is over.

A new blast furnace rising
in front of us

as a beautiful trace
of what was part of our life.

Its new masters now will be
the metallurgists.

And maybe today



the generation of mounters
will leave to new construction sites.

- I'm leaving to Siberia.
- Good luck.

Gee, it's such a shame
to part with friends...

I'll spend a fortnight
in a sanatorium...

- Kolya!
- Valya!

- Hi.
- You leaving?

We're migrating birds,
never feeing bored.

Going to the South,
closer to the sun.

- Will you remember me?
- Of course.

Your tender feathers,
and your lovely nose,

and Valya dear's
so angelic voice.

You're so full of jokes.

- Will you write me letters?
- Sure I will.

People part and meet.
Goodbye, days so sweet.

Well, good bye.

Small coin...

Small coin of a foreign state...

- Five letters.
- Five?

- Pence...
- Koruna...

Cent...

- Chocolate, lemonade, kvass!
- Lemonade, kvass?

You hurt our feelings
with such a proposal.

- Beer and sandwiches.
- That sounds better.

'cause the working class
nearly got upset.

You think the working class
drinks only kvass?

- Strong drinks for strong men.
- Keep the change.

Thank you, merry company.

Vertically: a huge construction
site in the south of our

- country. 12 letters.
- Wait. Who'll be our foreman?

- Tokmakov.
- You mean Alex?

Alex is Rudakov, he is
now in Chelyabinsk.

No, I mean Kostya.
Konstantin Tokmakov.

We built a palace together
in Warsaw.

Old friendship doesn't get rusty.

- Sir, your move.
- You mean Tokmakov from Zaporozhye?

The one on whom
the wife walked out?

Relax. Wives come and go.

Everything will be just nice.

We aren't the stokers
or the carpenters

But our work is like a flight

We are the mounters,
we are the mounters,

Waving to you
from the highest height

Do not reject my invitation, please,
To walk together to and fro

I wonder how they'll receive
us at the new place?

Without you my love and
handsomeness

The sufferings will undergo!

You, stop tootling!

- Can't you wait another 5 mins?
- No, I can't!

- He'll leave to work soon.
- So let him.

His chief called for him.
Let him concentrate.

I don't care. It's my house,
but not Igor's.

Why do you dislike him so much?
He is an engineer, with a degree.

It beats me why Masha
fell for him at all?

- No one is asking you.
- She should have asked me.

Don't try to be so smart,
judging people.

Out! Into the garden!
You, tootler!

Go!

Pour another bucketful
for me here.

Good. Enough.

How are you planning
to leave?

- What do you mean, Father?
- What do I mean?

You finished the institute,
but you don't heal people.

I can see everything.

You pretend being merry,
but your eyes are sad.

Igor will finish the object,
and we shall leave.

At least they promised him so.

I see. My son-in-law is going
to become a big boss?

I don't know. He was promised
a job at the directorate.

Why aren't you glad then?
He'll be a big man and so on.

What do you want from me, Father?

You are not a stranger to me.

But I can't...

I can't understand you.

Masha, dear!

I'm being late already.

Don't be cross with me.
I'm not making a mistake.

You'll see I'm not.

Or, you and your trumpet.

Be off!

You guys have become
so nervous, you know.

I know I'm head
of the construction site.

But my calendar says: after July,

with no gaps, there begins August.

So I don't have these two days.

Period.

So, when are you going
to weld on all these stairs?

What are you sighing,
like at a resort committee?

- We'll weld them on today.
- Great.

Means tomorrow I'll be
able to get upstairs.

Only if technical specifications
allow your bulk,

then maybe you will.

- How is your schedule, Deryabin?
- Everything's by the schedule.

Getting around to the height?
Don't you dream about office work?

Oh, no, Innokenty. As mounters
say: up there

the air is clear,
and no superiors.

Is it possible to enlarge the lifting
capacity of the cranes?

I'll need to think about it.

What would you say, Tokmakov?

I think it's possible. The crane
allows that.

Listen to Tokmakov, Deryabin.
He's an experienced foreman.

Recklessness is out of place, when
it comes to engineering.

After all, I'll be
the one responsible.

No one exonerates you
from responsibility.

But I...

Dymov speaking.

Comrade Dymov? How do you do?

It's Pasechnik.

Oh, yeah. We look lively
while sinking...

What? At the railway station?
I see.

Why didn't you meet
the workers, Deryabin?

- I passed the wire to maintenance dpt.
- People came to work with you!

- Do you know Nikolai Pasechnik?
- Sure thing.

Take my car and make
it quick to the station.

- So, it's your son?
- Uh-huh.

Looks good.

It beats me how she could
ever abandon such a cute boy.

Well, you know,

it didn't work between
me and her.

