Original subtitles

I go to the yard. We're writing.

I go... Zvyagin.

Zvyagin, you're looking out the window again.

You seem to have spent the whole year looking out the window, especially in English class.

It's time to realize that there are only two weeks left until the final exam.

Fine, let's write without any mistakes.

Everyone, start writing.

I go... Zvyagin.

In the end, if you don't care whether you move up to the sixth grade or not,

then get out to the street.

Off with you. "I'm not doing anything, I'm writing."

Begone.

-For what? -Out with you.

I didn't do anything wrong.

When would I have had the time? Just now.

Seryoga, we wanted to build a pigeon-house, but the catapults were left by the fence.

Well, we threw a rope over and—snap!

Did anyone see? -What did I even do there? It's a matter of a second.

Well, the pigeon-fliers will have to whistle for it now.

Fat chance they'll hit the messages now.

We'll hide the Catapult behind the boards for now.

And Mom? Mom never even looks in there.

Come on.

Wait, we need to test the machine first.

Aim it somewhere sideways.

We sent Shurka to fetch it.

Why should we wait for him? With or without him. Let's go.

This way.

Come on, come on.

Turn it around.

Hold it. Give me a brick.

Are you a fool? I'll hit someone on the head. Who's it going to hit? It's going to fly up.

Yeah, up, but I think it's going down.

Hurry up.

Watch out!

Fire!

Alright, it's time.

You could have waited five more minutes.

Maybe he'll come now.

Is the plane going to wait five minutes for me?

How should I know? Where did you get the idea he'd come?

He prowls the streets like a ragamuffin until night.

A total failure.

Tell him that if he doesn't move to the sixth grade, I'll come back and have his hide.

Take a plate each and finish your noodles.

Father has left, and he's left a mark on our ruin.

There's no managing him.

None at all.

Your mother has cried her eyes out because of you.

Neither in winter nor summer do you want to study.

Lazybones, shiftless boy.

You don't want to. But what if they can't?

-What? -And what can you do?

Ask for lunch and scurry over the rooftops.

But when it comes to learning English, there's no use at all.

Grandma, do you know how to dance ballet?

What?

I'm asking if you can dance ballet.

-Like on TV yesterday. -Get out of here.

Genka, look, the white Wind-Serpent is up again.

Maybe he just didn't understand us.

Didn't understand what?

Our signals.

Ha! Everyone knows he's just ignorant, right?

They've been signaling him for two days, and he hasn't even raised his callsign.

The pigeon-fliers will knock him down, and nothing will help him then.

They won't hit him at that height, especially without the catapult.

The wild young buck is charging, the brakes won't hold, the frame is going to crack.

Leave him alone.

Did you find out?

-Whose is it? -I don't know.

Ah, I thought you found out, Oleg.

I ran over there, and Vitka and Syrokov-Kovalyov . . .

. . . are sitting on the roof, and some other pigeon-fliers on Chekhov Street.

They know about the catapults too.

You're small, they didn't touch you.

I'm not small.

As if they're going to start reasoning.

They're furious about the catapults now.

I signaled you three times yesterday with my Bumblebee.

He's proud, he doesn't answer.

You know, I think he's doing it on purpose.

He thinks since he's higher than everyone, he can look down on everyone.

Look, he's higher.

My Bumblebee used to fly even higher.

What a lie.

Besides, your Bumblebee fell.

That was an accident, because the wind shifted.

And this one has been up for three days and doesn't fall. It's not an accident, and it's not on purpose.

Making it fall wouldn't be hard.

Oh, Gennady, how would you make it fall?

What about the catapult?

Who are we?

Just as much pirates as those pigeon-fliers.

What do pirates have to do with it?

And besides, shooting at one of our own?

One of our own?

If he's one of us, why doesn't he answer?

Or maybe... The pigeon-fliers launched it.

On purpose.

Just to taunt us.

Launch your Condor.

He can fly even higher for you.

There'll be no one left to taunt.

As if.

Genka, what do we do then?

I already told you.

Shoot it down.

Actually, it's true.

Since he won't answer, we should probably shoot it down.

Yeah?

Launch it in plain sight, you're doing it wrong.

Genka, when we shoot it down, can I have it?

Everyone else has one, but I don't.

Fine, you can have it.

Step back, it might snap. I'm not afraid.

Ready.

Pull the knives.

Pull.

Fire!

Hit!

Well, shall we go?

I'll go alone.

What if several people come for the kite?

Not going to whistle for it?

I'll go alone.

For now, it looks like the smoke you see on ships.

Well, Yashka is a real poet.

So what?

How is he a poet?

Poets were brave.

Like Pushkin, probably.

But they fought duels with pistols.

And Sparrow is a coward.

Me? Who else?

He's like, "Oh, if Mom sees, oh, I'll be in trouble."

I'm not afraid of getting in trouble.

I'm afraid that Mom gets upset, yells too early, and then she gets sick.

She hits me twice, and then clutches her heart.

Twice.

And he wails as if he's being killed.

They wail for themselves.

Don't you scream when your mother catches you?

My mother has never hit me once.

And neither has Dad in his whole life.

This sounds like a radio program for parents.

And Genka's still not back?

Has he gotten into trouble again?

Showing off your attitude, huh?

What does the kite have to do with it?

Are you blind or something?

Can't you see what I'm holding?

I don't see.

So what?

Sorry, I didn't know.

Genka is coming.

But without the kite.

Genka, did you get into a fight?

You did, didn't you?

Just sit down.

He got into a fight.

You'll do nothing but fight. Where's the kite?

You promised Ilka.

He should make it himself.

And if it doesn't work out?

It doesn't work out.

Not the way it works out for that boy.

It's a thousand times harder for him than for us.

They climbed up.

A stranger doesn't answer...

if he doesn't know about us.

If he is blind.

No!

So where are you going?

Is your session at twelve?

Today it's at nine.

I'm off!

I brought the paper.

Ah, is that you?

Hello. Come in, come in.

Just don't slam the gate.

If you slam the gate, it locks on the latch immediately.

My aunt came up with that automatic system.

Having to go and open it every time.

-She came up with it, but you're the one opening it? -She's gone away. For two whole weeks.

Dad and I are managing the house alone.

The paper is a bit wrinkled.

We need to dampen it.

Dampen it? Won't it tear?

Well, if you're careful, it won't tear.

It'll be even better.

We'll make it together.

Truly together?

Are you in a hurry?

Where would I be hurrying to?

Well, everyone has their own business.

What's my business compared to this?

Let me help.

No need, I'll do it myself.

What do you need this for?

For the television. When you turn it up loud, my aunt complains.

She uses headphones, so it's fine.

But how about the TV?

Well, of course, I can't see what's happening on the screen.

Dad tells me about it.

Socializing, movies—you can guess by the words.

No, I meant what brand is your television?

An old one, a Rekord.

Aunt has a new one in her room.

Want me to tell Shurik Cherenkovsky?

He'll make you a remote control.

You'll be in bed, controlling the TV.

Dad already made one.

He can make anything you want.

What does he do for a living?

An engineer at the shipyard.

Oh, an engineer too.

Only for forestry matters.

He travels and travels.

Yashka, faster!

Hey, your kite fell!

Should've shot down that pigeon-flier!

Ran all that way for nothing.

All out of breath, you poor things.

There'll be no prize.

A prize? Who needs a coffin with a tail like that?

If no one needs it, why shoot it down?

You lousy pirates. Who even shot it down?

It plummets on its own every day.

Not a Bumblebee, but a regular iron.

You're an iron yourself! Yeah, sure, you've got nothing to shoot with.

The Catapult is long gone. Just you wait, Sparrow.

We'll catch you eventually and pluck all your feathers.

