All language subtitles for Chastnaya.zhizn.1982.DVDRip.x264-HANDJOB

PRIVATE LIFE

Starring:

Abrikosov:
Mikhail Ulyanov

Natalya Ilyinichna:
Iya Savvina

Nelly Petrovna:
Irina Gubanova

Vika:
Tatyana Dogileva

Igor:
Aleksei Blokhin

Marina:
Yelena Sanayeva

Mariya Andreievna:
Liliya Gritsenko

Written by:

Anatoli Grebnev
Yuli Raizman

Directed by:
Yuli Raizman

Moscow time is 17:00.

Broadcasting the latest news.

One of the main points
of the annual socialist obligations

has been fulfilled by the staff of
the Volga Automobile Plant in Togliatti.

Designed capacities
concerning the production

of the latest model of "Zhiguli" ("Lada")
were mastered ahead of schedule.

Its production
was started previous year.

Now the assembly line produces
almost 500 0.5L cars a day.

New farming equipment started to arrive
in collective and state farms in Armenia.

*The announcer continues
to ramble on about agro business*

I thought you gave up, Sergei Nikitich.

Why do you smoke such filth?

Hello, Sergei Nikitich.

Wait.

Sergei Nikitich, mail is on your desk.

The comrades are waiting
for you to receive them.

All the department heads are there.

Not now.
That concerns everyone.

- Is he in?
- Wait a minute.

Sergei Nikitich,
Petelin Viktor is here to see you.

I told you!

Forgive me.

No.
Sergei Nikitich is not admitting.

Hello, Nelly Petrovna.
Is father in? I need to see him.

Nikolai Sergeich,
he asked not to disturb him.

Well? Is he soon?
There's a match today.

Let me find out.

Hello.

She's out.

Sergei Nikitich?
Valeri is already at the reception.

Your son came by,
but I told him that you were busy.

- Can I be of service?
- No.

Also, Sergei Nikitich, excuse me,
I have been meaning to tell you -

I'm very grateful to you. You know that
I wouldn't have got the flat without you.

Anyway, I wanted to say -
drop by, Sergei Nikitich,

have a look at my place.

If you want, of course.

You have my phone number.
And here's my new address. There.

- Good evening.
- Good evening.

Here he is, finally.

- Why so late? We're tired of waiting.
- Hello.

It's not the latest it gets, right, Sergei?

Will you have dinner?

I'd like some tea.

- Would you like me to bring it here?
- Yes.

Marina sent a telegram.
She's arriving Saturday with the kids.

Is she? Fine.

Mommy, please pour some tea.

Sorry, Aleksei.
Apparently, he's very tired.

Drop it, Natalya.
You don't have to explain.

Thanks.

- Hey.
- Hi.

- Is Mom home?
- Yes. Everyone's home, come in.

Is father here yet?

Yes.

- Where is he?
- In his office.

- Mom?
- Nikolai!

How nice of you.
Come in, Nikolai.

What's the matter?
Has something happened?

- Did father say anything?
- No, why?

He's leaving work.

- He's been fired.
- What? Fired? How?

- Just like that.
- Vika, hold on.

- I can't believe this!
- What are you whispering about?

Nikolai says that Sergei
has some problems at work.

I still don't understand anything.
Nikolai, sit down and explain properly.

Mom, pour him some tea.

Of course, I...
Of course, I don't know the details.

- Did you come to see me?
- Yes. You were busy.

- Well, what is it?
- Nothing.

It already worked out.

Aleksei.

Why don't I ever see you?
You don't stop by anymore.

I do.
But you're never at home.

How are you doing there?
What's happening in the world?

- Have you exchanged your apartment?
- Are you joking? It's impossible with her!

The area's not good, the floor is too high
or too low - nothing is ever right.

Well, well...

What Nikolai told you is true.

Don't get up. Do you want me to make
the bed so that you can lie comfortably?

Sergei, what happened?

I quit.
Handed in my resignation.

Why?
Explain to me!

What's there to explain?

Two enterprises are merging.
One of them is yours.

The idea of the merger is also yours.

But someone else is appointed director.

No mention of you.

You submit your resignation
and they accept it.

Who accepts it?
What about the minister?

The minister does.

- That's it?
- What else is there?

Individual pension.

- The age and everything is appropriate.
- What's appropriate? Nonsense!

What are you going to do?
Stay at home, dig around the garden?

I'm not going to dig in the garden.
The dacha must be cleared.

As for staying at home -
quite likely, yes.

