Original subtitles

Hey, let's go!

Yes, let's go!

Romantic people.

Hey, enough, let's go.

And endless strife, Peace only a dream-like yearning.

Let's go.

- Go ahead! - Follow me.

THE DAWNS HERE ARE QUIET

IN TWO PARTS

WRITTEN BY BORIS VASSILYEV STANISLAV ROSTOTSKY

DIRECTED BY STANISLAV ROSTOTSKY

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY VYACHESLAV SHUMSKY

PRODUCTION DESIGNER SERGEY SEREBRENNIKOV

MUSIC BY KIRILL MOLCHANOV

STARRING

ANDREI MARTYNOV

IRINA DOLGANOVA

YELENA DROPEKO

YEKATERINA MARKOVA

OLGA OSTROUMOVA

IRINA SHEVCHUK

ALSO STARRING L. ZAITSEVA A. MESHCHERYAKOVA

N. YEMELYANOVA, A. CHERNOV

PART ONE

IN THE SECOND ECHELON

What kind of a commander is he if he cannot find his army boots?

It's right here! I threw it under the bed.

Oh, you did, didn't you?

When fighting men return from the front line, they like to live it up.

But I won't stand for any breach of the regulations.

Comrade Major!

5-day detention!

She won't let me milk her without a kerchief.

You make a report, I'll reprimand you and send you new soldiers.

And then it will be the same again, won't it?

Try to send me non-drinking guys who can keep their hands off the girls...

You mean eunuchs?

As you see fit.

You can't even maintain order. Women!

The civilians aren't under my command, and they make the trouble.

Comrade Major, come in the house. The samovar is still hot.

No, thanks, I must be going.

All right, Vaskov.

And you, section commander, place yourself at the disposal of HQ.

- Yes, Sir! - And you Vaskov,

I'll be sending you soldiers who'll keep away from the booze, and their hands off the women.

- Why can't we stay for a while? - Let's go!

Got your way, eh?

Good luck and give them hell!

Calm down...

- They were such good guys. - We have only ourselves to blame.

Our respects to the Commandant!

Remember us well!

This is no way for Command HQ to run things. No way at all.

For three days now, the depot's got no protection.

The Major acted hotheadedly. He got himself a problem.

Can't find good soldiers for our section.

It's quiet here, isn't it?

It's all on account of you women.

I think we should ship all the females from the front.

To Siberia!

If you did that, who would wash your clothes?

This is it. Out you get!

You're here, fighters.

The anti-aircraft crew is here.

With their own commander?

It doesn't look like it, Fedot Yevgrafovich.

Thank goodness. Nothing worse than two in charge.

Hey, boys, the anti-aircraft gunners are here!

Let's go and see!

Fall in!

- So, you're here. - That's right.

Attention!

Comrade Senior Sergeant,

The 1st and 2nd squads of the 3rd platoon of the 5th company of the Anti-Aircraft Battalion

are here at your disposal to defend the depot!

Reporting, Section Leader Kiryanova!

Well... so they've found non-drinking soldiers.

- Hey, grab this! - Hurry it up there.

- Move, girls! - Over here.

Couldn't you find something lighter?

- Set up the kitchen on the bank. - You won't overstrain yourself.

Can't stand on your feet?

Step on it, girls, get settled in.

The last anti-aircraft team was housed in billets.

Sure, but they were men, not girls.

- What's your name? - Elizaveta Brichkina.

- Where are you from? - From Vologda.

You worked on a state farm?

I did. But mostly helped my father.

You're a smart girl.

- Let's get that table in place. - All right now.

No one leaves camp without my permission.

- How about berry-picking? - The season hasn't started yet.

How about sorrel?

We need some additional food to keep our figures.

There's lots of sorrel at the river. But don't cross to the other bank.

Lyuda, Vera, guard duty!

Now just wait a minute!

Anything wrong, Sergeant?

- Katya will be the guard commander. - Well, thanks for nothing.

Hold up. Posting of sentries should be done strictly according to the regulations.

And this is just a travesty.

The regulations... the regulations to a soldier are his--

The Commander personally authorized us to do so, Comrade Sergeant.

For military secrecy.

You'd better leave, Comrade Sergeant. We need to clean up.

You'd better think of the amenities.

What amenities?

There are hardly any bushes around.

The regulations, the regulations are for a soldier like...

Hard at work, Fedot Yevgrafovich?

Make sure it's the right size.

And don't kill yourself with work, either.

You're the only man left here. You know, for breeding.

You'll be changing the roof over your head every night.

