"Red Angels" [excerpt #4]
Aug. 7th, 2011 11:23 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
nebrisThey crawl out from under the Tank, crouch run across the Main Street to a large cottage, pause by its corner, scan the Village.
After a beat, Ria goes around the corner, literally runs into TWO SS FIELD POLICE MOTORCYCLISTS (long canvas coats, metal police gorgets, goggles on steel helmets) who have just taken a piss. The 1ST SS MAN grabs her, laughs, says something 'lewd'(No sub-titles) to the 2ND SS MAN, who also laughs. Natalya comes around the corner, smiles a 'big sexy smile'. The SS Men like this. She shoots them both point blank in the face: BAM! BAM! Blood and brains spray every where. The SS Men drop like stones. Ria, face flecked with blood, looks at the dead SS Men, a bit dazed. Natalya turns and vomits.
Ria
Are you all right?
Natalya
(wipes her mouth)
Nervous reaction.
Ria
Of course.
Natalya spits at the dead SS Men.
Natalya
Definitely.
She crouches beside 1st SS Man, searches him.
Natalya
Look for their motorcycles.
Ria
('comes back')
What?
Natalya
Motorcycles. See these coats, those gorgets?
They're SS Field Police motorcyclists. The
bikes must be close by.
Ria
(smiles)
Motorcycles. Yes, that would be very nice.
Natalya pulls a sub-machine gun from under 1st SS Man.
Natalya
(smiles)
Ah, a serious weapon.
(hands SMG to Ria)
Motorcycles?
Ria
Right!
Ria checks the SMG, moves off cautiously. Natalya begins searching 2nd SS Man, finds another SMG, grins. SOUND of a SHARP CRY 'cut off short'. Natalya leaps up, SMG in hand, sprints towards the sound.
ext. barn/Russian village - day
Ria on her knees, in an open space next to a Barn, makes a SOFT "KEENING" SOUND. Tears stream down her cheeks. She is biting her lip hard, drawing blood. Natalya comes up fast, sees something that stops her dead in her tracks.
Natalya
('crosses herself')
Dear God, save us.
In front of the Barn, a STACK of HUNDREDS of DEAD RUSSIAN PEASANTS: MEN, WOMEN, and CHILDREN, blackened and bloated, arms and legs pointing stiffly, a CLOUD of FLIES buzzing around them. To one side, a SMALL PILE of a DOZEN INFANTS, their heads crushed. Natalya kneels by Ria, puts her arms around her.
Ria
(distraught)
How can this happen? How?
Natalya
This is what men do.
Ria
But we kill, too.
Natalya
(turns Ria to face her)
No! We are warriors, not murderers. We
fight to protect our families, our
Motherland.
Ria
(SOBS)
I don't think I can do this anymore.
Natalya
Yes, you can. Remember Stalin's purges.
Didn't you lose at least one person? You
lived through that, you can live through
this.
Ria
(swallows, takes a breath)
Yes. Of course. Stalin. The purges.
(looks at Natalya)
I'm all right. It just caught me off guard.
Natalya
(wipes Ria's tears)
We must be like spring steel. Bend, but
never break.
Ria
(ironic laugh)
Bend, but never break.
(sees something, smiles)
Look.
TWO BMW MOTORCYCLES lean against the large cottage. Natalya and Ria hug tightly, laugh through their tears.
ext. Russian trench line - day
The trenches are dug just inside the tree line of a forest. DOZENS of RUSSIAN SOLDIERS sit in the trenches, some behind Sandbags and Machine Guns, eating their breakfast. SOUND of MOTORCYCLES. The Soldiers go to alert. A CORPORAL, 19,
ragged, buck-toothed, props his binoculars on a sandbag, peers through them. After a beat, he grins.
Natalya and Ria gun the motorcycles across an open field towards the trenches, in peasant clothes, skirts hiked up, goggles over "babushkas", SMGs slung across their backs. The Soldiers start CHEERING, laughing, making "CATCALLS", WHISTLE. Natalya and Ria slow down at the trench line, maneuver between fox holes, stop, dismount, lay down the bikes, jump into the trench next to the Corporal.
Corporal
(smiles at Natalya)
What's a pretty thing like you doing out
here?
Natalya pulls her blouse back, reveals her Major's shoulder straps.
Natalya
That's Major "Pretty Thing" to you, Comrade
Corporal.
Corporal
('snaps to attention sitting down')
I'm very sorry, Ma'am. I..I..
Natalya
(smiles)
I won't shoot you, Comrade Corporal. I'll
leave that to the Fascists.
Corporal
Ye..Ye..Yes, Ma'am. I mean, Comrade Major.
Natalya
Where is the road Kalac'?
Corporal
Where, Comrade Major?
Natalya
(sighs)
How about any road east?
Corporal
On the other side of these woods, about
two miles, there is a road I think goes
to the east.
Natalya
You think? Where is your officer?
Corporal
He's dead, Comrade Major. All our officers
are dead. Sergeants, too.
Natalya
Who is in command?
Corporal
(sheepish)
I am.
Natalya looks up and down the trench line. The Soldiers are all teenagers. Natalya sighs, pats her pockets without result.
Natalya
(gentle)
Comrade Corporal, would you happen to have
a cigarette?
Corporal
(bright)
Yes, Comrade Major.
He eagerly pulls out a pack, offers it to her.
Natalya
(takes one)
Thank you.
She lights up, takes a deep drag.
Natalya
Ah. That's better.
He offers the pack to Ria, who looks at Natalya.
Natalya
We'll share this one.
She hands the cigarette to Ria, who takes a deep drag. The Corporal notices the SS license plates on the bikes.
Corporal
What happened to the original owners?
Ria
(sweet smile)
They lost face.
She hands the cigarette back to Natalya.
Natalya
(incredulous smile)
Let's go, Comrade Lieutenant.
Natalya stubs the cigarette out on her boot heel, puts it in her pocket. They get back on the bikes, kick over the engines. All the Soldiers watch them with fascination.
Natalya
(serious)
Good luck, Comrade Corporal.
Corporal
Thank you, Comrade Major.
Natalya and Ria gun the bikes, head into the forest. The Corporal watches wistfully, then climbs back in his trench.
ext. forest - day
Natalya and Ria zigzag the bikes between the trees.
ext. road side field - day
B/G SOUND of BATTLE. Natalya and Ria emerge from the tree line about a hundred feet from a WIDE DIRT ROAD. Natalya pulls out her compass, looks at the road.
Natalya
Good. It heads due east.
Up the road to the east, something moves fast, throws up a cloud of dust.
Natalya
I wonder what that is? Or who, I should
say?
Ria
(points in opposite direction)
Well, we know who they are.
A few hundred yards down the road to the west, a COLUMN of PEASANTS, mostly WOMEN and CHILDREN, pull SMALL CARTS piled high with bags, furniture, etc. They are heading east.
Ria
What do we do?
Natalya
Back up into the trees and wait.
They back the bikes into the tree line, tensely watch the road to the east. The cloud 'resolves' into a COLUMN of T-34 TANKS (Russian, slope sided juggernauts) racing down the road. Natalya and Ria smile in relief. On the road, the Peasants have stopped. Some watch the rapidly approaching Tanks. Others scatter off the road.
ext. lead tank - day
A MAJOR, 30, stocky, stands in the turret hatch. Suddenly, he sees the Peasants up ahead, grabs his hand mike.
tank major
Emergency stop! All tanks, emergency stop!
ext. road - day
The Tanks 'lock up' their tracks, several of them sliding off the road, a few rear ending others with resounding "CLANGS", all throwing up a huge cloud of dust.
ext. road side field - day
Natalya and Ria slowly move out from the tree line.
Ria
That was interesting.
Natalya
(looks skyward)
Damn!
Ria
What?
Natalya points beyond the Tanks. In the distance, TWO TWIN ENGINE AIRCRAFT are coming in 'on the deck'.
Ria
Oh, great.
Natalya draws her pistol, fires it in the air. Up on the road, several TURRET MOUNTED AA MACHINE GUNS swing around towards the Women. Natalya points dramatically towards the Aircraft. The TANK CREWMEN look back, the AA machine guns swing the other way. After a beat, they open fire, tracers lancing skyward.
ext. above the road - day
TWO JU-88's come in for an attack, their forward machine guns firing.
ext. road side field - day
Natalya and Ria dismount, unsling their SMG's, begin firing at the Aircraft.
ext. road - day
The Ju-88's roar over the Tanks, drop several bombs. Fire and dirt fountains up all around the Tanks. The Ju-88's strafe the Peasants. A bomb explodes in their midst. The Aircraft roar off into the sky. SOUND of PEOPLE SCREAMING.
cut to:
By the side of the road, Natalya tears her skirt into strips, bandages the bloody stumps of a SHIVERING BOY, 5, whose legs have been blown off. A DEAD WOMAN lays nearby, eyes open. SOUND of MOANING and CRYING. The Lead Tank pulls up. Natalya goes over to it, exchanges salutes with the Tank Major.
tank major
Thank you for your warning, Comrade.
Natalya looks down the road. THREE T-34's burn fiercely.
Natalya
I wish I could have done more.
tank major
(shrugs)
Fortunes of war.
(looks skyward)
I need to keep moving.
Natalya
Could you leave some water and a few
first aid kits?
tank major
Of course. By the way, Comrade, are you
a partisan?
Natalya
No. Red Air Force.
tank major
(smiles)
This is a strange season.
Natalya
(smiles)
Strange indeed.
ext. forest - dusk
Natalya and Ria (w/o peasant clothes) and several PEASANT WOMEN dig graves just inside the tree line.
ext. forest - night
The Peasants lay scattered about, sleeping. SOUND of LITTLE CRIES and YELPS as some have 'bad dreams'. Natalya sits up against a tree, wide awake. Ria sleeps soundly in her arms.
ext. 586th h.q. bunker/Kalac' - day
Several of the Pilots sit around on 'stand by': napping, smoking, reading, etc. Suddenly, Vera bounds out of the Bunker, looks towards the Runway with anticipation. Sasha exits the Bunker more calmly, but is also 'keyed up'. Ludmilla looks up from her book.
Ludmilla
What are you looking for, Comrade Commissar?
Vera
Our little lost lambs.
The Pilots perk up. SOUND of MOTORCYCLES. Vera smiles, shakes her head incredulously. Sasha grins broadly.