Well, alright.
To hell with them, if they're like that.

Forget it, don't worry.

After all, as my mother says,
"All change is for the better".

Are you in a hurry somewhere?

Yes, we've got Germans,
our colleagues from East Germany.

They're flying away tomorrow.

Sergei, really, I beg you,
don't get upset.

You know how it is sometimes: it's going
to change a thousand times. You'll see.

Lie down.
Mom will make your bed.

- Good morning.
- Good morning.

Anybody home?

I'm home.

And where's Natalya Ilyinichna?

She left early. To the airport, I think.
To see someone off.

Grandma went to the market
with your Valeri. And Igor's asleep.

Let me take care of you.

- Your man sleeps a lot.
- Well, it depends.

It's still early. Only 10 o'clock.

Would you like some cold cutlets?

That will do.

- You like your tea strong, don't you?
- Yep.

Vika?

- What are your parents?
- Dad's in the military. In Leningrad.

- Do they even know you're here?
- Nope.

Why?

Well, you see, my Dad's used to
seeing things in black and white.

- And how about you?
- I prefer shades of grey.

You're out of luck then.

- I don't like grey.
- Yes, indeed. I'm out of luck.

Well what can I do?
But don't worry.

Igor and I are probably
going to move anyway.

- Going far?
- To my family in Leningrad.

I have to get into university.
I failed twice here already.

It'll be easier over there.

I just have to make it work
with my Dad.

Igor and I have to
get married first.

Besides, he needs to get transferred
to a different university.

A lot of problems.

And you're going to be home
all the time now, right?

- So what?
- Nothing.

- Nothing. Just another problem.
- Do you want me to get it?

- Are you at home?
- No!

Hello? He's not at home.

OK.

Sergei Nikitich?

Do you have a hobby?

What, like collecting matches?

Why matches?

It's a broad term.
Some people like tourism

or collecting postcards,
stamps, cacti...

Cacti? That suits me.

Hello? He's not here. No.

OK. Goodbye.

Isn't it time to get up?

What time is it?

- Don't you have any classes today?
- Nope.

What, canceled?

- Yes, because of exams.
- You don't need to take them?

If you're annoyed by
me lying down, I can get up.

Yes, please.

Mariya Andreievna!

I no longer have a company car.
Please bear it in mind.

- I just needed to go to the market.
- From now on, take the trolley.

Alright.
But trolleys don't go there.

Then take a bike.

1. Health clinics

2. Melnikov

3. Marina (dacha?)

4. Party dues

It's been a while since you last came.

- Any complaints?
- None.

- Certificate for a trip abroad?
- No.

- Health resort?
- Not yet.

So? How much?

140/70.

You can be flown into Space.

Space is a good idea.

Nevertheless,
you should walk on foot.

I bet you drive everywhere,
don't you?

One should walk and move more.

That I can promise.

It's the red light!

- What?
- Red light!

Get me a ticket.

Pass a ticket, please.

Here you are.

Get me a ticket, please.

Thanks.

Where are my 5 kopecks, mister?
I gave you 10 kopecks!

Here's 5 kopecks.

Where are my 5 kopecks?
I gave you 10 kopecks!

Here.

I gave you 10 kopecks!

Comrade, what about 5 kopecks?
Granny gave you 10 kopecks.
I gave you 10 kopecks!

Comrade, what about 5 kopecks?
Granny gave you 10 kopecks.

- What 5 kopecks?
- She gave you 10 kopecks.

- Here you go.
- Take your 5 kopecks.

- Are you getting off?
- Which stop is it?

- The market.
- I am.

Try the pickles!
They are very good!

Tasty pickles. Try some.

Try the pickles!

And compote. That's it?
That's it. Are you full?

Hello.

Let me get your coat.

Wait.

Marina is here.

We haven't told her yet, but she's going
to stay at the dacha with children.

I don't know what to do.

She looks exhausted.
Please, be gentle with her.

Hello, Dad!

Here we are, saddling you
with ourselves again.

Don't be angry. We're not going
to disturb you for too long.

Sergei?

Let me look at you.
I can barely recognize you.

Isn't it Pavel, huh?

Or am I wrong?

Look at me.
Are you Pavel or not? Huh?

Pavel! Look at Grandpa!
Say, "Hello, Grandpa"!

- Say, "I don't want to look at Grandpa."
- I don't want to!

That's right!

The guy says what he thinks.
Well done!

- May I?
- Come in.

Dad! There's a thing...

- What is it, money?
- No.

The thing is, I heard Viktor Petelin
is rumored to get your position.

