"Red Angels" [excerpt #2]
Aug. 7th, 2011 11:30 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
nebrisint. Marina's office/Rasskazovo - day
Marina and Vera stand at attention as MAJOR GENERAL BERDICHEV VOLKOV, 42, rawboned, pockmarked, 'rants and raves'.
Volkov
This is not what I ordered!
Marina
Comrade Gen-
Volkov
Don't interrupt, Colonel! Your orders were simply to defend the bridges, deter attacks, not go chasing all over the countryside!
Natalya, Lilya and Katya enter, come to attention. Volkov turns on them.
Volkov
Which one of you is responsible for this incident?
Lilya
I am, Comrade General.
Volkov
You!?
(to Marina)
You entrust this..this child with an aircraft!?
Marina
Comrade General, this 'child' is an officer of-
Volkov
This is too much! She's not old enough to make babies, let alone be allowed to..to..
(snorts)
This is taking Socialism too far!
Vera
(deadly)
Taking Socialism too far, Comrade General? Is such a thing possible?
Volkov
(gets nervous, acts dismissive)
You know what I mean.
Vera
No, Comrade General, I do not.
Volkov
Don't be impertinent, Comrade Popkova!
(pulls on his gloves)
I've made myself clear.
(to Marina)
From now on, follow my orders to the letter.
He exits rapidly. They all 'deflate'.
Lilya
With respect, Comrade Colonel, what the hell was that about?
MARINA
(very angry, wiggles her pinky)
Equipment failure.
(to Vera)
I think it is time to go see "Old Mustache".
Vera
(wicked smile)
If memory serves me, there is a mail flight out of Tambov tomorrow at dawn. And favors are owed.
Marina
(to Natalya & Lilya)
Comrades, pack an overnight bag. We are going to Moscow.
int. 586th h.q. bunker/Rasskazovo - day
Lilya, Katya and Natalya exit Marina's office. After a beat, Vera exits as well, catches up with Natalya.
Vera
Natalya Andreivna, do you have a good memory?
Natalya
You know I do.
(looks right at Vera)
Vera Semyonova.
Vera
(hands Natalya a piece of paper)
Memorize it. Burn it.
Natalya
What for?
Vera
If you have trouble.
Natalya
Why me?
Vera
And not the Colonel?
Natalya
Yes.
Vera
She is a fighter. You are a killer.
Natalya
(laughs)
Coming from you, Vera Semyonova, I believe that is a compliment.
Vera grins broadly.
ext. Moscow cityscape - day
It is a brisk winter day. The skyline is dominated by the ONION DOMES of SAINT BASIL'S and the MASSIVE GRAY WALLS of THE KREMLIN. Numerous BARRAGE BALLOONS float above the entire city.
TITLE CARD
MOSCOW
int. Kremlin hallway - day
Marina, Natalya, and Lilya, wearing their best dress uniforms, walk up to large double doors flanked by NKVD GUARDS (secret police). Marina shows one of them a form. He opens the door.
int. anteroom to Stalin's office - day
It is a large room, cold and intimidating, with many chairs mostly occupied by high ranking MILITARY and POLITICAL PERSONNEL. A huge PORTRAIT of STALIN glowers down on them all. Everyone seems nervous. Except the NKVD Major, 35, ugly, sitting at the reception desk. The Women stand before him, Marina in front.
nkvd major
Your business, Comrade?
Marina
Colonel Marina Raskova, Red Air Force, to see Comrade Stalin.
He seems to know who she is. He picks up a phone, mutters into it, hangs up. He smiles, not a pretty sight.
nkvd major
You may go right in, Comrade Raskova.
A slight 'shock wave' goes through the others waiting in the room. Some of them look indignant, as though they may protest, then think better of it.
Marina
Thank you, Comrade.
The Women start forward.
nkvd major
One moment. Your pistols, please.
(smiles)
Nothing personal, Comrades.
int. Stalin's office - day
It is all dark woods and stuffed leather. The Women sit around a coffee table drinking tea with JOSEF STALIN, 63. He seems friendly, but his eyes are 'deadly'.
Marina
..and then Comrade Volkov says, "This is taking Socialism too far".
Stalin
(soft)
That is an interesting observation.
(to Lilya)
So, little one, what would you do about this?
Lilya
Have him shot.
It is very quiet. Then Stalin roars with laughter.
Stalin
Marina Nicolaivna, I knew I was right about you. Your eye for talent is unerring. I will take care of this myself.
(to Lilya)
And you, my little killer..
(he pats her knee)
..you shall have all the Fascists you can eat.
Lilya smiles brightly. He stands. The Women follow suit.
Stalin
Forgive me for being such a poor host, but all those pasty faced bastards out there demand my attention.
(bows slightly)
My thanks, Comrade Pilots. Your beauty and courage has brightened this old man's day.
Marina
It was our pleasure, Comrade Stalin.
Stalin
(to Marina)
You will join me for dinner?
Marina
Of course, Comrade.
Stalin
And Marina Nicolaivna..
(indicates her uniform)
..please wear something nicer.
Marina
Most certainly, Josef Vissarionovich.
(wicked grin)
I have just the thing.
She kisses him on the cheek. He grabs her around the waist. They both laugh heartily.
Marina
He thinks he can drink me under the table.
Stalin
(teasing)
Oh, yes, big talk before the first bottle.
Natalya is stunned. Lilya watches quietly. Then Stalin hugs Natalya tightly, kisses her on both cheeks. She is a bit stiff.
Stalin
Kill some Fascists for me, Comrade Savitskaya.
Natalya
Ye..Yes, Comrade Stalin.
He hugs Lilya, who responds more enthusiastically, kissing him on both cheeks. He beams.
Stalin
And you, my little killer, next time you are in Moscow, you come and visit your Uncle Joe.
Lilya
(brightly)
Yes, Comrade Uncle.
int. Kremlin hallway - day
Marina, Natalya, and Lilya walk down the hallway.
Marina
You two, go and see your families. I'll meet you here in the main lobby tomorrow morning at zero-nine-hundred hours.
Natalya is still dumbfounded.
Marina
(laughs)
Don't look so scandalized, Natalya Andreivna. I am actually fond of the old monster. And he is, as they say, a man of prodigious appetites.
Natalya blushes. Marina laughs harder, hugs her.
Marina
You are precious.
Marina steps back, comes to attention. Natalya and Lilya respond in kind. They all salute. Marina exits. Natalya and Lilya continue down the hallway.
Lilya
He reminds me of my Uncle Georgi. He was a cousin really, but we all called him Uncle. Always tried to put his hand up my dress when I was a little girl.
(small smile)
He disappeared into the Gulag.
Natalya sighs deeply.
Lilya
I know, Comrade Savitskaya. But look at it this way. All those Fascists we shall have in our sights, they are men, too.
NATALYA
(grins wolfishly)
Yes, there is that.
ext. Moscow street - dusk
A once fashionable district of 'BIG HOUSES' that are now APARTMENT BUILDINGS. A TRAM LINE runs along the street. Some bomb damage is visible, but 'tidied up'. Foot and vehicle traffic is light. The Tram rolls to a stop, Lilya steps off. SOUND of TRAM BELL. The Tram rolls on. Lilya looks around, smiles.
int. apartment building/stairway - night
Lilya sprints up the stairs, two at a time.
int. apartment building/hallway - night
Lilya knocks on an apartment door. After a beat, the door opens to reveal MRS. GRUSHKIN, 50, bony, pinched faced. She looks at Lilya with distrust.
Mrs. Grushkin
What do you want?
Lilya
(bemused)
I'm looking for Mrs. Ina Litvyak.
Mrs. Grushkin
Who are you?
Lilya
I'm her daughter.
Mrs. Grushkin gives her a 'fisheyed' look. Lilya returns the stare, puts her hand on her pistol holster.
Lilya
Well?
Mrs. Grushkin
(blanches, steps aside)
She's in the back.
LILYA steps through the DOOR.
int. Litvyak apartment/sitting room - night
MRS. INA LITVYAK,46, petite, attractive, sits in a chair by the window, asleep, with a lap full of knitting. She awakes as Lilya enters. A smile bursts on her face. She leaps up, hugs Lilya tightly.
Mrs. Litvyak
Oh, my darling, darling girl.
Lilya
Hello, Momma.
MRS. LITVYAK
(steps back, frowns)
And why didn't you tell me you were coming?
Lilya
I didn't know until last night. I flew in this morning with Colonel Raskova.
Mrs. Litvyak
(laughs)
That sounds so impressive.
Lilya
(coy)
I met Comrade Stalin.
SOUND of CHINAWARE BREAKING. Lilya looks suspicious.
Mrs. Litvyak
(whispers)
Mrs. Grushkin eavesdrops.
(louder)
Is everything all right, Mrs. Grushkin?
(giggles)
SOUND of 'CLEANING UP'.
Mrs. Grushkin(o.s.)
Everything's fine, thank you.
Lilya
What is she doing here?
Mrs. Litvyak
(shrugs)
It's the housing shortage.
(shakes her head)
I really shouldn't tease her, poor thing. Her son is missing on the Leningrad Front. She acts tough, but I hear her cry herself to sleep every night.
Lilya
Momma, you are a jewel.
MRS. LITVYAK
(waves hand dismissively)
Oh, pish-posh. Come, let me make you something to eat.