Sasha
Lambs you said, Comrade Commissar?
ext. 586th runway/Kalac' - day
Natalya and Ria, goggles over "babushkas", gun the Motorcycles full speed across the Runway.
ext. 586th h.q. bunker/Kalac' - day
Everyone is on their feet. Natalya and Ria come roaring up to CHEERS and LAUGHTER. The Pilots swarm around them as they stop, hug and kiss them. Vera and Sasha stand back from this. Both smile with deep feelings.
cut to:
Ria walks with Ludmilla and Alexandra on either side of her.
Ludmilla
We saw the two of you chase the Stuka's,
then the fighter cover showed up. We ran
them off and looked for you, but..
Ria
We had a little adventure.
Ludmilla and Alexandra put their arms around Ria's waist.
Alexandra
Well, we are going to treat you like a
princess.
Ria
(mock horror)
You're going to shoot me!?
They all laugh uproariously.
Ludmilla
No, we shall personally bathe you and wash
your hair as you relate your adventure.
Ria
Ahh, the decadence.
Natalya and Vera watch them walk off.
Vera
I imagine you could also use a long hot
bath.
Natalya
And sit in the tub until next Saturday.
SASHA approaches, grins.
Sasha
We thought we had lost you, Babushka.
Natalya, slightly embarrassed, pulls off the "babushka", salutes, then sees Sasha looking at her intensely above his grin.
Natalya
(soft)
I thought I had lost me as well, Comrade
Colonel.
They look at each other with almost longing.
Vera
(slight smile)
I'll have your bath prepared, Natalya
Andreivna.
Natalya
('comes back')
Yes. Thank you, Vera Semyonova.
Vera salutes, exits.
Sasha
(gentle)
Go take your bath, Natalya Andreivna.
Your report can wait.
Natalya
Thank you, Alexander Alexandrovich
They salute. Natalya turns, walks away. Sasha watches her wistfully, then looks up. TWO YAKS are 'on approach'. He smiles, goes back into the Bunker.
int. 'mess hall'/Kalac' - day
A small MOVIE SCREEN is set up at one end of the Hall, the benches arranged in rows 'auditorium style'. The Pilots and some GROUND CREW NCO's mill about, take seats, 'chatter'.
At the other end of the Hall, Valya sets up a PROJECTOR, as Vera looks through FILM CANS. Ria, 'bright and shiny', enters with Ludmilla and Alexandra, talking and smiling.
Vera
Your attention, Comrades!
The 'chattering' dies down, all turn towards Vera.
Vera
We have a new newsreel and a new movie.
Scattering of APPLAUSE.
RIA
(skeptical)
And what is this new movie, Comrade
Commissar?
Vera
(looks at film can, grins)
" 'The Tractor Driver', a patriotic
musical celebrating the heroes of the
farming collectives".
A 'round' of GROANS.
Vera
(evil grin)
We still have "The Shepherdess and The
Swineherd".
More GROANS. Valya gives Vera a 'you're awful grin'.
Vera
Of course, we can always watch our favorite
one more time.
Ria & others
(with laughter)
"Volga, Volga"!
Ludmilla
At least that's a fun movie.
Vera
Not to mention that it is Comrade Stalin's
favorite as well.
Ria
(smiles)
That, Comrade Commissar, is, as they say,
simply political gravy.
Vera
(winks at Ria)
Then "Volga, Volga" it is.
cut to:
In the darkened Hall, Natalya, et.al. are bathed in the reflected glow of the movie screen.
ON SCREEN: A B&W NEWSREEL with MARTIAL MUSIC shows smiling MALE and FEMALE WORKERS standing around several T-34 TANKS covered with slogans: "DEATH TO THE FASCISTS", "A GIFT TO THE FIRST UKRAINIAN FRONT", etc.
announcer(o.s.)
As always, the Workers provide the Soldiers
with the weapons they need to defend the
Motherland.
MUSIC "SWELLS". SCREEN GOES TO BLACK. NEW MUSIC. A TITLE CARD comes up: "BEAUTIFUL HERO OF STALINGRAD RECEIVES A PROMOTION", which FADES TO: Lilya, smiling, in her best uniform, stands before her aircraft as Weathered Sergeant paints a BOMBER SILHOUETTE on the fuselage.
ANNOUNCER(O.S.)
Lieutenant Lilya Litvyak, "The White Rose of
Stalingrad", confirms her eighth and ninth
kills.
The Women of the 586th start CHEERING and APPLAUDING.
announcer(o.s.)
One more and Comrade Litvyak will be a
double ace.
The NEWSREEL CUTS TO: Lilya, at attention. General Barkagan is attaching shoulder straps to her uniform.
announcer(o.s.)
Here, Comrade General Vasily Barkagan
officially promotes Comrade Litvyak to
Senior Lieutenant.
Lilya and Barkagan salute, hug and kiss on both cheeks. They smile broadly at the CAMERA.
Natalya(v.o.)
My Dearest Lilya, Congratulations on your
promotion.
C/U of Lilya's face: She seems genuinely happy.
Natalya(v.o.)
You looked quite heroic in the newsreel.
It seems you have inherited some of Marina
Nicolaivna's 'movie star status'.
Natalya looks up at the screen with a misty eyed smile.
Natalya(v.o.)
I believe she would be very proud..
(AUDIO FADES OUT)
int. 586th h.q. bunker/Kalac' - night
Natalya pastes a NEWPAPER CLIPPING into 'Marina's Album': A PHOTO of a FEMALE TANK CREW in front of a T-34 TANK. The HEADLINE READS: ARMORED SISTERS SMASH FASCISTS. From his office, Sasha watches her. Natalya pretends not to notice.
He smiles, then writes in a small LEATHER BOUND BOOK.
Natalya(v.o.)
(AUDIO FADES IN)
..Of course, I can see that Sasha Kukov
looks at me 'in that way', and I wonder
if I could be as lucky as you have been..
(AUDIO FADES OUT)
EXT. 586TH H.Q. BUNKER/KALAC' - DAY
Natalya, on 'stand by', sits and writes a letter.
Natalya(v.o.)
(AUDIO FADES IN)
..And as I tended their wounds, what scared
me was understanding the logic of attacking
them..
DISSOLVE TO:
ext. 296th h.q. bunker/Stalingrad - day
Lilya, on 'stand by', sits and reads the letter with an intense expression.
Natalya(v.o.)
..Even in some small place, agreeing with
it. If I was in the air, and it was Germans
down on the road, I know I would not have
hesitated.
Lilya stops reading, takes a deep breath. Then, she looks to the sky.
cut to:
Lilya stands with a GROUP of MALE PLIOTS. All watch TWO YAKS in a mock dog fight.
male pilot
What is Aleksei doing?
Lilya
Breaking in another baby.
In the distance, the Two Yaks dive and loop, then come in very low over the Runway. Lilya's face tightens.
The First Yak pulls up quickly, 'rolls away'. The Second Yak starts to follow, clips the ground with its wing tip, cartwheels nose first into the ground. SOUND of SIREN. The Male Pilots run towards the crash. A CRASH TRUCK and an AMBULANCE (both GAZ 'Model A's') race past them. Lilya stands very still, clutching the dagger on her belt.
ext. 296th runway - day
The Yak has crumpled on impact, but did not burn. Aleksei's Body, wrapped in his parachute, lays nearby, Pilots and Ground Crew gathered around it. They step aside as Lilya walks up. She kneels, pulls back the parachute. C/U ALEKSEI'S FACE: He looks serene, with no visible marks. Lilya looks at him with a faint tenderness, kisses his eyes and lips. She pulls the dagger, cuts a strip of parachute silk, covers his face again.
cut to:
Lilya walks down the Runway alone, the length of parachute worn 'scarf like'. She walks into the distance, framed by the vastness of the horizon. It is SILENT.
fade to white:
radio announcer(o.s.)
(SLOW AUDIO FADE IN)
..the successful offensive that has trapped
the German Sixth Army in Stalingrad for the
last five weeks. Reports indicate that the
Fascists have been reduced to eating their
belts.
dissolve to:
ext. snow covered countryside/west of Stalingrad - day
It is snowing lightly. The landscape is white. SOUND of numerous PIECES of PERSONAL GEAR "CLUNKING" and "CLANKING" FADES IN.
ext. 'straggler's column'/west of Stalingrad - day
C/U of a MAN'S FACE: Filthy and unshaven, staring blankly, with a German helmet - a FROZEN CORPSE. CAMERA PULLS BACK TO REVEAL: He sits by a roadside strewn with FROZEN GERMAN CORPSES, abandoned VEHICLES, CARTS, GEAR etc. On the ROAD, a long, 'rag-tag' COLUMN of disheveled GERMANS is wearily trudging. Many pull CARTS full of WOUNDED MEN. There are a number of beat up, overloaded TRUCKS chugging along, "GRINDING GEARS". DISTANT SOUND of AIRCRAFT APPROACHING. Many Germans look up with fear.
ext. sky/west of Stalingrad - day
THREE PAIRS of YAK-3's,(sleek and improved Yaks, 'Spitfire' like) fly through the leaden sky, each carrying SIX ROCKETS underwing. The Yaks are completely White Washed except for their Red Stars and Black Lettered Slogans. The LEAD YAK-3 has a large WHITE ROSE painted on its fuselage. Below the cockpit, a ROW of RED ROSES: 'kill marks'. It is Lilya's aircraft.
INT. LILYA'S COCKPIT - DAY
Lilya wears the white scarf, embroidered with red roses. Her eyes are cold. She glances at her instrument panel, softens. A PHOTO of ALEKSEI smiling, framed by dried wild
flowers, is next to the oil gage. Lilya looks forward, all business.
Lilya
(keys throat mike)
This is Snowflake Two. Target the trucks
first. General Winter will do the rest.
int. Sergei's cockpit - day
LIEUTENANT SERGEI PASTERNAK, 22, 'hawk-like', looks over at Lilya's aircraft, smiles, nods his head.
ext. 'straggler's column' - day
SOUND of AIRCRAFT INCREASES. Some Germans are unslinging their rifles, pulling machine guns off the Trucks, but most scatter off the Road in panic. Lilya's aircraft leads the string of Yaks coming in 'on the deck' above the Road.
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya lines up the 'Stragglers' in her gun sight, fires.
ext. 'stragglers column' - day
Tracers lance out, tearing up Men and Vehicles. SOUND of MEN SCREAMING. Lilya fires a rocket, hitting a Truck, which explodes in a ball of flame. One after another, the Aircraft mercilessly strafe and rocket the ragged Column. Men are 'flung about' and 'torn to pieces', SCREAMING as they die.
ext. sky/west of Stalingrad - day
The Aircraft, all rockets expended, break off the attack and turn away.
ext. 'straggler's column' - day
The Road is littered with BURNING VEHICLES, MANGLED CORPSES and DYING MEN, who MOAN and SCREAM in AGONY. The SNOW is RED with BLOOD.