What Petelin?
Who told you?

Stop listening to all sorts of nonsense!

- Is that what you've come to tell me?
- Just listen.

No matter who -
Petelin or someone else -

he'll be seeking your advice, right?

So?

- It's a chance for me.
- What chance?

I'm 27 years old.
I make only 130 rubles a month.

- Well, who's stopping you?
- You are.

- Well, fine. I no longer am.
- But I want you to help!

What are you two arguing about?

We're not arguing.

I've been wondering

what the first thing my eldest
son would tell me would be.

And he says, "It's great
that you've been fired, Dad."

"Now no one will stop me
from making a career."

No, my friend. You being my son
isn't what's hampering your career.

An able man achieves everything
by himself! By himself!

And someone hindering you is
just nonsense!

Sergei!

- But you took all the positions!
- Nikolai!

You won't share with anyone!
Isn't it so?

Don't you talk like that
to your father!

Do you know this saying,

"When you've found your place
in life - wait till it's vacant"?

- Well, it's vacant now! Seize it!
- Sergei!

Kolya!

Kolya!

Phone!

Mom!

Andrei Zakharych!

It's Abrikosov.

Andrei Zakharych,
it's Abrikosov.

I'm coming to you.

Is it true?

First of all, hello.

- What are you talking about?
- About Petelin.

Yes, it's true.

Well whose idea what that?
Can you explain to me?

Why Petelin of all people?
It's ridiculous!

A person without a face!

"Without a face"?
That's over the top.

On the contrary,
he's got a handsome face.

Maybe that's why
someone likes him?

Maybe, I can't rule that out.

And how do you think
the staff's chosen?

According to professional
skills, I'd think.

Also, I thought it'd be wise
to consult with me.

I could have picked
a worthy person for you.

Picking "a worthy person"
is not that simple.

A worthy person has to appeal
not only to you.

Actually, maybe to you - last of all.

Why's that?

Because we don't need your copy.
Why do we need another Abrikosov?

We already have one.

- You had one.
- Well, "had", if you prefer.

If you have to change -
change for something different.

And you found Petelin?

Thanks.

- A cup of coffee, maybe?
- No.

Right, don't drink too much of it.

I've got 180/110.
And it's my normal pressure now.

Slightly below that - and I have
a headache. Old age!

- I'm not complaining about my age yet.
- Well, thank god for you.

Listen, Sergei!
Sit down, relax.

Stop pacing up and down.

I think there's some
emotion in play here...

- What should I call it...
- Well-well?

Petelin is your man.

You created him.
And now it's hard for you to imagine...

What's that got to do with it?

Petelin is a capable engineer, but
then there are different characters.

You know that as well as I do.

There are executives.
And he's a typical executive.

And what else could he have been
with you? Just think about it!

You wouldn't have tolerated
anything different! Am I wrong?

Anyway, here's what I can tell you.

It wasn't not my idea,
I'm sure you understand yourself.

Furthermore, it's no secret -

I advocated for you, but...

The minister has his own reasons.
That's why he's a minister.

And in this case,
in this position, he...

wants to see, well, a person from
a different generation, so to say.

What can I say?
It's reasonable.

One can no longer operate
using the old methods.

Have you got new ones?

Don't act the fool. You're fully aware of
what I'm talking about.

After all, something happens
to us with age.

Yes, we're gaining experience, but...

But maybe that's actually a bad thing.
What is experience?

A habit. A habit for the good,
but also a habit for the bad.

Are these all your arguments
or the minister's?

Ours, Sergei Nikitich, ours.
Both his and mine.

And since he's the minister,
and I work with him.

Drink!
It's going to cool down.

Do you have a car?

No, no need.
I walk on foot now.

That's not what I'm not talking about.
I mean your own car, a Zhiguli.

No, didn't get one.

A dacha?

- Government property.
- Shame.

Our whole generation
are idealistic fools.

We don't think about tomorrow.

We think we're eternal.

- You're writing me off too soon, Andrei.
- Wait. Wait!

No one's writing you off.

Wait a little bit.

The minister asked about you,

he's definitely going to offer
something worthwhile.

Just a piece of advice:

don't walk around with that
bitter look on your face.

Like a living reproach.
It'll do you no good.

Do you understand me?
Take care.

And one more thing, Sergei!

Why are you dressed like that?

It's no good.

Yes. Excuse me
for a minute, please.

- Good evening.
- Good evening.

Hello? I had to open
the door, sorry. So?