She grabs Lilya's hand, drags her out of the room.
int. Litvyak apartment/kitchen - night
Lilya and Mrs. Litvyak sit drinking tea. The meal is over.
Lilya
..and he says to me, "Next time you come to Moscow, come and visit your Uncle Joe".
MRS. LITVYAK
(raises her eyebrows)
"Uncle Joe"?
Lilya
Actually, he sort of reminds me of Uncle Georgi.
Mrs. Litvyak
('crosses' herself)
God have mercy!
LILYA
(sips her tea)
This is very good.
Mrs. Litvyak
Your father comes up with many interesting things. Too bad you'll miss him.
Lilya
He won't be home tonight?
Mrs. Litvyak
Oh, no. He's not in the local yards anymore. It's freight trains to the Urals these days. He'll be half way to Sverdlovsk by now.
Lilya
(takes out pack of cigarettes)
Oh, well.
Mrs. Litvyak
You smoke!?
(laughs)
What am I saying? You shoot down Fascist bombers and have afternoon tea with Stalin. Why shouldn't you smoke?
(gets up)
Come, we'll smoke on the roof. Mrs. Grushkin's allergic. I'll get my coat.
int Litvyak apartment/living room - night
Mrs. Grushkin sits in a chair reading PRAVDA. Lilya enters.
Lilya
Mrs. Grushkin?
MRS. GRUSHKIN
(eyes her wearily)
Yes?
Lilya
My mother told me about your son. I know some people. I'll try to find out if he's all right.
MRS. GRUSHKIN
(softens, tears up)
Thank you.
Lilya
(gentle)
We are all Comrades in this, Mrs. Grushkin.
ext. apartment building/roof - night
Lilya and Mrs. Litvyak smoke cigarettes, look out at the
city.
Mrs. Litvyak
I miss the lights. You could see Red Square from here.
Lilya
They'll come on again.
SOUND of an AIR RAID SIREN.
Mrs. Litvyak
We should go inside.
Lilya
No, not yet.
In the distance, SEARCHLIGHT BEAMS crisscross the night sky. DRONING SOUND of BOMBER ENGINES. Lilya watches with fascination. Mrs. Litvyak watches Lilya. SOUND of ANTI-AIRCRAFT ARTILLERY: a dull "THUMPING". In the distance, the sky is lit up by the FLASH of EXPLODING AA SHELLS: a "CRACK-BOOM" SOUND.
MRS. LITVYAK
(pensive)
It excites you, doesn't it?
Lilya
(looks at her almost sadly)
Yes, it does.
(looks back at sky)
Like nothing else in the world.
Mrs. Litvyak
(wistful)
You're not my little girl anymore.
LILYA
(hugs her mother)
Oh, momma, I'll always be your little girl.
She kisses her mother's forehead, but watches the AA fire, her eyes sparkling.
ext. Moscow street - night
Natalya walks up to a large APARTMENT BUILDING, pauses by the entrance. SOUND of AA FIRE overhead. She sighs, enters the building.
int. Savitsky apartment - night
It's a bit larger than Mrs. Litvyak's apartment. It is also a mess. SOUND of DOOR UNLOCKING. The door opens, Natalya enters, looks around in disgust. SOUND of WOMAN'S LAUGHTER. Natalya flares up.
Natalya
Dimitri!?
Dimitri(o.s.)
(mocking)
Oh, no! It's the Devil's Daughter!
SOUND of WOMAN'S LAUGHTER, now slightly hysterical.
Natalya
Where are you, you son of a bitch!?
She heads for the bedroom.
int. Savitsky apartment/bedroom - night
Natalya bursts in the room, furious. In the bed is DIMITRI SAVITSKY, 35, handsome, but the right side of his face has terrible burn scars. He wears a BLACK EYE PATCH over his right eye. With him is a 'FLOOZY', 20's, attractive, cheap. They are both very drunk. Natalya pulls out her pistol. The Floozy SCREAMS, falls out of bed. Dimitri just laughs.
Dimitri
Is that anyway to greet your husband?
(leers)
Why don't you join us?
Frustrated, Natalya puts the pistol away.
Natalya
I've had it with you! We're finished!
Dimitri
(angry)
You've had it with me!? You abandon me here.
You're out there, with all your bloody
girlfriends, zooming around..
(sneering)
..and I'm sure you're all having fun
together.
NATALYA
(sputters with fury)
I..I..
She gives up, heads for the closet.
Dimitri
NO!!
Natalya opens the closet, her eyes widen. The closet is stacked full of boxes: cigarettes, chocolate, vodka, etc. She turns to him. He looks 'caught'.
Dimitri
(defiant)
What do you want from me?
Ignoring him, she looks under the bed, pulls out huge suitcase, takes it to the closet.
Dimitri
What are you doing?
She begins to fill the suitcase from his stash.
Dimitri
(starts to get out of bed)
You can't do that!
NATALYA
(turns, pistol drawn)
I'll kill you on the spot, you son of a
bitch! And get away with it.
He slumps back into the bed.
cut to:
C/U of the suitcase: it is packed to the rim with boxes of chocolate, cigarettes, etc. Natalya snaps it shut, picks it up. The closet is still stacked full of contraband.
Natalya
You can go to the Devil!
She exits the bedroom.
Dimitri
That's right, you bitch! Go back to your
girlfriends! Kiss them for me, you God
damned dyke!
SOUND of DOOR SLAMMING. The Floozy peers over the edge of the bed.
Dimitri
Get back in bed, you stupid slut!
She laughs weakly.
int. hotel lobby - night
It is a very posh establishment. Its clientèle seems exclusively high ranking MILITARY PERSONNEL. Natalya sits at a small table with a 'courtesy' phone. She picks the phone up, dials.
int. office - night
C/U of phone. SOUND of RINGING. An NKVD COLONEL, 42, brutal looking, answers the phone.
brutal man
Yes?
Natalya(o.s./phone)
The cranes are flying.
brutal man
(smiles coldly)
How may I help you?
int. hotel lobby - night
NATALYA
(calmly lights cigarette)
I would like to make a report.
ext. courtyard/LEFORTOVO prison - dawn
TWO NKVD LIEUTENANTS escort Dimitri out to the COURTYARD, a narrow space enclosed by high, grim STONE WALLS. He has been badly beaten. They force Dimitri to his knees. His expression is blank. SOUND of BIRD SINGING. He looks up, smiles slightly. A pistol is placed against the back of his head.
C/U of a SPARSE TREE BRANCH: A BIRD sits on the Branch, SINGING brightly. The SOUND of a GUN SHOT startles it, and the Bird flies away.
dissolve to:
ext. RUSSIAN countryside - day
C/U of a LUSH TREE BRANCH: A BIRD lands on the Branch, begins to SING brightly.
Overhead, the sky is filled with CONTRAILS.
TITLE CARD
SUMMER, 1942
ext. sky/above the don - day
The contrails belong to apx. FIFTY JU-88's flying along in formation.
Far above the Bombers, TWO DOZEN YAKS fly in formation. Many have the 'bubble' canopy. Most have 'kill marks' by their cockpits, and 'slogans' painted in large red and white letters on the fuselage: "NOVOSIBIRSK KOMSOMOL", "FOR USSR!", "FOR STALIN!", etc.
int. marina's cockpit - day
Marina
(keys throat mike)
Mother Hen, Mother Hen, this is Eagle One.
Over.
woman's voice(o.s./radio)
Eagle One, this Mother Hen. Over.
Marina
Mother Hen, I have fifty to sixty large
hostiles, baring two-zero-five degrees.
We are engaging.
woman's voice(o.s./radio)
Eagle One, engaging fifty-sixty large
hostiles. Acknowledged.
Marina
(pulls on goggles)
Eagle One to all hatchings. Let's go break
up their party.
ext. sky/above the don - day
In pairs, the Yaks begin to peel off and dive down on the Bombers.
int. Ju-88 cockpit - day
The FOUR MAN CREW scan the sky. Suddenly, the REAR GUNNER
reacts.
rear gunner
(in German/sub-titles)
Fighters! Fighters! Twelve o'clock!
He begins firing.
ext. sky/above the don - day
The Yaks drop onto the Bombers, whose formation begins to break up and scatter. Here follows a MONTAGE of RAPID SHOTS inter cut randomly with each other:
-INT. YAK COCKPIT'S; Marina, Lilya, Natalya, Ria, Katya,
et. al. as they close in on Bombers.
-INT. JU-88 Cockpit's; PILOTS maneuver, GUNNERS fire, all YELL and CURSE, CREWMEN get hit, SCREAM, die.
-EXT. SKY; Fighters pursue Bombers, tracers streak, pieces explode off wings and fuselages, Bombers trail smoke and flames.
int. Agneeva's cockpit - day
She is boring in on a Bomber when suddenly, the SOUND of ROUNDS HITTING her aircraft. Surprised, she turns her head to look. The glass shatters, her face explodes spraying blood and bone everywhere. Smoke pours into the cockpit.
ext. sky/above the don - day
Agneeva's burning aircraft spins out of control. Right behind it is a ME-109. It peels off. Now, into the meelay of Yaks and Ju-88's, swarm DOZENS of ME-109's. They seem to outnumber the Yaks at least three to one.
int. Ludmilla's cockpit - day
Ludmilla is closing on a Bomber. SOUND of ROUNDS HITTING her aircraft. She banks and rolls violently.