You should be ashamed, Polina! You are the wife of a soldier.

- So behave accordingly. - Come on, Fedot...

Maybe my needs will be cared for by someone, too.

For men out there...

life is not easy.

While for a woman,

so they say,

a nip is enough.

So...

please accept the gratitude...

of all us...

women here.

Maria...

you got any moonshine?

Rita, have some tea with us!

GLORY TO THE SOVIET BORDER GUARDS!

PIONEER, LEARN TO SHOOT ACCURATELY!

PIONEER, BE READY FOR LABOUR AND DEFENSE!

CHAMPAGNE

Time to go to bed, girls. Lights out!

Still, it is hard for women, the war.

They all volunteered.

It's all right, they're young and healthy.

Full bosoms.

Hm, bosoms...

to be caressed by...

the jagged shell splinter.

You have to knock before entering. This is a barracks, not a barn.

- What is that?! - You mean you don't know?

- It attracts attention. Remove it! - There's a regulation.

- What regulation? - Army regulation.

"Personnel of the feminine sex

"are authorized to dry laundry on the fronts specifically for camouflage."

I'll check on that.

If it doesn't exist, I'll take them down and burn them.

Who is going to let you destroy property of the state?

Property of the state!

He's cute, but so old-fashioned.

Cut it out!

...says so seriously...

- ...and I tell him-- - Stop!

- Having a stroll? - Yes.

- On the other bank of the river? - Yes.

- Voyeurism is wrong, Comrade Sergeant. - Take off your belts!

Take them off, or I will do it by force!

And now, comrades soldiers, go to your Commander, and report

that Commandant has given you 3-day detention

for the breach of discipline in the immediate battle area.

On the double!

They want to conquer me with their female tricks! I'm not a lady's man!

Maybe you shouldn't see it like that...

They call you "old man" behind your back,

treat them accordingly.

Try knocking before you enter, Comrade Sergeant.

This is not a stable.

Why would you be naked if the landlady was in the house?

And for the future, I will be in charge of the order in my division.

Well, maybe then you can also be in charge of the order in the garrison.

I'll be in charge, if the need arises.

You have entrenched yourself here and just give out the orders!

Who has entrenched?

Are you trying to say that he has entrenched?

There were 16 shell fragments in his body.

Look at the medals on his chest! Looks prettier than yours!

Glitters more!

Entrenched!

I couldn't even think... Yes, allow such people in and they will...

Here is their ammunition,

Comrade Troop Commander.

And please organize the trainings in accordance with the regulations.

I will control it personally.

Air raid!

Action stations!

Move it!

Don't forget your weapons!

Brichkina! Chetvertak!

Move it, girls! Move it!

- First group to the right! - Second group to the left!

Civilians to the dugouts!

Aircraft!

Twelve o'clock high!

Ready, right!

Ready, left!

- Speed 140! - Speed 140!

- Eighteen! - Eighteen it is!

Short bursts!

- On target! - Fire!

Speed 150!

Twelve!

Ten!

Eight!

Messerschmitts on the right! Take leader!

Speed 180! Long shots!

Fire!

- Range sixteen! - Range sixteen it is!

Lida!

Fire!

Why are they shooting at both planes? They should only go for one!

You know it all? The girls are fighting, and you're hiding in a hole!

Go out and help! Instead of hiding behind women's skirts!

Everyone stays at his post in a war!

What about Elizaveta...

- how is she? - Just a flesh wound.

It will heal.

The Messerschmitts are leaving!

A reconnaissance aircraft!

At three o'clock!

Speed 140!

Correct your sights!

Short bursts!

Hit it, Rita!

Fire!

- On target. - Fire!

A bull's-eye!

- Hit 'em, girls! - Kill 'em!

Well, that's my cue.

- Where're you going? - I must take him alive!

Come back!

Well done, Osyanina!

- His parachute hasn't opened. - Maybe he's wounded.

He is not going to like it in that lake anyway.

- Don't waste ammunition, you'll miss anyway. - The other's still holding.

Look, Vaskov's going to swim out to him.

He'll bring him in.

I wonder if he falls in the lake or in the forest.

Wait!

She got him!

That makes both of them.

- Bring a stretcher, girls. - We can carry her ourselves.

No, it's safer on a stretcher.

How she hit him!

Careful!

- Don't worry! We did everything right. - No, not right!

- They should've been taken alive! - Why don't you just...

You know the way, or do you need help?

Attention!

- Comrade Major! - At ease.

Good work. Who shot it down?