- That sounds a lotlike him.
- I'll give you some food.

Strong tea.
Where's Marina?

Already in bed.
The child couldn't fall asleep.

We made a bed for them in the office,
your bed's in the bedroom now.

- Really?
- ...after all, I don't care.

Let him assert himself all he wants.
It is a sort of self-assertion.

I don't see the difference.

Effeminate men we have now or
manly men - what's the difference?

How's one better than the other?

Oh, with such pleasure!

I would go there with pleasure!

*lists places* (muffled speech)
Anywhere!

(muffled speech)

Yes, thank you.
It probably won't be possible now.

The circumstances have changed.

Yes.

That's not the kind of conversation
we should be having on the phone.

Alright.

Call me. Or I'll call you.

Anyway, we'll talk soon.

- Gran, did Sergei have supper?
- No, he didn't even finish his tea.

Do you want me to give you
something to read?

Don't look at me.

What shall we do with Marina?
Maybe rent a house?

Yes, probably.

How much money
do we have in savings?

1,600.

Not much, by today's standards.

- Have you been to the ministry?
- Yes.

- And?
- Nothing.

Turn away.

Who were you on the phone with?

- When?
- Just now.

With Valentina.

Valentina?
Which Valentina?

My friend.
You know her.

I think you've met her.

I can't recall.

You've got a lot of new friends
I don't know.

Naturally.

- Give me your hand.
- What for?

I want your hand.

Come on, Sergei, don't be silly.
Enough!

Let's go to sleep.
I'll turn the light off.

Give it to me!
Give it to me!

No.

Give it to me!

I give up.

Moscow time is 11:06.

Our information desk.

Since June, 15th,

regular flights from Moscow
to Nairobi have been introduced.

Comfortable airliners TU-154

will take you to the capital
of Kenya in 5 h 40 min.

Use the services of Aeroflot.

Retirees are invited to work as gunners
in the paramilitary security service.

Recruits are equipped with uniforms.

For further information call:
574-32-70

I repeat:
574-32-70

Hello?

Who's this?

I'm looking for Nelly Petrovna.

I didn't recognize you.

This is Abrikosov.

I'm not far from your place.

May I come by?

Sergei Nikitich, come in,
but no right away: I'm undressed.

Sergei Nikitich, come in,
I'll be ready in a second.

Hello, Sergei Nikitich.
What brings you here?

Oh, let me get your coat.

I was at my old friend's just now.

I wanted to have a drink with him.

It turned out my friend
has been dead for 2 years now.

- It's terrible!
- Yes, it is.

Let's have a drink and remember him.

Do you have glasses?

Why glasses?

How are things, Sergei Nikitich?

Nothing much right now.

- And you?
- Well, you know, same as usual.

Frankly, I thought that Victor Sergeievich
would hire someone else as an assistant.

So was told that
everyone would be replaced.

But there haven't been
any changes so far.

- That's good.
- And how are you, Sergei Nikitich?

I think about you all the time.

Don't.

I'm fine.

As you see, I'm visiting
my acquaintances, friends.

Previously, I only dealt with
superiors and subordinates.

And now - such an advantage.

I see whoever I want to see.

Oh, Nelly Petrovna,
what lifestyles we lead!

In this bustle one can spend 20 years
without seeing a familiar face.

Without seeing friends for years.

Even without knowing about a friend's
death if one missed a social that day.

And with this friend of mine...

Grigori Melnikov...

We lived together for many years.

We were friends.

Studied.

Worked.

He literally saved me from a bullet.

If I start reminiscing...

Why aren't you drinking?

I don't drink in general.
Sergei Nikitich,

you've lived such an interesting life.

Why don't you write?

Just sit down and write.

Will it be published
with an expensive cover?

Well even if it won't.
This will remain.

Really though, come to see me,
I'll write it down. I've got a typewriter.

Come to see you?
That's dangerous, you know!

Why?

I knew someone who did that,
and then...

And then what?

Love.

You know, I don't think
we should be worried about that.

- You think so?
- Sure.

I've never seen you laugh before.

To your health.

- Do you have time to read?
- No, very little.

And who's this?

That's my husband.

Although our marriage
was never registered.

He had his own family.

But anyway,
I'm grateful to him for everything.

I was happier
than most married women.

How so?

I was.

All the best things were ours.
How else can I explain it?

By the way, his name was Sergei.
Your namesake.

But all that ended a long time ago.

That's all about me.

Yeah... that's life.

Alright.

I have to go.

Wait, Sergei Nikitich.
Why do you have to leave?