Why catch me? Here I am.

Your time will come. Keep chirping for now.

Fine.

Run along, kids. Say hello to your little birds.

By the way, we don't touch them, but you keep snagging our messages.

And why do your kites scare our pigeons?

That's hardly the case. You just felt like shooting something down.

What if we hit your pigeons with slingshots?

They're alive, you know.

And our kites are alive too.

-Ciao to you. -Bye.

Yashka, I set up the kite for you myself.

It plummets like that every day. So keep running and rescuing it.

And it's not every day.

It's just that the Wind shifted suddenly.

The Wind is the same for everyone, but kites only fall for you.

Genka, let's launch your Condor, it probably won't fall.

I don't have time right now.

Genka, you're going to Vladik's, right?

Well, I'm going.

What's it to you?

Take me with you.

Why don't you fly off in the other direction.

Come on, take me, Genka.

Please.

I'll at least take a look.

What are you going to look at?

Is this a movie to you?

No, I'll watch how you make the kite there.

I'll be learning.

Another time.

Is it such a pity for you?

Well, what does it have to do with me?

It's not my permission you're asking for.

Maybe he doesn't want a whole crowd coming over?

You have to ask first.

Gennady Zvyagin, will you ask him?

Fine, I'll ask. Run along for now.

Who's there?

Hello, it's me.

I've been waiting.

You're not coming, you're not coming. I thought you'd be here earlier.

I wanted to be earlier, but I had to rescue Yashka's kite.

The pigeon-fliers almost snatched it.

Well, did you rescue it?

We made it in time.

And I've finished everything.

I've stretched it over the frame.

Want to see?

I do.

Here.

Wow, it turned out great.

Now we'll dampen it. When it dries, it'll be as tight as a drum.

It'll ring. I'd like to dampen it myself too.

I just don't know how.

We can't just dip it in a barrel.

What are you saying? What barrel?

You have to spray it.

Do you have a tap?

Let's go.

Put it further away, I'm going to spray.

Right, stand here.

Hold the kite higher.

Higher, higher. Listen, you'll get splashed.

Spray away, I'm not made of sugar.

Well, hold on.

Alright, that's enough.

Otherwise the glue will soak through.

We need to put it on the porch to dry.

Aunt left the hose out again without telling me.

What's this?

Dad invented it to make watering easier.

Aunt was happy, said it's like a shotgun.

If someone comes for the apples, bang! Is she crazy?

And what about you?

She's not crazy, just greedy.

Oh, so that's it!

No, what are you saying?

Dad didn't believe it at first, then felt sorry.

Put the kite on the porch, I'll show you.

Wait, it's time to paint the tail.

Well, how's it coming, Genka?

Well, does it work? Maybe some more?

Where else?

Vladik, I can see it's wet right through.

Let's climb to the roof, it'll dry there.

The clouds are yellow from the sun.

I think it's because the Wind is so sunny.

Take it!

Take it!

No, what are you saying?

How do you hide down there?

-Is one balloon not enough for you? -I don't have just one.

I'm not hiding. Don't be afraid.

I feel the height.

Truly, it is better up high than down below.

Why does your aunt need this?

It's not for Aunt. It's for Dad and me.

To learn the Wind.

But if it's for you...

Why is it so high?

You can't even reach the flag.

I don't necessarily have to reach it.

I can tell anyway.

When I was little, about seven, Dad tried to teach me the accordion, but I didn't want to.

It was sort of upsetting.

Everyone thinks if a person can't see anything, they must learn music.

But I don't want to.

I have no talent for it.

Do you know what I want?

What?

Come on, I'll show you.

It's well arranged, like on a ship.

You don't have to climb the roof to learn the Wind.

Just come in.

The rod is iron and the arrow too.

Of course, no hurricane will snatch it away.

Well, we should ground it, or lightning will strike.

That's nonsense, nothing will strike.

That's just what people say.

Have you seen the compass?

I magnetized the needle myself.

Such a compass is considered very accurate.

And have you seen the alarm clock?

Do you know how accurate it is?

In ten days, it's only half a minute slow.

And the barometer?

I've seen it. Shurik Cheremkhovsky has the same one.

We check the weather by it.

I also check the weather by it.

Only it lies often.

I can do without it too.

Think I can't?

Look, it stands great.

And the compass?

You have to keep it away from iron.

It'll be like in "A Captain at Fifteen."

Remember when the pirate put an iron bar under the compass?

An axe.

In the film it's an axe, but in the book it's a bar.

Have you...

Dad read it to me; I rarely read myself.

Are there special books for that?

Yes, there are.

I don't like them.

I like real letters.

I write like a hen's scratch, of course.

But it doesn't have to be beautiful.

The main thing is that it's clear.

So they can read my notes after the shift.

What notes?

Wind speed, temperature.

Everything that's required.

True, there are other external signs too.

For example, the color of the sky, the clouds.

Clouds are very important.

Cirrus, stratus, cumulus.

Honestly, I almost always feel them.

If not, they'll tell me; I won't be alone there.

Where?

Well, where?

At stations, at winter quarters.

Where meteorologists usually work.

It's interesting work.

Just difficult.

Even dangerous.

Maybe difficult, but why dangerous?

No more dangerous than others.

Ilka's father was also a meteorologist.

He died two years ago on an expedition.

There was a landslide.

Whose father?

There's this little kid here.

Ilka, he asked to come with me to see you today.

Well, and?

Well, I told him to wait.

Why?

He's little.

What would he do here?

So what if he's little? Little ones are people too.

I'm not arguing.

Of course they're people.

I just didn't know.

Maybe you wouldn't want him to come?

Tell him to come.

Alright, I'll tell him.

It'll be more cheerful.

Besides, second grade isn't that little.

Don't forget.

Well, let's go to the roof.

At three years old, you're not little anymore.

I remember everything from when I was three.

And everything was serious.

I even fell in love once.

I remember when I was three too.

Or four. Ball lightning flew through our window.

Lightning?

Yes, a dim purple sphere. It spun in the middle of the room, and suddenly—bang!

The floor caught fire.

Since then, whenever there's a storm, I get this heavy, melancholy feeling.

Genka, do you think I can do it? At a station or at a winter camp?

If I try with all my might?

You will.

Everything will work out for you.

And what's the wind-meter at now?

Three, five, six. Six.

Look, Yashka's Bumblebee has pulled through.

The rattles start at three, right?

I don't know, I can't tell.

Dad, why are you home from work so early?

Hello, high-climbers.

Hello.

They sent me home; told me to rest for two days.

And they were right to do so.

Are you ready?

Yeah.

Hold it.

Give it here.

You have to use your head; this isn't a simple matter.

Vladik and I have everything calculated, and you just went "splash." Look at you.

Dad, this is Genka. Yes, I already figured that out.

Alright, stand up.

We'll make some soup now, fry some potatoes, and have dinner.

Thank you, but I have to be home.

And when will you come over?

Maybe tomorrow. Tomorrow morning.

Why the talk?

I want it to be at dawn.

Don't be afraid to wake us. We get up with the roosters.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Look at you, jumping around like a wild young buck.

I won't. Don't you dare blab.

About that. You know, about my English.

Don't you dare, you'll see.

I'll give you "you'll see."

Drop that habit entirely if you want to hang out there.

Forget those words.

"You'll see," "take a look."

Are you blind or something?

Got it? Got it.

One more thing.

Don't you dare ask him about his mother.

And where is she?

How should I know?

He and his father live alone.

Ah, so she died then.

I won't.

When our father died, it was already...

Anyway, I'm just saying so Vladik won't feel hurt.

Hello! Hello!

Hello!

So you showed up? Well done!

Vladik and I were already getting bored. Come on in.

