Original subtitles

- Sharapov. - Nikolay. Senka Tuzik called me.

The gangsters have made an appointment.

Vladimir Visotskiy as Zheglov

And why not capture this gangster...

...and talk to him so that he would tell us everything?

Vladimir Konkin as Sharapov

Don't you worry, comrade captain.

Everything will be just perfect.

A checker will get crowned in a split of a second!

In

MEETING PLACE SHOULD NOT BE CHANGED

Screenplay by Vayner brothers

Directed by Stanislav Govorukhin

A complaint?

Well, I have already heard these words and not once.

As for the thief... You are right. You are no thief.

You killed this woman.

A night guard from a warehouse called us. He went to warm himself to the street cleaner...

...opposite his warehouse. When he came back, the lock was in place but the light was on inside.

- The Black Cat? - God knows... Now to the right!

Turn off the lights! Quiet! Get ready with your guns!

Run for your life!

The first one is down!

Halt! Halt!

Halt!

What is all this shooting about, brother? As though we are on the front line.

- Have you got a gun? - I have. It's my war reward...

Listen! Can you stay here for a minute?

- I just find out what is going on there. - Go, go!

Deal?

I'll be back in a minute!

Come on! Quickly! Quickly!

Damn it! Had we known they came by car, no one would have fled away.

Hi, sleuths!

- The Black cat, again? - As you see...

Here it is, their gangster mark!

Have you lost anything, Volodya?

Not something...

But somebody. Some officer was here, got it?

OK, so let's write it down.

You are no thief. You killed this woman.

- You got ready for the murder in advance. - You are talking nonsense!

Well-well, settle down.

Behave yourself like a man!

You were caught up. Have some courage and confess.

It would be good for you.

A frank confession would mitigate the punishment, right?

This is just the gibberish of your morbid imagination.

I don't know how to prove it so far... Yes, you're a little confused...

You'll see, I shall...

He seems to be so obstinate...

Here is the report of the search we held in your room in Losynka.

Do you recognize Zholtovskaya's handwriting?

Yes, I do.

What sort of nonsense is this?

- What gun? What? - Here it is. Do you recognize it?

I warned you. We've got enough evidence to put a dozen of you in jail.

Speak out. Don't you worry, Kolya. Sit down.

You haven't got much time, lvan Sergeyevich.

Come on...

I know it's hard.

Purge yourself of this sin.

Do it. You'll feel much better.

Believe me... I know it...

You know it...

My God, what an appalling provocation!

I didn't kill her!

I did not do it!

I did not! I am telling you! Do you hear me? I did not kill her!

You monsters...

Well, well... Write it down, Sharapov!

Keeping in mind the brutality...

...and the particular gravity of the offence...

...and considering that if released...

...lvan Sergeyevich Gruzdev can try to evade the investigation and flee away...

...I choose to take him into custody.

Did you write it down? Send him to the prison cell!

OK.

Tomorrow morning you take Gruzdev's case.

We should finish it as soon as possible...

...and do this "Black cat" gang.

To tell you the truth I am sick and tired of them.

Listen, Volodya.

Try to remember this officer of yours once again.

I have already told you.

He is taller than me,

...slim, and his face...

Well, women should like him.

He is brown-haired. Though it was dark there. I couldn't see him clearly.

- Oh yeah, and he's got a dimple on his chin. - Well, this one doesn't look like it.

- What? - Never mind. Go on.

His nose is straight, his lips are thin. But the most important thing is that...

...he had The First Degree Patriotic War Award on his uniform. And that confused me...

- Did he have a razor scar here? - I didn't notice it...

Don't you be upset.

- No we know one of them by sight, got it? - We are getting off, Gleb!

Come on!

- Hey, let me have a ride. - No way. I want to ride it myself.

- Hey, give me your gun. - Again?!

It's early morning and he is already drunk.

Shurka, give me a ruble!

I'll show it to you when you grow up.

- You are drunk! Again! - What's up there?

- Hey you! I fought in the war! Shut up! - He'll kill me!

Hey, listen, you, invalid!

One more row and I'll bust you! Got it?

While she does the washing for all of us, you, damn drunkard... So you got it?

You should have gone to jail a year and a half ago. Understand?

- Gleb Yegorovich, damn him! - Then pick him up and sort it out yourself.

He'll get sober! Come on, go to sleep!

This way! This way!

Good morning, sir. Junior sergeant Synychkina reports.

It's a false alarm. The infant is alive. He's a foundling.

Couldn't you find it out right away? A corpse... A murder...

Why the hell do you trouble the group with such a trifle?

The neighbours called you, sir. Before I came here.

I called Petrovka immediately but you were already on your way.

- All right. Where is the infant? - He is in the apartment. It's too cold outside.

- And why did you think that he was dead? - Mechanic Milyayev found the baby...