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya smiles her 'Mona Lisa' smile, looks at her instrument panel. The dried wildflowers by ALKESEI'S PHOTO quiver from the engine's vibrations.
dissolve to:
ext. 586th runway/Kalac' - day
C/U WILDFLOWERS: They grow on the edge of the Runway, sway in the light spring breeze, are blown sideways as a PAIR of YAK-3's roar in for a landing, then rise again after the Aircraft pass. The Aircraft slow down, turn, taxi towards the tree line.
ext. 586th h.q. bunker/Kalac' - day
Several Pilots in flight suits sit outside, napping, reading, etc. Natalya and Ria approach, in flight suits, pull off their flight helmets. They look tired. Sasha exits the Bunker.
SASHA
Comrade Major, a moment, please.
int. Sasha's office/Kalac' - day
Natalya and Sasha enter. He picks a CLOTH PACKAGE off the desk, hands it to Natalya. She opens it, revealing a SET of GOLD BRAIDED SHOULDER BOARDS. She looks at him quizzically.
Sasha
(grins)
Congratulations, Comrade Lieutenant
Colonel.
Natalya
(surprised)
What?
He hands her an 'official letter'.
Natalya
(reads/mumbles)
"To: Natalya Savitskaya, Major..
..Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel..
..transferred to..
(glances at Sasha)
....
(stops, eyes widen)
You are to take command of the Five Hundred
Eighty Sixth Fighter Regiment, effective
immediately!"
She laughs joyfully, spontaneously hugs Sasha, who, though startled, returns the hug strongly. Natalya 'catches' herself, steps back.
NATALYA
(blushing)
I'm sorry, Comrade Colonel.
Sasha
(warm smile)
I'm not.
Natalya
(blushes deeper)
I..I..
Sasha
You should share the news. I'm sure every
one will be happy.
Natalya
What's happening to you?
Sasha
(draws to attention)
I am now a full Colonel.
Natalya
And?
Sasha
I'm to take command of a new fighter
regiment. The Nine Hundred Fourteenth.
(grins)
All male.
Natalya
(smiles)
Lucky fellows.
Sasha
I will miss you. I've grown very fond of
my 'girls'.
Natalya
I think we've grown fond of you, too.
She gives him a quick kiss on the lips, then comes to attention, salutes. He smiles, returns the salute. She quickly turns and exits. He looks wistful.
int. 586th 'mess hall'/Kalac' - day
All the Pilots are assembled. Natalya wears a WHITE TUNIC with the Gold Braid Shoulder Boards, plus EMBROIDERED CUFFS and COLLAR. She reads the letter, Ria and Vera on either side of her.
Natalya
"..Take command of the Five Hundred Eighty
Sixth Fighter Regiment, effective
immediately."
Everyone starts CHEERING. Natalya quiets them.
Natalya
Comrades, as Officer Commanding I have
decided that non-regulation hair length
and non-regulation uniform decoration
shall be unit policy.
All CHEER and SHOUT, jump up and down like teenage girls, which, of course, they mostly are.
Natalya
Comrade Tikomarova, you are the new XO.
Ria
Thank you, Comrade Major.
(grins)
I mean..Comrade Colonel.
They salute, hug. Then Vera hugs Natalya.
Vera
Congratulations, Natalya Andreivna.
Natalya
(smiles)
Thank you, Vera Semyonova.
(serious)
The Women's Revolution moves forward,
Comrade Popkova.
Vera
Indeed it does, Comrade Savitskaya.
They look at the Pilots, who begin to SING a "heroic song". Natalya and Vera join in.
audio fade to:
ext. 296th airfield/outside Rostov on don - day
C/U of a WOMAN'S HANDS as she embroiders a floral pattern on the cuff of a uniform tunic. PULL BACK TO REVEAL: Lilya sitting in a canvas folding chair in front of a tent. Baranov approaches. Lilya goes to stand, but he motions her to sit.
Baranov
We'll be moving again in a fortnight,
Comrade Captain.
Lilya
This sector has gotten rather quiet. Do
you know where?
Baranov
North this time. Somewhere around Tim, to
the east of the Kursk Salient. It smells
like something big is on. I've heard nothing
official, but..well, you know.
Lilya
Yes, I've noticed certain things myself.
Baranov
By the way, I thought you'd be interested
to know that we'll be sharing an airfield
with the Five Eighty Sixth.
Lilya
(bright smile)
That is wonderful news. Thank you, Comrade
Colonel. I believe you shall find that an
illuminating experience.
Baranov
(ironic grin)
Yes, I believe I shall.
ext. 586th airfield/east of Kursk - day
It is wide, rolling countryside. There are NUMEROUS TENTS. From 'P.A.' LOUDSPEAKERS on TALL POSTS, the lilting strains of "Scheherazade's" Third Movement drift across the Field.
TITLE CARD
EAST OF THE KURSK SALIENT
JUNE 26TH, 1943
GROUNDCREW and CIVILIAN WORKERS(mostly WOMEN) fill SANDBAGS build REVETMENTS, AA EMPLACEMENTS, BUNKERS, etc, as a PAIR of BULLDOZERS scoop out DEEP TRENCHES.(the Bunkers are 'sunken' versions of the Kalac' Mess Hall) VEHICLES and AIRCRAFT are parked about in a helter-skelter fashion.
ext. 568th h.q. bunker/east of Kursk - day
A 2&2/1 TON TRUCK pulls up several yards from the Bunker with a HALF DOZEN FEMALE JUNIOR LIEUTENANTS,18/20, in back. Natalya, Ria, and Ludmilla emerge from the Bunker. They all smoke and have elaborate embroidery on their cuffs and collars.
Ria
New meat for the grinder.
Natalya
It's not that bad, Comrade Captain. I'm
told they each have more than a dozen
hours in the Yak Seven trainer.
Ria
Well, that's something. How much time do
I have?
Natalya
We need them whipped into shape in one
week, more or less.
Ria
Ah, yes. No rest for the wicked.
They all grin.
Natalya
Ready, Comrades?
Ludmilla
Yes, Comrade Colonel.
Ria
Always.
They all take one last drag, drop their cigarettes into a butt can, begin walking towards the Truck. The Junior Lieutenants mill around as Natalya, Ria, and Ludmilla approach.
Ria
Attention!
They come to attention.
Natalya
Comrades, welcome to the Five Hundred
Eighty Sixth Fighter Regiment. I am
Lieutenant Colonel Natalya Savitskaya,
Officer Commanding. For those of you
who don't know, we were the first all
female combat aviation unit ever,
anywhere. Our founder was Marina Raskova.
I had the honor to be her Comrade and
friend. As such, I take the traditions
of this unit very seriously. And I require
that you do the same. Remember that.
(to Ria)
They're all yours, Comrade Captain.
They salute. Natalya exits. Ria turns to the Lieutenants.
Ria
(pleasant smile)
I am Captain Tikomarova, and it is my
duty to clarify a few things for you
tender young morsels. Over there..
(she points)
..to the West, are about two million
Fascists who would just love to peel you
and cook you up for their breakfast, which
doesn't much matter to me. However, it is
also my duty to entrust you tender young
morsels with valuable pieces of the People's
aviation equipment. So, you need to under-
stand two things. One: you will treat said
equipment as if was your own mother. And
two: you will do exactly what I say, exactly
how I say it, exactly when I say it. And if
you do not, I will peel you and cook you up
for my breakfast.
(nasty smile)
Do you all understand me?
All
Yes, Comrade Captain!
Ria
(snarls)
I can't hear you!
All
YES, COMRADE CAPTAIN!
Ria
(grins)
Good. Now comes my favorite part.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
She has an 'evil grin'. A YAK-3 looms in her windscreen.
int. Yak-3 cockpit - day
A JUNIOR LIEUTENANT, 18, petite, looks around nervously, when suddenly..
Ria(o.s./radio)
Takka-takka-takka-takka-takka!
She reacts quickly, 'banking and rolling'.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
RIA stays on her tail, but looks satisfied.
Ria
(soft)
Good girl.
ext. 586th flight line/east of Kursk - day
Ria and the Petite Jr. Lieutenant talk as they walk from the Aircraft revetments. "Scheherazade" plays on the P.A. SOUND of a LARGE FORMATION of AIRCRAFT APPROACHING. Many look up with concern, but Ria just smiles.
ext. sky/above 586th airfield - day
A REGIMENT of YAK-3's, accompanied by apx. HALF DOZEN C-47 TRANSPORTS, circle the Field, begin landing approaches. Among them is Lilya's "White Rose" Yak.
EXT. 586TH AIRFIELD/EAST OF KURSK - DAY
The Aircraft of the 296th land, taxi to the Flight Line, where Ground Crew swarm around them purposefully. Lilya climbs out of her cockpit as Ria approaches. She sees Ria, jumps off her wing. They hug 'with all their might', laughing and crying.
Lilya
You don't know how I've missed all of you.
Ria
Yes, at least we could see you in the
newsreels.
Lilya
(looks at Ria's uniform)
A captain now. Congratulations.
Ria
Just two weeks ago. I'd have written, but
I knew you'd be here sooner.
Sergei approaches.
Lilya
This is Sergei Pasternak, my wingman.
Sergei
(salutes)
Captain Tikomarova.
Ria
(returns salute)
You know me, Comrade Lieutenant?
Sergei
From the photo.
Ria
(soft)
Ah, yes.
Natalya and Vera pull up in a JEEP, jump out, salute and then hug Lilya tightly.
Baranov(o.s.)
Excuse me, Comrades.
All turn to look.
Baranov
(smiles)
Forgive me for disturbing your reunion,
but my new Political Officer will be here
soon and he is..well..
Vera
(wolfish grin)
Over eager and still wet behind the ears.
Thank you, Comrade Colonel. It is always
good to be cautious.
Vera and Baranov shake hands.
Baranov
Nicolai Baranov.
Vera
Vera Popkova.
Baranov
(to Lilya)
Well, Comrade Litvyak, as you said, this
does promise to be an illuminating experience.
They all laugh.
int. jeep/586th airfield - day
Natalya drives, Vera in the front. In back, Baranov and COMMISSAR YURI ZAK, 25, skinny, pale. "Scheherazade" plays through out the Airfield.
Natalya
Fifteenth Air Army has a major briefing
in less than a week.
Vera
You must have seen all the activity on
your way in.
Baranov
Yes. I could sense something big was on,
but camouflage can't hide the scale of
what ever this is.
Natalya
Comrade Baranov, since you are senior, I
differ to you as overall commander. For
the same reason, Comrade Popkova should
be the principal Political Officer.