And what is the name of this mysterious person?

Dad, this must be Ilka!

Ah, Ilka. So, it's Ilka.

Right?

Ilya the Thunderer.

And I am Ivan Sergeyevich.

You can make it simpler.

Uncle Vanya. No, Ivan Sergeyevich is better.

Our neighbor is Uncle Vanya, and he's such a drunk.

Every Saturday his wife hauls him home from the ditch in a wheelbarrow.

Ilka, that's not me.

Word of honor.

I've never been hauled home in a wheelbarrow.

Here's the glue.

This is for the rattle.

I have never...

launched a kite with a rattle before.

The rattle should be made of thick drawing paper.

Yeah? I have some.

Let's go to the porch.

Genka, wait a minute.

Help me move the wardrobe; Vladik dropped my blueprints behind it.

I'll move it myself.

Now then, hero, step aside.

Step back, step back. Go, Ilka is waiting for you.

Go.

Well, how is it?

What?

In general, how are things?

How is my Vladik?

What about him?

Everything is fine.

So, no worse than the others.

How is he worse?

He's even... look at how he built his kites.

They're higher than everyone's.

You know, Genka, he's been walking around these past few days as if it's one long holiday.

And he keeps telling me about you.

What's there to tell about me?

Just things.

It's hard for him, usually, being alone.

And then you appeared.

And today he even brought Ilka.

It's such a joy for him.

He's just afraid.

Of what?

He's afraid.

That you'll come for a while and then leave.

Why would I leave?

He's just had no luck with friends.

There were always plenty of kids around, but for some reason, they were shy and kept their distance.

Or maybe they pitied him.

Don't pity him.

If you pity him...

He won't like it.

We both don't like it.

We live here, the two of us, and it's fine.

Did you ask him about his mother?

No.

Did she die?

There are all kinds of people, Genka.

She left us.

She left before that misfortune happened to Vladik.

A misfortune?

But isn't it...?

No.

Do you think he was born blind?

No.

It was an accident.

Logs were piled up on the shore.

A kitten had crawled under them.

The boys rushed to save it.

And Vladik too.

He was only three, but he went too.

But the logs shifted and rolled.

Some had broken arms or legs.

But he hit the back of his head.

Maybe I'm wrong to tell you all this.

But well,

so that you know.

Vladik won't tell you himself.

Let's move the wardrobe.

Never mind, go build your "spaceship,"

and I'll get breakfast started.

He's really driving it!

I'm above the Condor, look! I'm higher!

Ilka, who else?

You can see the whole world!

Gen, want to join us?

I'm going to break my neck.

Then Ilka and I will sway a bit more, okay?

Keep swaying.

You're taking too long.

You'll be late again.

I won't be late.

Father sent a letter.

Asking how things are at school.

What should I write?

Write...

"Couldn't be better."

Just a little "punishment."

He is our joy.

Over-punishment.

We raised him this way ourselves.

Oh, excuse me, Vergina. Oh, Vorobyov.

Is it a new fashion to walk backwards?

Listen, where does Genka Zvyagin live?

Genka Zvyagin? Yes.

Well, Genka Zvyagin from 5-B.

You know him, don't you? Me?

I don't know him.

I only know him on the street, not at home.

And I have no one at home right now. Sparrow, Sparrow.

And where did he get sick?

He went to the hospital.

Well, did you level it out?

You can raise it even higher.

No need, I'd better send the callsigns.

"Frigate," so that's the letter F, right?

Yes.

It's simple.

Two dots, dash, dot.

Two whites, a black, a white.

The black ones are rough, and the white ones are smooth.

I know.

Is it true the letter F looks like a frigate?

A straight bow, eyeglasses.

It's true. I never noticed.

You know, Vlad, I read somewhere that some people can read books by touch.

With their fingers.

Some kind of heightened sensitivity.

I tried it. It doesn't work.

I nearly rubbed my fingers raw. It doesn't work.

Dummy! What did you bring?

Look, you broke everything! What, do I have to make a new frame now?

That's enough now. The English teacher is looking for Genka.

She wants to go home to complain.

Do you know what will happen?

We have to warn Genka. But where is he?

Genka, do you know, sometimes it's not complete darkness before my eyes...

but colored spots of some kind.

I think it means some nerves are working.

Gen, they're calling you home.

Who's calling?

Grandmother.

She needed me for something.

Says it's very urgent.

I have to go.

Probably some household chores again.

Father isn't here, after all.

Will you come back?

Of course.

Well, what's going on?

Gen, you know what?

Well?

Grandmother didn't call you.

Felt like playing a prank, did you?

I'll knock you one.

The teacher is looking for you.

That's all she needs.

She's going to knock. Don't open it.

What are you afraid of? Did you do something?

I didn't do anything wrong, I have to study.

I'm going. You go.

I go... I go, Joe.

Go to the yard and take the laundry down, it's going to pour.

Can't you see for yourself?

Vladik, stay where you are, don't move.

-There's a wire around. -A wire?

Is it live?

Lift your feet.

And the kite?

Don't tell Dad.

You don't have to tell me; I saw the downed wire myself.

God knows what. I'll never have any peace.

Were the wires live?

Close enough.

It's nothing.

Nothing.

Now, now, you're shivering.

-What about you? -What about me?

Eh?

Vladik needs to change.

Vladik, let me give you a dry shirt!

I'll do it myself!

Myself . . .

Whenever there's a storm, I drop everything and run.

How many times have I dragged him off the roof.

Is he studying storm currents?

He's listening more than studying.

He's waiting for the lightning, that's what.

How, lightning?

Just like that.

He heard it once on the radio.

A blind French pianist was flying to America for a tour.

Well, she was blind.

They flew into a storm.

The plane was shaken up.

Well, and...

A nerve must have been triggered.

Or maybe the electricity. Anyway, she could see.

So now he's trying to catch the lightning.

If...

The lightning doesn't strike nearby, but hits him.

That's the whole point.

Listen, Genka,

you are friends, after all.

Protect him, alright?

He says it's not always black before his eyes.

Some kind of spots.

It means some nerves are working.

Oh, don't listen to him.

He'll say a lot of things.

Can't he be cured?

Well, there was one doctor, still young.

He always argued with the others.

But now I don't even know where he is.

I think he moved to Odessa.

I know. There's an eye clinic there.

I have an uncle in Odessa.

Want him to find out?

No, I don't want that.

Vladik will start to hope, he'll be waiting,

and then the surgery won't work.

Do you realize what that would mean?

It would be a blow. A fatal one.

And don't you dare tell him about this.

Alright?

There are no chances at all.

And he'll lose his peace of mind.

As it is, I know he'll become a real person anyway.

A real person? Did you ask him if he wants to be that kind of person?

You just want everything to be fine. But I won't watch over him.

And no one will be able to.

He'll try to catch the lightning anyway.

So that's the kind of boy you are.

But you don't know everything yet.

I know.

I can see.

Genka, will you come?

Wait for me, I'm going to the shop.

And where are our thick threads?

I don't know about the thick threads. I'll come back, and we'll look for them then.

Yeah, we'll look.

Mom, where are my sandals? There you go, you've scattered everything again.

One is over here, Ilka.

Well, of course.

Another hole.

The third pair this summer. Ilka, what, are you walking on hot coals?

No, it's just the sole.

It's not strong.

Mom, can I go barefoot?

No, you cannot.

But it's good for your health.

Good for some, not so much for others.

You don't look where you're going; you'll pierce your foot, and then I won't be able to drag you for a shot.

Mom, what a storm that was yesterday!

The storm was magnificent, but if you don't clean up and wash, there'll be a better storm right here.

Understood.

Ilka, what is this now?