Well, yes, damn it. What else could I think? What else? Come on.

I went to the attic to repair the barrier.

And he was there. He was so tiny.

Tiny and swaddled. Yes.

And it was dead silence. Not a cry, and not a squeak.

Dead silence.

- Did you take him? - I was so afraid. So afraid!

And I thought what a wretch, what a monster his mother is...

...to take the life of her own baby? So I ran to Ap. 32.

They've got a phone. And I called her. You, to be more precise. Yes.

So that you find this she-devil.

Got it. Well, Sharapov, let's go and have a look since we are here.

I have no idea what to do. I don't understand how he will grow up without his mother.

What is here to understand? We'll never desert him. He'll grow up like the others.

Shall we look for his mother? I'm so sorry for the baby.

He doesn't need a mother like this.

Though we still need to identify her.

A woman like this can do anything.

- It's overheated. - The engine? Right?

- You are lucky, Sharapov. It's a good sign. - Why?

A foundling is always a good sign. Well, Synychkina...

...unwrap the baby. - Why?

Do what I tell you.

Well. First, there is a birthmark...

...on the head of the infant. Good.

Then there is a stamp on the swaddling cloth.

I can't make it out, but the experts will do it.

What is it - a maternity hospital or a nursery? Then we'll find his mother.

Don't cry. Why cry?

Well, swaddle the baby. You and the girl will go to the Arbat street.

There is a Grauerman maternity hospital there, right?

- Will they accept the baby? - They have no right to refuse you.

Who are you? You are a public servant.

And you bring the infant already adopted by the state.

- I get it. - Who would dare to argue this?

- And if someone dares, cool him down. - I get it.

And my daddy was a rock.

He made the six of us and went to the city to earn money.

But he never forgot us. Every month he sent us a letter with money.

And once he came home and brought presents, sweets...

But three days later he led our cow away.

The bastard was smart. He put shoes on the cow's hooves.

- Why? - To make the search even more difficult.

I've been crazy about the detective work since then.

What do you think, Sharapov?

Well, Volodya, was it a funny story?

And make friends with the girl. She is good.

And keep the address of this maternity hospital. Once you may need it.

- Come in, please. - Thank you.

- Wow, Sharapov. - Stop it!

Let's go.

Why are you so sad?

I am thinking.

What will this baby be when he grows up?

He'll be a general.

Why a general?

He may become a doctor.

A great surgeon.

He'll save people.

Or he may become a policeman. A famous detective.

When he grows up, there'll be no thieves.

And the policemen will be of no use.

Life will be so nice then, won't it?

- Did you come to the criminal police long ago? - No. I came there from the front.

And they didn't let me go to the front.

Do you know when policewomen will be demobilized?

I heard it would be soon enough. HR people talked about it.

- Fresh forces from the front are coming in. - I long for this moment.

And what will you do?

Why? I'll return to the college. I was a second year student when they drafted me.

A medical school?

No. I tried to enter a medical school but I failed.

So I went to the teachers training college. Teaching is also a good profession, right?

You go. I'll manage myself. Don't worry for the boy.

Good. Draw up the papers and send us a report.

Yes, sir. Good bye.

You are a nitwit, Sharapov. She's a great girl, and you? "Send us a report".

If I were you I'll report to her myself.

Everyday.

- Hi. - Turn around, Sharapov.

- Why? - A city operation.

So. We are going to check up some bawdy places.

The dens of criminal types, tramps and women of vice.

And what is so funny about it? It's an ordinary operation.

There are some other funny things. Priest Filimon from the Pokrovka church...

...invited 2 girls. I don't know the way he listened to their confessions...

...but they drank too much slivovitz.

Sure thing. The Priest can not drink as much as those girls.

So he fell asleep and the girls stole...

...his personal golden cross and disappeared. Good bye. Well what is it?

Are you leaving? Where is Pasyuk for God's sake?

Great. One lascivious priest caused so much trouble.

Comrade Taraskin, do you think that if he is a minister and not a plumber...

...the authorities do not guard his rights?

If he stops messing around with whores, he'll keep all his crosses.

And your task, comrade Taraskin, is to investigate the crimes. Is it clear?

Let their Synod take care of their moral degradation. Right?

And we have to find an item of great artistic value. Got it?

- Well, what's up? - Pasyuk is in the bus.

- Damn it! And we are waiting for him here. - I didn't see him passing by.

You think our goal is to find the cross? No way.

They are looking for some thief at the request of some other department.

And they don't think it necessary to give us some info.

So they tell us to look for the girls who could have stolen the cross.

They can't fool me!

- You, daredevil. - Listen, did you check with Gruzdeva's office?

In the theater? I did. She left it one day before the murder.

- She said she was leaving for the south. - And where? With whom?

She said she would go to the Crimea. To Gurzuf, maybe.