- Junior Sergeant Osyanina by herself. - No, not by myself, with the group.

Very good. You'll get a medal for this.

No, no medals!

You captured the pilots?

They fell in the lake. The first's parachute failed to open.

We were just about to take the other when she...

- A shame. - That's what I say, a shame.

Why did they want to make a reconnaissance over your positions? Huh, Vaskov?

We have two casualties.

I'll ship them out.

I brought you reinforcements. Get acquainted.

- May I talk to you a second, Margarita? - Hello there, new girls.

- Oh, they're beautiful. - How long for?

- Depends how we like it here. - Fancy boots.

Is it an excursion or what?

The woman on the front is an object of steady attention.

But let's be frank about it, there are unacceptable cases.

Why are you telling me this?

Well, I'm being frank.

A high-ranking officer, a married man by the way,

got himself, how do you say...

- a girlfriend or something-- - What do I have to do with it?

Don't take offense, let me finish.

A member of the Military Council learned about it.

That colonel got transferred, and I was ordered to assign

said girlfriend to here.

I see.

- Can I be dismissed? - You're dismissed.

Hey, girls, here's Rita.

I'm Squad Commander Osyanina.

Gunner Komelkova.

Gunner Gurvich.

And she, instead of "I am proud to serve Soviet Union", goes: "I don't need medals!"

And when I was in the 4th grade,

a bear killed my father.

What's bear got to do with this?

I am the oldest.

And there were 7 more mouths to feed.

That was the end of my education.

And all of them have finished high school.

That's 10 grades, minus my 4.

So, I am lagging behind more than my education lasted.

I can't deal with them, Comrade Major! Send me to the front line!

- What's wrong? Have you caught a cold? - Yes, indeed, Comrade Major!

Vaskov!

And nobody's on duty!

Listen, Vaskov, the girls need a proper trim.

- Don't worry, Comrade Major, I will see to it. - All right then.

I wanted to do that with them myself!

Really?

According to the regulations! But then this air raid happened.

No, I meant a different thing, organize a sauna for them.

Get well soon, girls!

- Try to return to us! - Write to us!

Why did you turn down that medal?

I've got an account of my own to settle.

Look at you,

real independent, aren't we?

There're some girls I can't understand.

- You mean me? - Yes, that's right.

They already told you?

All right, give me a lecture.

You prefer to do it now or keep till later?

- I had a husband, Zhenya. - Another girl stole him?

Don't try to cry on my shoulder.

No, he was killed...

on the third day of the war.

- When he was on the Finnish front... - I got this from there.

So, while he was freezing in the snow,

his wife was having it off with the regiment horse vet.

He got the custody of his son through the court.

And he left him at his mother's.

The garrison under my command has the right to a sauna tomorrow.

Report to me for a soap issue.

That's why I volunteered to come on this post...

To be near my son and mama.

I'm not alone now.

I'll go again tomorrow.

You're a lucky girl.

I've got no one in the whole world.

My brother and sister...

and mother...

all of them were massacred.

There was an air-raid?

No, they shot them.

The high-ranking officers' families were all executed.

An Estonian woman hid me at her place.

I've seen everything.

Zhenya...

how about that colonel?

How could you do it, Zhenya?

Well, I did it...

Major Luzhin reporting for duty.

Welcome.

This is my daughter, Zhenya.

I just did.

Give me two rations, for me and Tatiana.

- Who's going to scrub my back? - The Commandant.

Isn't he a man?

We have to draw lots for him.

He's just an old boor with a 20-word vocabulary, all of it regulations.

In any case, his landlady is not complaining.

That's not true!

Did you hear that?

She's fallen for him!

Our Brichkina has got the hots for that Chocolate Soldier!

When's the wedding?

Shame on you!

Keep to yourself everything those women tell you.

Sure, you know best, a hero's widow!

You'd better shut up. You yourself...

I think I ought to warn you...

Comrade Senior Sergeant, you're getting on my nerves, and I have nothing to lose.

What did you say?

Let's not start quarreling, girls.

Let me read a poem for you.

All right?

What's the matter, you silly one?

I don't know, Rita.

I don't know anything...

We lived all alone on the edge of the forest.

My father was a ranger.

My mother always said to me,

"Just have faith, daughter.

"Maybe your happiness is just around the corner.

"Anyway, it won't pass you by."

So, you are leaving?

Yes, tomorrow.

Who's there?

It's me.

Feeling lonely?

That's right.

You mustn't do silly things, even if you're lonely.

In the spring, he sent me a postcard.