I was looking for thread. There's no thread in the house at all.

What is this mess?

I told you, I'll come back and we'll look for it.

What's the point of looking if there isn't any?

What kind of family has no thick thread? You're a little monster.

Because of some thread? How is the kite supposed to fly?

In the end, I'll give you some money.

Go to the shop and buy whatever you need.

Will you buy it? Today is Sunday; all the shops are closed.

Maybe not all of them.

What do you want? Genka, I made a kite.

You wouldn't happen to have some thread?

Don't bother me.

Not even a little spool? Get away from me!

Look at you!

What's with you?

It's not like it's night, and you're lying around.

What business is it of yours?

Lie there, then.

What's wrong with you?

Grandma, is it true it takes five years to study to be an engineer, but six for a doctor? More than any.

Well, how should I know?

It's too late for me to study for either.

But it must be true.

An engineer deals with iron, but a doctor with living people.

And that's more terrifying.

Yasha, I made a kite.

Well, aren't you a hero.

You wouldn't happen to have some thread?

What am I, a shop?

Where would I get it? I'd even take some from the Bumblebee.

Just for today.

Uh-huh, from the Bumblebee.

The Bumblebee is in the house. I wouldn't go in there now for a thousand rubles.

And why won't you go?

Do you have a backpack?

What for?

What for?

I'm leaving.

We have a backpack. Just Dad's old one.

Excuse me, Mom, I'm leaving anyway.

Even to Antarctica?

Better to Africa. You know about Africa.

It's always warm there. And in winter, you can run around in just your trunks.

Uh-huh. I really need to be running in my trunks in winter.

Well, that's in Africa.

I'll sneak into a train car and go to Odessa.

Genka's uncle is there.

I'll stay the night, then crawl into a cargo hold, and toot-toot—I've been kicked out of the house anyway.

But for good—Mom says since I didn't go for bread, she won't give me food or let me on the doorstep.

Let's go, Yasha, let's ask Mom for the backpack.

Yashka!

How many times must I call you today? Yashka, Yashka, Yashka!

How many times can I reheat this soup?

Home, quickly!

You shameless boy!

Yashka, will you give me the thread?

What is this, huh? What?

The teacher came to my work, to the dispatch office, and right in front of everyone,

she asked, "Why isn't your Genka coming to class?"

Is he sick?

He's sick.

Only, you know, it's his rooftops and his spy books.

Spy books.

You see, I'm studying.

Then why aren't you going to school?

Well, I didn't go...

because I've fallen behind.

I'll study a bit and then go.

Today.

Three mistakes in a single word. And not one exercise finished to the end.

There.

Not one, nor the other, nor...

Well, sit down anyway.

I don't know, I don't know how you'll manage the final exam.

We study on Sundays, and there's almost no progress.

Keep in mind that in the sixth grade, you'll all have to

give English special... attention, if you pass, of course.

Make the first kite yourself.

Fine, I'll make a new kite and tie a "bomb" to the tail.

I'll make it with Shurka, then launch it over her garden.

And when it hits, there'll be smoke. Now calm down, calm down.

Of course you'll make it, of course it'll hit.

That's who you are, Ilya the Thunderer.

You'd better tell me this.

Do you know where Genka lives?

Can you run over there?

I can. Tell him to come over, because we're probably leaving tomorrow.

What do you want?

Oh, you're studying English. And you said...

What did I say?

You said you'd never touch it again. I'm about to touch your neck.

Break my fence and then you'll see.

I'm light.

What's "fence" in English?

-"Fence" in English is "dummy." -You're the dummy!

If I'm a dummy, go and ask your smart sister.

She's the scholar.

She's been at the institute for three years.

Four. Fine, four.

And how many are left?

Well, how many? Six years in total.

Six minus four is two.

Yeah? Two years.

Oh, you're jumping around like a sparrow.

Go and study. Don't bother me.

Getting into medical school isn't that simple.

You need work experience too.

That's when a person actually works.

And without experience, it's so hard.

So what if it's hard?

Honor students can still do it.

And are you an honor student?

What does that have to do with me?

Ha! Think I'm a fool, don't you?

You want to hush me because of Vladik?

Listen, Yashka—don't you dare breathe a word about this to anyone.

Why would I?

I understand.

Look, Ilka and Katya.

He was walking with Ivan Sergeyevich. They're going to Odessa.

They were asking you for the address of where to stay.

And Vladik asked you to stop by.

Going to Odessa.

Gennady, did you and Vladik have a fight?

Why is he like that?

That's what they're asking. You...

Will you go to him?

Of course, Ilka.

I'll translate two sentences and run over.

I just got completely tied up. That's all.

Everything, I'll memorize it.

I'll go too. He called for me.

Do you know why he's going to Odessa?

I can guess.

Genka, my kite fell.

I made it myself, after all.

A nice little tiger cub, but the thread was too thin.

It flew well at first, but then it fell into a garden.

There's some woman there.

Yeah, the kite.

Take it, it's no use to me in this state.

Not at all.

Not at all.

Genka, I'll try, okay? Okay?

I'll launch it.

Better give it to me. Ilka will ruin it anyway.

I'll ruin it! It's your Bumblebee that plummets every day.

Genka, I'll launch it and then go to Vladik's.

I'm off!

And what do you need English for now?

What do you mean, what for?

Oh, don't pretend.

You're taking him to a hospital where they treat eyes.

If he can be cured, they'll do it without you.

If he can be.

And if he can't, then who?

Are you going to be the one to cure him? Well, it certainly won't be you.

I'm going then.

How do you do!

Goodbye!

Well, that's it, guys, goodbye.

Take care there.

Bye.

Is Odessa very far?

Quite close.

Well, it's time to go.

Thanks, Genka.

Don't mention it.

Goodbye. Goodbye.

And I'm going to launch the Condor now.

It'll be visible from the train.

Please, take a look.

I'll take a look. And I'll tell Vladik.

Well, we're off.

Mom, give me a ruble, will you?

A ruble for a failing grade.

What failing grades?

It was all just some stupid, trifling story. And what about math?

What about math? Teacher said she might keep you back for the fall.

Yeah, for the fall.

I don't have a single failing grade this quarter.

What about the final exam? We haven't been given the results yet.

When they say, then you'll get your ruble.

Who knows when they'll say?

The stamps will be gone by then. Now, get to school, or you'll be late.

Don't show your face if you fail.

It's for a good cause—for the stamps. And this isn't a good cause?

They're African stamps. Elephants, rhinos, pink flamingos.

Hey, Karakuz, what did you get for your answer yesterday?

80.

Me too. Wait, which version did you solve?

Second. I did the first. The second should be 58.

Well, let's begin.

Many of you have made me proud.

First of all, as always, Kadotchkin.

It's a pleasure when someone works conscientiously.

Here, Vitya, an A. An A.

Look over your work and return them. I have to submit them to the District Education Dept.

Loktina.

Well done, you worked hard. A B.

And now for those who disappointed us.

Klepikov.

I thought those extra sessions would do you good. And what do we have here?

A mess of blots and mistakes.

And here's Terentyev.

Everything is completely wrong here, too.

I didn't expect such a surprise. Me neither.

I simply cannot understand it.

I still have three A's in the gradebook.

Well, a fourth one wouldn't have hurt.

I suppose it wouldn't.

And that leaves Vorobyov.

Tell me, Vorobyov, what were you thinking when you solved this?

It's simply monstrous.

You divide 116 by 2 and you get 80.

I don't know what to do with you, Vorobyov.

But your solution was actually quite interesting. Everyone else used four steps, but you used three.

It's a real shame, such a pity. A very clever solution.

What grade can I give with such mistakes? Take your work, Vorobyov.

I gave you a C-minus, after all.