They don't know her company.

The costume designer said she was a good woman.

She brought a cake to the farewell party. And she was happy.

It's strange... Why did her sister tell us nothing? Didn't she know anything about it?

She must have known. Besides Larisa withdrew the money from her saving account.

- Did she have money? - She did...

The bank clerk gave me this note. 30000 rubles.

- Did she withdraw all her money? - Yes, she did.

The bank clerk said she asked Gruzdeva:

Don't close the account. Leave at least 50 rubles.

But Gruzdeva refused.

Even a blind man can see that this is a love thing.

Once I had an affair with an animal trainer.

I won't tell you her name. But you know her perfectly well.

So she was mad about me.

She was ready to forget everything: Her circus, fame, money, if I...

What are you laughing at, Taraskin?

It serves you right.

Stop! We are here.

We shall begin with this restaurant.

Kopytin, be on the lookout!

We are full! We are full!

Stop it! What about your conscience?

We'll borrow a little from you. Open up! We are from the Criminal Police!

Come in, comrades. We always have some place for you.

Lock up the door and don't let anyone in. We'll check up the papers, got it?

Yes, sir!

Sharapov! Keep an eye on the door.

Maestro! Stop it...

Right? That's it.

Citizens, citizens, don't you worry!

Don't worry!

It's a pure formality.

Please, prepare your IDs.

And stay where you are. Your ID, please.

Citizen, stay aside.

Citizen, take your seat. And prepare your ID.

No. Right. You are not even 16.

- Taraskin, attend to her. - Waiter, give them the bill.

Your ID, please.

Do you hear me? It's all right, citizens.

Hello...

Vanya, Pasyuk, come here.

It's all right. All right.

You should have some ID with you.

Taraskin, stay here.

Lady, halt!

Halt, lady!

- Madam, I'm calling you. - Me? What's the matter?

Give the folder back to the boy and follow me. Come on!

It's outrageous!

- I can't graduate from the conservatory. No! - Madam, follow me.

- Let's go. - Why are you doing this to me?

Where are you going? Why did you let this woman out?

Well done, Sharapov. You are a quick runner.

If you were a little more attentive, you would be absolutely priceless.

Hey! I know this girl!

Manya.

Well, I see, Manya, that you don't pay any attention to my persuasion.

You are still a fidgeting dragonfly.

But keep in mind that the summertime is over.

So you'll have to settle down 100 kilometers from Moscow.

Well, Sharapov, you were lucky to catch the notorious Manka the Bond.

The lady is pleasant in every way but she hates working.

And she prefers antisocial way of life.

Have you ever caught me red-handed? You, filthy wolf!

Then don't discuss my life in public.

Stop cursing, Manya. You'll spoil my young man.

Take her to the car, Sharapov.

Gleb, she wears a lizard-like bracelet.

OK, I'll be right there, Volodya. I nearly forgot about you, old man.

What have you got here? Some merchandise for males in heat.

That's it, old man. Get ready. You are going with us.

Come on, come on.

- Bon jour. - This way, madam.

- Why are you trembling? - What's up with you, fool?

You'd better shut up.

I lived with my mum in our house

I was so happy and free.

You ruined me, my dear hazel grouse,

I'll get hung on the nearest tree.

We are old friends, Manya, so tell me.

- Whom did you enjoy yourself with? - What are you, jealous?

Just tell me. I'll be loyal to you till I die.

You are a great guy.

OK. We shall discuss our relations later.

And now let's talk about your boyfriend. Who is he? Do I know him?

You may know him, but I forgot to ask his name.

- Why did you try to run away then? - Why?

I came out of the ladies' room and here you were. So I decided to wait a little.

I always try to avoid you if possible.

Really? And why didn't you want to say hello to me?

Last time you wanted to put me behind bars.

Let's go, Kopytin!

Will you help the lady with a light, chief?

- You've got a nice bracelet, Manya. - Of course!

- The bracelet is antique. It costs a lot. - How much did you pay for it?

I didn't buy it. I inherited it. From my mum.

Why, Manya? Last time you told me that you don't remember your mum.

I don't deny it. My father gave me this bracelet in memory of my mum.

He died in the war. Before he left he told me:

Keep it, my little daughter. It's the only thing left after our dearest mum.

And then he also died.

And so I was completely alone with no relatives.

And no one has ever supported or helped me.

But you always try to hurt me as much as you can.

And to make my miserable life even more difficult.

Don't try to make me weep, Manya. I've never seen your mother.

But I used to know your heroic dad.

Though he has never fought in the war but he was a famous burglar.

He cracked safe boxes like pits from the stewed fruit.

You are spreading slander about our family. It's a sin. Nitwit!

Well, girl. This time you got into a real mess.

- Why so? - This antique and priceless bracelet...

