Eternal Call () was a Soviet epic TV series. It was filmed by directors Vladimir Krasnopolsky and Valery Uskov based on the novel of the same name by Anatoli Ivanov at Mosfilm Studios.Скала Сабакай — место съёмок фильма «Вечный зов» // Ураловед It ran from June 2, 1976, to May 20, 1983, on the Soviet Central Television.
Plot The series traces the fate of the Siberian family of Savelyevs from 1906 to the 1960s. It covers three wars, the Russian Revolution, the establishment of the Soviet Union, the era of Stalinism, etc.
Season 1
The initial four episodes of the film delve into the formative years and early experiences of the main characters, shedding light on their upbringing and the pivotal role they played in the fight for the establishment of Soviet power in the rural regions of Siberia. The movie encompasses a comprehensive portrayal of the pre-revolutionary era, capturing the essence of the socio-political landscape and the tumultuous events that set the stage for the onset of the Russian Civil War.
The fifth to the eighth episodes delve into the arduous journey of collective farmers as they strive to build a better life in their village, guided by the unwavering leadership of Bolsheviks Polycarp Kruzhilin and Pankrat Nazarov. These episodes also shine a light on the enchanting tales of romance and the awe-inspiring endeavors of the Soviet people during the transformative period of the initial Five-year plans of the Soviet Union. In the midst of these circumstances, the individual stories of our protagonists begin to unravel. Anna, the daughter of the affluent Siberian businessman Kaftanov, finds herself compelled to join a partisan unit, driven by her unwavering love for Fyodor Savelyev. However, this decision comes at a high cost as she must confront and defy her father's disapproval of their relationship. The dramatic tale of Ivan Savelyev unfolds as he initially aligns himself with the White Bandits, engages in a forbidden affair with Anna, endures a period of incarceration, and ultimately finds his way back to his homeland.
In addition to portraying the initial days of the Great Patriotic War, the first season delves into the experiences of Semyon Savelyev and Kiryan Inyutin as they bravely venture to the front lines. Meanwhile, Yakov Aleynikov and Polycarp Kruzhilin, who have endured significant hardships prior to the war, find themselves confronted with intricate interpersonal challenges. Despite their past friendship being strained, the trials and tribulations of war serve as a catalyst for the restoration of their once-close bond.
The heroes of the movie focus all their efforts on restoring and launching a military plant in Shantarsk, which is responsible for supplying weapons to the front lines. The plant had to be evacuated due to the ongoing conflict, but now the heroes are determined to bring it back to its former glory and resume its crucial role in supporting the front.
The eleventh and twelfth episodes of this tale delve into the events that unfolded during the initial months of the Great Patriotic War, chronicling the fight against the encroaching Nazi invaders near Moscow. Taking center stage is the battle waged on the home front, where the determination to secure victory becomes the driving force behind the tireless efforts to supply the front lines with much-needed ammunition and the nation with an abundance of sustenance. This concerted endeavor is marked by a chorus of voices, emanating from every corner of society, proclaiming the resolute rallying cry: "All for the front! Everything for victory!" From the youngest to the oldest, individuals of all ages and walks of life unite in solidarity, ceaselessly toiling towards a shared goal – ensuring the triumph of their beloved homeland.
Episode 1: The Eldest Brother
It is 1906, pre-revolutionary Russia. In the distant and secluded village of Mikhailovka in Siberia, located in close proximity to Shantarsk (a town that serves as a fictional replica of Krasnoyarsk), a remarkable event unfolds as two comrades, Pankrat Nazarov and Demyan Inyutin, who had grown up together in this very village, make their triumphant return after fighting in the war against Japan. They had suffered serious injuries, with Pankrat being shot in the lung and Demyan losing a leg. Demyan, a hero with the Cross of Saint George, is disabled but does not want to be idle.
Demyan goes to Mikhail Lukich Kaftanov, a wealthy man in the village, offering to protect his valuable possessions, suggesting that having a vigilant and watchful "chain dog" would greatly assist in overseeing and safeguarding all aspects of the landowner's property. In fact, the village is frequently targeted by gypsies who steal horses, so Demyan's help is needed. Following a short period of contemplation, Kaftanov ultimately consents to the request. Pankrat, eager to secure employment, approaches Demyan in search of work. However, Demyan declines Pankrat's plea, asserting his own limited yet tangible authority.
Silanty Savelyev, a destitute peasant, has three sons - Anton, Fyodor, and Ivan. Anton, the eldest son, is discovered to be assisting the gypsies by leading them through the forest to avoid capture. However, Anton has dreams of leaving the village and going to the city, so he does not want to join the gypsies permanently. One day Silanty sends his sons Anton and Mitrofan to Novonikolayevsk (the present-day Novosibirsk). to secure a job at the railway depot. Anton's life is marked by recklessness, debauchery, and gambling. Mitrofan, guided by Ivan Mikhalych, and his companions engage in a clandestine existence. Anton reveals his involvement and asks to join the case. However, this decision exposes him to the world of underground activities orchestrated by the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party. Anton's recklessness and debauchery lead to his involvement in the clandestine activities.