Ilka, hi!

Hi!

Are you going home now? Yeah.

Listen, Ilka, lend me a ruble until tonight.

A ruble? Where would I have one?

Come on, Ilka, please. Mom will give me some tonight and I'll bring it.

What for?

Well, the stamps—the Kingdom of Burundi, with animals.

Can you buy them tomorrow?

Well, they'll just be bought up.

I just need it until tonight.

Mom said if she sees my report... for a C, but for a D, she'll definitely have my hide.

Fine, let's go.

Come in, Yashka.

Look, Yashka, it's Mom's money.

I'll tell her it's just until tonight.

Won't you get in trouble?

Well, you'll return it tonight.

I'll return it, on my Pioneer's Oath.

I'm off.

Wolf! None!

None!

The post!

Pass, pass over there, look!

Help us out of here. Before we fall.

How did you get in there? We had a rope, but it came loose.

It got washed away.

What drove all of you there? We were digging.

Don't you have a rope?

Hold on tight over there. Wait while I run for a rope.

We'll wait. No, it's very hard to hold on here.

Well, come along, it's very slippery here.

You're so dirty, covered in filth.

When you get home, tell them to hang you on clothespins to dry.

I want to go home.

What were you looking for there?

There used to be a church here, and we thought maybe a treasure or a secret passage.

Underground.

If it were underwater, then we'd know.

Move over, you little chicks.

Come on, climb up one by one, I'll lift you.

What, you up?

Now go home. What about you?

Well, I'll take a look, maybe a passage.

How will you get out?

Do you think I'll just sit here? I have a junior rank in acrobatics.

Now, home with you!

Quickly, quickly!

Enough.

Especially the knees.

The first kiss of summer. Congratulations.

Mom, I'm sorry, don't be mad.

We lost a bit. A little bit.

I was already going to look for you.

Running around in the Wind.

Wet and filthy.

Mom, did Sparrow come by?

What Sparrow?

Yashka. No, he didn't.

What do you need him for?

It's like this...

Mom, just don't be mad.

He needed a ruble.

I gave him our iron ruble.

Mom, he'll return it tonight.

Ilya, how should I take this? Did you take money without asking?

He really needed it. Needed it?

-Yes, he was almost crying. -And what for?

What if it's for some mischief? How do you know what for?

No, for African stamps, the Kingdom of Burundi.

Oh, Ilya. Do you know how much he loves Africa?

He even wants to run away there. Exactly, he'll just go and run away today.

He needs your ruble for the journey.

How can he run away?

He gave his word of honor. Ilya, do you know what I fear most?

That you'll grow up to be a daredevil and flighty.

No, Mom, I'm serious.

Do you know who I'll be? Mom, it's Yashka!

And you said he wouldn't!

My God, Vladimir, why this armor? Come in.

Nowhere now, but where from? From an expedition.

And when did you manage that? You were just here.

Fast as can be, Tamarochka, twentieth century.

Stopped by for a minute, couldn't resist bragging.

-May I? -Well, yes, of course.

What is this?

You won't believe it, Tamarochka, pure exoticism. A real flamingo.

What Wind brought him to our parts?

Tamarochka, can you imagine, a complete accident.

Our car broke down.

The driver is such a blockhead. I got out to stretch my legs, and I see it flying.

High up.

Thought it was a crane. Didn't even hope to hit it, grabbed a gun—bang!

I see it falling. Right onto the highway.

Couldn't believe my eyes.

Do cranes even fly like that?

No, of course not.

Then why did you "bang"? Ilya!

No, it's a legitimate question.

Logically speaking, I shouldn't have shot. But there's this thing in a person.

Hunting fever.

Stupid fever.

Ilya, Ilya, what is this?

Apologize this instant.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean it. I meant to think it, but it came out loud.

Poor parenting. Why say that?

It's not about the words, but the essence.

Let's say, stupid fever.

Tell me, have you never shot sparrows? He hasn't.

What for? They're alive...

and those aren't sparrows. Comparing apples and oranges.

Ilya, to the kitchen with you.

Still, it's a pity you killed such beauty.

This beauty won't go to waste.

It will make a fine stuffed specimen.

Can I have a feather?

Of course.

I'll pluck the biggest one for you.

No, don't, I was joking.

Well, as you wish.

Forgive the uninvited visit.

I'll go. Yes, I'll see you out.

You forgot your guns!

How are you feeling?

Everything is fine, only everything feels weak.

Do you know how long you've been sick? How long?

It's already the holidays.

That's good.

Look.

What's this?

"Uncle Volodya, I love you."

I saw it in a dream...

as if Yashka was flying on it.

Well, that's enough, Ilyusha.

You've a long recovery ahead. Go to sleep; talking is bad for you.

Mom, was Yashka found quickly then?

Go to sleep, Ilyusha, sleep.

Mom, just tell me, did they find him or not?

You know, they found his bag on the shore.

Cheremukha, hi!

Hello. Genka, look at your manners.

I don't go calling you "Bell-ringer" or "Clanger."

Fine, I won't do it again.

Are you planning to go to some camp?

For young physicists or astronomers?

Why didn't you go?

They wouldn't let me leave home.

Always worrying about their little child.

No one is worrying.

It was because of a "failed" grade in behavior.

For you?

Did you not know?

Because of Yashka—or rather, because of our old woman.

Have you seen her?

Tall, with a wart.

Well?

She came to class and started a lecture on behavior.

Saying everyone is undisciplined and scattered.

"We already have a tragic example."

"Fourth-grader Vorobyov went alone to the river..."

"due to recklessness and, as the investigation found, he fell and died."

It just made me feel so resentful.

I stood up and spoke.

"How do you know it was due to recklessness?"

"Well, it's enough to know his character and remember the trouble he caused."

What trouble?

Galina Nikolayevna cried so hard when she heard he died.

Exactly, it was like a jolt to me.

I said, "However, he had one very good quality."

"He never spoke the whole truth about those who died."

Wow, Shurka, you've got guts.

It's a shame about the camp, of course, but still.

It's alright, I'll survive.

I had to haul your ragamuffin, Ilka.

He jumped around, wait for it—now he's been in bed for two weeks.

-Yes, I know. -Is it okay to visit him yet?

Maybe. He still ran away somewhere.

Not to Africa, but somewhere.

No, Ilka, even his mother doesn't think so now.

This is from the flamingo.

Flamingos live in Africa, after all.

Actually, in the South.

Well, of course, and in Africa too.

I would have given it to Yashka.

If he... Yes, Ilka, I completely forgot.

I saw Ivan Sergeyevich yesterday.

He sent his regards.

What regards?

When he was here yesterday, he came by himself.

Well, that was the day before yesterday.

Yesterday he flew to Odessa. To Vladik.

Why did he fly there?

Well, what do you mean, why?

To see Vladik.

It's not the first time.

He was supposed to go when Vladik is discharged.

That's not for another whole month.

Then something must have happened.

What?

Oh, leave it!

He wrote just recently that everything was fine.

What if it happened again.

Ivan Sergeyevich, Vladik, straight from the station.

How wonderful you are, how wonderful you are for coming.

Come in, come in.

So this is what Vladik is like.

Quite grown up.

Oh, Mom.

Well, do you want to say something to me?

I wrote you a note, don't be mad.

Yes, don't be mad. Both of us together.

And he wants me not to be mad.

What a scholar.

Well?

Tamara Vasilyevna, we ask for mercy for this sinner. We stopped by specifically.

It's in vain.

Oh, it's so good you came. You're asking in vain.

Go on, go put the kettle on.

My grief.

Wait.

A monster, not a child.

He'd be as big as Vladik or Genka.

-That would be a different matter. -What's the difference?