- Stay a bit longer!
- No.

- Do you want me to call a taxi?
- What for?

- I'll walk.
- Let me...

- No-no.

I'll just walk...

Just one thing...
do you have 3 rubles?

- Can you lend me?
- Maybe more?

3 is fine.

Do you want me to tell you
the truth?

I don't know how to carry on living.

Thanks.

Where've you been?
We've been waiting.

I went to get some air.

Are the boys asleep?

Have been for a long time.
It's past midnight.

- Where's Natalya Ilyinichna?
- How should I know?

And where are you going?

To bed. I was already sleeping.

Hold on.

Let's talk.

Sit down.

So?

How are you doing?

In detail or in short?

In detail.

And...

About the dacha.
I don't think it'll work out.

I know, Dad. Don't worry.

I'll think of something by myself.
If not, then we'll just leave.

What's that noise?

Igor's got guests.

- Well, tell me more!
- Tell what, Dad?

I'm getting old. I can feel it.

You're getting old?!

Of course.
How old do you think I am?

Hm...

Does your husband drink?

He does. In spring.

Why in spring?

Who knows?

- How are you both?
- Same as everyone.

I see.

You're not going to ask
about Mom?

Why? How is she?

Mom's in a nursing home.

What?!

Why do you all get so scared?

It's a very nice place.

She wanted it herself.
She's better off there.

- Better than at home?
- Yes. Imagine that!

It's been terrible living together lately.

Everything irritated her -
me, kids. Especially me.

And she was talking about death
all the time.

She was always pretending
to be dying.

Our apartment has only two rooms.

Unlike your palace.

Listen,
what were you fired for?

I wasn't fired.

Alright, dismissed.
Or whatever they call it.

I'm waiting for a new position.

Listen, maybe enough?

Your sons are adults.
How much does your wife make?

- Don't know exactly.
- Well, at least 300 rubles, right?

- She's a docent, after all.
- I don't know!

You know nothing
about your own family.

You don't love me.

Why not?

I don't know why.
You probably don't love anyone.

That's pity.

After all, you're a doctor.
A medical worker.

I take after you, Dad.
Neither of us loves anyone.

You're wrong.

I don't know,
maybe you got softer with age.

- And as for being a doctor,
you know... - Alright.

Go to sleep.

Good night.

Good night.

Isn't it time, friends?

Off we go... (voices) Listen...

Wanna go to my place?
(voices)

(everyone, in turn) Goodbye!
(voices)

Old hag.

Are you asleep?

Are the kids home?
I locked the door.

Antokhin gave a banquet.

He finally defended his thesis,
at his 50 years of age.

We were in "Prague", and then
went to one of our graduates' place.

5 people split off to drink tea.

Sergei?
You're not asleep.

You know, Sergei, we have to
do something. This won't do.

Pull yourself together.

Constant resentment for me,
for children.

You can't live like that!

Marina's been here for days!

You haven't even found
a few words to say to her!

I don't know.

Let's maybe think of something?

Maybe you should
take a trip somewhere?

Get away from it all, relax?

You can't go on tormenting yourself
and others like that!

Alright then.

Good night.

What?

Tomorrow?

I don't know.

I have to think.

I'll call you back later.

Hold on.

- What is it, Dad?
- Sit down.

I want to understand
how you're going to live.

Why "going to"? I am living.

You need to use a phone?
Go ahead.

Thank you.

It's 6 o'clock already.
Everyone must be gone.

Who're talking about?

The one you're expecting a call from.

Sorry, Dad, but...

- I don't know how to talk to you.
- Why?

No idea.
Probably because...

You pay hardly any attention
to the person talking to you.

You hear what you want to hear.

It's like in music, you know.

A familiar melody.
If it's not familiar, it won't do.

Listen.

You're 20 years old.

You're already married.

If one can call it a marriage.

But neither you nor your wife have
a degree or serious interests in life.

I'm still studying, by the way.

Yes, you are.

Among other things.

Dad, if you want to give me advice,
I will certainly listen to you.

But, you know, we're used to
always giving advice to everyone.

Vika is an expert in giving advice.

And you don't need advice?

You know, the thing is...

Who said it: "we give advice to those
who cannot take advantage of it."

"And those who can,
don't need advice."

Subtle observation.

I'm retiring, by the way.

Do you understand that?

It never came up before,
thank goodness.

But you can't do anything!
How are you going you live?

What do you mean?
Are you talking about money?

Dad, it's not a problem.

One can make money.