Ext. sky/above the don - day
An ME-109 pursues Ludmilla's Yak, which begins to trail smoke. Suddenly, a YAK is on the Me-109's tail, blazing away.
INT. Katya's cockpit - day
Katya bores in on the German Fighter. SOUND of ROUNDS HITTING her aircraft . She stays on the Me-109.
Ext. sky/above the don - day
Ludmilla's smoking fighter is pursued by a German Fighter, who is pursued by Katya, who is pursued by another German Fighter. A third YAK jumps on his tail.
Int. Lilya's cockpit - Day
She flies right on top of the Me-109, opens fire at point blank range. The Me-109 canopy disintegrates, part of the wing explodes, it spins out.
int. Ludmilla's cockpit - day
Her aircraft is burning. She opens her canopy, turns the aircraft upside down, falls out.
ext. sky/above the Don - day
The sky is filled with SOVIET and NAZI FIGHTERS swirling around each other.
int. Natalya's cockpit - day
She is on the tail of an ME-109, firing short bursts as the German tries to escape. SOUND of ROUNDS HITTING her aircraft. She crouches down, stays on the German.
Natalya
(gritting teeth)
There's too God damned many!
ext. sky/above the don - day
About a DOZEN FIGHTERS, alternately SOVIET and NAZI, chase each other in a 'daisy chain'. Into this fight swarms a new group of SOVIET FIGHTERS. (LAVOCHKIN LA-5's, massive radial engined 'monsters' with twin nose cannons) Immediately, they smash several of the Me-109's into wreckage. Several more German Fighters start to break off and run.
Int. Ria's cockpit - day
Ria watches this, laughs and "whoops". Then, she notices a JU-88 trying to escape. She turns toward it.
ext. sky/above the don - day
Ria's fighter closes in on the Bomber.
int. Ju-88 cockpit - day
The REAR GUNNER begins firing. The PILOT hauls the steering column over hard.
ext. sky/above the don - day
The Bomber turns sharply. Ria hangs on, begins firing. Tracers lance out.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
Ria lines the Bomber up in her gunsight. SOUND of ROUNDS HITTING her aircraft. She ignores this, stays on the Bomber.
int. me-109 cockpit - day
The GERMAN PILOT lines Ria up in his gunsight. SOUND of ROUNDS HITTING his aircraft. He scowls, but stays on Ria.
Int. Natalya's cockpit - day
Natalya is lining up the Me-109 in her gunsight as he pursues Ria's aircraft.
ext. sky/above the don - day
The Bomber is pursued by Ria, chased by the German Fighter, who has Natalya on his tail. All aircraft are firing.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
Ria fires another burst, then nothing. She presses the firing button. No result.
RIA
DAMN! DAMN! DAMN! DAMN!
SOUND of ROUNDS HITTING her aircraft.
Ria
(snarling)
I'll fix you sons of bitches.
She pulls the landing gear lever, then pushes her throttle forward. SOUND of her ENGINE ROARING.
ext. sky/above the don - day
Ria closes in on the Bomber as her landing gear comes down.
int. Ju-88 cockpit - day
C/U Rear Gunner's face, as his eyes widen in terror.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
The Bomber looms in her windscreen. She SCREAMS defiantly.
int. Ju-88 cockpit - day
The Rear Gunner ducks down. One of Ria's landing struts smashes into the cockpit. The Bomber Pilot lets out a brief SHRIEK as the tire crushes him to a bloody pulp against the instrument panel.
int. ME-109 cockpit - day
The Fighter Pilot is horrified.
pilot
(in German/sub-titles)
God damned crazy Russians!
He pulls away from his pursuit.
int. Natalya's cockpit - day
The German Fighter flies right across her gunsight. She blasts his canopy to pieces.
ext. sky/above the don - day
The Ju-88 and the Me-109 both spiral down in flames.
int. Natalya's cockpit - day
She looks around anxiously, then smiles.
ext. sky/above the Don - day
Ria flies up along side Natalya. Ria's single remaining landing strut dangles 'tire-less'. Otherwise, her aircraft appears intact.
int. Natalya's cockpit - day
NATALYA
(keys throat mike)
Rooster Seven, you should not be so care-
less with the People's aviation equipment.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
RIA
(keys throat mike)
I'll make a note of that.
(presses firing button)
My guns are still jammed. What does my under
carriage look like?
int. Natalya's cockpit - day
Natalya drops her aircraft down, looks at Ria's underside.
Natalya
(keys throat mike)
Your port landing strut is hanging on by
a thread, with no tire. The starboard strut
is totally gone.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
RIA
(keys throat mike)
Well, that's better than I expected. Alright,
I think I can make it back to the field.
int. Natalya's cockpit - day
NATALYA
(keys throat mike)
Good luck, Comrade.
She gives Ria a 'thumbs up', banks her aircraft away.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
Ria checks her instruments, sighs deeply.
Ria
Here goes nothing.
Carefully, slowly, she turns her aircraft. It responds without protest. She smiles, relaxes, begins HUMMING "Kalinka", a Russian folk tune.
ext. sky/above the Don - day
Ria's aircraft flies along. SOUND of RIA'S HUMMING FADES OUT.
dissolve to:
int. Ria's cockpit - day
Ria scans the sky. She looks tired. SOUND of 'GLITCH' in the ENGINE. She checks her instruments. SOUND of 'GLITCH' repeats.
Ria
(mutters)
So much for getting home.
She looks for a place to land, sees something, smiles.
Ria
How convenient.
She begins to descend.
ext. 351st fighter Regt runway - day
It is a plain EARTHEN RUNWAY at the edge of the forest. ANTI-AIRCRAFT GUN EMPLACEMENTS are situated at either end. BUNKERS are slightly visible just inside the tree line.
ext. anti-aircraft gun emplacement - day
It's a RING of SAND BAGS around a SINGLE BARREL 37MM AA-GUN with a THREE MAN CREW. A SENIOR NCO, 20's, weathered, looks skyward with binoculars, picks up a field telephone.
NCO
It's one of our's and it's in trouble.
ext. 351st h.q. bunker - day
A tough looking SENIOR LIEUTENANT, 30's, emerges from the bunker, looks skyward with binoculars.
POV BINOCULARS: Ria's aircraft is trailing smoke. The remaining strut is flopping about in the wind.
The Tough Lieutenant lowers the binoculars.
tough lieutenant
(mutters)
It's a wonder the damned thing is still
airborne.
(yells into bunker)
Crash landing alert!
int. Ria's cockpit - day
Ria is struggling with the controls. She HUMS "Kalinka" with some desperation. SOUND of ENGINE 'COUGHING'.
ext. 351st runway - day
A 'make shift' FIRE TRUCK(a GAZ 'MODEL A' knock-off) races out onto the runway. Ria's aircraft is just over the run way. The nose is smoking heavily with small bursts of flame spurting out.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
Ria is 'fighting' the aircraft down.
Ria
(muttering)
Nose up, tail down. Nose up, tail down.
ext. 351st runway - day
Ria's aircraft comes in low and level. The Fire Truck chases a hundred feet behind. Just as Ria's aircraft 'belly's in', the remaining strut breaks off, bounces, tumbles, hits the wing with a loud "THUNK". A cloud of dust is churned up. SOUND of METAL "SCREECHING". The aircraft 'bounces' a few times.
C/U The propeller as it strikes the ground. The tip of one prop snaps off with a "POP-TING" SOUND.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
Ria grits her teeth, struggles with the controls. SOUND of "BUZZING WHIZ" just above the canopy.
ext. 351st runway - day
Ria's aircraft grinds to a stop in a cloud of smoke and dust. The canopy slams open, Ria jumps out. (No flight suit, just a uniform tunic under her parachute rig, plus boots and riding pants: a 'summer uniform') The Fire Truck races up. TWO CREWMEN leap off the Truck with fire extinguishers, begin spraying the aircraft's burning nose.
The Tough Lieutenant pulls up in a JEEP next to Ria.
tough lieutenant
Comrade, are you all right?
Ria pulls off her flight helmet, shakes out her hair, smiles brightly.
Ria
Now that's what I call an exciting ride!
His mouth drops open. The Crewmen also stare. Ria looks at the rudder. The tip of the propeller blade is embedded horizontally in its edge.
Ria
(laughs)
Almost gave me a haircut.
The Tough Lieutenant smiles with amazement.
ext. 586th runway/Kalac' - day
It is also an EARTHEN RUNWAY on the edge of the forest with AA-EMPLACEMENTS and several BUNKERS just inside the tree line. The 586th is 'on approach', damaged aircraft coming in first. Some trail smoke. One is having engine trouble.
cut to:
Most of the aircraft have landed, are taxiing towards the tree line, where the CAMOUFLAGE NETTING is being raised. One aircraft has stalled, is smoking heavily. GROUND CREW rush up, spray it with fire extinguishers.
ext. 568th flight line/Kalac' - day
The aircraft taxi in through the tree line, then cut their engines. Ground Crew move in quickly. Natalya climbs out of her aircraft, jumps down. A dozen Ground Crewwomen begin to 'man-handle' the aircraft, turning it around, pushing and pulling it back into its revetment. Natalya joins their effort. In the B/G, we see this action being repeated all along the flight line. (All Pilots are in 'summer uniform')
int. 586th h.q. bunker/Kalac' - day
A similar layout to the H.Q. bunker at Rasskazovo. Marina enters, followed by Natalya. Their faces are dirty below the 'goggle line'.