One day, when Anton, along with Pyotr Polypov, also called Petka, who asked him to participate in a serious case, turns out to be "on the alert", gets into a police raid, and then into prison. As a result of the raid, Anton was detained and interrogated by Arnold Mikhalych Lakhnovsky, an investigator from Okhranka, the Security Department. The investigator tries to separate Anton and Petka, brutally beating one with a whip, and persuades the other promising to let him go back to his father. Petka's father, a shopkeeper, complains to Demyan that Antoshka from Mikhaylovka knocked his only heir off the right path.
Lakhnovsky presents Anton with the opportunity to betray the underground fighters, but Anton remains steadfast and refuses to do so. As a result, he is handed over to the executioner Kosorotov. Despite facing intense torture, Anton remains unyielding and refuses to give in. In a similar vein, Ivan Mikhailovich Subbotin, another member of the underground resistance, also endures torture without succumbing to betrayal. Unfortunately, the situation takes a turn for the worse as Lakhnovsky manages to successfully manipulate Pyotr Polipov, a bright and promising young man who is currently enrolled in the prestigious gymnasium, into betraying his own comrades.
Episode 2: A Night Before Dawn
It is 1914. After a few years, the village is still divided between poor peasants living in small huts and wealthy villagers in large homes. Some work tirelessly and struggle to make ends meet, while others enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Mikhail Lukich Kaftanov, in particular, lives a life of indulgence and is not restrained by any limits. Despite this, rumors circulate that Zara, a gypsy, is pregnant with Kaftanov's child, causing distress to his elderly and ailing wife. However, Zara is actually in love with Polycarp and currently resides with his mother. Meanwhile, Anna, Kaftanov's daughter, and Ivan Savelyev, a stable boy, are in love with each other, although Anna is aware that their relationship has no future.
Ivan Savelyev, working as a stable boy under the employment of Kaftanov, finds himself deeply infatuated with none other than Anna, the daughter of his employer. On the other hand, Fyodor, the brother of Polycarp Kruzhilin, develops a strong desire to be associated with the affluent individual, Kaftanov, and he too becomes enamored with Anna. Meanwhile, as the narrative unfolds, Polycarp makes a triumphant return from the front lines.
In the city, Anton Savelyev, who has successfully managed to flee from the clutches of penal servitude (called in Russian katorga), marries a woman named Liza. This momentous occasion is graced by the presence of another individual named Polipov, who finds himself entangled in the intricate web of love for Liza. Polypov provides Anton with the location details of a secure hideout, intending to set him up for an arrest. However, against all odds, Anton manages to successfully evade capture and makes a daring escape. Once more, Agent Lakhnovsky endeavors to persuade Polypov to betray Anton, resulting in the latter's subsequent arrest.
As Silantiy Savelyev and his son Fyodor toil away on Kaftanov's zaimka (a particular kind of rural estate in Siberia), Fyodor cannot help but feel a sense of longing and admiration for the exciting and lively existence that Kaftanov leads in that very place. In the midst of a heated exchange between a son and his father, an unexpected visitor by the name of Anton, notorious for repeatedly fleeing from prison, suddenly appears at the zaimka.
Episode 3: What Do You Believe In?
Anton Savelyev escapes from prison and heads to his father's house, evading capture by Kaftanov and the gendarmes. He flees with Fyodor's help after the gendarmes arrive, leaving behind evidence of his presence. Demyan Inyutin tracks Fyodor in search of Anton, suspecting he may be aiding his wounded brother in the mountains.
As Fyodor diligently makes his way towards his brother, bearing a load of sustenance, little does he know that he is being meticulously pursued by Demyan and his formidable soldiers. Relentlessly, they trail Fyodor until they finally close in on him, and it is at this moment that Demyan, with a menacing glint in his eyes, brazenly brandishes the threat of taking Fyodor's life. Overwhelmed by a sudden surge of selflessness and compassion, Anton willingly exposes himself to the danger that looms and surrenders.
Inyutin orchestrates a plan to unite his son, Kiryan, with Anna, the daughter of Kaftanov. He manipulates the situation by pressuring Fyodor to disgrace Anfisa, whose daughter Kiryan loves. Anfisa falls in love with Fyodor and reveals she is pregnant. When Kiryan learns of the affair, he tells Ivan and they seek revenge on Fyodor. However, Fyodor overpowers them. Fyodor and Anna, who have secret feelings for each other, finally confess their love. Anna initially hesitates due to rumors about Fyodor and Anfisa, but Fyodor's earnest pleas eventually win her over. Anna reciprocates Fyodor's love in the end.
Kaftanov visits Polycarp Kruzhilin's house and initiates a conversation about politics and the future of Russia. "What do you want? And what do you believe in?" – Kaftanov asks. Polycarp replies: "I believe in people whom you consider to be dirt". According to Kaftanov, who is known as the "enemy of labor", the entire planet will be drenched in blood. In response to this grim statement, Kruzhilin, speaking on behalf of the hardworking people, firmly asserts that they are willing to sacrifice their own blood without hesitation.