Baranov
Certainly, Comrade Savitskaya.
Zak
(to Natalya)
Comrade Colonel, what is this music?
Natalya
"Scheherazade" by Rimsky-Korsakov. We
find his music makes for a relaxed and
focused work atmosphere.
Zak
(almost sneers)
Isn't Rimsky-Korsakov a bourgeois composer?
Vera
Actually, we were given a set of his
collected works by Comrade Stalin.
Zak
(blanches)
Oh.
Vera smiles pleasantly. Baranov keeps a straight face.
ext. military road/east of Kursk - dawn
Rolling countryside, with some FOREST. It is 'alive with military activity': ARTILLERY digging in, CONVOYS of ARMORED VEHICLES and TRUCKS full of INFANTRY. A 4X4 COMMAND CAR(American made w/ Soviet markings) drives through all of this, Ria at the wheel, Lilya next to her, Natalya and Baranov in the back.
ext. forest/east of Kursk - dawn
The Command Car drives along a wide DIRT ROAD through a DENSE FOREST.
cut to:
The Command Car pulls up behind a JEEP stopped at a ROAD BLOCK with SENTRIES and SANDBAGGED HEAVY MACHINE GUNS on both sides. The Sentries check the papers of the OFFICERS in the Jeep.
EXT. H.Q. 15th AIR ARMY/EAST OF KURSK - DAY
It is a large BUNKER COMPLEX surrounded by AA GUNS under a HUGE CANOPY of CAMOUFLAGE NETTING hung between the trees.
TITLE CARD
H.Q. FIFTEENTH AIR ARMY
JULY 2ND, 1943
NUMEROUS VEHICLES are parked nearby. Many RED AIR FORCE OFFICERS stand around smoking and talking.
int. main bunker/h.q. 15th air army - day
It is a large space with ROWS of CHAIRS facing a PLATFORM. The Chairs are filled with OFFICERS(HUNDRED+ including apx. DOZEN WOMEN). Above the Platform, a SHEET of CANVAS with the WORDS 'MOST SECRET' in RED.
man's voice(o.s.)
Attention!
All rise, come to attention as COLONEL GENERAL MAXIM A. ZHAKAROV, 50, a jolly, bear of a man enters and proceeds to the Platform. He faces the Officers.
Zhakarov
Comrades, be seated.
All sit down.
Zhakarov
(gleeful smile)
Comrades, a day of reckoning is at hand.
In approximately seventy two hours the
Fascists will commence Operation Citadel,
an offensive to cut off Soviet forces in
the Kursk Salient. They will attack with
one and a quarter million men, ten thou-
sand artillery pieces, seventy five hun-
dred armored vehicles, and six thousand
aircraft. And we will be waiting for them.
This is going to be the largest land battle
in history
The room is "buzzing" as Zhakarov lifts up the Canvas Sheet to reveal a large map covered with BLACK and RED 'UNIT FLAG MARKERS' in basically a 'vertical line', except in the center, where there is a 'bulge'.
Zhakarov
To the north, around Orel, is Model's Ninth
Army. To the south, around Belgorod, is
Hoth's Fourth Panzer Army. Here..
(places hand flat on the 'bulge')
..around Kursk, is a concentration of our
forces equal to half the entire Red Army
before the war. We are dug in and ready.
(incredulous smile)
The arrogance of these bastards is that
they know that we know they are coming
and they are coming anyway.
(indicates Map)
The main attack will be here in the south
by the Fourth Panzer Army. The job of the
Fifteenth Air Army will be to help hold off
the thrust from the north by preventing the
Luftwaffe from gaining air superiority. We
don't have to defeat them, just hurt them
and keep them off the back of our ground
forces. Your individual orders are at the
tables in the back of the room. Are there
any questions?
An OFFICER stands.
Officer
Comrade General, do we have any idea how
long this operation might last?
Zhakarov
(smiles)
Fifteenth Air Army has stockpiled enough
fuel and ammunition for as many as thirty
five hundred sorties per day for up to six
weeks, plus replacement aircraft equal to
one quarter of full operational strength.
The Officer seems a bit stunned, sits. All are very quiet.
Zhakarov
You begin to understand the seriousness
of this, yes?
(his eyes blaze)
Comrades, we stopped the Fascist Beast at
Moscow, and drove him back at Stalingrad.
Here, at Kursk..
(slams hand on Map)
..we will break his spine and rip out his
liver!
After a beat, the Officers stand up and CHEER loudly. Zhakarov grins broadly, steps off the Platform, wades into the sea of Officers, shaking hands and 'back-slapping'.
dissolve to:
Officers(including Natalya) line up at tables at the back of the room. CLERKS sit behind the tables.
Natalya
(to Clerk)
Savitskaya, Five Hundred Eighty Sixth
Fighter Regiment.
The CLERK consults a list, goes through a FILE BOX, pulls out a large ENVELOPE, hands it to Natalya.
Clerk
Please sign here, Comrade Colonel.
She signs a SLIP of PAPER on the Envelope. The Clerk tears
it off.
Sasha(o.s.)
Hello, Babushka.
Natalya turns, gives Sasha a good natured scowl.
Sasha
(grins)
I mean..Comrade Savitskaya.
Natalya
(mutters)
Impossible man.
They move through the sea of Officers.
Natalya
I did not see Comrade Barkagan.
Sasha
(frowns)
I'm afraid he's dead. His transport was
shot down a few weeks ago.
Natalya
That is a shame. He was a good man.
Sasha
Not many of those, I take it?
Natalya
(smiles)
More than one might think.
ext. main bunker/h.q. 15th air army - day
Natalya and Sasha exit the Bunker, pause.
Sasha
Possibly we will cross paths again?
Natalya
(semi-coy)
Possibly.
Sasha
Until then.
They salute. Sasha walks away. Natalya watches him with mixed emotions.
ext. 586th-296th flight line - day
Up and down the Flight Line, each Aircraft has its nose cowling open with Ground Crew working on the engines. Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" plays on the P.A.
cut to:
Two Crewwomen clean a YAK'S NOSE CANNON with a huge WIRE BRUSH.
cut to:
C/U of WOMAN'S HANDS: They are checking each METAL LINK in a BELT of MACHINE GUN AMMUNITION.
cut to:
Valya checks an AIRCRAFT TIRE with a PRESSURE GAUGE.
cut to:
Crewwomen carefully feed an AMMO BELT into an AIRCRAFT'S MAGAZINE TRAY.
cut to:
Natalya, Baranov, Lilya, and Ria, all holding clip boards, slowly walk up the Flight Line, each checking off items as they walk along.
ext. 586th-296th flight line - dusk
Up and down the Flight Line, Crewwomen carefully, lovingly polish each Aircraft.
int. 586th-296th h.q. bunker - night
Natalya, Baranov, Lilya, and Ria stand around the Map Table going over paperwork. Vera enters, Zak in tow. Both wear dirty coveralls. He looks overwhelmed. All salute.
Vera
I've checked every gasket, valve, plug,
bolt, cable, fuel line, and oil line.
Mechanically, we are as ready as we
are going to get.
Baranov and Natalya look at each other.
Baranov
Well, Comrade Colonel, I think the best
thing to do now is to get some sleep.
Natalya
Agreed.
ext. Natalya's bunker 586th-296th airfield - night
Natalya walks towards her bunker, deep in thought, then stops abruptly. A FIGURE, smoking a cigarette, sits on the sandbags by the entrance. Natalya instinctively places her hand on her holster. The Figure takes a drag, and the glowing ember lights up his face: Sasha Kukov.
Sasha
(smiles)
Hello, Babushka.
Natalya
You scared me half to death, you son of
a bitch.
Sasha
(laughs)
I do have that effect, don't I?
Natalya
Give me a God damned cigarette.
He pulls a pack, she plucks a cigarette, lights it from his. They look at the star filled sky in silence.
Natalya
I could almost forget that there's a war on.
Sasha
Almost.
Natalya
(turns to him)
So, Alexander Alexandrovich, to what do
I owe the honor of this visit?
Sasha
I was hoping you would grant me the
pleasure of your company for dinner,
Natalya Andreivna.
(picks up a BASKET, pats it gently)
White wine, a Liebfraumilch liberated
from Von Paulus' Headquarters. Caviar.
Beluga, of course. And some excellent
Russian black bread.
Natalya
(grins)
With that menu, I suppose I have no choice.
Sasha
None whatsoever.
int. Natalya's bunker 586th-296th airfield - night
It's a 'personal version' of other bunkers: dug in deep, wood roof, sandbag half wall, camouflage netting, etc. Natalya and Sasha sit on blankets on the dirt floor between
her cot and footlocker, which serves as a table: candles, wine, food, etc. They both hold wine glasses.
Natalya
..It has been a mild shock sharing a field
with a mostly male unit. We've been living
in our own special world for some time.
It makes me miss Marina Nicolaivna terribly.
Sasha
I regret that I never got to meet her.
Natalya
You would have liked her. She told wonderful
stories.
Sasha
General Barkagan told me a few of them.
I wish I could hear more.
Natalya
I have been keeping journals. I plan to
write a book about the Five Eighty Sixth
after the war.
Sasha
Do you have a title?
Natalya
No, not yet. Nothing I've thought of
seems quite right.
Sasha
The day Barkagan flew me into Kalac'
to take command, he called you his
'Red angels'.
Natalya
Hmm. I do like the sound of that. But,
isn't that something of a contradiction
in terms? The angels of an atheist state?
Sasha
I'm used to contradictions. I'm a poet
who commands a fighter regiment.
Natalya
(slightly amazed)
You're a poet?
Sasha
Oh, yes.
He pulls the small Leather Bound Book out of the pocket of
his tunic, flips through it.
Sasha
I call this "In the Dawn", although now
I'll have to change that to "In the Dawn
before Kursk".
(reads)
Blazing Iron Star,
Brightness in the Darkening Heaven,
She flashes sharply
Through my Troubled Dreams.
And my Poor Heart beats so,
That I wonder if I will die of this.
I feel Her burning strongly
Under Her Frozen Assurance,
Her Eyes that follow me
Past any mortal line of sight.
And does She ever suspect
That the Secret of Secrets
Is already deep inside of me?
He closes the Book, looks at her.
Natalya
(misty eyed)
Oh, my God, Sasha. It's..I never knew.
Sasha
You didn't know how I felt about you?
Natalya
(soft smile)
No, I think knew I that. The poetry. What
I never suspected was the poetry.
Sasha
I stole the last few lines from Akmatova.
Natalya
(grins)
Talent borrows, genius steals.