Marina
...and a half an hour until the debriefing.
At least they can wash their face and brush
their hair.
Natalya
I'll let them know.
Marina
'Til then, I'm in my office.
They salute. Natalya exits. Marina heads for her office.
int. marina's office/Kalac' - day
Marina sits at her desk, smoking a cigarette, staring blankly, her face still dirty. Vera enters.
Vera
I heard it was rough.
Marina
Three dead. Two missing. And a couple of
those aircraft out there are 'write offs'.
Vera
(shrugs)
More spare parts.
(quiet)
Who did we lose?
Marina
(sighs)
Zharinova, Pakirdjian, Antipova. I'm fairly
certain they didn't make it. Both Tikomarova
and Andryushchenkova are missing.
(smiles)
But we did kick the hell out of those Fascist
bastards.
(looks at Stalin's portrait)
"Old Mustache" would be proud.
Vera
(smiles)
Then it was a good day.
Marina
Yes, it was.
ext. 586th h.q. bunker/Kalac' - day
Two small tables are set up just outside the entrance. At one, Marina debriefs Alexandra Moninova. At the other, Natalya debriefs Lilya. The rest of the Pilots lounge in a motley collection of chairs, smoking, talking, drinking tea, napping, etc. (Everyone's face is washed) Vera exits the Bunker.
Vera
(to Marina)
I was just on the horn with the Three Hundred
Fifty First Fighter Regiment.
Marina
Who are..?
Vera
The unit that assisted us today.
Marina
Ah, yes. Actually, saved our bacon is
more like it.
Vera
Well, it seems Tikomarova bellied in at
their field, in one piece, of course...
Several women CHEER and clap. Natalya smiles softly.
Vera
...And they are bringing her back to us.
Marina
They?
Vera
(grins)
It appears we are going to have company.
About two dozen of them. With vodka,
sausages, and American records.
All the Pilots CHEER this time.
Marina
(stern)
Excuse me, but I believe I have something
to say in this matter.
All get quiet, look at Marina.
Marina
(grins)
Comrades, wash your hair!
All laugh and CHEER loudly.
ext. 586th flight line/Kalac' - day
Natalya, towel around her shoulders, stands by the nose of her aircraft with Valya Sherbikova, who is draining water from the Yak's radiator into a bucket.
Valya
By now, it should be just the right
temperature.
She tests the water with her finger tip, smiles.
Valya
Perfect.
Natalya leans forward, Valya pours the water on her head.
Natalya
Ahh, that is truly wonderful.
Natalya soaps up her hair. Valya drains more water. In the B/G, this action is repeated all along the flight line. Many of the Pilots SING and laugh.
INT. 586TH PILOT'S QUARTERS BUNKER/KALAC' - DAY
It is basically an underground barracks. The Pilots chatter and laugh as they dry their hair and put on their best uniform tunics.
ext. 586th 'mess hall'/Kalac' - day
The HALL is really a large rectangular wood roof on beams topped with sand bags, surrounded by a wall of sand bags half way up, all covered by camouflage netting. It is well back from the tree line.
int. 586th 'mess hall'/Kalac' - day
Vera, Valya, and several Enlisted Women are moving the crude wood benches and tables to the side.
Vera
(to Valya)
I feel bad that the pilots are having
this party and the rest of you...
Valya stops, looks at directly at Vera.
Valya
Comrade Commissar, please understand some-
thing. All the enlisted personnel know what
the pilots go through. We see them come back
bone tired and shot up. Most of us saw how
Tanya Leonidova died.
Valya looks at the Enlisted Women, who indicate their agreement.
Valya
I believe I speak for all of us when I say
that we do not begrudge 'our girls' their
little party. We will watch from outside,
dance with each other. It will make us
happy to see them happy.
Vera
(deeply moved)
Thank you, Comrades.
ext. 586th h.q. bunker/Kalac' - dusk
The Pilots are all fast asleep in the chairs, except for Vera and Marina, who smoke. Natalya SNORES gently, which makes them both smile.
Marina
(looks at watch)
So, was this party a threat or a promise?
Vera
Shh. Listen.
In the distance, the SOUND of MEN SINGING, accompanied by an ACCORDION. Vera and Marina grin.
Vera & marina
(simultaneously)
Tikomarova!
ext. dirt road/Kalac' - dusk
A 2&1/2 TON TRUCK drives along the dirt road leading to the field. SOUND of SINGING and MUSIC.
int. back of truck - dusk
Ria, in the middle of about TWO DOZEN MALE PILOTS, plays an accordion, as they all SING a "bawdy drinking song".
EXT. 568TH H.Q. BUNKER/KALAC' - DUSK
Vera and Marina have stood up. The women are in various stages of waking up. SOUND of the TRUCK, SINGING, etc. gets LOUDER. The Truck pulls to stop just beyond the Bunker. SOUND of MEN LAUGHING and SHOUTING. The Men begin to leap down from the Truck. Ria leaps down as several of the Women Pilots rush up, hug and kiss her, laugh.
MAJOR IGOR KUZNETSOV, 27, darkly handsome, strides up to Marina and Vera, salutes.
KUZNETSOV
(smiles)
Major Igor Kuznetsov, Executive Officer, Three
Hundred Fifty First Fighter Regiment.
Marina
(returning salute)
Colonel Marina Raskova, Officer Commanding,
Five Hundred Eighty Sixth Fighter Regiment.
She goes to shake hands, but as Kuznetsov takes her hand, he bows, kisses it, 'clicks his heels'.
KUZNETSOV
I am truly honored, Comrade Raskova.
Marina is a little stunned by this, but not unhappy with it either. Kuznetsov smiles at Vera.
Kuznetsov
I hope that the Comrade Commissar will
forgive my bourgeois indulgences.
Vera
(grinning)
We will forgive anything that does justice
to our beloved commander.
Marina
(blushing deeply)
I..ah..thank you for your assistance today.
Kuznetsov
We were simply cleaning up your left overs,
Comrade Raskova.
At this moment, CAPTAIN PETR CHERNYAKOVSKY,22, fresh faced, walks up holding a BOX of RECORDS.
Kuznetsov
This is Captain Petr Chernyakovsky, our
'Entertainment Officer'.
Petr stares at Marina with awe. Marina is very embarrassed.
Petr
(mumbles)
Comrade Colonel.
Kuznetsov
(laughs)
I'm afraid I have a number like Comrade
Chernyakovsky here. When we found out that
we had fought along side Marina Raskova,
many of my men insisted upon meeting you.
He turns towards a GROUP of YOUNG MALE PILOTS, standing sheepishly at a slight distance, each clutching large leather bound books.
Kuznetsov
They are quite enamored of you. They are
hoping that you will sign their flight
log books.
Marina
But..But..
Vera
(laughing)
Marina Nicolaivna, it seems you have been
promoted to 'movie star'.
Marina gives Vera a 'dirty look', which makes Vera laugh harder. Lilya and Katya approach smiling, salute, take Petr by each arm, steer him away.
Kuznetsov
(grins)
A very efficient unit.
Marina looks at the group of 'star-struck' Pilots, smiles ruefully. The Pilots shift on their feet, smile shyly.
int. 586th 'mess hall'/Kalac' - night
Next to the table with the PHONOGRAPH, Katya and Lilya sort through the box of records as Petr watches. Male and Female Pilots cluster uncertainly around the Hall.
Katya
(amazed)
Where did you get all of these?
Petr
I traded vodka with an American bomber crew.
They were ferrying...
Katya
(pulls out a record)
This one!
(to Lilya)
It's Benny Goodman's "String of Pearls".
It's amazing!
Katya puts the record on the phonograph. The SOUND of "String of Pearls" drifts out across the Hall. The Male and Female Pilots smile, relax, begin to pair up and dance.
ext. 586th 'mess hall'/Kalac' - night
Natalya gives several bottles of vodka to some of the Ground Crewwomen, who are watching the dancing.
Natalya
I'm sorry I don't have any extra men to
go round.
crewwoman
That's alright, Comrade Major. Vodka is
more reliable.
They all laugh.
int. 586th 'mess hall'/Kalac' - night
A different SONG is now playing. As the couples dance, we notice that the Men's uniforms though clean and well kept, are very baggy and ill-fitting compared to the Women's uniforms, which are gorgeously well tailored and brightly embroidered. To the side, Kuznetsov, Marina and Natalya sit and talk. They all smoke and drink.
Kuznetsov
...With the 'stacking' technique we have been
using...
(gestures with hands)
...then diving down. It's called the "Falcon
Dive".
Natalya
Yes, yes! We have been working out a
technique very much...
There is a commotion. They look towards it.
Ludmilla, looking like 'something the cat dragged in', stands in the Mess Hall entrance, amazed by the party. Several of the women rush over, hug her, etc. Ria has a washcloth, cleans Ludmilla's face, drags her over to a tall YOUNG MALE PILOT, 20, very Slavic.
Ria
(to Young Pilot)
She's just back from the dead. Dance
with her!