...was taken off a dead woman 2 days ago.

So, get ready, my friend.

You'll spend this night in our cell and then we'll bring you to the prosecutor.

- Why so? - Manya, you know the procedure quite well.

We are detectives. We investigate petty crimes.

And the prosecutors look into capital punishment murder cases.

Shall I get capital punishment for some lousy bracelet?

And what were you waiting for? A coupon for high-calorie diet?

You killed this woman. You'll have to answer for it to the fullest.

Don't fly at me, shit cop.

What a foul language you speak, Manya.

And I told you, it's none of our business. You'll have to say it all to the prosecutor.

Is it the first day you know me? I have never dealt with the murderers.

It used to be so but it may change now. How should I know?

Maybe it was you who killed the woman and put her bracelet on?

Valka the Smoked gave it to me yesterday!

Did I have to ask him for a receipt from the jewelry shop?

- I don't know where he got this bracelet. - It's nonsense, Manya.

Suppose, I stand up for you. What should I say?

According to Manka the Bond she got the bracelet from this Smoked type.

- Who will believe me? It's rubbish. - And so what should I do?

You should remember that you are not Manka the Bond...

...but Marya Afanasyevna Kolyvanova.

That you are a citizen. That you are a human being.

Well I don't know. You should write when and where...

...repeater Bisyayev gave you this bracelet.

And then he'll...

Well, don't you worry. Write it down and I'll make sure that he'll never disturb you.

It would be difficult for him to hurt you here.

And what about his friends?

If they learn that I gave him up they'll cut me in pieces.

Sure thing!

But it will happen even sooner if you keep on hanging around in gangster dens,

...railway stations and restaurants. Well what is it?

Can you behave yourself? Well look at her.

You've got a black eye. Shame on you!

You're a robust girl. You should go to work!

And you behave ill, damn you! It's so miserable and disgusting.

Don't put me to shame and stop persuading me. I understand it myself.

I see. Well, I have no time to talk to you. I want to go home.

- Will you write or not? - Yes!

I will. Why should I get charged?

I almost went to jail and now I don't want to answer for him.

Here is a sheet of paper.

- Want some? - I don't like sweets. Write it down.

Sharapov! Take Taraskin, go and arrest the Smoked.

- He knows the address. - I get it.

- It would be a waste of time. - Why?

- He hasn't been home for a fortnight. - And where is he?

There are a lot of dens in Maryina Rosha.

- The Bond or the Band? - The Bond.

What? What Bond? "I, Manka the Bond..."

Are you out of your mind?

Write again: "I, Kolyvanova Marya Afanasyevna..."

You'd better go to the Culture Park in the morning.

He should hang around in the poolroom. He always plays there.

A good idea, Manya.

I see, you are regaining your civic awareness.

I don't give a damn about your awareness.

He sticks to card players like a bug in a rug.

I don't want to sweat here for him.

But the Smoked will never kill a man.

It's not the way he was brought up.

Volodya, let's go.

From two cushions to the pocket.

- Shall we go on? - Excuse me, comrade.

- The loser is out. It's my turn now. - Here you are.

- My compliments, chief. - Hello.

- Do you play the pool now? - If a mountain does not go to Mohammed...

- Did you really want to see me? - Yes, I did.

I am looking for a good partner.

You should have given me a whistle. I should have come at once.

You would never hear my whistles. Listen, the Smoked.

You are breaking the rules of this poolroom. Playing for money?

Only children play for fun. Real masters always play for money.

- Shall we play for half a hundred? - What's up with you, the Smoked?

- You want to play with Zheglov for 50 rubles. - And for what?

- For a thousand! - For a grand? Deal.

But before playing for a grand show me that you've got it.

Or maybe you are going to play with me on credit?

I know the rules.

Then, let's begin the game.

- Shall we play pool or pyramids? - Pool.

Grisha! Go to the director's office. There's a phone there. Call our guys.

Tell Pasyuk to come here. You meet him.

Come on! You start!

Take your jacket off and toss it away, you master boss!

- Otherwise it will be inconvenient to play. - Don't teach me, bloke, you, citizen Smoke!

- Are you afraid to lose your gun? - Don't be afraid for me.

Congratulations on the start, Gleb Georgiyevich!

- I should have asked a handicap from you. - I don't give charities on Friday.

Take you feet off the table! You should put on valenki...

...to hide you hooves, hanging above the floor.

- Where did you get the bracelet? - What bracelet?

An ordinary silver bracelet, made like a snake with an emerald eye.

- Well, what's up with you? - I don't know what you are talking about.

Really? Then we shall go to our office...

...and I shall talk to you some other way...

This is the way I shall talk to you.

This is the way I shall do it!

I'll be dead serious so that you can understand my question.

So that it would become a pain in your neck, heart and your head.

And in the rest of your rotten pluck.