Well, I think it's a big one. It wouldn't occur to you to stage a puppet show in the bath.

I don't know. I haven't lived in an apartment with a bath yet.

Dad got it while I was away.

Genka, I recognized you immediately at the station then.

I didn't recognize you right away.

Go on, don't be afraid.

Here's the pipe.

Just like a little kid.

Well, let's go.

Let me help. I'll do it myself.

Genka, we're going to the cape, right?

Let's go. There's nowhere even to sit here.

Only, I won't go swimming.

Is that so? And I thought you would.

And then spend another month in bed.

Why aren't you being merciful?

Leave him be, jumping around like a wild young buck.

And then his mother goes out of her mind.

And others too.

Yashka... Genka, I almost don't remember Yashka.

I only saw him for a little bit.

He was good, wasn't he?

Yes, he was... a little sparrow.

While he was alive, we didn't notice him.

He even seemed annoying.

But if you think about it, he was kind.

And he understood everything before anyone else.

He just kept quiet.

Genka, look!

This boat can be repaired.

Can it, Genka?

It's rotten!

Look at that hole!

How are you going to patch a hole like that?

With plywood!

What do you think this is, a birdhouse?

It's a pity. We could have made a little ship with a sail.

We could have sailed then.

You can sail on a raft.

There, the logs are tied together.

I don't really feel like it, Genka.

Well, if you don't feel like it, we won't.

What a day.

So much water, like the sea.

And I've never seen the sea.

Why?

That's just how it happened.

First I was in the hospital, and then we had to leave urgently.

We had the tickets.

But then the mist came.

A thick, thick mist.

They say such mists only happen in autumn, but this was summer.

We arrived at the shore.

And nothing could be seen.

Well, it's alright.

It won't be the last time.

Of course, not the last time.

Dad promised that we'd go there on holiday in August.

And me?

Genka, you probably thought I was a coward?

-Why? -Well, because of those logs.

You know, I really am afraid.

Since then, I just can't stand to see those slippery logs.

It feels like it's happening again.

Just like back then.

No, what are you saying.

You're doing everything right.

Why take useless risks, you wild young buck?

You climbed up from below.

Well, I didn't fall from the sky.

If you took a tumble, you'd be a pancake.

Who, me?

-Tch! -It's not "tch."

We almost fell off here during the rain in spring.

And a boy saved us here, right, Yurik?

A boy fell from here for us, too.

That was a different matter then.

The water was ice-cold.

We also, when the water... What boy?

We don't know; he chased us away and stayed on the log himself.

He was big, but not very big, though bigger than you.

He had a bag, and there was a name on the bag.

No, it wasn't a name, it was a country.

What country?

Don't say anything to the father yet, boys; he'll get upset and take to his bed.

When this misfortune happened, his legs gave out and he ended up in the hospital.

Valentina Petrovna, may I take this sheet of paper?

Well, not forever.

Just to copy it.

It's his essay, I think.

Take it, take it, take it. Take everything, kids.

He has many notebooks here.

And here, take the stamps.

But let us keep one album for me and his father.

Oh no, don't. I only need the sheet.

To copy it.

Tell everyone at school, so they don't think he fell because of some prank.

Will the kids come?

Of course, Aunt Valya.

They were a bit scared. But they will definitely come.

And you come too, Yashinka loved you as comrades.

Could they be mistaken?

Those two, Valerik and Yura?

No, they aren't mistaken. They told everything exactly.

The way it was, and about the bag.

And what is this sheet you asked for, Valya?

It's written here.

An essay.

On the topic "What Weather I Like."

But it's a strange kind of essay.

Like poetry.

Let me see.

Ilka, it says: "The Wind begins, and the large trees noisily shake their shoulders."

How is that poetry?

Yes, how can you ruin the verses like this?

You have to maintain the meter.

"The Wind begins, and the large trees noisily shake their shoulders."

"It chases away the last sleep, and the sheets on the lines loudly clap and flap."

"It seems to them that they are sails."

Still, it is poetry, boys.

Yashka was a poet.

So what?

He was often wet, but we just didn't notice him much.

Maybe he didn't know it was poetry himself?

Well, it doesn't matter.

There's more.

"I thought it would be good to make a sail from these bedsheets and put it on a boat."

"But they won't let me."

"Adults think you can live without a sail, but you can't live without bedsheets."

It's only a bit messy at the end.

Nothing is messy.

It's all correct.

Wanderers, where have you been?

Vladik, you haven't even been home yet.

Come on, let's go, boys.

Only all together.

Everyone, everyone, let's go.

Dad, are you a full-fledged shipbuilder?

Not quite.

Well, to what extent? Why?

Well, you work at the shipyard.

Can you build a boat?

What would that be for?

To go sailing.

Well, that's just what I was missing for a quiet life.

But truly, can one be built?

So that you can drown?

But we'll sail with you.

It's not dangerous with you.

Is this a collective idea?

Collective.

Yeah?

Well, I'll have to think about it.

And can a Frigate be built?

Even a Frigate?

Yeah.

Wait for me, I'll be right back.

Over the city, rain clouds unfold, it's grown dark in the streets, and the Wind...

By the old gates, the story tells how the heroes of the film walk through fire.

And storms roar, sails are torn, a blinding screen, a white flash in the eyes...

The film snaps and a flash in the eyes.

And if one day a nerve snaps, and the flash in your eyes is real...

And the Wind over your small tracks wakes the young grass...

Then you did what you could.

Thank you for your two steps on a difficult road, the road.

Your two steps on the road, the road.

What are these desperate gestures?

Oh, I tried and I tried, but nothing works.

Is that how it is for artists?

And you want to be an artist right away?

No, but nothing is working out for me, even for a start. Come here.

Come here!

Now, why are you struggling with these paints?

Do you really want to paint?

No, I'm just trying.

In the end, I must have something of my own.

Don't burn yourself out.

You just haven't figured it out yet.

You're not sleeping. You still have time.

You'll take a look around and find your real work.

Your own.

Don't hurry.

And please, don't hang your head.

I'm not.

Well, good.

I'll bet that's Ilka.

Where were you working so late?

Over there, on the shore, by the wall... there was no rope.

What rope?

I wanted to write the letters there, to engrave them.

What letters?

Yashka's name.

Still my victory. Big deal, I would have beaten you anyway.

I was taking it easy on you.

For such behavior, the most outrageous behavior, I shouldn't even tell you about the boat.

Dad, we're good now.

We've, you know, reformed ourselves.

I can see that.

Alright then.

Here's the deal.

I have an acquaintance, a foreman.

He has an old boat.

Not even a boat, but a small yawl.

He has almost no use for it.

Hurrah!

Alright, kids, get to work. Take charge.

First scrape it, then putty it, then caulk it.

And it will be a Frigate!

It will be a single-masted sloop with a lateen mainsail and a staysail.

Frigates have three masts.

It's still a Frigate, just a small one.

Get to work.

If you need anything, I'll help.

What color are we going to paint it?

You say it's a Frigate.

Frigates are blacker, with a white stripe.

We'll paint it with whatever color we can get.

We need to make the letters larger then.

What letters?

The name.

The name. What, is it a steamship to you?

Come on.

The name is necessary, of course.

What name?

Maybe "Yashka"?

Then we need the last name too.

Otherwise, it's not clear which Yashka.

It doesn't feel right.

Yashka. It's not like you're shouting it in the street.

Well, how then?

Yasha? Think of him.

What kind of Yasha was he?

He was cheerful.

-Sparrow. -Maybe we should call it that?

Sparrow? The Frigate Sparrow?

What does a frigate have to do with it?

Africa.

What?

Africa.

Yasha loved Africa very much.

Mom, can I take this ribbon?