After a beat, he leans in and kisses her. She responds
passionately and they fall into each others arms.
dissolve to:
After a beat, Ria goes around the corner, literally runs into TWO SS FIELD POLICE MOTORCYCLISTS (long canvas coats, metal police gorgets, goggles on steel helmets) who have just taken a piss. The 1ST SS MAN grabs her, laughs, says something 'lewd'(No sub-titles) to the 2ND SS MAN, who also laughs. Natalya comes around the corner, smiles a 'big sexy smile'. The SS Men like this. She shoots them both point blank in the face: BAM! BAM! Blood and brains spray every where. The SS Men drop like stones. Ria, face flecked with blood, looks at the dead SS Men, a bit dazed. Natalya turns and vomits.
Ria
Are you all right?
Natalya
(wipes her mouth)
Nervous reaction.
Ria
Of course.
Natalya spits at the dead SS Men.
Natalya
Definitely.
She crouches beside 1st SS Man, searches him.
Natalya
Look for their motorcycles.
Ria
('comes back')
What?
Natalya
Motorcycles. See these coats, those gorgets?
They're SS Field Police motorcyclists. The
bikes must be close by.
Ria
(smiles)
Motorcycles. Yes, that would be very nice.
Natalya pulls a sub-machine gun from under 1st SS Man.
Natalya
(smiles)
Ah, a serious weapon.
(hands SMG to Ria)
Motorcycles?
Ria
Right!
Ria checks the SMG, moves off cautiously. Natalya begins searching 2nd SS Man, finds another SMG, grins. SOUND of a SHARP CRY 'cut off short'. Natalya leaps up, SMG in hand, sprints towards the sound.
ext. barn/Russian village - day
Ria on her knees, in an open space next to a Barn, makes a SOFT "KEENING" SOUND. Tears stream down her cheeks. She is biting her lip hard, drawing blood. Natalya comes up fast, sees something that stops her dead in her tracks.
Natalya
('crosses herself')
Dear God, save us.
In front of the Barn, a STACK of HUNDREDS of DEAD RUSSIAN PEASANTS: MEN, WOMEN, and CHILDREN, blackened and bloated, arms and legs pointing stiffly, a CLOUD of FLIES buzzing around them. To one side, a SMALL PILE of a DOZEN INFANTS, their heads crushed. Natalya kneels by Ria, puts her arms around her.
Ria
(distraught)
How can this happen? How?
Natalya
This is what men do.
Ria
But we kill, too.
Natalya
(turns Ria to face her)
No! We are warriors, not murderers. We
fight to protect our families, our
Motherland.
Ria
(SOBS)
I don't think I can do this anymore.
Natalya
Yes, you can. Remember Stalin's purges.
Didn't you lose at least one person? You
lived through that, you can live through
this.
Ria
(swallows, takes a breath)
Yes. Of course. Stalin. The purges.
(looks at Natalya)
I'm all right. It just caught me off guard.
Natalya
(wipes Ria's tears)
We must be like spring steel. Bend, but
never break.
Ria
(ironic laugh)
Bend, but never break.
(sees something, smiles)
Look.
TWO BMW MOTORCYCLES lean against the large cottage. Natalya and Ria hug tightly, laugh through their tears.
ext. Russian trench line - day
The trenches are dug just inside the tree line of a forest. DOZENS of RUSSIAN SOLDIERS sit in the trenches, some behind Sandbags and Machine Guns, eating their breakfast. SOUND of MOTORCYCLES. The Soldiers go to alert. A CORPORAL, 19,
ragged, buck-toothed, props his binoculars on a sandbag, peers through them. After a beat, he grins.
Natalya and Ria gun the motorcycles across an open field towards the trenches, in peasant clothes, skirts hiked up, goggles over "babushkas", SMGs slung across their backs. The Soldiers start CHEERING, laughing, making "CATCALLS", WHISTLE. Natalya and Ria slow down at the trench line, maneuver between fox holes, stop, dismount, lay down the bikes, jump into the trench next to the Corporal.
Corporal
(smiles at Natalya)
What's a pretty thing like you doing out
here?
Natalya pulls her blouse back, reveals her Major's shoulder straps.
Natalya
That's Major "Pretty Thing" to you, Comrade
Corporal.
Corporal
('snaps to attention sitting down')
I'm very sorry, Ma'am. I..I..
Natalya
(smiles)
I won't shoot you, Comrade Corporal. I'll
leave that to the Fascists.
Corporal
Ye..Ye..Yes, Ma'am. I mean, Comrade Major.
Natalya
Where is the road Kalac'?
Corporal
Where, Comrade Major?
Natalya
(sighs)
How about any road east?
Corporal
On the other side of these woods, about
two miles, there is a road I think goes
to the east.
Natalya
You think? Where is your officer?
Corporal
He's dead, Comrade Major. All our officers
are dead. Sergeants, too.
Natalya
Who is in command?
Corporal
(sheepish)
I am.
Natalya looks up and down the trench line. The Soldiers are all teenagers. Natalya sighs, pats her pockets without result.
Natalya
(gentle)
Comrade Corporal, would you happen to have
a cigarette?
Corporal
(bright)
Yes, Comrade Major.
He eagerly pulls out a pack, offers it to her.
Natalya
(takes one)
Thank you.
She lights up, takes a deep drag.
Natalya
Ah. That's better.
He offers the pack to Ria, who looks at Natalya.
Natalya
We'll share this one.
She hands the cigarette to Ria, who takes a deep drag. The Corporal notices the SS license plates on the bikes.
Corporal
What happened to the original owners?
Ria
(sweet smile)
They lost face.
She hands the cigarette back to Natalya.
Natalya
(incredulous smile)
Let's go, Comrade Lieutenant.
Natalya stubs the cigarette out on her boot heel, puts it in her pocket. They get back on the bikes, kick over the engines. All the Soldiers watch them with fascination.
Natalya
(serious)
Good luck, Comrade Corporal.
Corporal
Thank you, Comrade Major.
Natalya and Ria gun the bikes, head into the forest. The Corporal watches wistfully, then climbs back in his trench.
ext. forest - day
Natalya and Ria zigzag the bikes between the trees.
ext. road side field - day
B/G SOUND of BATTLE. Natalya and Ria emerge from the tree line about a hundred feet from a WIDE DIRT ROAD. Natalya pulls out her compass, looks at the road.
Natalya
Good. It heads due east.
Up the road to the east, something moves fast, throws up a cloud of dust.
Natalya
I wonder what that is? Or who, I should
say?
Ria
(points in opposite direction)
Well, we know who they are.
A few hundred yards down the road to the west, a COLUMN of PEASANTS, mostly WOMEN and CHILDREN, pull SMALL CARTS piled high with bags, furniture, etc. They are heading east.
Ria
What do we do?
Natalya
Back up into the trees and wait.
They back the bikes into the tree line, tensely watch the road to the east. The cloud 'resolves' into a COLUMN of T-34 TANKS (Russian, slope sided juggernauts) racing down the road. Natalya and Ria smile in relief. On the road, the Peasants have stopped. Some watch the rapidly approaching Tanks. Others scatter off the road.
ext. lead tank - day
A MAJOR, 30, stocky, stands in the turret hatch. Suddenly, he sees the Peasants up ahead, grabs his hand mike.
tank major
Emergency stop! All tanks, emergency stop!
ext. road - day
The Tanks 'lock up' their tracks, several of them sliding off the road, a few rear ending others with resounding "CLANGS", all throwing up a huge cloud of dust.
ext. road side field - day
Natalya and Ria slowly move out from the tree line.
Ria
That was interesting.
Natalya
(looks skyward)
Damn!
Ria
What?
Natalya points beyond the Tanks. In the distance, TWO TWIN ENGINE AIRCRAFT are coming in 'on the deck'.
Ria
Oh, great.
Natalya draws her pistol, fires it in the air. Up on the road, several TURRET MOUNTED AA MACHINE GUNS swing around towards the Women. Natalya points dramatically towards the Aircraft. The TANK CREWMEN look back, the AA machine guns swing the other way. After a beat, they open fire, tracers lancing skyward.
ext. above the road - day
TWO JU-88's come in for an attack, their forward machine guns firing.
ext. road side field - day
Natalya and Ria dismount, unsling their SMG's, begin firing at the Aircraft.
ext. road - day
The Ju-88's roar over the Tanks, drop several bombs. Fire and dirt fountains up all around the Tanks. The Ju-88's strafe the Peasants. A bomb explodes in their midst. The Aircraft roar off into the sky. SOUND of PEOPLE SCREAMING.
cut to:
By the side of the road, Natalya tears her skirt into strips, bandages the bloody stumps of a SHIVERING BOY, 5, whose legs have been blown off. A DEAD WOMAN lays nearby, eyes open. SOUND of MOANING and CRYING. The Lead Tank pulls up. Natalya goes over to it, exchanges salutes with the Tank Major.
tank major
Thank you for your warning, Comrade.
Natalya looks down the road. THREE T-34's burn fiercely.
Natalya
I wish I could have done more.
tank major
(shrugs)
Fortunes of war.
(looks skyward)
I need to keep moving.
Natalya
Could you leave some water and a few
first aid kits?
tank major
Of course. By the way, Comrade, are you
a partisan?
Natalya
No. Red Air Force.
tank major
(smiles)
This is a strange season.
Natalya
(smiles)
Strange indeed.
ext. forest - dusk
Natalya and Ria (w/o peasant clothes) and several PEASANT WOMEN dig graves just inside the tree line.
ext. forest - night
The Peasants lay scattered about, sleeping. SOUND of LITTLE CRIES and YELPS as some have 'bad dreams'. Natalya sits up against a tree, wide awake. Ria sleeps soundly in her arms.
ext. 586th h.q. bunker/Kalac' - day
Several of the Pilots sit around on 'stand by': napping, smoking, reading, etc. Suddenly, Vera bounds out of the Bunker, looks towards the Runway with anticipation. Sasha exits the Bunker more calmly, but is also 'keyed up'. Ludmilla looks up from her book.
Ludmilla
What are you looking for, Comrade Commissar?
Vera
Our little lost lambs.
The Pilots perk up. SOUND of MOTORCYCLES. Vera smiles, shakes her head incredulously. Sasha grins broadly.
Sasha
Lambs you said, Comrade Commissar?
ext. 586th runway/Kalac' - day
Natalya and Ria, goggles over "babushkas", gun the Motorcycles full speed across the Runway.
ext. 586th h.q. bunker/Kalac' - day
Everyone is on their feet. Natalya and Ria come roaring up to CHEERS and LAUGHTER. The Pilots swarm around them as they stop, hug and kiss them. Vera and Sasha stand back from this. Both smile with deep feelings.
cut to:
Ria walks with Ludmilla and Alexandra on either side of her.