Cut to:
Ludmilla and the Young Pilot dance.
Ludmilla
I'm sorry. I must smell awful.
young pilot
(sniffs, smiles)
You smell wonderful.
Ludmilla
(grins)
You must be a farm boy.
He 'grins like a goon'.
Petr and Katya are by the phonograph. Katya looks through the record box.
Katya
What are these?
Petr
I don't think you girls are ready for
that stuff.
Lilya is just behind him.
Lilya
What are we not ready for?
Petr
Well, it's called "jitterbug". The dancing
is.. well, it's very wild. Lots of, sort of,
being thrown around.
Lilya
(smiles)
We are all Komsomol members in this
regiment.
Petr
(uncertain)
Yes?
Lilya
That means we are all trained gymnasts.
Petr
Oh.
cut to:
In the middle of the Hall, Petr is slowly showing Lilya 'jitterbug' moves without music. Everyone else stands in a circle watching them carefully.
Ext. 586th h.q. bunker/Kalac' - night
TWO JEEPS pull up in front of the Bunker. The Second Jeep's passengers are FOUR SERGEANTS, big, tough, carrying sub-machine guns. From the First Jeep steps LIEUTENANT GENERAL VASILY BARKAGAN, 40's, handsome, weathered. The SOUND of FRANTIC "SWING" MUSIC can be heard. Barkagan smirks.
int. 586th 'mess hall'/Kalac' - night
The 586th and the 351th are 'tossing each other all over the dance floor'. Barkagan enters, looks around frowning. After a beat, the MUSIC is stopped with a LOUD "SCRAAACH". Everyone stops, turns to see what's happening, begins snapping to attention.
Ria
(shouts)
Attention!
Barkagan stalks into the HALL, scowling.
Barkagan
Well, well. What's this? Fraternization.
Contraband. Decadent music. Drunkenness.
(looks around)
What kind of Russians are you?
(holds out his hand, palm up)
Do you see this? Can anyone here explain
to me why it is not grasping a glass of
vodka?
Everyone is a bit stunned. Marina approaches him, smirking.
Marina
Vasily Vladimirovich, you are a black dog.
Barkagan
(grins, eyes sparkling)
And what does that make you, darling
Marina Nicolaivna?
Marina and Barkagan hug, kiss on both cheeks and laugh.
Barkagan
So, what is the occasion for this bacchanal?
Marina
We survived another day of fighting.
Barkagan
Always a good reason.
In the B/G, Vera is whispering to Katya and Ria, who nod, pick up their accordions, begin playing a "Russian dance tune". Barkagan turns towards them.
Barkagan
Well, the surprises never cease.
Vera approaches with a glass of vodka, hands it to Barkagan who throws it back. Vera starts to do the beginning steps of a "folk dance", smiling at Barkagan.
Barkagan
(grins)
Nicely done, Comrade Commissar. Nicely done.
He begins to dance as well, the two of them slowly circling each other. The MUSIC picks up its tempo.
cut to:
Barkagan and Vera dance the "Kazatska" with unrestrained exuberance. All are clapping and stomping their feet.
AUDIO FADE/DISSOLVE TO:
All are sitting on the benches and tables in a semi-circle around Marina and Barkagan. A FRAMED B&W PHOTO is being passed around.
Marina
...That was taken two months earlier,
in December of Thirty Six. That's me on
the left..
C/U the PHOTO in someone's hands as Marina speaks: THREE WOMEN in heavy flight suits stand arm in arm before a large primitive MULTI-ENGINED AIRCRAFT on a SNOW COVERED FIELD.
Marina(o.s.)
...Galina Suverova in the middle, and
Valeria Tsibizova on the right.
The PHOTO is passed on.
Marina
We had been in Vladivostok since October.
Ludmilla raises her hand.
Marina
Yes, Comrade Andryushchenkova?
Ludmilla
Comrade Raskova, I was wondering, why
were you flying in Winter?
Marina
(smiles)
Because anyone could fly from one end of
Russia to the other in good weather.
All smile and laugh.
dissolve to:
Marina
... We threw everything extraneous over
board, even unbolted all the seats, except
the pilot's of course, but it wasn't enough.
So, just north of Votkinsk, I bailed out.
Barkagan
This is in February, mind you.
Marina
(shrugs dismissively)
It was nothing. We had seen a collective
farm earlier. I just headed towards that.
Barkagan
You parachute out of your aircraft in the
dead of Winter to insure the success of
your mission, and it was nothing?
Marina
(grins)
Valeria was the better pilot..
(pats her 'rump')
.. and I carried more ballast.
Everyone laughs.
Barkagan
And Comrade Stalin made you Hero of the
Soviet Union. Personally.
Marina
(shy)
Yes.
Lilya
I remember listening to the reports on the
radio. I was just thirteen. They called you
"The Winged Sisters". It was then that I
decided I was going to be a pilot. I joined
a Komsomol glider club the next day.
Most of the Women and several of the Men nod their heads, "mummer in agreement". Marina blushes deeply, smiles with embarrassment. All become quiet, many looking at her with tremendous reverence. Vera 'bustles', stands.
Vera
(grins)
Well, boys and girls, we have a long day
of killing Fascists ahead of us.
The group begins to stretch, stand up.
Barkagan
(stands, raises glass)
I wish to propose a toast. To Mother Russia!
(looks around the HALL)
And all Her ferocious daughters!
All
(laughing, cheering)
Mother Russia!-Her ferocious daughters!
All 'toss back' their vodka.
cut to:
Everyone is milling about, saying their "good-byes", etc, exiting the Hall. Katya is by the phonograph putting on a record. After a beat, the haunting strains of "The Sadko Aria" from Rimsky-Korsakov's "Song of India" drift across the Hall. The Men and Women look at each other with great poignancy. Several of the Women have bunches of wildflowers which they are placing in the Men's caps and tunic buttonholes. Many gently hug and kiss on both cheeks. There are some tears.
ext. 586th h.q. bunker/Kalac' - night
The Men are climbing into the Truck as the Women say their final "good-byes". The SOUND of the "Sadko Aria" can still be heard. Marina and Barkagan watch from a slight distance. His Jeeps are parked nearby.
Barkagan
I want you to pick two of your best pilots
for a special assignment.
Marina
Which is?
Barkagan
They are to be attached to an all male
regiment based at Stalingrad. I left the
orders on your desk.
Marina
This is political, I assume?
Barkagan
(chuckles)
What isn't? Speaking of political, did you
hear about your old friend Comrade Volkov?
Marina
No. How is the Comrade General these days?
Barkagan
He is a Comrade Major now, and commanding
a biplane unit out on the Mongolian border.
Marina
That's all?
Barkagan
It's the war. Officers are in short supply.
Otherwise, it would have been The Gulag at
least. Or a bullet in the back of the head,
more likely. After the war, however...
On the distant horizon, the FLASH of ARTILLERY is seen, followed by its RUMBLING "CHUMP-CHUMP" SOUND. All stop and look towards it. The music has ended.
Marina
Yes, after the war...
(smiles at Barkagan)
So, Vasily Vladimirovich, can you come and
visit me tomorrow night?
Barkagan
Tomorrow?
Marina
Yes, tomorrow.
(looks towards Truck)
Tonight, we must set an example.
Barkagan
(smiles, bows slightly)
I yield to your profound wisdom, Marina
Nicolaivna. Would the evening after
tomorrow be possible?
Marina
Certainly. I always look forward to your
company, Comrade General.
She comes to attention. They salute. Barkagan climbs into his Jeep, which pulls away quickly, closely followed by the Second Jeep.
The Men are all in the Truck, which begins to pull away. All are quiet. One MAN begins SINGING a "heroic ballad". Several other Men join in, then all. Some of the Women begin to SING as well. The Truck disappears into the darkness, the SOUND of the MEN'S SINGING SLOWLY FADING. The Women begin to disperse. Marina walks up to Lilya and Katya.
Marina
Comrade Litvyak. Comrade Fedotova. I have
an assignment for you two.
int. 586th h.q. bunker/Kalac' - night
At the map table, Marina is outlining a course to Lilya and Katya, who pay close attention.
Marina
You will be flying parallel to he front,
but most of the time you'll be a good
hundred miles behind the lines. Your
trip will be in two legs.
(points to spot on map)
This is the end of the first leg. It's
a small ferry stop field. You should
reach it by mid-afternoon. The second
leg will get you to the Two Hundred Ninety
Sixth's field to the east of Stalingrad
just before dusk.
(consults paper)
On your first leg, your compass heading
will be..
AUDIO FADE/DISSOLVE TO:
ext. 586th flight line/Kalac' - day
Marina and Ludmilla walk through the trees towards the aircraft.
Marina
Are you sure you're up to a patrol this
morning?
Ludmilla
I need to get back in the saddle, Comrade
Colonel.
Marina
(smiles)
Yes, I do know that one.
On the flight line, Vera talks with Lilya and Katya.
Vera
I went over everything personally.
Katya
(warm smile)
Then we should be fine.
Marina and Ludmilla approach. They all salute.
Marina
Good morning, Comrades.
(to Vera)
So, everything is ready?
Vera
Perfectly, Comrade Colonel.
Marina seems at a loss for words. Natalya and Ria approach, Ria carrying an accordion.