-You can. -Please.

You're asking very nicely.

I'm just curious to know what you need it for.

Well, we have a boat over there.

And the boat has a very large hole.

We need to seal the hole with a gasket.

The ribbons will be the gasket.

Ilya, I don't understand. You want to plug a hole in a boat with this scrap of cloth?

Not plug it, but fix it.

I have the impression you're not making a boat, but my coffin.

I'm going to have a heart attack soon. What if you drown?

Ivan Sergeyevich will be with us.

I understand that Ivan Sergeyevich is with you.

I will beg him on my knees not to take his eyes off you.

He already doesn't.

Go on.

See that you don't return before lunch; I need to prepare for my report.

Can I take some pickles?

Well, Vladik said that pickles smell like the sea.

Really?

You know what, bring some for me too, okay?

Fine.

Here, Mom.

Oh, aren't you glad you're pirates?

Bye.

Hello, my joys.

Did you sleep well?

Mom wouldn't let me go.

Look what I brought.

Let's see.

For the gasket.

Just the thing.

And we have news.

Anton is going to camp.

Oh, instead of not going because of the press.

I would have resisted.

But the camp is by the sea.

And I've never seen the sea.

Well then, of course. I haven't seen it either.

Why are you so sour today?

I don't know.

I went to my aunt's today.

I went to the attic.

I wanted to take an instrument for the boat.

-And? -Is it all broken?

No.

It's all intact.

I just won't go there anymore. And I won't take anything.

I used to not be able to live without that attic.

But I looked at it just now.

The dust is puffing.

The iron held.

The compass just gave out.

But it can still be washed and fixed.

Or won't your aunt allow it?

She'd allow you anything,

but I don't want to.

Everything used to be like that, but I didn't see it.

And now it's even scary there, as if everything could return.

Vladik, how can that be? You wanted to be a meteorologist.

I did.

I don't want to.

You think it's just building?

No.

What do you want then?

I don't know.

I want to really want something and do what I want, so that it works out.

But whatever I take up, it doesn't work out.

Well, you'll still learn everything.

Oh, Mom!

Where were you looking?

Why couldn't you say anything? Can't you see for yourself?

What happened?

Ilka sat in the paint.

I thought it was all dry already.

You sat with what you thought with.

Look at your pants.

We need kerosene while it's fresh.

Here, take it, clean it.

Head with ears.

Vladik, help him.

Listen, did you take my drill?

We took it. They'll finish drilling the frames soon, I'll bring it.

Alright, alright, don't hurry.

If you took it for the cause, then whatever, let there be some use.

So, you're preparing it for sail without a motor.

How much does a motor cost?

Besides, it's no worse with a sail.

And do you still plan to sew a sail?

That's the question.

We've been running through all the shops.

Nothing fits, only calico and sateen.

Well, sateen is no good for this.

Tent fabric.

That would work.

I'll say.

Only not green.

White. White, yes, white.

Where am I going to get white fabric?

I'll take a look through things.

How many meters do you need?

Well, about fifteen meters.

Fifteen.

He's giving it.

What a sum!

Dad, we'll collect it.

We'll collect scrap paper.

Alright then, we'll collect it.

I'll find out.

Right, that's it. It's to be fastened to the mast and bowsprit.

Scale 1 to 13.

The sail is only 15 meters.

-Ready? -Uh-huh.

I just settled with my father on 15 meters.

He promised me he'd help.

Choose.

I sat for half the night to finish on time.

The Gradskys are taking me to Moscow today.

What, did you all conspire?

I have nothing to do with it.

After that story at school, my parents deprived me of my right to vote.

Until I become conscientious.

-Going for long? -Until August.

Nastya, you'll hardly get to sail.

I sat over the blueprint for nothing.

-Why for nothing? -It was interesting for me.

What's so interesting?

Sitting over the blueprint.

And when you'll sail is unknown.

Well, listen to you.

If a design engineer draws a ship, do you think he must sail on it afterwards?

Thanks, Shurik.

And if you come in August, we'll go swimming again.

You were planning to leave in August.

Everyone is leaving! And I want to, too!

You can want all you like.

Well, I'm going.

To Africa.

I completely forgot.

I found some nitro-paint at home.

But I don't have time now.

Who's running away? I am!

Without any pants?

-I'm already done. -We'll run away together.

Shurik, let's go.

Well, see you in August. Bye.

Take care there.

Uh-huh.

Bye. Write to me if you get lonely.

Genka, Valerik and Yurik are coming.

You won't drive them away, will you?

They asked if they could help.

Why would I drive them away? Let them.

Though I doubt they'll be of much use.

But they really wanted to help.

What are you dawdling for, Shurik?

And where did you see them?

Vladik and I are watching them on the shore.

They're looking for an eye there.

It's quite funny.

What's so funny?

They found an ancient candlestick there.

We've got our own business there.

Imagine that, look at their secrets.

We're decorating the boat over there.

Like a sea monster.

Someone will pass by and see it.

Strange.

You're going to get yourselves in trouble.

No, we won't.

Has mother come by?

It's still early.

Why are you so keen on resting?

We worked and worked, and now it's dead silent.

There's nothing left to break.

I'll bring some tomorrow.

Really?

White?

White, white.

Look, don't you ruin your mother's sewing machine.

That canvas is quite thick.

We're being careful.

You say there's no work.

But look at those two working hard.

Who?

Just curious.

Hello. Hello.

Hello.

-Working hard? -We're cleaning it with fluid.

Ilka said we could.

Imagine that.

Are you going on a hike in this ship?

In this one.

If you want, you can come along too.

Only we aren't going far; they won't let us.

In a week, Grandpa and I are going on the Orekhov too.

The Orekhov is a famous vessel.

-It's been sailing since before the Revolution. -Yeah, we saw it in the museum.

We saw it in a picture.

We brought the candlesticks there, that's where we saw it.

So, you found a treasure.

It's not a treasure.

We said it was good anyway.

Hey, you in the tower!

Waiting for the bears, are you?

We were just telling stories here.

You can tell your stories to your parents.

They're looking for you all over town.

Oh, you're going to get it now, aren't you?

We'll see.

What do you say?

Oh, it's nothing.

I wanted to see how the boat was drying.

It's drying slowly.

They scrubbed you well.

Where are you all dressed up for?

We're going to church.

Don't you go near the boat.

Or you'll get yourself all smeared again.

Ivan Sergeyevich bought three tickets.

For himself, Vladik, and one more.

They're calling for me.

Well, that's good.

Genka, maybe you should go?

Me?

What for?

I can always go with my mom later.

Besides, I wasn't invited.

You were the only one invited.

It seems there just weren't any more tickets.

Well, go on, since you've got one.

You're already dressed for the part.

So what if I'm dressed up?

Genka, you aren't offended?

Why would I be offended?

I can't stand the circus.

Acrobats just jumping around.

It's boring.

Is that true?

Can I go then?

Run along.

Am I late?

Well, how should I put it...

Everything's fine, let's cast off. Cast off!

Aye, cast off!

The doors.

You're rocking the boat.

It's uncomfortable here.

Put your backpack under you.

Whose? Doesn't matter, use your own.

But where is it?

What do you mean, "where is it"?

What is that supposed to mean?

I think it's at home.

I was in a hurry.

By the way, the salt was in his backpack.

Now they'll have to eat unsalted porridge for three days.

I have some salt.

As for the mosquitoes, they'll eat this bungler even without salt.

I'll just wrap myself in your windbreaker.

Like I'm going to give my windbreaker to some headless character.

Well, then I'll rub myself with this.

Where is the dimethyl phthalate?

Pah! Or whatever it was called?

Well, I hope you didn't forget this thing?

I took it myself, here it is.