Ludmilla
We saw the two of you chase the Stuka's,
then the fighter cover showed up. We ran
them off and looked for you, but..
Ria
We had a little adventure.
Ludmilla and Alexandra put their arms around Ria's waist.
Alexandra
Well, we are going to treat you like a
princess.
Ria
(mock horror)
You're going to shoot me!?
They all laugh uproariously.
Ludmilla
No, we shall personally bathe you and wash
your hair as you relate your adventure.
Ria
Ahh, the decadence.
Natalya and Vera watch them walk off.
Vera
I imagine you could also use a long hot
bath.
Natalya
And sit in the tub until next Saturday.
SASHA approaches, grins.
Sasha
We thought we had lost you, Babushka.
Natalya, slightly embarrassed, pulls off the "babushka", salutes, then sees Sasha looking at her intensely above his grin.
Natalya
(soft)
I thought I had lost me as well, Comrade
Colonel.
They look at each other with almost longing.
Vera
(slight smile)
I'll have your bath prepared, Natalya
Andreivna.
Natalya
('comes back')
Yes. Thank you, Vera Semyonova.
Vera salutes, exits.
Sasha
(gentle)
Go take your bath, Natalya Andreivna.
Your report can wait.
Natalya
Thank you, Alexander Alexandrovich
They salute. Natalya turns, walks away. Sasha watches her wistfully, then looks up. TWO YAKS are 'on approach'. He smiles, goes back into the Bunker.
int. 'mess hall'/Kalac' - day
A small MOVIE SCREEN is set up at one end of the Hall, the benches arranged in rows 'auditorium style'. The Pilots and some GROUND CREW NCO's mill about, take seats, 'chatter'.
At the other end of the Hall, Valya sets up a PROJECTOR, as Vera looks through FILM CANS. Ria, 'bright and shiny', enters with Ludmilla and Alexandra, talking and smiling.
Vera
Your attention, Comrades!
The 'chattering' dies down, all turn towards Vera.
Vera
We have a new newsreel and a new movie.
Scattering of APPLAUSE.
RIA
(skeptical)
And what is this new movie, Comrade
Commissar?
Vera
(looks at film can, grins)
" 'The Tractor Driver', a patriotic
musical celebrating the heroes of the
farming collectives".
A 'round' of GROANS.
Vera
(evil grin)
We still have "The Shepherdess and The
Swineherd".
More GROANS. Valya gives Vera a 'you're awful grin'.
Vera
Of course, we can always watch our favorite
one more time.
Ria & others
(with laughter)
"Volga, Volga"!
Ludmilla
At least that's a fun movie.
Vera
Not to mention that it is Comrade Stalin's
favorite as well.
Ria
(smiles)
That, Comrade Commissar, is, as they say,
simply political gravy.
Vera
(winks at Ria)
Then "Volga, Volga" it is.
cut to:
In the darkened Hall, Natalya, et.al. are bathed in the reflected glow of the movie screen.
ON SCREEN: A B&W NEWSREEL with MARTIAL MUSIC shows smiling MALE and FEMALE WORKERS standing around several T-34 TANKS covered with slogans: "DEATH TO THE FASCISTS", "A GIFT TO THE FIRST UKRAINIAN FRONT", etc.
announcer(o.s.)
As always, the Workers provide the Soldiers
with the weapons they need to defend the
Motherland.
MUSIC "SWELLS". SCREEN GOES TO BLACK. NEW MUSIC. A TITLE CARD comes up: "BEAUTIFUL HERO OF STALINGRAD RECEIVES A PROMOTION", which FADES TO: Lilya, smiling, in her best uniform, stands before her aircraft as Weathered Sergeant paints a BOMBER SILHOUETTE on the fuselage.
ANNOUNCER(O.S.)
Lieutenant Lilya Litvyak, "The White Rose of
Stalingrad", confirms her eighth and ninth
kills.
The Women of the 586th start CHEERING and APPLAUDING.
announcer(o.s.)
One more and Comrade Litvyak will be a
double ace.
The NEWSREEL CUTS TO: Lilya, at attention. General Barkagan is attaching shoulder straps to her uniform.
announcer(o.s.)
Here, Comrade General Vasily Barkagan
officially promotes Comrade Litvyak to
Senior Lieutenant.
Lilya and Barkagan salute, hug and kiss on both cheeks. They smile broadly at the CAMERA.
Natalya(v.o.)
My Dearest Lilya, Congratulations on your
promotion.
C/U of Lilya's face: She seems genuinely happy.
Natalya(v.o.)
You looked quite heroic in the newsreel.
It seems you have inherited some of Marina
Nicolaivna's 'movie star status'.
Natalya looks up at the screen with a misty eyed smile.
Natalya(v.o.)
I believe she would be very proud..
(AUDIO FADES OUT)
int. 586th h.q. bunker/Kalac' - night
Natalya pastes a NEWPAPER CLIPPING into 'Marina's Album': A PHOTO of a FEMALE TANK CREW in front of a T-34 TANK. The HEADLINE READS: ARMORED SISTERS SMASH FASCISTS. From his office, Sasha watches her. Natalya pretends not to notice.
He smiles, then writes in a small LEATHER BOUND BOOK.
Natalya(v.o.)
(AUDIO FADES IN)
..Of course, I can see that Sasha Kukov
looks at me 'in that way', and I wonder
if I could be as lucky as you have been..
(AUDIO FADES OUT)
EXT. 586TH H.Q. BUNKER/KALAC' - DAY
Natalya, on 'stand by', sits and writes a letter.
Natalya(v.o.)
(AUDIO FADES IN)
..And as I tended their wounds, what scared
me was understanding the logic of attacking
them..
DISSOLVE TO:
ext. 296th h.q. bunker/Stalingrad - day
Lilya, on 'stand by', sits and reads the letter with an intense expression.
Natalya(v.o.)
..Even in some small place, agreeing with
it. If I was in the air, and it was Germans
down on the road, I know I would not have
hesitated.
Lilya stops reading, takes a deep breath. Then, she looks to the sky.
cut to:
Lilya stands with a GROUP of MALE PLIOTS. All watch TWO YAKS in a mock dog fight.
male pilot
What is Aleksei doing?
Lilya
Breaking in another baby.
In the distance, the Two Yaks dive and loop, then come in very low over the Runway. Lilya's face tightens.
The First Yak pulls up quickly, 'rolls away'. The Second Yak starts to follow, clips the ground with its wing tip, cartwheels nose first into the ground. SOUND of SIREN. The Male Pilots run towards the crash. A CRASH TRUCK and an AMBULANCE (both GAZ 'Model A's') race past them. Lilya stands very still, clutching the dagger on her belt.
ext. 296th runway - day
The Yak has crumpled on impact, but did not burn. Aleksei's Body, wrapped in his parachute, lays nearby, Pilots and Ground Crew gathered around it. They step aside as Lilya walks up. She kneels, pulls back the parachute. C/U ALEKSEI'S FACE: He looks serene, with no visible marks. Lilya looks at him with a faint tenderness, kisses his eyes and lips. She pulls the dagger, cuts a strip of parachute silk, covers his face again.
cut to:
Lilya walks down the Runway alone, the length of parachute worn 'scarf like'. She walks into the distance, framed by the vastness of the horizon. It is SILENT.
fade to white:
radio announcer(o.s.)
(SLOW AUDIO FADE IN)
..the successful offensive that has trapped
the German Sixth Army in Stalingrad for the
last five weeks. Reports indicate that the
Fascists have been reduced to eating their
belts.
dissolve to:
ext. snow covered countryside/west of Stalingrad - day
It is snowing lightly. The landscape is white. SOUND of numerous PIECES of PERSONAL GEAR "CLUNKING" and "CLANKING" FADES IN.
ext. 'straggler's column'/west of Stalingrad - day
C/U of a MAN'S FACE: Filthy and unshaven, staring blankly, with a German helmet - a FROZEN CORPSE. CAMERA PULLS BACK TO REVEAL: He sits by a roadside strewn with FROZEN GERMAN CORPSES, abandoned VEHICLES, CARTS, GEAR etc. On the ROAD, a long, 'rag-tag' COLUMN of disheveled GERMANS is wearily trudging. Many pull CARTS full of WOUNDED MEN. There are a number of beat up, overloaded TRUCKS chugging along, "GRINDING GEARS". DISTANT SOUND of AIRCRAFT APPROACHING. Many Germans look up with fear.
ext. sky/west of Stalingrad - day
THREE PAIRS of YAK-3's,(sleek and improved Yaks, 'Spitfire' like) fly through the leaden sky, each carrying SIX ROCKETS underwing. The Yaks are completely White Washed except for their Red Stars and Black Lettered Slogans. The LEAD YAK-3 has a large WHITE ROSE painted on its fuselage. Below the cockpit, a ROW of RED ROSES: 'kill marks'. It is Lilya's aircraft.
INT. LILYA'S COCKPIT - DAY
Lilya wears the white scarf, embroidered with red roses. Her eyes are cold. She glances at her instrument panel, softens. A PHOTO of ALEKSEI smiling, framed by dried wild
flowers, is next to the oil gage. Lilya looks forward, all business.
Lilya
(keys throat mike)
This is Snowflake Two. Target the trucks
first. General Winter will do the rest.
int. Sergei's cockpit - day
LIEUTENANT SERGEI PASTERNAK, 22, 'hawk-like', looks over at Lilya's aircraft, smiles, nods his head.
ext. 'straggler's column' - day
SOUND of AIRCRAFT INCREASES. Some Germans are unslinging their rifles, pulling machine guns off the Trucks, but most scatter off the Road in panic. Lilya's aircraft leads the string of Yaks coming in 'on the deck' above the Road.
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya lines up the 'Stragglers' in her gun sight, fires.
ext. 'stragglers column' - day
Tracers lance out, tearing up Men and Vehicles. SOUND of MEN SCREAMING. Lilya fires a rocket, hitting a Truck, which explodes in a ball of flame. One after another, the Aircraft mercilessly strafe and rocket the ragged Column. Men are 'flung about' and 'torn to pieces', SCREAMING as they die.
ext. sky/west of Stalingrad - day
The Aircraft, all rockets expended, break off the attack and turn away.
ext. 'straggler's column' - day
The Road is littered with BURNING VEHICLES, MANGLED CORPSES and DYING MEN, who MOAN and SCREAM in AGONY. The SNOW is RED with BLOOD.