"You should study, Liza.

"Come to the city in August.

"I'll get you a place in institute of technology, and accommodation."

That was last year, in 1941.

Have faith, Liza. Don't give up hope.

Maybe you will find happiness around the corner.

And maybe it will be tomorrow.

But there's no way back to it.

You have to be always on the alert

for threats await you here and yonder.

And should you get away unhurt,

you will, at last, believe in wonder.

At last you'll see and understand

that fortune wasn't your intention,

and that the futile dream you had

was of extremely brief duration.

The cup was filled and overflowed

with joy of exquisite creation,

And all I had is your possession,

and we are bound with the world.

I think that every now and then,

you will remember, smiling dearly,

the dubious childish dream we tend

to take for happiness, naively!

Sonya...

read another poem.

I loved you once:

Of love, perhaps, an ember

within my soul is not extinguished yet.

But let that be no prompting to remember,

or be a cause of sadness or regret.

I loved you once,

quite hopeless,

dumbly tender,

By jealousy and diffidence oppressed.

I loved you, so sincerely, so tenderly.

May God give you His blessing again.

What is it?

What's the matter?

Osyanina's so lucky.

She had the time to get married, and had a child.

And I've been a prisoner of this uniform since I was 18!

Don't say that.

You'll have everything one day.

Zhenya, he's a married man.

But I love him, Dad.

Stop it!

- Stop it! - Fire!

- Murderers! - Fire!

- Comrade Colonel! - What do you want?

Here, Sir!

Zhenya!

What are you doing here, Zhenya?

What are you doing?!

Stop it!

Murderers!

What's wrong, Zhenya?

You're not the only one with an account to be settled.

- Who's next? - Komelkova.

- And next? - Chetvertak.

Take this, Rita.

- No, you shouldn't. - Take it, take it!

- Next one. - Yolkina.

Thank you.

Don't be mad at me, girls, I...

I overheard everything you said yesterday.

I promise I'll keep it a secret...

forever.

I've got some sugar, condensed milk.

I always get some left.

Get ready for sauna.

Take it, Rita.

You're so nice.

Section, halt!

At ease! Break ranks!

- Going fishing, Comrade Sergeant? - No, swimming.

The water's so cold you'll freeze to death.

It's much better in the sauna.

What if a crab grabs you?

Come with us. We'll scrub your back!

- Liza, stop it. What a weird girl. - Wait!

Go to hell, all of you!

Hi, girls!

Oh, Zhenya, you look like a mermaid!

Your skin is translucent!

They should make statues of you.

You're so beautiful...

Putting a figure like that in an army uniform...

Let's get some steam up in here!

Hey, you kids! Don't touch anything!

Well, this is great!

A good hot sauna is a soldier's greatest friend.

When we'll be all old and play with our grandchildren,

I guess we'll remember this sauna.

First we have to get our own children.

Hey, girls, look at this!

Lingerie is my weakness.

If you dare to wear that weakness, I'll see that you get an extra guard duty.

I have gotten so much extra duty for that, that I won't know the difference.

- And you wore it anyway? - What would I wear it for?

Oh, girls, I look so ugly.

Oh, cut it out, Galya.

Come here.

Look how slim she is.

We'll make a beauty out of you!

- How about having a ball? - Great idea!

- What's the joyous occasion? - No occasion, out of spite!

This is our village. This is Lake Legonte.

Murmansk Railway is along here. And the White Sea Canal.

And arrows and circles all around.

I wonder why.

All the routes are marked, too.

They know everything.

Not everything.

They know the route around the lake.

And the swamps are indicated as though they can't be crossed.

The girls have borrowed Polina's phonograph.

They're having a party.

So, watch out.

All the steam could make them thirsty.

I'll give them a party!

- Zhenya, how much longer? - Put a different record on!

Let go of me!

Hey! Why? We have only started! Why did you stop?

Quiet!

Zhenya, let's start.

Come on.

Oh, Zhenya, you're a sorceress!

I only wish there were men to dance with.

Okay, I'm willing to stand in.

N.K. KRUPSKAYA STATE ORPHANAGE

Oh, Galya, he sure is something!

- Does he write to you? - Of course! Every day!

That's a proper fiancé! Handsome!

- Well-dressed. Blonde. - What's his name?

And you want to know everything!

That's our girl! Decorated, an artist!

Oh, I'd go for any man nowadays...

Oh, yes!

Well, girls, I will corner our Commandant tomorrow,

in some dark nook.

Oh, if she corners him, there won't be much left afterwards.