Here.

Cheers. Here's to your arrival.

I'm so glad we've met again.

But you've become kinda sad.

Where is she now?

I don't know. They say,
she left abroad.

I see. I've no more questions.

- And your son is with your mother?
- Yes. I miss him.

- And you - did you get married?
- Me?

Oh, no, I'm on the go
all the time.

So, no.

There are so many girls,
but there is no

the one and only.
People part and meet,

- Good bye, days so sweet.
- People part and meet,

Good bye, days so sweet...

Cheers!

Stop! Enough!

Khaenko!

- Khaenko!
- Come on!

Is he a weaknik or what?

John Long the carrier,
that's what he is.

- You at last!
- Hey, hey,

it's not a fire or something!
Tell your guys to hold their tongues.

Some heroes, eh.

Are you a turtle on errands or what?

How are you going to live
and work during communism?

I'm in no hurry. Socialism
is all right with me.

- I'll have you know.
- Well, well...

It's fun as it is.

Hey, lad, have you received
your wages?

- Sure thing.
- Don't forget:

working class status begins
with your first wages spent.

You must buy us drinks today.
Or maybe it's a no-no

- from your mom and dad?
- I'm a self-dependent person!

All right then. Good.

Take a break!

Hey, lad, turn off your primus.

Do you hear me?

Wow, the queen!
The fair of heights!

Let me introduce myself.
Pasechnik.

Katya.

- I read it. You did it by yourself?
- Why asking?

Just asking.

Stay calm.

'tis for you men,
not to forget.

In the evening you kiss, and
in the morning you forget the name.

Katya, wait!

Have you made up
your mind, comrade Petrashen'?

- Leave me alone with your Komsomol.
- Pah!

- Small membership percents, eh?
- Why small per cents?

Komsomol is the union of
responsible youth who are...

And if I'm irresponsible?

Don't you paw me!

I have no mom, hey-hey,
I have no dad, hey-hey...

I grew up in the streets...

What are you doing? It's not
a dancing pool here!

God forbid, God forbid!
Girls, remember this:

A mounter's lips covered with soot,
but still he wants to kiss!

Hey, hero!

- Getting around to the height?
- 'tis no problem!

- Your knees not atremble?
- Of course not! Oh, come on.

A fear of heights
is like sea sickness.

There is no remedy against it.

Oh, my darling saw me home,
on the porch we stood alone

And he kissed me so many times
As there are stars in the skies

Hi!

Konstantin!...

- You want to kill yourself or what?
- Konstantin... I hate jumping,

but 'twas the shortest distance
between two points.

Here you go.

I'll dismiss you from your
foremanship for such jumps.

- Kostya, wait.
- What do you want?

I'd punch you one, if it
were not for people looking.

Get lost!

Well, well...

- Bring some crawfish.
- Very well, sir.

- No.
- But why?

Cheer up, Boris.
Katya, let's have a dance.

Sit down here.
The place isn't reserved.

- Hi.
- Hi.

No need to talk to me,

especially that I'm going
to leave.

- How is life?
- Life's a scolding witch.

It's your own blame. I have
to watch your every step.

Here is another hero. Only
fit to eat ice-cream, but no.

Take care.

- Enough. Let's go home, Boris.
- Konstantin!

Let's go home.

He's taking away our
money-keeper!

And who will pay the bill?

That's not my problem, you know.

And who is going
to pay for all this?

Everyone has left.
Who is going to pay up?

Surely not me.

Here - 92 rubles 40 kopecks.

Here, be my guest.

- Keep the change.
- Thank you.

What would you order,
young man?

We have crawfish.

You live in luxury.
Squandered 100 ducats.

Shall I call for a carriage?
A carriage for the princess!

For your tender feet not
to get wet from evening dew.

I'm used to walk barefoot
since childhood,

- All the kings get mighty surprised.
- Oh, yeah.

The rumor is noised abroad:
a princess walking barefoot.

Accepting no gifts
except port wine.

Take it easy.
And if it becomes raining?

You could present me with
an umbrella. I've never had one.

Umbrella is nothing compared
with what I prepared for you.

For example?

Say, I could present to you
today's evening.

With this rapid river...

And a special kind of net...

For catching stars, you know.

And when the sun rises,
it will be yours, too.

Aren't you funny!

I'm not funny, but
possessing magic powers.

If you want, I can work
a rainstorm for you.

A rainstorm!

There'll be a lightening
in your honor right now.

Hey!

And now - a thunder!

Indeed, the rainstorm
is gathering.

And I need to get to the dorm
across the river.

And I thought you live
with your dad and mom.

No dad and mom. They were
killed during the war.

I'm a complete orphan.

No one to scold me at all.

Good bye.

Good bye.