I give you my word of honour. I don't understand.

Indeed? It doesn't matter, Smoked. Anyway you are doomed.

- Why? - I win the game.

You rob the attics and never kill people, Smoked. Be quick and tell me...

...where you got the bracelet. - I don't know what you are talking about.

About a silver snake bracelet...

...with an emerald eye that you gave to Manka.

I didn't give her a thing.

Shame on you! Show me your hands.

It is so interesting.

What is so interesting about my hands?

- Look, Smoked, you are no professor. - No.

- No writer and no scientist. - No writer and no scientist.

But your hands are so groomed and tender. And why?

Keeping silent? I'll tell you.

Because you have never done anything good with them.

You lived your 30 years always gobbling something!

You guzzled, you slept a lot.

And all the people worked for you, provided you with shoes and clothes.

They fought for you!

And you were on a holiday in the rear with your fake rupture.

Are you trying to improve me? It's useless. And too late.

This time I shall do my best to send you away with a pick.

Or with a saw... It's time you go to the saw-mill, Smoked.

Or to build some new canal. In my opinion you have spent too much time in the city.

By the way, citizen Zheglov, you don't have hands of a miner either.

You are right, Smoked. You are right.

Because I am a strong, young and smart man...

...and I spend my life trying to free the world of different filthy types.

And though I haven't got any callosities if I bust a dozen of your type a year...

...I will save a lot more than my salary to the country. And fortunately...

...I bust much more than a dozen.

This is my answer. And bear in mind, Smoked,

...you really made me angry this time.

It was just a joke. Just a playful conversation.

You fooled around. So did I. And you take it too close to your heart.

I wasn't fooling around.

Tell me, where did you get the bracelet?

I won it in a card game. We played in the house of Verka the Modiste.

Kostya the Brick put it in the bank for 2 grand. He had no cash.

Right. I get it.

It's a game.

And where is he now?

Really I don't know, Gleb Georgiyevich! Or put me in jail for ages!

Listen, Bisyayev, where does the Brick work?

He picks pockets in trams in Sokolniki.

Is this Brick Saprykin? Is it the name of your friend?

I don't know. And he's no friend of mine. Just a fellow.

Everybody calls him the Brick.

You, thieves, are so queer. Like dogs you've got no names and families.

Just these shitty nicks. What can you tell me about Saprykin the Brick?

- Nothing. - What does it mean "nothing"?

He lives somewhere at the Sretenka street. He's got some den there.

Right. Listen, Valentin, will you go for a tram ride with us?

- What for? - We may run across the Brick.

You think I am completely twisted?

Shall I give up a fellow thief to the criminal police? Never in my life!

You have already given him up.

One of this days I'll bust the Brick and tell him how I frightened you.

Well, citizen Zheglov,

...you are so cruel. I told you everything like you are one of our own.

And here is your gratitude.

Don't say bullshit. Since then has Zheglov become one of your own?

I have crushed you all my life and hopefully will keep on doing it until you are gone.

And you told me everything because you know the bracelet was taken off a corpse.

But now you are still under suspicion. I am going to keep on working with you.

If you don't want to help me, stay in the cell, think of your life.

That's OK. We'll see.

I lost the game, so take your money. Some time later I'll get even with you.

Obviously you are out of your mind, Smoked. Zheglov will never take your filthy money...

There's nothing I can talk to you about. Take him to the cell. I'll be back soon.

- What for? - What for?

Look, Pasyuk, he's got pockets full of money. Legalize the withdrawal.

For breaking the rules of this poolroom.

That's it, Valentin. Let's go, Sharapov.

Good bye.

What are you staring at? Your eyes may fall out.

Take it! Here it is! Here it is!

It's the money I earned! Come on! Here it is! Take it! Come on!

- It's bullshit and a waste of time. - Why so?

Because we should find evidence against Gruzdev and not look for this pickpocket.

- But the bracelet... - The bracelet is nonsense.

A pickpocket is a man of the finest criminal occupation.

People spend years to polish up their skills.

None of them will ever commit a murder.

They never take a razor with them.

- They cut the pockets with a sharpened coin. - It's funny.

I used to think that pickpockets take the lowest place in the criminal hierarchy.

You are wrong. Just imagine what dexterity of fingers,

...what accuracy of movements, what marvelous self-control...

...they need to empty the pockets or to take off a watch of a man...

...who is neither asleep, nor drunk, nor under anaesthetic.

I guarantee this Brick has got nothing to do with the murder of Larisa Gruzdeva.

- But where did he get the bracelet? - And why do you think that he got it...

...after she was murdered? She could lose it, give it away, sell it...

...or change for butter. Someone, even this Brick could steal it from her.

Then we need to find this very man. We have to find the Brick!

God knows how much time it will take to find the Brick.

I promised to bust the Brick, but it was just idle talk.

If it were that easy, we should have caught them all long ago.

Listen, Gleb! I am of little use to you right now.

Let me find this Brick. We must have his picture in the files.

Sharapov, I can't stand stubborn people.

Stubbornness is the first sign of stupidity.

- It's not stubbornness. - And what is it?

I think we can't deprive the man of his last chance.

- And who is this man? - Gruzdev.

- You doubt that he killed his wife? - I don't know.

You see, this bracelet is his last chance to have a fair investigation.

What is that supposed to mean?

If he killed his wife and took all the valuables,

...he would never sell the bracelet the following morning.

I don't like this Gruzdev either...

But he's no criminal. No Brick or Smoked...

He would not guzzle the loot away immediately.

That's why I want to find this Brick and to know where he got the bracelet.

I can give you 100 objections to it.

Suppose, you're right and you find the Brick. What happens next?

Why? I interrogate him and learn where he got the bracelet.

It would be great if he told you. But he may laugh at your face and curse you.

- What would you do then? - How can he curse me?

And what about the testimony of Bisyayev the Smoked?

He'll spit into Bisyayev's mug and tell us that he has never seen him before.

- What would you do? - I don't know...

All right. Tomorrow will be your day.

- We'll have a ride in public transport together. - Thank you, Gleb!

We'll be very quick to find him!

Guys, don't push! Buy the tickets or I'll make you get off the tram!

Citizens, buy the tickets!

Come on, go inside!

It's good we don't have to pay here. Or we would ride away all our salary.

Boys! Boys, quiet!

- Here he is! - I see him.

Calm down. You almost pushed me off the train.

Come up to him and stand a couple steps behind.

- And you? - Go. Come on.

Citizens, let me go inside, please.

Let me go!

I am sorry.

Halt! Halt!

Halt, I'm telling you! Put your hands behind your back! You are under arrest.

Madam, check up your handbag. Check it!

They are robbing me! Comrades,

...look what these gangsters are doing to me!

- Stop twitching. - Someone cut my handbag open.

They are twisting the arms of a soldier.

Don't panic, citizens!

Someone stole my purse. I had all my salary in it.

Madam, they stole your purse and now they try to lay the blame on me.

They must have dropped it somewhere.

Don't pick it up!

She's a respectable woman and a thief!

Calm down, comrades!

We are from criminal police. We have just...

...arrested the repeater pickpocket.

I ask the witnesses and the victim to follow us to the police department.

It's not far away. Don't worry, comrades.

Take the purse, Saprykin. Otherwise it will be really bad for you.

No way. I am no fool to pick up the prison term myself.

Comrades! Citizens! I am not to blame!

They think only about their plans. The main thing for them is to bust people!

I don't have anything! Let me go! I won't follow you!

Stop jibbing like a child.

It won't come off. No way. You can't give testimony in court.

The woman raised a clamour after you got me.

And you'll never find my coin! And I tell you one more thing.

Your boss will surely haul you over the coals for your clumsy work.

He will surely do. You'll remember my words. He'll do it!

Open the door! No servants for the beggars.

So you have got nothing against Kostya Saprykin.

Nothing.

Get the witnesses! Please, go there, comrade.

- Good afternoon, comrade captain. - Hello.

- Well, Saprykin. - What?

- What have you done this time? - Nothing.

- He's stolen a purse from this lady. - He has!

A purse? What purse?

- Search me. - The left pocket.

Sit down.

- Whose purse is it? - Mine! It's mine!

OK. Did everyone see? Register the withdrawal.

- Please, follow me. - It's my purse.

What is going on here? He did it, rotten cop!

He dropped the purse in my pocket. Bastard!

What a bustard!

- Madam, we were together in the tram... - Sit down!

So you have already earned one prison term.

And you, stupid guy, laughed at me.

Remember the proverb: Let the sleeping dogs lie.

And now I begin the second part of the concert of the requests of our audience.

Murashko? Comrade major? Hello, Zheglov speaking.

Kondrat Filimonovich! Zheglov and I helped you a little.

We busted the Brick! Red-handed, of course.

- Kondrat Filimonovich! - Sit down!

You've got a thousand feats on him.

So will you send your man to pick him up?

We are in Department 17 and waiting.

Let them work with him with all their hearts.

That's it! Well, Saprykin, now we have got something against you, right?

I see, you are a great inventor!

Don't grit your teeth at me.

You can grit it to the roots. I don't give a damn about it. Got it?

All right. Have fun, chief! Come on, have fun!

Soon it will be my turn to enjoy myself!

It will never be your turn. Because I will always be ahead of you.

Well until I begin the third and the fourth parts of our concert,

...tell me, do you believe that I can do it?

Easily!

You are right. So let's talk seriously.

Either you keep on pushing it and then...