Natalya
I wanted to see you off.
All are a bit awkward. Ria gives the accordion to Katya.
Katya
You really shouldn't.
Ria
It's my old one. The boy's from the Three
Fifty First gave me a new one.
Katya and Ria hug and kiss.
Lilya
I can't be sure of much, but I do believe
we will meet again, Natalya Andreivna.
Natalya
I hope so. I put a lot of work into you,
Lilya Atomova.
Natalya and Lilya smile gently, hug.
Marina
(teary eyed)
I just wanted to say..Well, that first day,
when I said that I was like the 'mother of
regiment', I wanted you to know that I truly
meant it.
Lilya and Katya both hug her very tightly, kiss her cheeks.
C/U of a YAK'S nose as its ENGINE ROARS to life.
cut to:
The FOUR YAKS taxi out from the tree line.
cut to:
ext. 586th runway/Kalac' - day
The Four Yaks take off in formation.
ext. sky/above Kalac' - day
The aircraft fly in formation.
int. Marina's cockpit - day
Marina
(keys throat mike)
This is Eagle One. Good luck to you..My
daughters.
She gives Lilya and Katya a 'thumbs up'.
int. Katya's cockpit - day
Katya is teary eyed.
int. Lilya's cockpit -day
Lilya
(teary eyed, keys throat mike)
This is Snowflake Two. We will make you
proud, Eagle One. Snowflake Two, out.
ext. sky/above Kalac' - day
Lilya and Katya peel off. Marina and Ludmilla continue on course.
dissolve to:
ext. sky/above the don - day
It's mid-morning. Marina and Ludmilla continue on course.
int. Marina's cockpit - day
Marina
(keys throat mike)
Eagle One to Eagle Two. We'll make another
sweep and then head home.
She looks over at Ludmilla's aircraft.
Ludmilla(o.s./radio)
Acknowledged, Eagle One.
ext. sky/above the don - day
Both aircraft begin to turn.
int. fuselage/Marina's aircraft - day
The CAMERA'S VIEW travels along a METAL CONTROL CABLE to an EXTREME C/U of a METAL BOLT that holds the Cable in place. A crack appears in the Bolt, it shears off, releasing the Cable, which snaps loose violently.
int. Marina's cockpit - day
The aircraft lurches violently into the turn. Marina's head is slammed against the canopy. The aircraft spins out of control.
ext. sky/above the don - day
Marina's aircraft spirals downward.
int. Ludmilla's cockpit - day
Ludmilla
(keys throat mike)
Eagle One, acknowledge.
(listens)
Eagle One, acknowledge.
int. Marina's cockpit - day
Marina is unconscious, the "G-force" pushing her against her seat.
Ludmilla(o.s./radio)
Eagle One, acknowledge.
ext. sky/above the don - day
Marina's aircraft spirals downward.
Ludmilla(o.s./radio)
(desperate)
Eagle One, Eagle One..
ext. Russian countryside - day
In the distance, Marina's Aircraft tumbles down from the
sky.
Ludmilla(o.s./radio)
..Acknowledge. Eagle One, Eagle..
Marina's Aircraft hits the ground. The FAINT SOUND of a "CRUMP". A ball of black smoke and fire blossoms upward into the sky, leaving a THIN COLUMN of SMOKE.
dissolve to:
ext. sky/above the don - day
On the distant horizon, a HUGE COLUMN of BLACK SMOKE rises miles into the sky. TWO YAKS steadily fly towards it.
int. Katya's cockpit - day
Katya watches the Black Column soberly, keys her throat
mike.
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya also looks at the Black Column.
Katya(o.s./radio)
Snowflake Two, do you see that?
LILYA
(keys throat mike)
How can I miss it?
int. Katya's cockpit - day
KATYA looks scared.
Katya
That's Stalingrad, isn't it?
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya
(soft)
Yes. That is Stalingrad.
Marina and Vera stand at attention as MAJOR GENERAL BERDICHEV VOLKOV, 42, rawboned, pockmarked, 'rants and raves'.
Volkov
This is not what I ordered!
Marina
Comrade Gen-
Volkov
Don't interrupt, Colonel! Your orders were simply to defend the bridges, deter attacks, not go chasing all over the countryside!
Natalya, Lilya and Katya enter, come to attention. Volkov turns on them.
Volkov
Which one of you is responsible for this incident?
Lilya
I am, Comrade General.
Volkov
You!?
(to Marina)
You entrust this..this child with an aircraft!?
Marina
Comrade General, this 'child' is an officer of-
Volkov
This is too much! She's not old enough to make babies, let alone be allowed to..to..
(snorts)
This is taking Socialism too far!
Vera
(deadly)
Taking Socialism too far, Comrade General? Is such a thing possible?
Volkov
(gets nervous, acts dismissive)
You know what I mean.
Vera
No, Comrade General, I do not.
Volkov
Don't be impertinent, Comrade Popkova!
(pulls on his gloves)
I've made myself clear.
(to Marina)
From now on, follow my orders to the letter.
He exits rapidly. They all 'deflate'.
Lilya
With respect, Comrade Colonel, what the hell was that about?
MARINA
(very angry, wiggles her pinky)
Equipment failure.
(to Vera)
I think it is time to go see "Old Mustache".
Vera
(wicked smile)
If memory serves me, there is a mail flight out of Tambov tomorrow at dawn. And favors are owed.
Marina
(to Natalya & Lilya)
Comrades, pack an overnight bag. We are going to Moscow.
int. 586th h.q. bunker/Rasskazovo - day
Lilya, Katya and Natalya exit Marina's office. After a beat, Vera exits as well, catches up with Natalya.
Vera
Natalya Andreivna, do you have a good memory?
Natalya
You know I do.
(looks right at Vera)
Vera Semyonova.
Vera
(hands Natalya a piece of paper)
Memorize it. Burn it.
Natalya
What for?
Vera
If you have trouble.
Natalya
Why me?
Vera
And not the Colonel?
Natalya
Yes.
Vera
She is a fighter. You are a killer.
Natalya
(laughs)
Coming from you, Vera Semyonova, I believe that is a compliment.
Vera grins broadly.
ext. Moscow cityscape - day
It is a brisk winter day. The skyline is dominated by the ONION DOMES of SAINT BASIL'S and the MASSIVE GRAY WALLS of THE KREMLIN. Numerous BARRAGE BALLOONS float above the entire city.
MOSCOW
int. Kremlin hallway - day
Marina, Natalya, and Lilya, wearing their best dress uniforms, walk up to large double doors flanked by NKVD GUARDS (secret police). Marina shows one of them a form. He opens the door.
int. anteroom to Stalin's office - day
It is a large room, cold and intimidating, with many chairs mostly occupied by high ranking MILITARY and POLITICAL PERSONNEL. A huge PORTRAIT of STALIN glowers down on them all. Everyone seems nervous. Except the NKVD Major, 35, ugly, sitting at the reception desk. The Women stand before him, Marina in front.
nkvd major
Your business, Comrade?
Marina
Colonel Marina Raskova, Red Air Force, to see Comrade Stalin.
He seems to know who she is. He picks up a phone, mutters into it, hangs up. He smiles, not a pretty sight.
nkvd major
You may go right in, Comrade Raskova.
A slight 'shock wave' goes through the others waiting in the room. Some of them look indignant, as though they may protest, then think better of it.
Marina
Thank you, Comrade.
The Women start forward.
nkvd major
One moment. Your pistols, please.
(smiles)
Nothing personal, Comrades.
int. Stalin's office - day
It is all dark woods and stuffed leather. The Women sit around a coffee table drinking tea with JOSEF STALIN, 63. He seems friendly, but his eyes are 'deadly'.
Marina
..and then Comrade Volkov says, "This is taking Socialism too far".
Stalin
(soft)
That is an interesting observation.
(to Lilya)
So, little one, what would you do about this?
Lilya
Have him shot.
It is very quiet. Then Stalin roars with laughter.
Stalin
Marina Nicolaivna, I knew I was right about you. Your eye for talent is unerring. I will take care of this myself.
(to Lilya)
And you, my little killer..
(he pats her knee)
..you shall have all the Fascists you can eat.
Lilya smiles brightly. He stands. The Women follow suit.
Stalin
Forgive me for being such a poor host, but all those pasty faced bastards out there demand my attention.
(bows slightly)
My thanks, Comrade Pilots. Your beauty and courage has brightened this old man's day.
Marina
It was our pleasure, Comrade Stalin.
Stalin
(to Marina)
You will join me for dinner?
Marina
Of course, Comrade.
Stalin
And Marina Nicolaivna..
(indicates her uniform)
..please wear something nicer.
Marina
Most certainly, Josef Vissarionovich.
(wicked grin)
I have just the thing.
She kisses him on the cheek. He grabs her around the waist. They both laugh heartily.
Marina
He thinks he can drink me under the table.
Stalin
(teasing)
Oh, yes, big talk before the first bottle.
Natalya is stunned. Lilya watches quietly. Then Stalin hugs Natalya tightly, kisses her on both cheeks. She is a bit stiff.
Stalin
Kill some Fascists for me, Comrade Savitskaya.
Natalya
Ye..Yes, Comrade Stalin.
He hugs Lilya, who responds more enthusiastically, kissing him on both cheeks. He beams.