Katya!

Gave him the brush-off?
You did right!

Wish me to show you
a hocus-pocus?

Would be a shame to let it go.

Since everything
was paid for, eh.

Here you go.

What are you staring? Am I
covered with embroidery or what?

Katya!

Konstantin!

We live in the epoch
of wars and revolutions...

Supposing we do.

It's not funny, Konstantin.

During war you were a platoon
commander. You have medals.

And I didn't take part not
in a single war or revolution!

Ouch, my head is buzzing...

It's not your head,
it's the pole buzzing.

Cheer up, Boris.
You're a mounter, after all.

You must agree, Konstantin,
that mounters,

like scouts during the war,
are clearing the way

for masons, steelfixers,
refractory men.

Please come on in, Konstantin.

Gee, where did you
get loaded?

I'm sorry, but I brought
the hero home.

My first wages.
Working class partying.

Meet our foreman
Konstantin Tokmakov.

- He is a great person.
- Thank you very much.

Masha, take him upstairs. God
forbid your father will hear.

I ain't going with Masha.
I'll go only with Konstantin.

Stop finicking with him.
Let me help you.

Get lost! It's men's
business,

and all peoples of Asia are
looking at us, right, Konstantin?

Of course, they are looking,
looking very attentively,

and you're in such a state.
So, go to bed.

I bet you have kids?
And a good wife?

What a fool...

- I'm sorry. Maybe I said something...
- Maybe.

- I'll be off. Good bye.
- Good bye.

Isn't Masha beautiful, Konstantin?

Yes, she is.

Thank you very much.
A cup of tea maybe?

No, thanks.

- Good bye.
- Boris tells the world about you.

When I think about those
heights, my feet get numb.

- Good bye.
- Good bye.

- Good bye, Konstantin.
- Good bye.

I would like to visit
that height of yours.

For this you should turn to Igor.

I asked him to, but he is busy
all the time.

- But I'll come to the site.
- You're welcome to.

- Is Masha home?
- Yes.

- And Boris? Call him for supper.
- He came from a meeting

and was feeling unwell.
He is asleep.

- What's this?
- Dad!

Salute from the working class!
We were partying on my first wages!

- Some proletariat!
- There is no proletariat,

because there is no
surplus value!

Remember what Karl Marx
and Engels said?

- Come with me.
- Where?

Dad, what the...

But Dad...

Take that from Karl Marx

and from Engels,

and from me,
though I'm not a communist!

Vestige of the past!

- You don't value your life?
- Thank you very much.

Don't gape here, or a bolt
will drop into your mouth.

Where is the steel construction
office here?

Let me show you the way.

Why are you looking at the sky?

My brother works here.

Maybe you know him?
Boris Berestov.

- Yeah, I know him.
- Really?

He is trying to entice me
into the Komsomol.

Gee, you're so beautiful!
Like an actress.

Let's go.

And the dress is cute, too.

Wait. I forgot.
Boris is in the canteen.

My husband works there.
Deryabin.

- Deryabin?
- Are you surprised?

You'll find the way by yourself.
Take care of your dress.

- Katya!
- Coming!

Come on in, please.

Good afternoon.

- Sorry for interrupting.
- No, you're welcome.

What are you gaping?

- And where is Igor?
- At the meeting.

Here you go.

Do you remember, Konstantin:

you promised to take me
to the very top?

I didn't promise exactly...

Very well then.

Since it's a dinner break...

Let's go.

Let me climb in front of you.

Girls work in trousers here,
by the way.

Don't fear.

Can we get higher?

No. Only mounters
get that high.

- Are you scared?
- No.

- It's very beautiful.
- I think it's beautiful, too.

You know, beauty can be
quiet and serene:

a glade... white birch trees.

But this beauty is of a special kind:
it was created by Man.

Give me your hand.

Fear not.

Just imagine: coal will arrive
from Kuzbass, ore - from Krivoi Rog.

For millions of years deposits
were hidden in the earth,

and now they'll all meet
in the furnace to give birth to metal!

I saw the process of melting
as a child. My dad showed it to me.

- Your dad is a blast furnaceman?
- Yes.

Want to see your house?

To the left of the dam.
Can you see it?

Yes. See that green roof
behind the pump-house?

- It's the town hospital.
- You work there?

Not yet. But I'm going to.

You have a beautiful garden.

No matter how high I was,
I could never see my house.

You'll stop this nomadic life
and will return home one day.

Even if they send me to the Moon,
I won't see my house from there.

My home
doesn't exist on this planet.

Home is not four walls
with a ceiling...

You are right.

So, the night, the fog, and
a crocodile, see?

- Deryabin is here.
- Hi.

- Hi.
- Hi. And where is Tokmakov?

He is on the top. With a damsel.

- What?
- I feel dizzy, my feet trembling...

Don't look down.
Hold onto me, hold onto me.

Read some poetry...

And lo! - walking uphill so slowly

A horsie - it's driving
a cartful of brush...

How did you get here? Why
letting strangers on the top?

It's time to begin the lifting.

Water forecast is bad.
It's rather windy on the top.

What do you suggest?
Let the grass grow under our feet?

It can't be helped.
We should wait.

Sorry.

We'll need to take care
of the ropes.

At Dymov's meetings you were
such a hero, eh.

Today, by the way, is the 29th.

Unfortunately, weather
cares not for calendars.

- Hi.
- Hi.

You want to leave everybody
without a bonus, Tokmakov?

A bonus sounds fine.
But the weather is bad.

The wind can cause
ricochets, you know.

I can make allowances
for them. But you, Tokmakov,

should show more braveness.
And braveness is not jumping

around the ladders like a squirrel.

- Begin the lifting immediately.
- Right.

- I suggest we wait out.
- What's our word against the boss's.

- Is that his wife?
- Good damsel, eh?

Stop this.

To your places, everybody.

Lift it! Nice and easy!

Nice and easy, guys. Good.

- Okay...
- Come on, come...

The wife of chief
of the building department

walking around the site,
hand in hand with the taskmaster...

Hello? He is not here.

Could have chosen some
other place for promenades.

I longed to visit the site,
so that's why I came.

A blast furnace is no
attraction park, you know.

Didn't it occur to you it might
be interesting for me to see.

Damn, what are they doing there?

Masha, go home!

Comrade Tokmakov,

- lift it down, stop it!
- No - don't interrupt!

- Easy!
- Careful. Hold it.

- Hold it fast!
- I'm holding it!

Igor, what will happen now?

- Masha, you should better leave.
- What?

- Go, go, Masha dear.
- But, Igor...

Can't you see?..

Lift it down! Stop raising it!

- No - the ropes will break.
- Stop lifting it!

Vasya, give me the belt,
I left mine on the ground.

You think they reserved
a place in heaven for me?

- Take mine.
- Watch out, lest the wind sweep you down.

That was cool!

- Thanks for the belt, pal.
- You are welcome.

- My heart was nearly torn.
- Got scared, princess?

Her heart nearly got torn, eh.

A chain as strong
as its weakest link.

Yearning for an apple someone
else took a bite from?

You can have it -
I don't need it any longer.

You're lying!
Kolya, he is lying!

What? I'm lying?

Don't listen to her.
She'll tell you heaps of lies.

Hold it.

Apologize before the lady,
you pig!

What?

- Apologize.
- Get lost.

You, bastard, apologize!

What are you doing?
It was a joke!

Kolya!

It's not a wind -
it's a hurricane!

So, and Tokmakov
was at a loss what to do.

I can't leave the site
even for a minute!

Hardly have I stepped away,
and there you are!

Hey, Tokmakov!
What the hell happened here?

We managed without an accident.
One foreman saved the situation.

I'm sure it was Nikola Pasechnik.
How dared you to put his life at risk?

Didn't you know about
the weather forecast?

I knew it all right.

So who the hell ordered
to do the lifting in such a weather?

I'm asking you - who
issued an order to do the lifting?

- It seems it was me.
- You think victors are not judged?

As a mounter, you should know
that it's a touch-and-go up there.

To be brave at someone else's
expense is cowardice.

- Your cap, Konstantin.
- Thank you.

May I come in?

Who is there?

And I thought
you wouldn't come. Hi.

Hi.

You look so worldly tonight.

- Here you go.
- What's this?

It's on account of my
forthcoming bonus.

- Oh, thank you.
- By the way,

audience is not admitted
in the circus after the third bell.

- What?
- The animals will grumble,

and the driver, too.

- A taxi?
- Can you hear this ticking?

- Just a mo. Turn away!
- Okay.

Observe traffic rules! Don't jump
from the moving transport!

- Is it your gimcrackery?
- Why asking?

What a pleasant-looking
young man.

Observe traffic rules...

Is he your relative or what?

- Hard recollections.
- Don't outreach yourself.

Okay, okay.

Sharp eyes, oh my sharp eyes,
you shine nevermore

I cried out my eyes
during nights without sleep

I cried out my eyes
during nights without sleep

- From what movie is this?
- It's a romance. Lyrics by Denis Davydov.

From 'Meeting on the Elbe'?
With Davydov a film star?

A film star? Davydov was a historical
personality. Pushkin's friend.

A hussar.
He fought with Napoleon in 1812.

I'm ready.

- A traffic light!
- What?

I say, would do somewhere
in South America.

What?

I mean, nature is
multi-colored there -

palms, zebras, kangaroos...

Get out of here!

- Get out of here!
- I was kidding!

Skedaddle out of here,
you darned academician.

- But I...
- Get a wife and laugh at her,

- telling her about zebras!
- Okay, I'll leave.

Good bye.

Leave this very moment!

I'll leave, not to cause
the fury of the masses.

Observe traffic rules!

Don't jump
from the moving transport!

I don't care.

24 days left before
the launch of the blast furnace

I have never lived in
a climate like this, you know.

Now it's raining, and then
it's hot weather.

What do you have against
hot weather?

Hot weather is a real bliss.

To hell with work like this.

Why are we stuck inside
this pipe at all?

Taking shifts, sitting here
like wet mice!

The rain will stop, beams will
dry out, and then we can weld.

Who is there?

- Wipe your feet.
- How is the weather forecast?

Low clouds,
intermittent rains.

I've learned this darned
forecast by heart already.

What do we do, Konstantin?

- Our schedule has got wet.
- Now we can only

do welding under canopy,
enlarging the construction.

But how to lift all this? The crane
may fall upside down.

And what if we fix it
with ropes, from four sides?

- With ropes?
- Yes.

From four sides?

Just a slight misalignment,
and everything will crash to hell.

But it's an interesting idea.
We'll save 4-5 days.

And we'll catch up
with the schedule, too.

The schedule...

Even if we launch the furnace
a week later, what's the problem?

Because theory says: all
roads lead to communism.

It will be cool life - to everyone
according to his needs.

That would be great!

You have no end of needs,
but absolutely no talent.

Why so?

And why should I hang around
inside this pipe?

I don't feel such a need at all.

Be it socialism or communism,

it all boils down for me to:
pay up the dough. Bye.

When the rain is over, let them
pick me up in a car,

- in accordance with the deal.
- Good riddance.

Leave the belt. And don't
you show up here again.

And you are what -
the staff department?

We are not the department,
but we are that very staff.

Pick up the flag.

- Pick it up, I said.
- Piss off.

Very well.

Did you see that?

What on earth is going on,
comrade Tokmakov?

- What?
- The foreman punched me in the face,

me - a working class!
Did you see that?

Sorry. I didn't see anything.

I wonder...

It looks like the lifting project
was designed by a real professional.

- In fact, it was not my idea.
- I know. But it's very practical.

It will save about six days for us.

Which means 9 thousand tons
of metal produced!

Nine million kilograms!

Good, very good.

This darned weather.

In case of an accident we shall
bury the entire schedule.

- Who will answer for this?
- I will,

Pasechnik, Besfamilny
and Mikhail Karpukhin.

Only chiefs
will be held responsible.

And the working class
should sit and wait

for their leaders to create?

Wait, Mayakovsky has nothing
to do with all this.

I think I know what we should do.

I have no right to permit
you this lifting operation.

But nor will I forbid you
to do this.

- Tea? Great.
- Hi.

- Hi.
- Masha, go. We'll manage.

So, I won't be in your way.
I don't know anything.

I am being summoned
to the directorate.

On the sixth,

the seventh and the eighth

I will be away.
So - go ahead and do this.

Forecast bureau?
It's site number one.

Okay. No rains during the night
of the 8th...

Small wind or none at all.

In the morning there
may be a rain...

- Thank you.
- We'll make it by the morning.

- Let's begin at the dawn.
- Okay.

- Deryabin is coming back today.
- So what?

He'll cook your goose for this.

The construction is ready.
We can't give it up.

It's heads.

I'm so glad you came
to meet me.

Shucks. By the way, how is
everything at the site?

Boris took the night shift. There
will be some special lifting operation.

Today?

Why today? They had to do
everything yesterday!

I don't know, Igor.

- Let's go home.
- Home?

But they must be waiting
for you there.

Oh, really?

Yes, you're right.

Let's go to the site.

- Look, what a sockdolager!
- I'm glad I've come.

You show too much interest
in my affairs.

- But I have none of my own.
- You just feel bored in this hole.

- You think so?
- I'm sure of this, Masha.

Never mind.
We'll leave this place soon.

Hi there!

- How is everything?
- Seems all right.

Looks great! 'tis a shame we didn't
mount the flag.

- Give me the banner.
- What?

Give me the flag.

Enough.

Hey, can you feel this smell?

- No. Why?
- It's the smell of bonus payment.

- And here is the promised rain.
- We did our job. Let's go.

My heartfelt congratulations.

Keep sitting. A brave project,
performed excellently.

Kolya, let's go!

You go, I'll catch up.

- Where are you climbing?
- I'll be back in a mo.

- The beams are slippery!
- It's nothing!

Guys! Help!
The foreman killed himself!

Masha!

Masha!

Hi.

Hello? Dispatcher!

It's Deryabin speaking.

Notwithstanding my prohibition,

Tokmakov began the lifting
operation fraught with a tragedy.

Yes, report...

Report about this to Dymov.

Do no reject my invitation, please

To walk together to and fro

Without you my love
and prettiness

The sufferings will undergo!

Our curls were ruffled
by the winds of high...

The floating clouds
kissed us and said hi...

What's up?

- Hi.
- Hi.

- What happened?
- Some mounter killed himself.

He fell from the very top.

Kolya?

Kolya!

Kolya!

- Hi.
- Hi. Can we ask you about something?

Tell us, Doctor. Will he be able
to return to his profession?

Return to his profession?
I can't say...

One can't be sure.

- And what is his profession?
- He is a mounter. A rigger.

A mounter?.. It's like...?

Yes.

You should bring his family.

He has no family.
He's an orphan.

His condition is critical.

Let's go, Katya.

I'm not going anywhere.
I'll stay here.

Strangers are not allowed here.

All right, I'll spend the night
in the courtyard.

And who are you?

I mean... to this...

I'm...

I'm nobody to him.

But I love him.

What?

Aha...

Katya...

What are you doing here?
Why did you come?

I just...

I came to visit you.

Observe traffic rules...

Don't jump from
the moving transport...

Kolya dear...

Oh, come, come.

Simulation leads to health...

My biography is over.

Don't talk like this.

The nurse will give me
a permanent pass.

I will visit you every evening,
after work.

Don't come.

You'll pity me?

- Don't.
- I'll come all the same.

And I promised to myself

to quit smoking.

I can't understand this absurd
friendship between you and that girl.

And why is she staying
in our house?

Be quiet. She lives through
a tragedy because of Pasechnik.

She was by his bedside
all night.

- She is not his wife or something.
- His wife?

She is more than his wife.
She loves him.

She won't grieve for long.
She'll find other men to console her.

How dare you say things
like this!

Don't be so romantic, Masha.
Katya is not a Juliet.

- You live in an imagined world.
- I lived, to be more exact.

I don't like that you're mingling
with all these people.

And I don't like your mode of life.

- Where are you going?
- Back to the dorm.

- I don't want to disturb you.
- You are not going anywhere.

Lie down.

- Eat.
- No, thank you, I...

Do it.

How did they let you
into his ward?

I told them I'm his wife.

Though, he is sending me away.

He says: "Why should you
need me the way I'm now."

But I know he's saying this
out of pride.

But I will have it my way
all the same.

Because he needs me now
very much.

Well...

If later he will turn away from me,

all my tears will be my tears.

Lie down.

You're such a happy girl.
I've never loved so much...

Masha, maybe I should join
the Komsomol?

Because Kolya is a communist.

Talk to Boris, because
I'm ashamed to approach him.

You have such a lovely dress.

And all my dresses are
only good for South America.

Will you give me some
books to read?

Say, about Denis Davydov.

He was a partisan, only not
during the recent Patriotic War.

He was a hussar,
Pushkin's friend.

Sharp eyes, or my sharp eyes,
you shine nevermore

I cried out my eyes

during nights without sleep

- Wow.
- I took it from a photographer.

And I colored the flag.

Looks beautiful.

The construction is almost over,

and I'm still here,
critically healthy...

Wearing hospital pajamas.

And then the guys will leave.

I say, Kolya,

I submitted an application
to join the Komsomol.

So, they'll summon you asking:

'What good did you commit
in your life?"

What good? I didn't
commit any good.

Also I have such
a short biography.

My dad was a forester,

and then he was killed
at the war.

I and my mom lived
with our relatives,

on the outskirts of the town.

Then the Germans entered the town,

but my uncle refused
to leave his house.

So my mom argued with him.

Then we ran to the railway station.

Everything was in havoc there...

A real havoc...

The frost, a snowstorm...

German cannonade...

It was so frightening...

Explosions growing higher
and higher like huge black trees...

We rushed towards the train.

But it was on fire.

Everything was on fire...

Then I lost my mom.

I was calling for her:

Mommy!..

Mommy!..

You didn't listen to me.
You aren't interested.

Oh, come on.

Your story aroused my own
recollections...

My family died at the railway
station, too.

The plant was being
evacuated...

It seems, you and I...

Don't you imagine
I'm hanging on you.

I just want you to recover.

Lean closer, princess.

- What?
- Lean closer, I said.

When the Soviet Army
liberated the town,

I was sent to an orphanage.

Then I finished vocational school

and then I came to this
construction site.

So, now I work here.

And I have no more biography
except that.

Do you have any questions
to comrade Petrashen'?

- What about smoking?
- I quit smoking.

At last. Because, you know...

Not even all men mounters smoke.

- I want to add something.
- Go ahead.

When I worked
at vocational school,

I sold my lingerie

to buy peep-toes

and a bed sheet...

And on the rest of the money
we went to cinema

- and bought some ice-cream.
- It's not so important.

That ice-cream has melted
a long time ago.

No, it is important.

Maybe it is the biggest

spot in my biography.

I have a question about her
moral image

in connection with Kolya Pasechnik.

- She is his bride.
- What?

She is his bride?
I beg your darned pardon.

Don't make me laugh.

- Don't interrupt our meeting.
- Oh, come on.

What do you know about
the fight of colonized people?

I know about India
and other countries as well.

They were being exploited,
but now they want to live normally!

Beware, world capitalism!

Katya herself is attacking!

Yes I am!

We can't rely on you, can you?

- Come in.
- May I?

Come on in.

- I'm busy, comrades.
- The chief is busy.

- What do you want?
- I came about piecework payment.

Comrade Tokmakov is
oppressing the working class.

I work in the sweat of my brow,
but he puts it under suspicion.

- Give me your work sheet.
- I work like a horse,

- and no lying tricks.
- Okay, okay.

Did you take part
in the lifting operation?

I surely was.

How can you explain
that accident?

- The accident?
- Yes.

Well, that Pasechnik, he...

I'm interested in the role
of Tokmakov.

Ah, Tokmakov...

Well, you know...
It's obvious that...

So, in your opinion, Pasechnik
fell down because

safety rules were broken
on the site?

- Sure thing.
- And many professional workers

like you, for example, were
against the lifting operation?

But Tokmakov
wouldn't even listen to us.

- Sit down.
- Even you he holds cheap.

- Sign this.
- You mean, my evidence?

Oh, come on...

I see.

You know, with good attitude
towards me,

we can come to an understanding.

Thank you.

Hi, guys. Came to see
your foreman?

- Yes.
- Good for you. I'll be quick.

Masha, wait for me here.
I'll be back in a minute.

- Igor!
- Ah, of course.

- How do you do.
- Hi.

Love and concord!

Hi. Good for you.

Treat yourself.

I'm glad you're recovering.

Just came to see
how you're doing.

Also we need to talk.

I have no secrets from
this young lady.

Oh, really?

Very well then.

I'll be straightforward.

People are the most
precious capital, you know.

And the one putting people's
life at risk

for self-promotion,
should answer for this.

You nearly died, but Tokmakov
was granted a citation.

- We can't hush up this matter.
- Oh, yeah.

This is what I think.

Many guys from your team
gave evidence - like, say, Khaenko.

Khaenko? A righteous person.

Just put your signature here.

Just in case, you are an experienced
and talented professional...

Oh, yeah.
Katya, step out.

I said, leave the room.

We need to have
a man-to-man talk.

So, you want me to put
my signature...

Get out of here,

or else I'll plaster you up.

Gathering compromising material?

You want to tell on my friends
using my own blood?

Why aren't you waiting
for me in the car?

- Hi, guys.
- Hi.

Give me my coat.

- Katya, what happened?
- Give it to your hubby,

and may he choke
on these chocolates.

Let's put the bed here,
because he can't walk yet,

so let him admire the world
from the height.

How kind of you to have
ceded this room.

I don't know, really. What
if Kolya will be mad at me?

I'll ventilate it with Kolya.

- And I'll take his place in the dorm.
- Thank you, Konstantin.

- Thank you very much.
- Okay, do up the room.

It's all full of bachelor dust.

- Come in.
- May I?..

Masha? You?

- Hi.
- Hi.

I need to talk to you.

Please, be seated.

- Are you leaving?
- No. Moving to the dorm.

Your son?

He looks like you.

Tell me, Konstantin,

what happened between you
and my husband?

I prefer it to remain

- only between me and him.
- No. I should know.

Try to understand:

I feel ashamed for him
and for myself.

Did Igor do something wrong?

Go and ask him.

Try to understand, too,

that it's difficult for me
to discuss this with you.

With me in particular?

Yes, with you.

It seems to be all.
Time to say goodbye to each other.

You're being promoted
to a big post.

But, honestly speaking,
comrade Deryabin,

I have no words of congratulation
for you, see?

- It repels me.
- Well, Innokenty,

sympathy can't be forced.
It's up to you, you know.

I don't feel like congratulating you,
and that's all.

Why did you send that panicky
wire to Dymov?

- Startling the whole directorate.
- Tokmakov's self-will...

Tokmakov's self-will
saved us fived days.

But, Innokenty, you have my
report and Khaenko's evidence.

As for Pasechnik,

he is too weak to be involved,
but I will prove...