Enough with this nonsense.

If I hear it once again, you'll end up standing sentry.

Come on, Rita! Let them talk.

If they were in love... I wouldn't say a word.

But to do it in the bushes, that I don't understand.

You're the one setting an example.

What, am I wrong?

Hey, stop it!

We haven't sung in while.

- Thank you. - Sing us something good, Zhenya!

♪ As he was saying: ♪

♪ Will you belong to me? ♪

♪ So my life be ♪

♪ Passion and fire. ♪

♪ A smile so charming, ♪

♪ Eyes' fascination ♪

♪ Promised forever ♪

♪ The bliss of desire. ♪

♪ To me, poor heart, ♪ ♪ So he was saying, ♪

♪ To me, poor heart, ♪ ♪ So he was saying, ♪

♪ Though he didn't... ♪

♪ No, he did not love. ♪

♪ No, he never, ♪ ♪ Oh, never loved me. ♪

Misha!

Misha!

We're leaving today.

This is for you.

Thank you.

I know you love it.

The Germans have taken Minsk.

Yes, I will deliver it tomorrow in person.

Proud to serve the Soviet Union!

They're singing and dancing.

I don't know how.

Yes, Sir.

Here comes that man-about-town! Hold on to your hats!

- The Commandant! - Vaskov is coming!

Oh, am I not scared!

Attention!

Comrade Garrison Commander!

The section under my command is in recreation.

Four guards have been posted. No casualties.

Many thanks for the sauna.

Senior Sergeant Kiryanova reporting.

Go on, dance.

I just came to watch.

- Will you make it back in time? - I'm afraid I won't.

- A Russian dance. - I'll ask him.

What dance do you like best?

Time to hit the sack. Reveille is at 6 a.m.

Wait, Rita.

Zhenya, sing for us again.

Senior Sergeant will like that.

No, girls, the show is over. Regulations.

Yes, we could use some sleep.

Well, I guess I'd better be going.

Stay a little longer, Polina.

You'll get soaked through in the rain.

Well then, in that case...

I don't feel like sleeping. It's still light outside.

That's enough. Hit the sack, girls. On the double!

Comrade Commandant! Comrade Commandant!

Comrade Commandant!

What is it?

Germans in the forest.

- How do you know? - I saw them.

Paratroopers!

Two of them, with machine guns.

Sound the alarm! Send Kiryanova to me! Move!

Yes, Sir!

Prepare for action!

Kiryanova, Vaskov wants you!

Yes, Sir! It's me!

Germans are in the forest near the disposition.

Discovered today in the quantity of 2 people.

Two Germans!

By Sergeant Osyanina.

I've put the troops on general alert. I think we should comb the area.

Do I have your permission to do it?

There are only two of them. I could handle both of them myself.

While the trail's still hot.

Yes, Comrade Major!

Attention!

At ease.

Osyanina, pick out the volunteers.

Zhenya!

- Galya! - Wait a second, Osyanina.

We are trying to catch the Germans, not fish.

And the Germans are armed with automatic weapons.

- They should at least know how to shoot. - We'll manage.

May I come, too?

I have nothing against it.

Now, one more thing.

Anyone here speaks German?

I do.

What do you mean, "I do"?

Report correctly.

Gunner Gurvich!

And where are your caps?

What's the German for...

"hands up"?

Hände hoch!

Correct.

All right, I'll take Gurvich.

We'll be leaving for two days.

What were you doing in the forest at 4 a.m.?

Just regular night business.

Night business...

I built you an outhouse with my own hands.

Or isn't it big enough?

Comrade Officer,

there are questions a woman may refuse to answer.

No, there aren't any women here.

There are soldiers and officers. It's war.

And until it ends, we don't have gender.

Ah, that's why your bed is still unmade,

Comrade Officer of a neutral gender.

- It seemed to me... - Well, put a cross if you see things.

They had a heavy box.

They carried explosives. And they headed for the railway, in the direction of Kirovsk.

- That's far. - But through the forest.

Then we have to inform the railway guards.

Kiryanova will report.

These trophies that I fetched from the water...

give them to the Third.

And inform him about our route. And you, Osyanina, eat.

All right.

Let me see your gun.

Well, at least you don't have any slugs there yet.

All of you have to clean your guns thoroughly.

This rule is the difference between being alive tomorrow or not.

Take off your boots.

What kind of order is that? Should we take off our clothes as well?

Quiet! Carry out the order.

You won't be fighting for long in boots like this.

You'll get bloody blisters after two miles of marching.