Stalin
And you, my little killer, next time you are in Moscow, you come and visit your Uncle Joe.
Lilya
(brightly)
Yes, Comrade Uncle.
int. Kremlin hallway - day
Marina, Natalya, and Lilya walk down the hallway.
Marina
You two, go and see your families. I'll meet you here in the main lobby tomorrow morning at zero-nine-hundred hours.
Natalya is still dumbfounded.
Marina
(laughs)
Don't look so scandalized, Natalya Andreivna. I am actually fond of the old monster. And he is, as they say, a man of prodigious appetites.
Natalya blushes. Marina laughs harder, hugs her.
Marina
You are precious.
Marina steps back, comes to attention. Natalya and Lilya respond in kind. They all salute. Marina exits. Natalya and Lilya continue down the hallway.
Lilya
He reminds me of my Uncle Georgi. He was a cousin really, but we all called him Uncle. Always tried to put his hand up my dress when I was a little girl.
(small smile)
He disappeared into the Gulag.
Natalya sighs deeply.
Lilya
I know, Comrade Savitskaya. But look at it this way. All those Fascists we shall have in our sights, they are men, too.
NATALYA
(grins wolfishly)
Yes, there is that.
ext. Moscow street - dusk
A once fashionable district of 'BIG HOUSES' that are now APARTMENT BUILDINGS. A TRAM LINE runs along the street. Some bomb damage is visible, but 'tidied up'. Foot and vehicle traffic is light. The Tram rolls to a stop, Lilya steps off. SOUND of TRAM BELL. The Tram rolls on. Lilya looks around, smiles.
int. apartment building/stairway - night
Lilya sprints up the stairs, two at a time.
int. apartment building/hallway - night
Lilya knocks on an apartment door. After a beat, the door opens to reveal MRS. GRUSHKIN, 50, bony, pinched faced. She looks at Lilya with distrust.
Mrs. Grushkin
What do you want?
Lilya
(bemused)
I'm looking for Mrs. Ina Litvyak.
Mrs. Grushkin
Who are you?
Lilya
I'm her daughter.
Mrs. Grushkin gives her a 'fisheyed' look. Lilya returns the stare, puts her hand on her pistol holster.
Lilya
Well?
Mrs. Grushkin
(blanches, steps aside)
She's in the back.
LILYA steps through the DOOR.
int. Litvyak apartment/sitting room - night
MRS. INA LITVYAK,46, petite, attractive, sits in a chair by the window, asleep, with a lap full of knitting. She awakes as Lilya enters. A smile bursts on her face. She leaps up, hugs Lilya tightly.
Mrs. Litvyak
Oh, my darling, darling girl.
Lilya
Hello, Momma.
MRS. LITVYAK
(steps back, frowns)
And why didn't you tell me you were coming?
Lilya
I didn't know until last night. I flew in this morning with Colonel Raskova.
Mrs. Litvyak
(laughs)
That sounds so impressive.
Lilya
(coy)
I met Comrade Stalin.
SOUND of CHINAWARE BREAKING. Lilya looks suspicious.
Mrs. Litvyak
(whispers)
Mrs. Grushkin eavesdrops.
(louder)
Is everything all right, Mrs. Grushkin?
(giggles)
SOUND of 'CLEANING UP'.
Mrs. Grushkin(o.s.)
Everything's fine, thank you.
Lilya
What is she doing here?
Mrs. Litvyak
(shrugs)
It's the housing shortage.
(shakes her head)
I really shouldn't tease her, poor thing. Her son is missing on the Leningrad Front. She acts tough, but I hear her cry herself to sleep every night.
Lilya
Momma, you are a jewel.
MRS. LITVYAK
(waves hand dismissively)
Oh, pish-posh. Come, let me make you something to eat.
She grabs Lilya's hand, drags her out of the room.
int. Litvyak apartment/kitchen - night
Lilya and Mrs. Litvyak sit drinking tea. The meal is over.
Lilya
..and he says to me, "Next time you come to Moscow, come and visit your Uncle Joe".
MRS. LITVYAK
(raises her eyebrows)
"Uncle Joe"?
Lilya
Actually, he sort of reminds me of Uncle Georgi.
Mrs. Litvyak
('crosses' herself)
God have mercy!
LILYA
(sips her tea)
This is very good.
Mrs. Litvyak
Your father comes up with many interesting things. Too bad you'll miss him.
Lilya
He won't be home tonight?
Mrs. Litvyak
Oh, no. He's not in the local yards anymore. It's freight trains to the Urals these days. He'll be half way to Sverdlovsk by now.
Lilya
(takes out pack of cigarettes)
Oh, well.
Mrs. Litvyak
You smoke!?
(laughs)
What am I saying? You shoot down Fascist bombers and have afternoon tea with Stalin. Why shouldn't you smoke?
(gets up)
Come, we'll smoke on the roof. Mrs. Grushkin's allergic. I'll get my coat.
int Litvyak apartment/living room - night
Mrs. Grushkin sits in a chair reading PRAVDA. Lilya enters.
Lilya
Mrs. Grushkin?
MRS. GRUSHKIN
(eyes her wearily)
Yes?
Lilya
My mother told me about your son. I know some people. I'll try to find out if he's all right.
MRS. GRUSHKIN
(softens, tears up)
Thank you.
Lilya
(gentle)
We are all Comrades in this, Mrs. Grushkin.
ext. apartment building/roof - night
Lilya and Mrs. Litvyak smoke cigarettes, look out at the
city.
Mrs. Litvyak
I miss the lights. You could see Red Square from here.
Lilya
They'll come on again.
SOUND of an AIR RAID SIREN.
Mrs. Litvyak
We should go inside.
Lilya
No, not yet.
In the distance, SEARCHLIGHT BEAMS crisscross the night sky. DRONING SOUND of BOMBER ENGINES. Lilya watches with fascination. Mrs. Litvyak watches Lilya. SOUND of ANTI-AIRCRAFT ARTILLERY: a dull "THUMPING". In the distance, the sky is lit up by the FLASH of EXPLODING AA SHELLS: a "CRACK-BOOM" SOUND.
MRS. LITVYAK
(pensive)
It excites you, doesn't it?
Lilya
(looks at her almost sadly)
Yes, it does.
(looks back at sky)
Like nothing else in the world.
Mrs. Litvyak
(wistful)
You're not my little girl anymore.
LILYA
(hugs her mother)
Oh, momma, I'll always be your little girl.
She kisses her mother's forehead, but watches the AA fire, her eyes sparkling.
ext. Moscow street - night
Natalya walks up to a large APARTMENT BUILDING, pauses by the entrance. SOUND of AA FIRE overhead. She sighs, enters the building.
int. Savitsky apartment - night
It's a bit larger than Mrs. Litvyak's apartment. It is also a mess. SOUND of DOOR UNLOCKING. The door opens, Natalya enters, looks around in disgust. SOUND of WOMAN'S LAUGHTER. Natalya flares up.
Natalya
Dimitri!?
Dimitri(o.s.)
(mocking)
Oh, no! It's the Devil's Daughter!
SOUND of WOMAN'S LAUGHTER, now slightly hysterical.
Natalya
Where are you, you son of a bitch!?
She heads for the bedroom.
int. Savitsky apartment/bedroom - night
Natalya bursts in the room, furious. In the bed is DIMITRI SAVITSKY, 35, handsome, but the right side of his face has terrible burn scars. He wears a BLACK EYE PATCH over his right eye. With him is a 'FLOOZY', 20's, attractive, cheap. They are both very drunk. Natalya pulls out her pistol. The Floozy SCREAMS, falls out of bed. Dimitri just laughs.
Dimitri
Is that anyway to greet your husband?
(leers)
Why don't you join us?
Frustrated, Natalya puts the pistol away.
Natalya
I've had it with you! We're finished!
Dimitri
(angry)
You've had it with me!? You abandon me here.
You're out there, with all your bloody
girlfriends, zooming around..
(sneering)
..and I'm sure you're all having fun
together.
NATALYA
(sputters with fury)
I..I..
She gives up, heads for the closet.
Dimitri
NO!!
Natalya opens the closet, her eyes widen. The closet is stacked full of boxes: cigarettes, chocolate, vodka, etc. She turns to him. He looks 'caught'.
Dimitri
(defiant)
What do you want from me?
Ignoring him, she looks under the bed, pulls out huge suitcase, takes it to the closet.
Dimitri
What are you doing?
She begins to fill the suitcase from his stash.
Dimitri
(starts to get out of bed)
You can't do that!
NATALYA
(turns, pistol drawn)
I'll kill you on the spot, you son of a
bitch! And get away with it.
He slumps back into the bed.
cut to:
C/U of the suitcase: it is packed to the rim with boxes of chocolate, cigarettes, etc. Natalya snaps it shut, picks it up. The closet is still stacked full of contraband.
Natalya
You can go to the Devil!
She exits the bedroom.
Dimitri
That's right, you bitch! Go back to your
girlfriends! Kiss them for me, you God
damned dyke!
SOUND of DOOR SLAMMING. The Floozy peers over the edge of the bed.
Dimitri
Get back in bed, you stupid slut!