I asked you to bring a small vial.

You call this a small vial?

There was nothing else there.

This is a special solvent.

I took it to strip the old paint off the motorcycle.

Is it poisonous?

This stuff... With a hard enough impact, it could work like an incendiary bomb.

Vladik, give it here.

We'll wrap it in a towel and hide it in the stern.

Keep it away from the... Like I need it.

Our camp used to be nearby here.

We used to run here to swim.

The bottom's good.

And last year, a self-propelled gun came out over there.

It got stuck badly.

We ran to watch them pull it off.

They say the mechanic was wounded.

Was he badly wounded?

I don't know, not badly.

And over there is the Jabotinsky.

It's hard to see it in the fog.

But you were going to make a fire.

I already did.

There.

Talented.

Well, let's go.

The mosquitoes have started dinner. Well, how are their little teeth?

I'm not edible.

What if we throw this bottle into the fire?

What would happen to it?

Hard to say, but one thing I know for sure: someone's ears will get pulled.

No, no, I'm just asking.

That's what I figured.

We should make some tea.

Who's going to get water?

I am.

Just don't scoop near the shore, go further out, the water's cleaner there, and don't drop the kettle.

I won't drop it.

And don't you drown either.

Alright.

Aren't you scared? Of what?

Well, it's an unfamiliar place, after all.

And there's some kind of monster in the river, it'll creep up underwater and grab your leg. Snap!

You have such stories, Genka.

Imagine that, he's not afraid of monsters.

-And I'm not afraid of anything. -Nothing, nothing.

Nothing.

What about wolves?

In summer, they're cowardly.

If you hit them with a kettle, they'll run right away.

And in winter?

In winter? They're not afraid of bare feet, they'll devour you anyway.

What about stinging bees?

Ah, I know what you're afraid of.

What? Injections.

I remembered. That was only when I was little.

Last year.

Last year doesn't count.

And you're not afraid of venomous snakes either?

-No, I'm not. -What about math tests?

-Ha! -What about...?

The dark?

I'm not afraid.

Floods?

I'm not afraid.

What about death?

I'm not afraid.

Go on, go on.

Hang a stone around your neck and jump in the water.

Am I a fool, or something? To jump for nothing.

And if it's not for nothing, can you?

If I have to, I can.

Yashka did it.

The blue sea has spread its wings.

You know, Genka, you shouldn't have been so hard on him.

We know what you're afraid of.

Well, what?

When you mess something up, mom won't let you go out.

Ha, anyone would be afraid of that.

Why laugh? We should've made a pole.

What do I hang the kettle on?

At your service, Your Majesty.

No, better me.

Oh!

I hit it, and a splinter flew off.

It seems we can't do without medicine.

About five kilometers from here is the village of Reshetnikovo.

There's a hospital there.

Five kilometers.

If we go straight, it's closer.

Only through ravines and such.

And do you remember the way?

Roughly.

We can head for the lights.

Ilka, put out the fire.

Ilka can't make it.

Why not?

It's not like prancing on asphalt.

You think I can't do it? You'll get there, but you'll fall behind a lot.

And every minute counts here.

Oh, come on, I'll endure until morning.

You can't wait until morning.

Yes, but we can't leave Ilka either.

What should we do?

Guys, honestly, I don't even know what to do.

You go, I'll wait for you.

Someone still has to guard the boat.

How can I leave you?

What about Vladik?

We'll be back, just don't be afraid.

Am I afraid?

Just don't leave this spot.

Alright, just be quick.

Be careful, see, you passed the fork.

Yes, but how is he?

Ivan Sergeyevich, there's the hospital.

Where, where? Right here, where the light is on.

Ivan Sergeyevich, I'm going back.

Alright, Genka, thank you.

To the nuts!

What are you doing?

There's land there!

Ilka!

Genka!

What made you think it was a steamship?

Then who?

Well, how would we get here?

So, that wasn't necessary?

So, Africa burned for nothing?

Well, I don't know.

Didn't you notice what the lights were like?

Lights are lights, you can't make them out in the fog.

Could it really be a tanker here?

What tanker?

There's one that goes back and forth, from shore to shore, almost without lights.

Looks like something happened to it.

How did you see it in such fog?

Oh, you wild young buck, look lower, there's no fog.

I was walking along the shore.

A big tanker?

Medium-sized, high sides, looks empty.

So, that wasn't necessary?

All this,

I think a passenger tanker would just bump and come out.

Nothing would have happened.

Nothing at all.

Neither you nor the tanker.

From the impact, it would have caught fire.

Do you know how gasoline vapors explode?

No.

Well, there, and you say it was for nothing.

We're here, get down. I'm a father, after all, not a pack camel.

Well, what's going on with you two?

Everything is fine.

The boy was scolded and released.

What was he scolded for?

For being reckless.

So, is everything in order here?

Not everything.

Ilka burned the boat.

How did he burn it?

He did it on purpose—I mean, not on purpose, he did the right thing.

You won't scold him, will you?

Well, here it is. It seemed to him it was heading for a sandbank.

He decided... Better "Africa" perish than the steamship.

So I made up that story about the tanker.

Let him think it wasn't for nothing.

Let's sink the boat so he doesn't see it tomorrow.

It's nothing but charred remains anyway.

It's a pity the sails burned.

Where will we find a new summer sail now?

A new one?

What for?

Aren't we going to build a new boat?

Who?

Who's going to build it?

Shurik and Anton have left.

You're leaving too.

Only Archeologist Gates, Yuri Kavalerik, and I, the sailor from the burnt ship, are left.

It's a pity.

And you're the most disappointed of all.

Tomorrow you should tell him you'll take him to Odessa with you.

Then he'll forget his grief.

Genka, I'm not going to Odessa.

What?

I'm not going.

Why?

I don't want to.

Are you trying to mess with my head?

You wanted to go to the sea.

I wanted to before, but not now.

And what about now?

Do you know how hard it is to lie there with a bandage after the surgery?

Nothing is certain yet.

Back then, I kept remembering the roof and the kites.

When we were together, you and I... then because of this Odessa, everything went sideways.

Well, not completely sideways.

At first it seemed everything was fine, but then it'll happen again.

You'll be here, and I'll be there.

I don't want it that way.

And Ilka? What about Ilka?

He'll go with Dad.

Let them get used to being together.

The water's cold.

Listen, where will you live while they're away?

With your aunt?

Better stay with us.

No, I'll probably stay with Aunt Tamara.

With whom?

With Ilka's mom.

Ugh, I'm such an idiot.

Listen, they're going to get married, aren't they?

Aunt Tamara and Ivan Sergeyevich? Yes.

I suppose so.

That means...

Ilka will be your Little Brother. Will he be my brother?

Yes, he'll be your brother.

Well, then keep a tight rein on him, tighten the nuts a bit.

He needs it.

Actually, two brothers wouldn't hurt him.

There are plenty of nuts to tighten.

Do you hear the barometers' springs shifting the needle? The heavens tremble with impatience...

They tremble with impatience beyond the horizon's starting line. Now, any moment, they will rush.

Do you hear it shifting on the weather vane? Come now, raise the sail, people!

It's time for it to unfurl as it should; time to unfurl in the waves.

And let the romantic country meet us with a wave, on the side where the Wind blows,

on the side where the Wind blows.

More terrifying than a storm are the grey mists; more terrifying than any depths are the holy shallows.

And if you have learned this, boy, sail bravely to the furthest countries.

But dearer than distant lands and all the seas are two words softly spoken by a friend.

When, holding your hand in his palm, he said he cannot sail without you.

You cannot be alone either; let it shine for you both.

A blue dawn ahead, on the side where the Wind blows, on the side where the Wind blows.