All of you, this is how you should wear foot cloth.

It's high time they learned this, Comrade Senior Sergeant.

And these boots are no good.

Knock off those heels.

Are you alone, Maria?

Yes, alone.

But do not be afraid of the enemy.

He moves through our rear areas...

So, he is afraid of us.

Put the guns together, quickly!

And another thing. If we happen to run into the enemy

anything strange, is there anybody who knows how to make bird-calls or animal sounds?

I asked a serious question!

We can't use speech in the woods.

The Germans have ears, too.

I know one.

One what?

I can do a donkey.

Sounded very real.

There aren't any donkeys here.

All right,

we'd better try quacking like the ducks. I'll show you.

That's how the drake calls to the duck.

Yes, true.

Let's make an arrangement:

Two quacks means the enemy is in sight.

Three quacks means get back to me.

Is that clear, Comrades Gunners?

He was a good provider for the family.

In the summers, he farmed,

- in the winters, he hunted. - He's a good host.

I'll be back in 2 days, Wednesday the latest.

Where does this come from?

Oh, you women...

Men need war as fish needs a bicycle...

and for you it's even worse.

Form a rank!

Move it, move it!

Brichkina!

Attention!

My second in command during the course of this operation

is now officially Junior Sergeant Osyanina.

Don't forget about the ducks.

Left turn...

Forward march!

Come back soon, girls!

Zhenya!

In double column, march!

Galya! Don't do anything stupid!

Your mother and father still alive?

- Or are you an orphan? - An orphan?

I guess I am.

You mean you're not sure?

Who can be sure about such things these days, Sergeant?

- Fair enough. - My folks lived in Minsk.

I was in college in Moscow,

studying for my finals, but then...

- You haven't heard from them? - No, nothing.

Your folks are Jewish?

Naturally.

"Naturally". I wouldn't ask, if it were natural.

Maybe they managed to escape?

Those dirty sons of...

If you wanted to curse,

go right ahead. I'm getting used to it.

Are you hurt?

No.

All right, Gunner Gurvich, quack three times.

What for?

To be sure everyone's on their toes.

You forgot my lessons?

What happened?

If something had actually happened, you all would be at the Gates of Heaven.

You came running through the undergrowth like a herd of heifers.

- Are you tired? - Not one bit.

That's good.

Did you notice anything on the way here?

Not much. A tree branch broken back there.

Very good. Absolutely right. And you?

Everything seemed normal to me.

The dew was knocked off the bushes.

Good catch!

Very good, Gunner Brichkina.

There were also two sets of tracks,

made by German rubber boots, the paratroopers'.

Judging by the footprints, they won't be going through the swamp.

The Germans will have 25 extra miles to cover.

So much the better.

And we're going straight across.

How?

Not from here, of course.

I know a trail.

And now,

take ten minutes for a smoke, and to relieve yourselves.

Cut that out!

On your way!

Don't run far!

Take it.

Here.

Why do we need this?

To test the ground before you take a step. We're in a swamp.

There won't be time to call for help.

Gunner Brichkina carries the interpreter's knapsack.

- Yes, Sir! - Why?

No questions!

- Komelkova! - Yes, Sir!

Take Gunner Chetvertak's rucksack.

With pleasure!

Help me, please.

Hey, little Gunner, give me your gun as well.

Knock it off!

Weapons are to be carried by everyone themselves.

I'll take the lead. Behind me:

Gurvich, Brichkina,

Komelkova, Chetvertak.

Junior Sergeant Osyanina brings up the rear. No mistakes!

Follow me, cover in file! Use your poles.

What is... "poles"?

Poles as in Poland?

- What are you holding in your hand? - A stick?

So, this stick is called the pole. All clear?

Another entry!

Entry? Where to?

To the dictionary, Comrade Officer!

- Evgenia, stop it! - That's all right.

She'll soon forget her jokes.

Is it very deep?

In some places... it can come up to...

well, for you, up to the army belt. Keep your weapons dry!

Follow me! Walk in my steps!

Of all the filthy...

Komelkova, keep going!

I am!

Come on...

Don't go near her, Chetvertak!

Osyanina, get out by yourself!

Go on, Galya.

- Comrade Sergeant! - What do you want?

Keep going! Or we'll all sink!

One of my boots has come off!

Can you see it?

No.

- Where are you going?! - I'm trying to help her!

Hold it! There's no turning back!

Brichkina, stretch out your pole.

Come on out of there, Komelkova!

Follow me! Forward!

What about my boot?

You won't find it now.

Come on, Komelkova. You'll make it.

Hold on, Zhenya!

Keep going.

Keep going. The island's not far now.

Keep going. Forward!

Follow me, in my tracks.

Don't worry, girls, we're almost there!

- Tired? - It's nothing.

- Are there leeches here? - There's nothing here.

It's a dead place.

Don't be scared. That's just swamp gas.

The local folks say the old man of the woods lives here.

- Who? - A kind of devil.

Just old wives' tales, that's all.

Yet another entry to dictionary.

Don't hurry, walk slowly.

We can rest now.

Oh, that feels good.

Hard work, huh?

- You can say that again. - Rest for a while.

What a bungler you are, Galya.

- You should've squeezed your toes. - I did.

Don't worry.

We'll make her a special swamp boot.

I see.

But, only after the swamp. Can you wait?

- I can make it. - After the sauna, this was just what I needed.

I'm wet through, right to my...

to my army belt.

- Why didn't I wear my lingerie? - Zhenya!

On your feet!

Take your poles and follow me in the same order.

We'll get dry and warm up...

when we get there, the other bank.

Don't spread out!

Zhenya, you got a mirror?

- Zhenya, will you comb my hair? - You're cute enough as it is.

Comb it yourself!

- Zhenya, no time for that nonsense! - I'm coming.

Everyone ready? You can come now.

Well, Comrades of the Red Army, everybody okay?

All in order, Comrade Senior Sergeant.

Not too cold?

There's nobody to warm us anyway.

You'll be steaming soon.

How come?

Here, put this on.

So that's a swamp boot.

- Comfortable? - Fine. Even better than the boot.

Let's get going. We have about an hour and a half foot-slogging to do.

All right, on the double!

Move it, girls!

- Warmer now, Komelkova? - No steam yet!

Here the Sinyukhina Crest starts to rise.

On the other side of the crest there's another lake.

It's called Legonte.

A monk by that name used to live here.

He was looking for wordless peace.

There's enough wordless peace here.

The Germans have only one way through: By the crest between the two lakes.

And endless strife,

Peace only a dream-like yearning.

Through blood and dust, A horse of the steppe is running,

And tramples grass...

Comrades Gunners!

The enemy, in the form of two Germans, is moving to the Lake Vop sector,

intending to sabotage the Kirov Railway

and the White Sea Canal, named after Comrade Stalin.

I intend to engage the enemy in this position

and force him to surrender.

Should the enemy offer resistance,

I'll kill one and take the other one alive.

Leave all your belongings at the reserve station with Gunner Chetvertak.

- Questions? - Why am I in reserve?

- An unimportant question, Comrade Gunner. - Galya, you're our reserve.

No questions, all is clear.

If all is clear, keep quiet in your positions.

- Let me do all the talking. - In German?

In Russian!

And you'll translate, if they don't understand. Is it clear?

If you stick your head out like that in combat,

there's no field hospital nearby, and no mamas either.

You should engage the Germans from a distance.

While you're recharging you're rifles, they'll riddle you with bullets.

So I order you to stay put.

Stay on the ground until I order you to open fire.

Or I won't care that you're women and...

And no sleeping on guard duty! That's all.

We have chosen...

an excellent position.

See for yourself.

Germans can walk only along the shore.

It's gonna take them at least 3 hours to climb those rocks.

And all this time they will be under our observation.

Our reserve position we can easily go back to at moment's notice.

But I don't think we'll need it.

We'll quickly deal with those two subversives.

Stop knocking your spoon on the tin!

I am not your sweetheart.

Don't save the juiciest bites for me. Stuff your face, as a gunner should!

I am.

Yeah, I can see.

You're as skinny as a crow in the early spring.

- You can barely walk on those legs. - That's just my physique.

Physique...

Look at Brichkina! Her physique is the same,

but there are still some pleasant sights.

The Germans won't come in the next 4 hours.

- Germans? - Where?

Damn it...

I thought that...

Get some rest, Fedot Yevgrafovich.

It's all right, Osyanina. I just dozed off, I guess.

It'll be the everlasting rest for me...

if I miss those Germans.

What if they kill our officer,

or blow up an important object?

How would I explain to the Army Tribunal that, instead of

combing the forest and catching those Germans,

I was sleeping somewhere.

Felt sorry for the girls?

Was afraid to lead them into an attack? That's not an excuse.

No, it's no excuse if I haven't carried out my mission.

Maybe the Germans are asleep, too.

- Asleep? - They're humans, too.

You said that the crest is the only way for them to approach the railroad.