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya smiles her 'Mona Lisa' smile, looks at her instrument panel. The dried wildflowers by ALKESEI'S PHOTO quiver from the engine's vibrations.
dissolve to:
ext. 586th runway/Kalac' - day
C/U WILDFLOWERS: They grow on the edge of the Runway, sway in the light spring breeze, are blown sideways as a PAIR of YAK-3's roar in for a landing, then rise again after the Aircraft pass. The Aircraft slow down, turn, taxi towards the tree line.
ext. 586th h.q. bunker/Kalac' - day
Several Pilots in flight suits sit outside, napping, reading, etc. Natalya and Ria approach, in flight suits, pull off their flight helmets. They look tired. Sasha exits the Bunker.
SASHA
Comrade Major, a moment, please.
int. Sasha's office/Kalac' - day
Natalya and Sasha enter. He picks a CLOTH PACKAGE off the desk, hands it to Natalya. She opens it, revealing a SET of GOLD BRAIDED SHOULDER BOARDS. She looks at him quizzically.
Sasha
(grins)
Congratulations, Comrade Lieutenant
Colonel.
Natalya
(surprised)
What?
He hands her an 'official letter'.
Natalya
(reads/mumbles)
"To: Natalya Savitskaya, Major..
..Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel..
..transferred to..
(glances at Sasha)
..
(stops, eyes widen)
You are to take command of the Five Hundred
Eighty Sixth Fighter Regiment, effective
immediately!"
She laughs joyfully, spontaneously hugs Sasha, who, though startled, returns the hug strongly. Natalya 'catches' herself, steps back.
NATALYA
(blushing)
I'm sorry, Comrade Colonel.
Sasha
(warm smile)
I'm not.
Natalya
(blushes deeper)
I..I..
Sasha
You should share the news. I'm sure every
one will be happy.
Natalya
What's happening to you?
Sasha
(draws to attention)
I am now a full Colonel.
Natalya
And?
Sasha
I'm to take command of a new fighter
regiment. The Nine Hundred Fourteenth.
(grins)
All male.
Natalya
(smiles)
Lucky fellows.
Sasha
I will miss you. I've grown very fond of
my 'girls'.
Natalya
I think we've grown fond of you, too.
She gives him a quick kiss on the lips, then comes to attention, salutes. He smiles, returns the salute. She quickly turns and exits. He looks wistful.
int. 586th 'mess hall'/Kalac' - day
All the Pilots are assembled. Natalya wears a WHITE TUNIC with the Gold Braid Shoulder Boards, plus EMBROIDERED CUFFS and COLLAR. She reads the letter, Ria and Vera on either side of her.
Natalya
"..Take command of the Five Hundred Eighty
Sixth Fighter Regiment, effective
immediately."
Everyone starts CHEERING. Natalya quiets them.
Natalya
Comrades, as Officer Commanding I have
decided that non-regulation hair length
and non-regulation uniform decoration
shall be unit policy.
All CHEER and SHOUT, jump up and down like teenage girls, which, of course, they mostly are.
Natalya
Comrade Tikomarova, you are the new XO.
Ria
Thank you, Comrade Major.
(grins)
I mean..Comrade Colonel.
They salute, hug. Then Vera hugs Natalya.
Vera
Congratulations, Natalya Andreivna.
Natalya
(smiles)
Thank you, Vera Semyonova.
(serious)
The Women's Revolution moves forward,
Comrade Popkova.
Vera
Indeed it does, Comrade Savitskaya.
They look at the Pilots, who begin to SING a "heroic song". Natalya and Vera join in.
audio fade to:
ext. 296th airfield/outside Rostov on don - day
C/U of a WOMAN'S HANDS as she embroiders a floral pattern on the cuff of a uniform tunic. PULL BACK TO REVEAL: Lilya sitting in a canvas folding chair in front of a tent. Baranov approaches. Lilya goes to stand, but he motions her to sit.
Baranov
We'll be moving again in a fortnight,
Comrade Captain.
Lilya
This sector has gotten rather quiet. Do
you know where?
Baranov
North this time. Somewhere around Tim, to
the east of the Kursk Salient. It smells
like something big is on. I've heard nothing
official, but..well, you know.
Lilya
Yes, I've noticed certain things myself.
Baranov
By the way, I thought you'd be interested
to know that we'll be sharing an airfield
with the Five Eighty Sixth.
Lilya
(bright smile)
That is wonderful news. Thank you, Comrade
Colonel. I believe you shall find that an
illuminating experience.
Baranov
(ironic grin)
Yes, I believe I shall.
ext. 586th airfield/east of Kursk - day
It is wide, rolling countryside. There are NUMEROUS TENTS. From 'P.A.' LOUDSPEAKERS on TALL POSTS, the lilting strains of "Scheherazade's" Third Movement drift across the Field.
EAST OF THE KURSK SALIENT
JUNE 26TH, 1943
GROUNDCREW and CIVILIAN WORKERS(mostly WOMEN) fill SANDBAGS build REVETMENTS, AA EMPLACEMENTS, BUNKERS, etc, as a PAIR of BULLDOZERS scoop out DEEP TRENCHES.(the Bunkers are 'sunken' versions of the Kalac' Mess Hall) VEHICLES and AIRCRAFT are parked about in a helter-skelter fashion.
ext. 568th h.q. bunker/east of Kursk - day
A 2&2/1 TON TRUCK pulls up several yards from the Bunker with a HALF DOZEN FEMALE JUNIOR LIEUTENANTS,18/20, in back. Natalya, Ria, and Ludmilla emerge from the Bunker. They all smoke and have elaborate embroidery on their cuffs and collars.
Ria
New meat for the grinder.
Natalya
It's not that bad, Comrade Captain. I'm
told they each have more than a dozen
hours in the Yak Seven trainer.
Ria
Well, that's something. How much time do
I have?
Natalya
We need them whipped into shape in one
week, more or less.
Ria
Ah, yes. No rest for the wicked.
They all grin.
Natalya
Ready, Comrades?
Ludmilla
Yes, Comrade Colonel.
Ria
Always.
They all take one last drag, drop their cigarettes into a butt can, begin walking towards the Truck. The Junior Lieutenants mill around as Natalya, Ria, and Ludmilla approach.
Ria
Attention!
They come to attention.
Natalya
Comrades, welcome to the Five Hundred
Eighty Sixth Fighter Regiment. I am
Lieutenant Colonel Natalya Savitskaya,
Officer Commanding. For those of you
who don't know, we were the first all
female combat aviation unit ever,
anywhere. Our founder was Marina Raskova.
I had the honor to be her Comrade and
friend. As such, I take the traditions
of this unit very seriously. And I require
that you do the same. Remember that.
(to Ria)
They're all yours, Comrade Captain.
They salute. Natalya exits. Ria turns to the Lieutenants.
Ria
(pleasant smile)
I am Captain Tikomarova, and it is my
duty to clarify a few things for you
tender young morsels. Over there..
(she points)
..to the West, are about two million
Fascists who would just love to peel you
and cook you up for their breakfast, which
doesn't much matter to me. However, it is
also my duty to entrust you tender young
morsels with valuable pieces of the People's
aviation equipment. So, you need to under-
stand two things. One: you will treat said
equipment as if was your own mother. And
two: you will do exactly what I say, exactly
how I say it, exactly when I say it. And if
you do not, I will peel you and cook you up
for my breakfast.
(nasty smile)
Do you all understand me?
All
Yes, Comrade Captain!
Ria
(snarls)
I can't hear you!
All
YES, COMRADE CAPTAIN!
Ria
(grins)
Good. Now comes my favorite part.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
She has an 'evil grin'. A YAK-3 looms in her windscreen.
int. Yak-3 cockpit - day
A JUNIOR LIEUTENANT, 18, petite, looks around nervously, when suddenly..
Ria(o.s./radio)
Takka-takka-takka-takka-takka!
She reacts quickly, 'banking and rolling'.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
RIA stays on her tail, but looks satisfied.
Ria
(soft)
Good girl.
ext. 586th flight line/east of Kursk - day
Ria and the Petite Jr. Lieutenant talk as they walk from the Aircraft revetments. "Scheherazade" plays on the P.A. SOUND of a LARGE FORMATION of AIRCRAFT APPROACHING. Many look up with concern, but Ria just smiles.
ext. sky/above 586th airfield - day
A REGIMENT of YAK-3's, accompanied by apx. HALF DOZEN C-47 TRANSPORTS, circle the Field, begin landing approaches. Among them is Lilya's "White Rose" Yak.
EXT. 586TH AIRFIELD/EAST OF KURSK - DAY
The Aircraft of the 296th land, taxi to the Flight Line, where Ground Crew swarm around them purposefully. Lilya climbs out of her cockpit as Ria approaches. She sees Ria, jumps off her wing. They hug 'with all their might', laughing and crying.
Lilya
You don't know how I've missed all of you.
Ria
Yes, at least we could see you in the
newsreels.
Lilya
(looks at Ria's uniform)
A captain now. Congratulations.
Ria
Just two weeks ago. I'd have written, but
I knew you'd be here sooner.
Sergei approaches.
Lilya
This is Sergei Pasternak, my wingman.
Sergei
(salutes)
Captain Tikomarova.
Ria
(returns salute)
You know me, Comrade Lieutenant?
Sergei
From the photo.
Ria
(soft)
Ah, yes.
Natalya and Vera pull up in a JEEP, jump out, salute and then hug Lilya tightly.
Baranov(o.s.)
Excuse me, Comrades.
All turn to look.
Baranov
(smiles)
Forgive me for disturbing your reunion,
but my new Political Officer will be here
soon and he is..well..
Vera
(wolfish grin)
Over eager and still wet behind the ears.
Thank you, Comrade Colonel. It is always
good to be cautious.
Vera and Baranov shake hands.
Baranov
Nicolai Baranov.
Vera
Vera Popkova.
Baranov
(to Lilya)
Well, Comrade Litvyak, as you said, this
does promise to be an illuminating experience.
They all laugh.
int. jeep/586th airfield - day
Natalya drives, Vera in the front. In back, Baranov and COMMISSAR YURI ZAK, 25, skinny, pale. "Scheherazade" plays through out the Airfield.
Natalya
Fifteenth Air Army has a major briefing
in less than a week.
Vera
You must have seen all the activity on
your way in.
Baranov
Yes. I could sense something big was on,
but camouflage can't hide the scale of
what ever this is.
Natalya
Comrade Baranov, since you are senior, I
differ to you as overall commander. For
the same reason, Comrade Popkova should
be the principal Political Officer.
Baranov
Certainly, Comrade Savitskaya.