...Major Murashko will get you a maximum prison term.

Kondrat Filimonovich has never done such dirty tricks!

That's right. That is why he chases people like you, and I am looking for...

...gangsters and murderers. But he is really good at his business.

This is why you will get as much as possible.

Especially since you were caught red-handed.

But there is another option.

You will tell me about one thing, when and where you got it.

This one.

And I book you without Kondrat Filimonovich.

You'll get 2 years in prison for your petty theft and fly back home like a white swan.

All right. This bracelet is clean.

The Smoke did not steal it but won it from me in a card game.

- I put it in the bank for 2 grand. - And where did you get it?

I also won it. Last week we gathered in the house of Verka the Modiste,

...played a little and I won it from Fox.

From Fox? Did he run out of cash?

- Fox is a well-to-do guy. - Why did he stake a bracelet then?

I don't know about criminal police, but our guys can cut your tongue for such questions.

I see they have already cut yours. That's why you are lisping.

Why do you tease me? I won't tell a thing anymore.

It's a joke. All right. What do you think about it?

The bracelet was stolen. No doubts.

And why do you need such a thing?

Listen, I didn't buy it. And I was not going to wear it.

No luck in the second game. And the Smoked won it from me.

Listen, Saprykin, is Fox still with Verka the Modiste?

Hardly. Why? He brought the stuff and disappeared.

- Does Verka still accept the stolen goods? - Why not?

She works for black dealers to get a little money. She's got to boys to raise.

That's right. I am sorry for her. She is so unlucky. Want to smoke?

I don't smoke. But it's good to have cigarettes in the cell.

- Then take some more. - No, thanks.

Take them, Kostya. Why not?

- Have you seen Fox since then? - No.

Well tell me. Is Fox a crowned thief?

Or just an ordinary one?

I don't get it myself. He's got the manners of an ordinary man.

But he is not, I am sure. He would kill a man with the same ease you blow your nose.

- He is an authority. - I know. Could he change his trade?

- Nobody knows his business. - Really?

He hardly ever comes to our dens. He always brings the staff and disappears.

I got tired today.

Hello! Kondrat Filimonovich! Zheglov speaking.

I cancel my request. We dealt with the Brick ourselves.

Why? He behaves himself well.

So we... Bye!

- You see, Zheglov keeps his word. Right? - Right.

- Now we shall go to Verka the Modiste. - No! We didn't agree on it.

Saprykin, don't stop halfway. It's my advice.

I know her address, but it would be better if you go with us.

No! Go on your own! Do you want them to cut me to pieces?

- Take the address and go. I'll wait here. - The address?

Well, which one have you got?

Just the same. 10, Alley 6.

Correct.

Sharapov, let's go.

So they invented this thing. It's small like a radio.

And there is a screen in the center. Like a jam dish. 6x9.

- What is the screen for? - What for?

They can broadcast a movie from the "Udarnik" cinema now.

- And what do you know about this Fox? - Well, nothing, Sharapov.

I have never heard about Fox and Verka the Modiste before.

You ignorant! It's a scientific fact.

- It's called "television". - What's up with you?

I think it's mean.

Wait, Grisha. What did you say?

I think that we are criminal policemen and have no right to play dirty tricks.

Are you crazy, Sharapov?

- Not at all. - And what are talking about?

About the purse you dropped into the pocket of the Brick.

Oh yes. You noticed it. You've got the right to say so.

It was you, who saved the woman because she wanted to commit suicide.

She had 3 children.

And someone like this Brick stole all her money, right?

And it was you who found butter and caviar in their houses...

...when people sent last pieces of bread to the front, right?

It was you who they shot in the back at nights.

By the way, I was not sitting at a grocery store either!

For 4 years...

And they shot at me and they stabbed me just like you!

Maybe I am not so bright as an operative, but I know...

...an honour of an officer perfectly well. We were quick to learn it in the front!

Do you think that I blemished the honour of an officer? Why?!

Tell me in the presence of the guys. I have got nothing to hide from them.

You should have never put the purse in the Brick's pocket.

Well, it's not late. Let's go back to the department.

We'll tell them that the Brick has never cut the handbag.

Well? We were mistaken.

And then we shall apologize... No, I shall give my apologies...

...to a nice guy Kostya Saprykin and let him go anywhere he wants.

He stole the purse. I don't argue it. But we should never fall to such a lie.

Even if it is formal and doesn't change a thing.

It changes! It changes a lot! If it were not for my lies,

...the repeater and the thief Saprykin would be in his den and not in jail now!

I was right to put the purse in his pocket.

Why did I do it? For my own pleasure? For my father-in-law? Or for my brother?

- Wait, Gleb. - No, you wait!

If the Brick is a thief, he should go to jail.

And people don't care about the way I send him there!

A thief should go to jail! Right? This is what people want.

Kopytin, stop the car! Let's go to the street and ask 100 people...

...what they like more - my lie or your truth?

Then you'll see if I am right or wrong.

And do you think that our court is just like...

...these people from the street.

By the way, we've got People's Court. And what do you mean?

Though the court acts on behalf of the people, it would never accept...

...the purse you put in the Brick's pocket and would set him free.

- You are right again. - Right.

Right.

I see it this way.

If we break the law once, then once again,

...if we use it to bridge the gaps in our investigations...

...it won't be a law anymore.

It will be a bludgeon! Yes, a bludgeon!

OK, wranglers, that's it. Go, you'll make friends there.

All right. Pasyuk, go to the window. Taraskin, Sharapov, follow me.

- Is it you, Kolya? - Yes, yes! Open the door!

Hello. Here is the search warrant.

- Are you alone here? - Yes, I am.

What is it? I spent nights under boilers in my childhood.

- Under what boilers? - They heat up the asphalt in them.

Remember "The Start in Life" movie? I was homeless.

Quiet! Children are asleep.

Make arrangements. You are in command here.

Hello.

Are you Markelova Vera Stepanovna?

- Yes, I am. - Please, you may sit down.

We have to search your house.

If you have valuables or weapons, we ask you to give it all up voluntarily.

Weapons? What weapons can I have?

As for the valuables...

My valuables are sleeping over there.

That's all I have. Some coupons to buy bread and 40 rubles cash.

If it's all right with you, we shall invite witnesses and start the search.

As you wish. You may take everything you find.

You are not surprised that we went to search your house?

Why should I be surprised?

You could hardly come here at night for your own pleasure.

- You must have your reasons to search my place. - Right.

What about your life?

How do you earn your living?

I am a tailor. I restore clothes.

Sometimes I have to borrow money... We live from hand to mouth.

Whose clothes do you restore? Do they belong to your neighbours or your friends?

Can you give us their names and addresses?

There are too many people. I can't remember them all.

Really? I can refresh your memory once you've got problems with it.

You accept these clothes from the thieves.

And the dealers use the people's poverty and sell them...

...at the flea markets and in the shops.

You live on the sufferings of other people.

Oh yes! Look how wealthy I got on their sufferings!

It's too much for me. I can share it with you.

Don't expect my sorrow.

You've got a den for the thieves to play cards and have fun here.

- What are you doing here with the cards, Grisha? - Well, I... A solitaire...

You may look for whatever you want.

You may even ask me. I can tell you.

Then tell me,

...when did Fox come here?

Fox? 2 or 3 days ago.

Why did he come? What did he do?

Nothing. He keeps his clothes here. He left his wife.

So he took a fur-coat and left.

What clothes?

And what fur-coat did he take?

It was a black one. Made from a seal. He put it in the pillow and left.

Gleb Yegorovich, these are the clothes from Gruzdeva's apartment.

Don't rush it, lvan.

You are lucky, Sharapov.

Well, go on then.

Tell me, where did you meet Fox?

A friend of mine brought him here. She said, he's her friend, came here on business.

You know it's hard to find a hotel.

She asked me to let him live here. And he paid me for it.

What did Fox look like when he came here last?

Well... He's a decent man. He wears a uniform but without shoulder straps, of course.

Anything else you can tell us?

What else? He is a well-bred man.

He never curses. As for this love rubbish... Never!

He rarely stayed for the night. He brought some clothes, took some other...

No, I can't say anything bad about him. He's a decent man.

Vera Stepanovna,

...can you tell us for sure? There were many people...

...including thieves here.

- Is he a criminal or not? - Well, no.

He does some science.

- Look, Vera, this one? - No, I don't think so.

What does it mean? Did you see him or not?

Why should I stare at him? I would not marry him!

No, Fox is not like this. He looks like you. He is agile but more handsome than you are.

What did he tell you about the suitcase? When will he come for it?

He promised to come one of these days to take it. Before the departure.

And about your friend, who brought Fox here... What does she do?

- She is a designer in a fashion house. - Do you repair her clothes as well?

No. She wears fancy things like an actress.

I stitch her bed sheets and blanket covers.

- Can you tell us her name and address? - Ira Sobolevskaya.

7, Bozhedomka street.

OK, Vera.

Two our men will stay at your place.

- Clear? - Why?

Because we lay an ambush here.

You and you will stay till morning. I'll send people to relieve you.

And how long will you have your ambush here?

As long as we need it, Vera. Until Fox comes here.

Grandpa, will you stay awake all the night through?

All the night? I could never do it.

And I can't do some things that you can.

And why don't you sleep during the day?

I am too old to waste time to sleep.

Why? We've got plenty of time.

Grandpa!

The keys! The keys, old man!

Don't forget about the puppy!

Quiet, boy!

End of part 2.