- And it is about... - 30 miles, that's right.

Going through unfamiliar terrain, seeing death behind every bush. Right?

Margarita... what's your patronymic?

Just call me Rita.

Do you mind?

"To a valiant defender of his country."

A present.

- Want a cigarette, Rita? - I don't smoke.

I forgot that the Germans are human, too. You were right. They need rest.

I'm glad you said it.

Is it bleached?

No, it's real.

Mermaid.

Can't a girl comb her hair here?

Go ahead.

Sergeant...

can I ask you a question?

You can.

Sergeant...

Are you married?

Yes, I am, Gunner Komelkova.

And where is she?

Where should she be, at home.

Any children?

Children?

There was... a boy.

What do you mean, there was?

Just that. His grandmother couldn't save him.

Why?

My wife had walked out on us.

Rita...

you should tell him everything.

I will when we get back.

I can see you're a well-trained soldier, Gunner Brichkina.

You're well organized.

And your quacking is just great.

Did you notice anything?

Nothing much.

Keep your eyes open, Elizaveta.

If there's any movement in the bushes...

or if the birds get restless...

You grew up in the forest, you'll know.

It's beautiful, isn't it?

As if there's no war.

♪ Liza, Liza, Lizaveta, ♪

♪ I am waiting for you letter ♪

♪ Darling, will you write to me? Or I'll drown in the sea ♪

That's a little song we used to sing back home.

Are you from these parts, Sergeant?

I've been stationed here for a while.

And back home we used to sing--

We'll sing together later, Elizaveta.

When we have accomplished our mission...

then we'll sing.

- You promise? - I said so, didn't I?

Don't forget your promise, Comrade Sergeant!

"He, who was born in stagnant year

"Does not remember own way

"We, kids of Russia's years of fear

"Remember every night and day

"Years that burned everything to ashes!

"Do you bring madness or grace?

"The days of war, the days of insurrection

"Have stamped our faces with a bloody glow...

"Have stamped our faces with a bloody glow."

For whom are you reciting it for?

I asked, for whom?

No one. To myself.

Then why read aloud?

It's poetry.

You're straining your eyes.

But it's daylight, Comrade Sergeant.

I was just talking, that's all.

Don't sit too long on those rocks.

They'll draw the heat from your body.

Sit on your coat.

All right, Comrade Sergeant. Thanks for the advice.

And don't do any reading aloud.

The evening air is thick and humid, and dawn is quiet around here.

A voice can be heard nearly five miles away.

TO SONYA. EVER YOURS, MISHA.

What are you huddled up like this?

I'm cold.

Let me feel your forehead.

You have a fever, Comrade Gunner.

Touch of the swamp shakes. On account of that lost boot.

You'll take it straight, or shall I dilute it?

What is it?

Medicine.

- Medicine? It's alcohol! - Yes, alcohol.

No, I won't!

Yes... drink it.

That's an order.

Drink up!

Oh, mama...

Hold your breath!

Only those who survive will see their mothers.

Oh, my head is swimming.

Not to worry. You'll catch it tomorrow.

- You'll get cold without your overcoat. - Don't worry, I'm healthy.

I want that fever gone by tomorrow.

So, do your best... make an effort.

I'll make an effort.

Only those who survive will see their mothers.

What? The Germans?

- Lie down. Orders are to sleep. - How is Galya?

- Where's Rita? - She's up there with Vaskov.

- How are you? - We need more of this.

Bizarre things.

Sleep. Your feet must hurt, they're not used to it.

No, don't worry. They are used to it.

You should rest. I'll be on guard.

What is it?

You hear that?

That's birds.

Yes, magpies.

The magpies are restless.

It means someone's coming, disturbing them.

Go wake up the troops. Right away! Send Gurvich over.

Keep under cover!

No noise!

Good morning, Comrade Sergeant.

Morning. How's Chetvertak?

Sleeping. We didn't wake her.

Good decision. You'll stay with me as a liaison.

Keep your head down.

I will.

Are you out of your mind?

- But there's no one there! - They're here... examining...

examining these rocks. It's their only way.

There they are!

See them?

There they are.

The two of them.

Three.

Four.

Five.

Six.

Six. Seven.

Eight. Nine.

Nine.

Ten.

Eleven.

Twelve.

Twelve.

Thirteen.

Fourteen.

Fifteen.

Fifteen.

Sixteen.

"Cuckoo, cuckoo in the sky, how many years before I die?"

One.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Five.

Six.

Seven.

Eight.

END OF PART ONE