You remember the physical law
of unstable balance?

It's when the gravity centre
is above the point of bearing?

Exactly. You are intending
to live your life in such a position.

When someone takes a post
he has not deserved,

he is always balancing
on the edge and lying.

But no one can annul the rule
of unstable balance,

- not even Dymov.
- I couldn't even imagine

you'll react to my promotion
with such chagrin.

I even wish I didn't come
to say good bye to you.

So many questions in our resumes,
necessary ones,

but mostly - unnecessary.

While there should be quite
a plain margin to be filled in:

'an earnest person',
or 'not earnest'.

'Delete as appropriate'.

Luckily, our fates are decided
not by Pasechnik or Tokmakov,

and not even by Dymov,

but by someone a lot higher.

Your chiefs can't decide my fate,
either.

What do you mean?

I'll stay here. I begin my work
starting from Tuesday.

Again?

Masha, you are a clever woman.

Can't you understand? -

You'll feel terribly bored
in this hole.

Damn...

Why do you keep silent?

You want me to refuse
from this post

and stay in this back
of beyond for ever?

I know what's on your mind.

The construction will be over,
and everyone will go away.

You will be lonely, Masha.

Very well then.

I'm leaving.

All this is just a figment
of your imagination.

It will pass.

Wait for my telegram.

And remember, Masha dear:

I love you so much...

So, you are leaving?

Yes, as you can see.

Masha!

What is this flag for?
Is it some holiday or what?

For us it's a holiday.
Tomorrow we'll launch the furnace.

I will receive the first
portion of cast iron.

And that's why you climbed
on this ladder?

For the sake of the red flag,
people climb even higher.

If someone is taking
his leave - we won't keep them.

- Time to say good bye.
- Bye-bye.

- As simple as that.
- Yes, as simple as that.

Are you asleep, princess?

Do you hear me?

Yes.

So, you evicted Kostya?

No. Believe me, 'twas him
who offered the room to us.

It's funny. Someone else's
happiness living in his room.

Maybe he'll be happy, too.

You know, I really love you.

I used to say all kind of words

to other girls,

but of this very word
I was afraid.

You're the first one
to whom I'm saying it.

Why are you crying, you silly?

I'm not crying.

The tears just running
by themselves.

You know, Kolya,

I feel so strange...

Usually I am a rough girl,

doing everything out of spite.

But you - I will obey...

Oh, you're kissing my hands...
Don't.

Time for you to get up.

No. I'm not going anywhere.

You can't go, so I'll stay with you.

Oh, come on. It's your
first project finished.

Such a big day. I'll listen to it
on the radio. Go.

Baby, all your cosmetics
put aside

Just look
how boys and girls so beautiful

Today are conquering the height...

Kolya!

Salute to the 'holy family'!

- Join us.
- Kolya, where is your better half?

By the way, I love this scarf.

Do wear it.

Don't walk around the room
too much. I'll be back soon.

Okay?

Great, Kolya. Goodbye
to your free life...

Don't walk around the room!
Stay in bed!

Katya!
Let's dance, for old days' sake.

'cause your husband is
a poor dancer now, eh.

Borya, let’s go.

Hey, guys, what's going on?

Comrades! I proclaim the meeting
dedicated to the launching

of the blast furnace, open!

We are building,

and we will go on building,

because we are communist
builders

from the very day of our birth!

Because creative spirit
is in our blood, comrades!

Another blast furnace
is rising in front of us

as a beautiful trace of what
was a part of our life.

Its new masters today will
be not us, the builders,

but metallurgists...

- Stop!
- What do you want?

- Give me a lift to the furnace site.
- Hold on.

...now general foreman
Berestov will give a signal

to produce the first metal...

- Bye, Zhenya.
- Take care.

- Bye, Mikhail!
- Do come soon.

Volodya!

- Good bye.
- Good luck to you.

- Bye, Valya.
- See you soon.

Take care.

Good bye, Bagrat.

We'll be waiting for you, Kolya.

So, it's time to say good bye.

- Good bye.
- Good luck to you.

Keep an eye on Boris,
Konstantin.

I was waiting for you, Masha,

waiting eagerly. I wanted to tell
you so much. But it's too late.

We are practically strangers
to each other,

but it's as if I'm seeing
off someone so close to me.

Masha...

Do write me how everything
will work out.

It's very important for me.
I will be waiting.

I will write to you very, very often.

Good bye, Konstantin.

- Bye, Kolya. Take care.
- Good bye.

Kostya, I'll be waiting
when you call for me.

I'm nothing without the height,
you know this, don't you.

Do you hear me, Kostya?

We will build such great objects -

they will look down at us
from the Mars, marveling!

Translated by Svetlana Chulkova