Zak
(to Natalya)
Comrade Colonel, what is this music?
Natalya
"Scheherazade" by Rimsky-Korsakov. We
find his music makes for a relaxed and
focused work atmosphere.
Zak
(almost sneers)
Isn't Rimsky-Korsakov a bourgeois composer?
Vera
Actually, we were given a set of his
collected works by Comrade Stalin.
Zak
(blanches)
Oh.
Vera smiles pleasantly. Baranov keeps a straight face.
ext. military road/east of Kursk - dawn
Rolling countryside, with some FOREST. It is 'alive with military activity': ARTILLERY digging in, CONVOYS of ARMORED VEHICLES and TRUCKS full of INFANTRY. A 4X4 COMMAND CAR(American made w/ Soviet markings) drives through all of this, Ria at the wheel, Lilya next to her, Natalya and Baranov in the back.
ext. forest/east of Kursk - dawn
The Command Car drives along a wide DIRT ROAD through a DENSE FOREST.
cut to:
The Command Car pulls up behind a JEEP stopped at a ROAD BLOCK with SENTRIES and SANDBAGGED HEAVY MACHINE GUNS on both sides. The Sentries check the papers of the OFFICERS in the Jeep.
EXT. H.Q. 15th AIR ARMY/EAST OF KURSK - DAY
It is a large BUNKER COMPLEX surrounded by AA GUNS under a HUGE CANOPY of CAMOUFLAGE NETTING hung between the trees.
H.Q. FIFTEENTH AIR ARMY
JULY 2ND, 1943
NUMEROUS VEHICLES are parked nearby. Many RED AIR FORCE OFFICERS stand around smoking and talking.
int. main bunker/h.q. 15th air army - day
It is a large space with ROWS of CHAIRS facing a PLATFORM. The Chairs are filled with OFFICERS(HUNDRED+ including apx. DOZEN WOMEN). Above the Platform, a SHEET of CANVAS with the WORDS 'MOST SECRET' in RED.
man's voice(o.s.)
Attention!
All rise, come to attention as COLONEL GENERAL MAXIM A. ZHAKAROV, 50, a jolly, bear of a man enters and proceeds to the Platform. He faces the Officers.
Zhakarov
Comrades, be seated.
All sit down.
Zhakarov
(gleeful smile)
Comrades, a day of reckoning is at hand.
In approximately seventy two hours the
Fascists will commence Operation Citadel,
an offensive to cut off Soviet forces in
the Kursk Salient. They will attack with
one and a quarter million men, ten thou-
sand artillery pieces, seventy five hun-
dred armored vehicles, and six thousand
aircraft. And we will be waiting for them.
This is going to be the largest land battle
in history
The room is "buzzing" as Zhakarov lifts up the Canvas Sheet to reveal a large map covered with BLACK and RED 'UNIT FLAG MARKERS' in basically a 'vertical line', except in the center, where there is a 'bulge'.
Zhakarov
To the north, around Orel, is Model's Ninth
Army. To the south, around Belgorod, is
Hoth's Fourth Panzer Army. Here..
(places hand flat on the 'bulge')
..around Kursk, is a concentration of our
forces equal to half the entire Red Army
before the war. We are dug in and ready.
(incredulous smile)
The arrogance of these bastards is that
they know that we know they are coming
and they are coming anyway.
(indicates Map)
The main attack will be here in the south
by the Fourth Panzer Army. The job of the
Fifteenth Air Army will be to help hold off
the thrust from the north by preventing the
Luftwaffe from gaining air superiority. We
don't have to defeat them, just hurt them
and keep them off the back of our ground
forces. Your individual orders are at the
tables in the back of the room. Are there
any questions?
An OFFICER stands.
Officer
Comrade General, do we have any idea how
long this operation might last?
Zhakarov
(smiles)
Fifteenth Air Army has stockpiled enough
fuel and ammunition for as many as thirty
five hundred sorties per day for up to six
weeks, plus replacement aircraft equal to
one quarter of full operational strength.
The Officer seems a bit stunned, sits. All are very quiet.
Zhakarov
You begin to understand the seriousness
of this, yes?
(his eyes blaze)
Comrades, we stopped the Fascist Beast at
Moscow, and drove him back at Stalingrad.
Here, at Kursk..
(slams hand on Map)
..we will break his spine and rip out his
liver!
After a beat, the Officers stand up and CHEER loudly. Zhakarov grins broadly, steps off the Platform, wades into the sea of Officers, shaking hands and 'back-slapping'.
dissolve to:
Officers(including Natalya) line up at tables at the back of the room. CLERKS sit behind the tables.
Natalya
(to Clerk)
Savitskaya, Five Hundred Eighty Sixth
Fighter Regiment.
The CLERK consults a list, goes through a FILE BOX, pulls out a large ENVELOPE, hands it to Natalya.
Clerk
Please sign here, Comrade Colonel.
She signs a SLIP of PAPER on the Envelope. The Clerk tears
it off.
Sasha(o.s.)
Hello, Babushka.
Natalya turns, gives Sasha a good natured scowl.
Sasha
(grins)
I mean..Comrade Savitskaya.
Natalya
(mutters)
Impossible man.
They move through the sea of Officers.
Natalya
I did not see Comrade Barkagan.
Sasha
(frowns)
I'm afraid he's dead. His transport was
shot down a few weeks ago.
Natalya
That is a shame. He was a good man.
Sasha
Not many of those, I take it?
Natalya
(smiles)
More than one might think.
ext. main bunker/h.q. 15th air army - day
Natalya and Sasha exit the Bunker, pause.
Sasha
Possibly we will cross paths again?
Natalya
(semi-coy)
Possibly.
Sasha
Until then.
They salute. Sasha walks away. Natalya watches him with mixed emotions.
ext. 586th-296th flight line - day
Up and down the Flight Line, each Aircraft has its nose cowling open with Ground Crew working on the engines. Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" plays on the P.A.
cut to:
Two Crewwomen clean a YAK'S NOSE CANNON with a huge WIRE BRUSH.
cut to:
C/U of WOMAN'S HANDS: They are checking each METAL LINK in a BELT of MACHINE GUN AMMUNITION.
cut to:
Valya checks an AIRCRAFT TIRE with a PRESSURE GAUGE.
cut to:
Crewwomen carefully feed an AMMO BELT into an AIRCRAFT'S MAGAZINE TRAY.
cut to:
Natalya, Baranov, Lilya, and Ria, all holding clip boards, slowly walk up the Flight Line, each checking off items as they walk along.
ext. 586th-296th flight line - dusk
Up and down the Flight Line, Crewwomen carefully, lovingly polish each Aircraft.
int. 586th-296th h.q. bunker - night
Natalya, Baranov, Lilya, and Ria stand around the Map Table going over paperwork. Vera enters, Zak in tow. Both wear dirty coveralls. He looks overwhelmed. All salute.
Vera
I've checked every gasket, valve, plug,
bolt, cable, fuel line, and oil line.
Mechanically, we are as ready as we
are going to get.
Baranov and Natalya look at each other.
Baranov
Well, Comrade Colonel, I think the best
thing to do now is to get some sleep.
Natalya
Agreed.
ext. Natalya's bunker 586th-296th airfield - night
Natalya walks towards her bunker, deep in thought, then stops abruptly. A FIGURE, smoking a cigarette, sits on the sandbags by the entrance. Natalya instinctively places her hand on her holster. The Figure takes a drag, and the glowing ember lights up his face: Sasha Kukov.
Sasha
(smiles)
Hello, Babushka.
Natalya
You scared me half to death, you son of
a bitch.
Sasha
(laughs)
I do have that effect, don't I?
Natalya
Give me a God damned cigarette.
He pulls a pack, she plucks a cigarette, lights it from his. They look at the star filled sky in silence.
Natalya
I could almost forget that there's a war on.
Sasha
Almost.
Natalya
(turns to him)
So, Alexander Alexandrovich, to what do
I owe the honor of this visit?
Sasha
I was hoping you would grant me the
pleasure of your company for dinner,
Natalya Andreivna.
(picks up a BASKET, pats it gently)
White wine, a Liebfraumilch liberated
from Von Paulus' Headquarters. Caviar.
Beluga, of course. And some excellent
Russian black bread.
Natalya
(grins)
With that menu, I suppose I have no choice.
Sasha
None whatsoever.
int. Natalya's bunker 586th-296th airfield - night
It's a 'personal version' of other bunkers: dug in deep, wood roof, sandbag half wall, camouflage netting, etc. Natalya and Sasha sit on blankets on the dirt floor between
her cot and footlocker, which serves as a table: candles, wine, food, etc. They both hold wine glasses.
Natalya
..It has been a mild shock sharing a field
with a mostly male unit. We've been living
in our own special world for some time.
It makes me miss Marina Nicolaivna terribly.
Sasha
I regret that I never got to meet her.
Natalya
You would have liked her. She told wonderful
stories.
Sasha
General Barkagan told me a few of them.
I wish I could hear more.
Natalya
I have been keeping journals. I plan to
write a book about the Five Eighty Sixth
after the war.
Sasha
Do you have a title?
Natalya
No, not yet. Nothing I've thought of
seems quite right.
Sasha
The day Barkagan flew me into Kalac'
to take command, he called you his
'Red angels'.
Natalya
Hmm. I do like the sound of that. But,
isn't that something of a contradiction
in terms? The angels of an atheist state?
Sasha
I'm used to contradictions. I'm a poet
who commands a fighter regiment.
Natalya
(slightly amazed)
You're a poet?
Sasha
Oh, yes.
He pulls the small Leather Bound Book out of the pocket of
his tunic, flips through it.
Sasha
I call this "In the Dawn", although now
I'll have to change that to "In the Dawn
before Kursk".
(reads)
Blazing Iron Star,
Brightness in the Darkening Heaven,
She flashes sharply
Through my Troubled Dreams.
And my Poor Heart beats so,
That I wonder if I will die of this.
I feel Her burning strongly
Under Her Frozen Assurance,
Her Eyes that follow me
Past any mortal line of sight.
And does She ever suspect
That the Secret of Secrets
Is already deep inside of me?
He closes the Book, looks at her.
Natalya
(misty eyed)
Oh, my God, Sasha. It's..I never knew.
Sasha
You didn't know how I felt about you?
Natalya
(soft smile)
No, I think knew I that. The poetry. What
I never suspected was the poetry.
Sasha
I stole the last few lines from Akmatova.
Natalya
(grins)
Talent borrows, genius steals.
After a beat, he leans in and kisses her. She responds
passionately and they fall into each others arms.
dissolve to:
