EPISODE SIX
Comrade Guard Colonel, Guard
Major Orekhin reporting for duty.
Guard Captain Sankadzhiev,
reporting for duty.
Good that youíre here. Sit down.
So, how is your service
going with our regiment?
WellÖ itís good.
Everything is fine.
Is everything fine with you also?
Correct, Guard Colonel.
I know that you downed a
German last week, Sankadzhiev.
That makes how many now?
Eight.
Eight?
How about you?
Eleven.
Eleven then.
Good for me and good for you.
And have you written
any reports or letters?
Reports? No, we would only
report directly to you.
And the only letters
we write are for home.
I believe you. But someone
else did write something.
Well them, Comrades heroesÖ
itís time to say goodbye.
Who wrote what? Why do
we have to say goodbye?
Because, comrade Sankadzhiev, you are
being transferred to a different division.
And you as well.
In any case, talk is cheap. Here
have a look and sign your names.
Then get packing.
So this isÖ for Colonel Stalin.
I got you good! The both of
you were sweating like pigs!
I knew youíd be happy.
Apparently it is only I and our cook
Marusya who are saddened by your departure.
Were it up to me
- I wouldnít let you eagles go.
Maybe I shouldnít?
Comrade Guard Colonel, weíve
been with Vasily since school.
I know, I know.
Iíve heard stories of your
Commanderís benevolence.
Listen, is it true that Vasily Josephovich
bears a striking resemblance to Comrade Stalin?
WellÖ he is a determined,
loyal Commander.
FearlessÖ sometimes a
little too much even.
Heís just. A true comrade.
Thatís good. These are the kind of
Commanders that have the Germans on the ropes.
The war will be over soon
enough and then peace will come.
What are you going to do then?
I plan on teaching flight school
- pilots are always in demand.
Iím thinking of going
into civilian aviation.
Iím going to take people and
supplies all over the country.
Someone will have to put it back
in one piece after this war is over.
Thatís good thinking,
Comrade Sankadzhiev!
I think that civilian
aviation is the future.
I like speed myselfÖ For example
- from Moscow to VladivostokÖ
Thatís ten days on a train, at least!
On a plane
- you get on and youíre there in just a day.
Alright, take care of yourselves, boys.
The country will need
you after we win this war.
Give my regards to Vasily
Josephovich. Now sign this and go.
Serve!
Come on!
Alright, Shikarenko! We can fix the hangars
 to hold a volleyball - football fields.
Put them together.
Fall is coming and so is the
rain. We need it to keep training.
Put in some equipment for
pull-ups and long distance jumping.
So get your builders down here and get
 cracking - I want it done in two weeks.
We wonít be able to do it in
two week, Comrade Guard Colonel.
Well if you donít then itís to
the convict battalion with you.
Sport is essential for a pilot and
it needs to be regular and continuous.
Donít you worry Shukharenko, Iíll
procure the inventory from HQ.
Get them to make some uniforms
- weíll have a real football team!
The front is 20 kilometers from here
- what kind football team can there be?
Shukharenko- I told you there will be
 volleyball and football and it will be so.
Youíve known me long enough to know.
When are you going to get
my boys down here by the way?
Donít worry, Iíve prepared all the proper
documents, they signed them a week ago.
They should be here today or tomorrow.
Thank you.
Sir, Guard Colonel.
How was the game?
We needed you, Vasily Josephovich.
We could have really given it to themÖ
Iíll be done in a minute
and join you, donít worry.
Shuval, are all of your boys
back? Whose squadron is that?
Guard Captain Sorokinís.
Three are missingÖ
What was the mission?
They engaged the Mozhykay train station
- there was a lot of heavy weaponry there.
The ìGreat Germanyî Tank
Regiment, among others.
Perhaps theyíll be back laterÖ
One can always hope.
But somehow I doubt itÖ
Donít despair
- miracles do happenÖ isnít that right?
Yes, itís true.
Dismissed.
Yes, sir.
Comrade Colonel, take a look. A visionÖ
Thatís my Galka!
Thatís my Galya!
Galya!
Vasya!
Quiet now!
Galya!
This, Shukharenko, is my wife.
Miracles do happen.
Hello.
This calls for a celebration.
Absolutely.
Settle down, settle downÖ
ComradesÖ
I propose a toast to our new arrivals.
Our ace pilots.
They are the ones who went on combat
missions with Vasily Josephovich.
They gave the enemy a
beating and covered his back.
To you!
Yes my friends! The sky is
ours now, isnít that right?
Yes, Vasily Jospehovich! We are
glad we will be flying by your side!
Isnít that right, Sangadzhiev?
Yes, we wonít let you
down, Comrade Colonel.
Well then, for Comrade Stalin,
for our victory! Hooray!
Hooray!
Come on, donít waste
time, pour the next one!
Go on, come on!
Can I have a pickle?
Give it here.
Vasily, maybe thatís enough?
Come now, Galochka. Look at
the table the guys prepared!
Quiet, quietÖ
I have a surprise in store.
What surprise?
Ljuba, bring the vodka!
Iím coming Vasily Josephovich!
Ljubasha!
Galka!
What a meeting!
How did you get here?
Why havenít you told me?
I got send here yesterday, I
was asking to go to the front.
Even as a waitress, anything.
Alright, thatís enough! Sit down!
No, no, no, I canít!
Stop it, sit down!
Sit down!
Comrades, friends!
Quiet!
I propose we raise a glass to the beautiful
 wife of Vasily Josephovich Stalin - Galina!
Friends, lets drink to my wife
who came to see me here today.
For the boys who flew in.
And for Ljubka, of course!
Hooray!
What are we sitting around here for
- why arenít we dancing?
Start the music
- no use sitting here in silence.
Go on, crank it up!
Letís dance then, eh?
Vasily Jospehovich, allow me to ask
your wife if I could have this dance.
Iíll allow it.
Good.
Go on.
Are congratulations in
order, Vasily josephovich?
I had no idea.
How about a drink?
What are we drinking to?
To us.
Why donít we dance a bit?
Wonít your wife be jealous?
Nope.
Then why not?
Allow me?
Where do you know Ljubasha from?
LjubashaÖ
We studied together.
She was one year my junior.
Vasia even helped her enrollÖ he went
in to ask the Dean and everything.
At ease.
Galina Alexandrovna, what are
you standing around here for?
Youíll catch a cold.
IÖ it was stuffy in there.
StuffyÖ
Are they still dancing?
Donít take it close to heart.
This is war - today we dance and
 tomorrow we go in the ground.
Life is different
hereÖ this isnít Moscow.
You should go home to the kids.
Tell them how you saw their
hero father, make them happy.
Wait for him home.
Everything will be fine.
Iíll be right backÖ
You think so?
Of course I do.
Galka!
Galya, where did you run off to?
VasyaÖ
Iím going to go home tomorrow.
You know youíre right
- this is no place for you.
Shukarenko! Shukarenko!
Alright, alright - the longer we say goodbye,
 the more tears we cry.
Iíll be back once the war is over.
Drive.
Good day, Comrade Colonel.
May I, Vasily Josephovich?
You didnít come to breakfast
so I brought you some.
Whereís Galina?
I didnít see her in the morning.
Galya went back to Moscow.
Eat your porridge before it gets cold.
Youíre a good dancer.
Really? You too, Vasily Josephovich.
Oh yeah?
Guard Commander, German tanks
are heading towards the airport!
It canít be
- where the hell did they come from?
The scouts report that they broke
through the line around Kurshinay.
Tanks and infantry.
Listen here, get mobilize everyone!
Everyone to the airport,
start the machines!
And cable HQ to mobilize infantry
and artillery units, you hear me?
Yes, sir!
Execute!
Sorry, Ljubasha! I guess
itís not meant to be.
Hurry!
Come on, quickly!
Where are you going?
Am I not needed? I know how to shoot!
Hold on then.
Ljuba, get in front!
Letís hope thereís a
medal waiting for you.
Donít you think I deserve
it? I would never leave you.
I see you like danger.
Even the women are fighting,
where the hell are you off to?
Back, I say!
Get back!
Where are you all going?
Where?
Get back in there, I tell you!
Iíll court marshal all
of you! Stand your ground!
They have tanks!
I can see that but they
will destroy the planes!
Who are we without our planes?
Cowards!
A bunch of lost sheep, damn you!
Get the grenades right now!
Everyone back!
Get into defensive positions!
Everyone down!
Get down right now.
Our tanks are close!
Should be here any minuteÖ
Along with two infantry battalions!
We donít have a minute! Where are they?
We missed the damn Germans!
You see whatís happening? The
tanks are targeting our planes!
What are we supposed to do? Go in
with pistols against heavy armor?
With a grenade, Petr! A grenade!
Cover me!
Everyone follow me!
Lower the barrel!
Move it!
Hurry!
Lower, lower, lower.
Fire!
Fire!
German tanks broke through the line and
attacked the 3rd Air force division this morning.
What?
Where did they come from?
I donít know, Comrade
Lieutenant General.
Intelligence told us that there were
no tanks in a 200 kilometer radius!
Where the hell did they come from?
Goddamn it.
Maybe they are retreating?
The bastards are taking
small bites at us.
Retreating tanks donít bite
and they damn sure donít attack!
Colonel Karavayko you donít
know what youíre talking about!
This was a planned assault!
Where was intelligence on this?
I warn you that if anything happens
 to Colonel Stalin - our heads will roll.
And if they donít - Iíll personally put
 you up against the wall, understood?
Yes, sir.
What are you standing around here for?
Send in reinforcements! I donít care
 how you do it - just do it quickly!
We already have, Comrade
Lieutenant General.
Neighboring tank and infantry divisions
have been dispatched to their location.
When will they be there?
In approximately thirty minutes.
When exactly?
In thirty minutes!
Comrade General, they will make it.
Colonel Stalin is going to be alright.
Youíre a regular fortune teller!
Did you see this in your crystal ball?
Or did you use Tarot cards
for this great prophecy?
Do you understand the implications of the
fact that Comrade Stalinís son is there?
Yes, sir I doÖ Comrade
Lieutenant GeneralÖ
May I speak, Comrade Lieutenant General?
Go on.
Comrade, weíve received word that the
approaching enemy force has come under
fire from the neighboring
village of Kavalerovka.
The assault has been
stopped dead in its tracks.
I donít need your fancy metaphors
- ìdead in its tracksî!
Until I see a report that says that every
single tank of the enemy has been destroyed,
When I know for a fact that
the life of Colonel StalinÖ
What are you looking at me for?
Go and do your jobs! Or Iíll take
both your stripes and your heads!
Yes, sir!
We showed those damn
Hanses, didnít we boys?
They thought that pilots werenít going
to kick their asses on the ground as well?
We gave them a taste alright!
Listen Fyodorovich, go to HQ
and get us some new planes.
Donít worry, I wonít leave
there until I see the planes.
Vasily Josephovich!
What is it?
There is a girl with a
stomach would over thereÖ
The medics say sheís
not going to make it.
She wants to see you.
What girl?
The waitress from the cantina.
Where is she?
Right over there.
Ljuba! Get away.
Ljuba!
How did you..?
Are you cold? There, thatís better.
What a shameÖ
What?
What are you talking about? What shame?
Theyíll patch you up right
quick in the hospital!
Weíll be dancing the
foxtrot in no time, you hear?
Ljuba, where in Moscow do you live?
In Zamoskvoretchie.
Where exactly in Zamoskvoretcie?
On Staromonetniy StreetÖ
Thatís right next to where I live!
And so you know the
Udarnik movie theater?
YesÖ Iíve been there so many timesÖ
Well there you go!
Thatís where Iíll see when
Iím in Moscow, you hear me?
Iím afraid you wonít.
Thatís no way to talk. I
said Iíll see you and I will.
LjubaÖ
Alright, get her out of her!
Do it, come on!
Come on you bitch!
Go!
I said move it!
You useless cow!
What the hell are you doing?
Stop that this instant!
I said thatís enough!
Stand at attention!
Name!
Korzunov, Comrade Guard Colonel.
Whatís the horseís name?
Red, Comrade Guard Colonel.
Why Red?
He has a ginger mane.  When he was tiny
- he looked red, Comrade Guard Colonel.
Thatís why we called him Red.
Why donít you feed the
animal, you bastard?
I feed it what I can. Often times
I have nothing to eat myself.
What am I going to do with you?
Listen here, take him to Supply
Deputy 1st Colonel Prybitko.
Tell him Colonel Stalin said to feed Red and
prepare him to be sent to my Dacha in Moscow.
Is that clear?
Yes, sir, Comrade Guard Colonel.
Come here RedÖ There arenít
that many of us out there.
I guess we have to stick together.
Execute!
Yes, sir!
Iím so screwed.
Damn it.
In conclusion I would like to say that in
the given circumstance, Guard Colonel Stalin
showed valor, managerial
talents and fearlessness.
In connection to that we ask to be given
new airplanes to replace the ones we lost.
Arenít you asking a lot?
Not at all.
Colonel, sitÖ
Why didnít you mention that he also
wants to take a horse to Moscow by plane?
Put that nonsense in your
report, why donít you?
Comrade General, what am I supposed to
do? I canít cancel the orders he issues.
So write about all of that then!
But that has nothing to do
with what Iím here about.
It has everything to do with it
- the personality of Guard Colonel Stalin!
Is such a commander worthy
of leading an entire division?
And that horse? Take it back, damn her.
I canít do that, Comrade General.
Why not?
Guard Commander Stalin spoke on the
phone with Comrade Beria in front of me.
He promised to help and send a special
cart with his own people to take the horse.
What? You heard that Comrade Beria
promised a car and his people?
Yes, sir I did.
Alright, give me the report.
Falcon, cover me! Engaging enemy.
Yes, Commander.
Keep up, we move in together.
Tolya, Messer to your right!
Falcon, thereís a Fritz on your tail!
I see him. Commencing evasive maneuver.
Falcon, I have him in my sights!
Hold on, you bastard.
Commander, whatís your status?
Iím fine, Iíll make it.
Hurry up!
Get him over here.
What do you think youíre doing?
Comrade guard Commander,
you should be in bed.
Go back to your bed.
Leave alone, let me
have a smoke in peace.
You need to be in bed,
Comrade Guard Commander.
Youíre like a damn child, I swear!
Why do you have to ride me so hard?
I told you to leave me alone.
Keep pushing me and I
might just shoot you.
Good god, what kind of talk
is that, Comrade Guard Colonel?
Listen, youíre really
making me anxious. Go away.
Thereís no justice in the world!
I take care of him all day!
My feet hurt like hell and
now he wants to shoot me!
Alright, thatís enough.
Enough of what? What
does that even mean?
Comrade Guard Colonel, how many times
do I have to say it? You shouldnít beÖ
Good day, Comrade Guard Colonel!
Gushin, is that you?
Thatís right!
Comrade Guard Colonel!
You see, Iím not smoking anymore!
Let me talk to my comrade in arms!
Gushin! Letís go!
Come on!
Just donít take too long.
Oh, Nikiforov! What do
you think youíre doing?
I came out to have a smokeÖ
No smoking for you, get back inside!
But Iím allowedÖ
Go to your room!
So tell me, whatís new with you?
Shukharenko got a call from HQ!
And?
The Army Commander was asking about
your health and really stuck it to him.
What for?
For disobeying his order and
letting you go on a combat mission.
And not only did you fly but
you almost crashed on landing!
Any other news?
The boys think that you are
getting a new promotion shortly.
They canít just let me be, can they?
Whoís going to storm Berlin then? Tolya, Iíve
dreamt about it since the start of the war.
You know, Vasya I think itís a
good idea they take you out of here.
What are you saying, Tolya?
Comrade Stalin is worried. I understand
- you are his son.
But Comrade Stalin has enough
to worry about as it is.
So you want me out on a technicality?
You donít get it!
Comrade Stalin has a great
responsibility weighing down on him.
He needs to think about millions
of people! All our people!
Shukharenko says that he
needs to make tough decisions.
And if he also has to worry about his damn kids
- he might make the wrong decision!
Tolya, you sing like a damn canary!
Tell me this
- did Shukharenko put you up to this?
You want to convince me to go, eh?
Donít even say it
- I understand everything.
You will send me off and keep fighting.
Have you any idea how
envious I am of you, Tolya?
You got three more downed
Fritzes to your name.
That makes how many in total?
Nine.
Thatís right
- nine.
They arenít letting
me fly, the bastards.
They hate me.
If something happens to me they will have
to answer for it so they spin their wheels.
And thatís just how it is, Tolya.
I wouldnít want to be in their shoes.
Would you prefer to be
in mine? Is it any better?
Come on now, Vasya!
How old are you now? 23?
Youíre already a Division Commander!
Thatís not me, thatísÖ
Who?
You know who.
You think I would have
accomplished anything on my own?
I disagree, Vasya.
Youíre a great pilot and thatís the
damn truth! Ask anyone in the squadron!
Iím proud to say it to anyoneís face.
Vasya, you are a great
pilotÖ and friend.
There arenít many like you out there.
Alright, Tolya.
Do you have anything to drink?
You think I would come
to see you empty handed?
But only as a gesture!
Whatever you say.
There you go.
To you!
To youÖ
What did you expect
- itís moonshine!
Could you please touch the tip of
your nose with your left index finger?
Now the right.
Stand up against the wall.
Close your eyes and
stretch both hands forward.
Now take three steps in my direction.
Alright, thank you.
Disrobe and lie down
on the bed on your back.
AlrightÖ
Does this hurt?
No.
What about here?
It does, you know thatÖ
Regrettably I do.
Ever since I was
wounded in 43, it hurts.
And does your spine
still cause you pain?
SometimesÖ but itís all
inconsequential, doctor.
My leg, my spineÖ
Dear Vasily Josephovich, as a result you
are easily fatigued and lose concentration.
Such symptoms are very dangerous in
your line of work, Comrade Guard Colonel.
DoctorÖ
This isnít the first time Iím
hearing this nonsense from you!
Comrade Guard Commander, could
you please be more respectful?
Iím old enough to be your father.
Cut it out, will you? Just
sign the paper and cut me loose.
Iíve spent too much time here as is.
Iím not signing your discharge papers.
I canít allow you to go back in the sky
- I have no right.
So you wonít sign it, eh?
I need to gather a special commission.
I donít sign these things alone.
Alright.
Why donít you shove your papers up
your ass, Comrade Medical Colonel?
What are you discussing
without your Commanding officer?
At ease.
Vasily Josephovich, they
say youíve been commissioned.
Not happening
- not for you or for them.
Alright, tell meÖ whatís new?
We received an order.
Of course youíve received an
order, do we ever get anything else?
Yes but this one is
impossible to execute.
Who said so, Orekhin?
Here, have a look.
This is usÖ
Yes.
This is the target.
Its 300 kilometers there and back.
And thatís without the work weíll have
 to do in the sky - another 40 minutes.
Iím afraid the division
wonít make it back.
Whoís the genius who gave this order?
Who do you think? Guard Lieutenant
general Beletsky, who else?
Have you tried speaking to him?
Of course we have.
He doesnít want to hear it
- just yells and curses at me.
He says we can land on another
airfield but what other airfield?
What do you propose?
I have an idea - this is the dislocation 
of the 4th Air Force Guard Division.
Yes.
They go here.
If we could switch missions with them
- we would be looking at a different outcome.
Guskov!
Yes!
Connect me to Beletsky right now!
Yes, sir!
Vasily Josephovich, the division
needs to be in the sky in 40 minutes.
We have a connection,
Comrade Guard Colonel.
Hello! Comrade Eighth?
Iím listening.
This is Vasily Stalin calling.
My division cannot execute the order
- itís too far out.
This is why I propose we switch missions
with the 4th Air Force Guard Division.
What sort of silliness
is this, Guard Colonel?
I gave your men and order
and I expect it done.
Donít raise your voice at me.
We can work this out.
I said execute the
orders you were given!
If not
- you are relieved of your post as Commander.
Do you understand?
I understand. The division will carry
out your order but Iím going with them.
What?
Vasily JosephovichÖ you
arenít allowed to flyÖ
And now I am! Follow me!
This is a suicide mission!
Why donít we get in touch
with the Front Commander?
He can work it out
with general Beletsky!
Thatís enough! We were given
orders and we will execute them.
Raise the squadrons, boys!
Buykov, Sanghodziev
- you fly with me.
Throw it in there.
Execute!
At least wear a parachute,
will you Vasily Josephovich?
The war is almost over but
they still might shoot you down!
You know I fly without a parachuteÖ
Help me up!
I know but as an exceptionÖ
There are no exceptions.
Donít fret, they wonít take Vasya
Stalin alive! Start the engine!
Hold this.
What are you standing around for
- get the planes ready!
He went personally!
Yes, without a parachute!
I couldnít stop him!
No one could have stopped him!
Yes, yes! Understood!
I think he did it! Connect
me to the Division Commander!
Falcon! Falcon this is
Kaluga! This is Kaluga!
The mission has changed!
The mission has been altered!
Attention, this is Falcon! We
reach objective in five minutes!
Prepare to engage.
This is like a paradeÖ
Prepare to engage.
Weíre going to show themÖ
Take it easy, boysÖ
Get ready!
Cover me!
Donít fall behind!
Seven, youíve got an enemy on your tail!
Heís coming at you fast!
Where are you going, Colonel?
Colonel, the German is above you!
Tolya, cover my tail!
I amÖ Iím scared I might hit youÖ
Heís too close to youÖ
Tolya, youíve been hit! Jump!
Just a second!
I almost have him, Vasya!
Gushin, that was an order! Jump!
Just a second!
Got him.
Tolya, jump!
Jump! Youíll burn to death!
Jump, Tolya!
Goodbye, CommanderÖ
This is 44, not 41! Your casualty
count has six machines in one firefight!
Are you out of your minds over there?
Half a squadron! The shame!
What kind of Guard are you after this?
Just sloppy children!
I know everything! I know that
Commander Stalin spat on protocol!
I know that he spat on the
medical commission as well!
I know everything!
I also know that you
will answer for all of it.
Heís been transferred to a different
regiment at a different place.
Am I making myself clear, Guard Colonel?
Sir, yes, sir!
I will answer for the casualties
sustained in battle, sir!
In the battle for Berlin, the pilots
of the Head Air Force Marshall Novikov,
Air Force Commander Gababanov,
Air Force Colonel General Rudenko,
Colonel General Krasovsky, Air
Force Lieutenant General Saritsky,
Air Force Lieutenant General
Beletsky, Air Force Lieutenant Loginov,
Air Force Major General Arkhangelsky and
Colonel Stalin did exceptionally well.