How?
Cleaning the streets?

Why not? Is that not a job?

One could also be an insurance
agent. I've been offered that.

- Insurance agent?
- Exaclty.

It's a good job.
Decent income.

And free time.

Is that the most important
thing for you?

- Free time?
- Yes, Dad!

You've never had it, that's why
you don't know what free time is.

Excuse me, but you knew
nothing apart from your work.

Your whole life was for work!

And not because the job needed it.
You were the one who needed it!

Because you didn't know
what to do with yourself.

Sundays were a nightmare.

You don't like TV, guests bore you,
idleness irritates you.

Idleness does.

And maybe it's not idleness at all.
Maybe that's when your soul's at work!

As the poem goes: "The soul has to
work, day and night, night and day."

Beautiful.

- What are you talking about?
- About the soul.

Igor, it's really time to decide.
Dad's absolutely right.

And Vika needs to make
a decision. I don't know...

Are you planning on
getting married?

Are you going somewhere?

Yes, I'm going to a concert.

You're not a boy anymore.

By the way, at your age,
your father received his first medal.

What concert is this?

It's by a French pianist.

Why didn't you invite me?

I didn't think
you'd find it interesting.

Why not?

I'm very interested.

You've never been interested
in music before.

Alright.
I'll take it into account next time.

I've got something here.

It's for you.
I've been waiting for you.

OK...

Have you heard our news?

- What news?
- Victor Sergeievich has big plans.

How do you like him in general?

A pawn.

Promoted to a queen.
But still a pawn.

I don't know.

I think Victor Sergeievich has
a lot of admiration for you.

- Yeah, sure.
- No, really.

By the way, yesterday one person...

I'm not going to name him,
you know him,

allowed himself to comment
on the former management.

So Victor Sergeievich cut him short
and in the presence of everyone...

Let's be silent.

Dear Nelly...

Are you always that loyal
to your superiors, huh?

Dear Nelly...

Here's what I'd like to know.

You must know women's psychology.
Can I ask you a question?

Go ahead.

Well, a woman, as is known,
is a creature of the higher order.

A man is capable of living
a double life. This is also known.

But what about a woman?

What do you mean?

I don't understand what question
I'm supposed to answer.

- This question
- Which question?

You're probably putting it wrong.

It's quite possible.

There are as many
emotions as people.

Alright.

They say,
living without emotions is bad.

So is living with petty emotions.

Like, say, envy.

And jealousy? What about that?

When a person feels jealous...

But... I don't know
what you're talking about.

- Who feels jealous?
- Me! Me!

Because of my wife.

Well, I guess,
you don't have grounds for that.

No grounds? Right.

I found your speech from the
congress of party economics.

- It's there, on the table.
- Oh throw it out!

Do you have a folding bed?

What folding bed,
Sergei Nikitich?

You're going home now.

- What if I beg you?
- No, Sergei Nikitich.

God, I'm not going to encroach
upon your woman's honor!

What's the interest then?

Please leave,
Sergei Nikitich!

Let's get out of here.
I'm serious.

Goodbye.

Ludmila, honey!
Clean the table, please.

- Hello.
- Hello.

Hello, Sergei Nikitich.

Sergei Nikitich?
What's going on? You, here?

I like dumplings.

You don't recognize me?

You look familiar.

Familiar?
You were the one who fired me.

- What do you mean, fired?
- Well, or dismissed, laid off,

sacked.
How else to put it?

I also had a small beard
at that time.

There were two of us with beards:
me and Victor Petelin.

Ah! Gurenov?

Is Victor still there?
Not fired?

No.

Laughter failed me.

- Laughter?
- My jokes.

- Don't you remember?
- No.

Your last name lends itself
to rhyme really well.

Well-well?

Let's better have a drink.

Fancy a drink?

Do they serve alcohol here?

Of course!

- Ludmila, honey.
- Yes?

Ludmila, we'd like some
mineral water, 150 g each.

- Come on.
- I see.

Curious.

So how did you rhyme my name?

I used to do that a lot,
Sergei Nikitich!

Thanks.

Once you asked,
"Who's that joker?"

And that was it.
After that I was gone.

You really don't remember?
That's weird.

You're a resentful person.
If you don't like someone, then...

Is that the reputation I have?

Yes.

You're on the other side of the table,
and we're on this one.

There is a difference, Sergei Nikitich.

The world looks different from the
other side. The scale is different.

To your health!

I see you're a philosopher.

So where do you work
now, philosopher?

Right across the road.

- What is there?
- A repair shop.

I repair umbrellas.

Umbrellas? You're
an engineer with a degree!

You went after the money or what?

Yeah, and besides
there's no boss really.

You can even tell them to sod off.

- You don't like our profession, do you?
- Why would I, Sergei Nikitich?

So I didn't kick you out for nothing.

You didn't, Sergei Nikitich.

- Ludmila, honey!
- Yes?

- We'd like some more mineral water.
- No, boys.

- We're closing, that's enough.
- Oh, Ludmila!

What do we do now?

How about we continue?

- Where?
- There is a place nearby.

You won't regret it.

- So what?
- "So what" what?

No one will worry at home?

Your family is in the country,
I suppose?

What exactly are you offering?

Comrade Abrikosov,
do not ask questions!

We made the bed for you
in your office.

And Marina?

They left.

How? Where to?

To a summer camp.

She got a job as a doctor there.
She has a friend there.

So?

Dad, do you need anything?

No.

Good night.

Hello, Sergei Nikitich.

Hello.

I went to your place,
no one was at home.

Let's go.

That's all, comrades.

You're here finally. Good.

- Have a seat, please.
- (discordantly) Hello, Sergei Nikitich.

- Hello, Sergei Nikitich.
- Good afternoon.

Heave a seat, Sergei Nikitich.

- You got a fridge.
- Yes.

Let's have a cold Borjomi.
Or beer?

- No.
- Tea, maybe?

Let's have tea.

Nelly Petrovna, bring us
some strong tea, please.

Well, how are you doing,
Sergei Nikitich?

Where have you been? I even called
the dacha, thought you were there.

No, the dacha isn't mine anymore.

By the way, how is it?
Does it need any renovation?

Go take a look.
Stepanov has the keys.

Thank you, Nelly.
Put it on the table, please.

Thanks.

So what do you need from me?

How can I be of service?

I need your advice, Sergei Nikitich.

I'm merging the two enterprises:

management, transportation,
development shop.

So that development shop.
I want to stop it for a while.

Make an institute out of it.

Do you think they won't let me?

Go ahead, try to do it.

It was one of my conditions
when I was appointed here.

- You set your conditions?
- Of course.

That's what the problem is,
Sergei Nikitich.

We don't decide anything.
No one wants to make decisions,

to take responsibility.

We're just not used to that.
And I don't mean to offend you here.

According to the guidelines,
I, as the director,

have to have 10 people
to deal with directly.

How many do I have in reality?

Information is completely inaccurate.
There's lies everywhere.

They lie to me, I lie to someone
else. That's no good.

It has to be changed.

Go ahead, change it.
According to guidelines.

Sergei Nikitich, I don't flatter myself.

I can't compete with you.

It's a special gift -
to subordinate people -

to alienate or to bring closer
when necessary.

I wasn't gifted with that.

But I want people to think and
make decisions by themselves.

Go ahead, try.

I will, Sergei Nikitich.
And if I fail, I'll leave. I'll resign.

- You will resign?
- I will.

I'll earn my 300 anywhere.
After all, I've got a profession.

That's a curious talk we've had.

Curious.

So what advice can I give you,

when you thought everything through
a long time ago?

Back when you were sitting silently
over there in the corner.

So why were you silent?

Why? I was gaining experience.

But still,
why have you invited me?

Frankly, I really wouldn't like you
to have any resentment.

After all, I'm your apprentice.

I would like to maintain
good relations.

So you want to live in peace
with everyone?

I do, Sergei Nikitich.
I'm in favor of peace.

Yes, about my boy...

Nikolai. Move him somewhere.

He is no conjurer,
but he's a decent guy.

- And he's not spoilt.
- Sure, no problem.

- I'll get you a car.
- No, I'm walking on foot.

It's healthier this way.

- Well, I wish you the best.
- Thank you, Sergei Nikitich.

Igor!
Igor!

What, Dad?

Did anyone come here
while I was away?

I don't know, maybe Grandma.

Grandma?

She was probably cleaning.
But why, is something missing?

- Yes.
- How could it have happened?

You've started smoking again?

I think you shouldn't.
I'd recommend that you stop.

Have you decided
to give advice now?

Yes. I'm reconsidering my outlook.

I've got 2 tickets to the circus.

Do you hear what I'm saying?

I got 2 tickets to the circus
for you and me.

Did you take anything from my desk?

No, I didn't take anything
from your desk.

But why circus?
Ah, I get it.

This, so to speak,
corresponds to my culture level?

Of course!

Sergei, you're not used to this.

What's your name?

She's so cute!

Let's go. Come on!

Enough, enough.
We're going to be late!

Remember when you first
brought me to the circus?

We were hiding from everyone then,
trying not to bump into anyone we knew.

Of course we did.

Your wife's friend.
You really don't remember?

Do you remember Grigori?

Of course, I do.

I remember his room too.
And the folding bed.

It's surprising we could fit on it.

Poor Grigori.

Where did all of that go?

It just did.

How are things?
Tell me about your life.

Don't know what to tell you.

You've got a lot of work,
a lot of phone calls.

This suit. I don't know what else...

- You wanted it yourself.
- Me?

Yes. You wanted your wife to grow.

That's exactly what you said - "Grow!"

A thesis, a better job -
there you have it.

You should be happy,
you've created me.

Do you regret it?

No, not anymore.

Comrades, you're going to be late!

Yes, we know.

I do regret sometimes...

I could have been a good wife.

Better than I am.

But you didn't need that.

Children did,
but only for some time.

Natalya?

Do you have someone else?

Why are you asking?

As if without asking.

I have never asked you
such questions.

- You should have.
- No, I was right not to.

I thought that if you're with me,
then everything else is irrelevant.

You think so?

And it has no relation to us.

Natalya,

I love you very much.

Me too.

Really?

Really.

Then why is it so...

hard for us?

You were gone for so long.

- True.
- You were gone for so long.

So what happens now?

I don't know, Sergei.

Comrades!
A moment of attention, please!

- There's a test...
- It's her new invention.

Stop it. It's a very good test,
very interesting.

So, let's say, you need to go
somewhere: say, to Sochi.

Naturally, there are no tickets
at the station. And suddenly...

You get in a phone booth
and see an envelope there.

There are 2 tickets inside,
and they are to Sochi.

And now I'll find out, what
kind of character everyone has.

So there are 3 options.

First: you go to the station master

or look for the person
who lost it by yourself.

Second: you leave the envelope where
it was, so that it's easy to notice it.

And third: you take the tickets
and go to Sochi yourself.

So what would you do?
Who will be the first?

Sergei Nikitich, what would you do?

- How many tickets?
- Two, in a sleeping car.

I would take the tickets and go
to Sochi with Natalya Ilyinichna.

You have to be serious about it.

You have to think.
And you just said it like...

I'll get it.

This is interesting.

Maybe it's really possible to learn
about a person's nature like that.

It's nonsense. Of course everyone
will try to look more noble.

A telegram for Marina Sergeievna.

Does anyone know Marina's address?

I do. She left the address.

Marina's mother died.

My ex-wife.

We have to tell her somehow.

It's useless to send a telegram...

I'll go.

Igor!

- Go with your father.
- Of course.

- Alyoshka, get it!
- Where are you kicking it?

Get it faster!

Igor!

It was you
who went through my desk.

It's not a joke.
I hope you understand?

Mom's got it.

Where did you get it?

It has my name on it.
I've had it since the war.

- Hello, Dad.
- Hello, Marina.

What a surprise!
Hello, Igor.

I asked Vika what brought you
here, but she didn't say anything.

Has something happened?

Marina.

Here's a telegram.

- Marina...
- Dad!

Marina!

Oh Mommy! My Mommy...

I should probably fly there.

I'll leave Sergei here,
and Pavel will stay with you.

- That's fine.
- It'd probably be better this way?

Of course.

Marina Sergeievna, they're
asking you to come to the kitchen.

- Go away!
- Don't.

Take it easy.

Take it easy.
Do you want me to go with you?

Thanks. There's no need.

I'll come back in the evening.

- And you go home.
- Alright.

- Hello. Here we are.
- Finally!

I'm freezing, Grandma! And I'm so
hungry! Do you have something hot?

Come in,
I'll bring you something to eat.

Sergei!

There's been a call from the ministry.
They're asking you to call back urgently.

Really?

The phone number's on the desk.

- The phone's there.
- Yes-yes.

- Engaged?
- Yes.

Well?

Ah, damn!

I'll try.

Sergei!

Who am I talking to?
This is Abrikosov.

Right.

I'll try to make it.

Thank you. I'll be waiting.

Waiting.
Sending a car

- Should I..?
- Yes, you should shave.

Alright.

Right...

- Are you going to wear
the white shirt? - Yes.

Here's the shirt, pick a tie.

- Should I make you
something to eat? - No.

OK, get dressed.

Do you need any help?

No.

Stop it.

THE END