She laughs weakly.
int. hotel lobby - night
It is a very posh establishment. Its clientèle seems exclusively high ranking MILITARY PERSONNEL. Natalya sits at a small table with a 'courtesy' phone. She picks the phone up, dials.
int. office - night
C/U of phone. SOUND of RINGING. An NKVD COLONEL, 42, brutal looking, answers the phone.
brutal man
Yes?
Natalya(o.s./phone)
The cranes are flying.
brutal man
(smiles coldly)
How may I help you?
int. hotel lobby - night
NATALYA
(calmly lights cigarette)
I would like to make a report.
ext. courtyard/LEFORTOVO prison - dawn
TWO NKVD LIEUTENANTS escort Dimitri out to the COURTYARD, a narrow space enclosed by high, grim STONE WALLS. He has been badly beaten. They force Dimitri to his knees. His expression is blank. SOUND of BIRD SINGING. He looks up, smiles slightly. A pistol is placed against the back of his head.
C/U of a SPARSE TREE BRANCH: A BIRD sits on the Branch, SINGING brightly. The SOUND of a GUN SHOT startles it, and the Bird flies away.
dissolve to:
ext. RUSSIAN countryside - day
C/U of a LUSH TREE BRANCH: A BIRD lands on the Branch, begins to SING brightly.
Overhead, the sky is filled with CONTRAILS.
SUMMER, 1942
ext. sky/above the don - day
The contrails belong to apx. FIFTY JU-88's flying along in formation.
Far above the Bombers, TWO DOZEN YAKS fly in formation. Many have the 'bubble' canopy. Most have 'kill marks' by their cockpits, and 'slogans' painted in large red and white letters on the fuselage: "NOVOSIBIRSK KOMSOMOL", "FOR USSR!", "FOR STALIN!", etc.
int. marina's cockpit - day
Marina
(keys throat mike)
Mother Hen, Mother Hen, this is Eagle One.
Over.
woman's voice(o.s./radio)
Eagle One, this Mother Hen. Over.
Marina
Mother Hen, I have fifty to sixty large
hostiles, baring two-zero-five degrees.
We are engaging.
woman's voice(o.s./radio)
Eagle One, engaging fifty-sixty large
hostiles. Acknowledged.
Marina
(pulls on goggles)
Eagle One to all hatchings. Let's go break
up their party.
ext. sky/above the don - day
In pairs, the Yaks begin to peel off and dive down on the Bombers.
int. Ju-88 cockpit - day
The FOUR MAN CREW scan the sky. Suddenly, the REAR GUNNER
reacts.
rear gunner
(in German/sub-titles)
Fighters! Fighters! Twelve o'clock!
He begins firing.
ext. sky/above the don - day
The Yaks drop onto the Bombers, whose formation begins to break up and scatter. Here follows a MONTAGE of RAPID SHOTS inter cut randomly with each other:
-INT. YAK COCKPIT'S; Marina, Lilya, Natalya, Ria, Katya,
et. al. as they close in on Bombers.
-INT. JU-88 Cockpit's; PILOTS maneuver, GUNNERS fire, all YELL and CURSE, CREWMEN get hit, SCREAM, die.
-EXT. SKY; Fighters pursue Bombers, tracers streak, pieces explode off wings and fuselages, Bombers trail smoke and flames.
int. Agneeva's cockpit - day
She is boring in on a Bomber when suddenly, the SOUND of ROUNDS HITTING her aircraft. Surprised, she turns her head to look. The glass shatters, her face explodes spraying blood and bone everywhere. Smoke pours into the cockpit.
ext. sky/above the don - day
Agneeva's burning aircraft spins out of control. Right behind it is a ME-109. It peels off. Now, into the meelay of Yaks and Ju-88's, swarm DOZENS of ME-109's. They seem to outnumber the Yaks at least three to one.
int. Ludmilla's cockpit - day
Ludmilla is closing on a Bomber. SOUND of ROUNDS HITTING her aircraft. She banks and rolls violently.
Ext. sky/above the don - day
An ME-109 pursues Ludmilla's Yak, which begins to trail smoke. Suddenly, a YAK is on the Me-109's tail, blazing away.
INT. Katya's cockpit - day
Katya bores in on the German Fighter. SOUND of ROUNDS HITTING her aircraft . She stays on the Me-109.
Ext. sky/above the don - day
Ludmilla's smoking fighter is pursued by a German Fighter, who is pursued by Katya, who is pursued by another German Fighter. A third YAK jumps on his tail.
Int. Lilya's cockpit - Day
She flies right on top of the Me-109, opens fire at point blank range. The Me-109 canopy disintegrates, part of the wing explodes, it spins out.
int. Ludmilla's cockpit - day
Her aircraft is burning. She opens her canopy, turns the aircraft upside down, falls out.
ext. sky/above the Don - day
The sky is filled with SOVIET and NAZI FIGHTERS swirling around each other.
int. Natalya's cockpit - day
She is on the tail of an ME-109, firing short bursts as the German tries to escape. SOUND of ROUNDS HITTING her aircraft. She crouches down, stays on the German.
Natalya
(gritting teeth)
There's too God damned many!
ext. sky/above the don - day
About a DOZEN FIGHTERS, alternately SOVIET and NAZI, chase each other in a 'daisy chain'. Into this fight swarms a new group of SOVIET FIGHTERS. (LAVOCHKIN LA-5's, massive radial engined 'monsters' with twin nose cannons) Immediately, they smash several of the Me-109's into wreckage. Several more German Fighters start to break off and run.
Int. Ria's cockpit - day
Ria watches this, laughs and "whoops". Then, she notices a JU-88 trying to escape. She turns toward it.
ext. sky/above the don - day
Ria's fighter closes in on the Bomber.
int. Ju-88 cockpit - day
The REAR GUNNER begins firing. The PILOT hauls the steering column over hard.
ext. sky/above the don - day
The Bomber turns sharply. Ria hangs on, begins firing. Tracers lance out.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
Ria lines the Bomber up in her gunsight. SOUND of ROUNDS HITTING her aircraft. She ignores this, stays on the Bomber.
int. me-109 cockpit - day
The GERMAN PILOT lines Ria up in his gunsight. SOUND of ROUNDS HITTING his aircraft. He scowls, but stays on Ria.
Int. Natalya's cockpit - day
Natalya is lining up the Me-109 in her gunsight as he pursues Ria's aircraft.
ext. sky/above the don - day
The Bomber is pursued by Ria, chased by the German Fighter, who has Natalya on his tail. All aircraft are firing.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
Ria fires another burst, then nothing. She presses the firing button. No result.
RIA
DAMN! DAMN! DAMN! DAMN!
SOUND of ROUNDS HITTING her aircraft.
Ria
(snarling)
I'll fix you sons of bitches.
She pulls the landing gear lever, then pushes her throttle forward. SOUND of her ENGINE ROARING.
ext. sky/above the don - day
Ria closes in on the Bomber as her landing gear comes down.
int. Ju-88 cockpit - day
C/U Rear Gunner's face, as his eyes widen in terror.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
The Bomber looms in her windscreen. She SCREAMS defiantly.
int. Ju-88 cockpit - day
The Rear Gunner ducks down. One of Ria's landing struts smashes into the cockpit. The Bomber Pilot lets out a brief SHRIEK as the tire crushes him to a bloody pulp against the instrument panel.
int. ME-109 cockpit - day
The Fighter Pilot is horrified.
pilot
(in German/sub-titles)
God damned crazy Russians!
He pulls away from his pursuit.
int. Natalya's cockpit - day
The German Fighter flies right across her gunsight. She blasts his canopy to pieces.
ext. sky/above the don - day
The Ju-88 and the Me-109 both spiral down in flames.
int. Natalya's cockpit - day
She looks around anxiously, then smiles.
ext. sky/above the Don - day
Ria flies up along side Natalya. Ria's single remaining landing strut dangles 'tire-less'. Otherwise, her aircraft appears intact.
int. Natalya's cockpit - day
NATALYA
(keys throat mike)
Rooster Seven, you should not be so care-
less with the People's aviation equipment.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
RIA
(keys throat mike)
I'll make a note of that.
(presses firing button)
My guns are still jammed. What does my under
carriage look like?
int. Natalya's cockpit - day
Natalya drops her aircraft down, looks at Ria's underside.
Natalya
(keys throat mike)
Your port landing strut is hanging on by
a thread, with no tire. The starboard strut
is totally gone.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
RIA
(keys throat mike)
Well, that's better than I expected. Alright,
I think I can make it back to the field.
int. Natalya's cockpit - day
NATALYA
(keys throat mike)
Good luck, Comrade.
She gives Ria a 'thumbs up', banks her aircraft away.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
Ria checks her instruments, sighs deeply.
Ria
Here goes nothing.
Carefully, slowly, she turns her aircraft. It responds without protest. She smiles, relaxes, begins HUMMING "Kalinka", a Russian folk tune.
ext. sky/above the Don - day
Ria's aircraft flies along. SOUND of RIA'S HUMMING FADES OUT.
dissolve to:
int. Ria's cockpit - day
Ria scans the sky. She looks tired. SOUND of 'GLITCH' in the ENGINE. She checks her instruments. SOUND of 'GLITCH' repeats.
Ria
(mutters)
So much for getting home.
She looks for a place to land, sees something, smiles.
Ria
How convenient.
She begins to descend.
ext. 351st fighter Regt runway - day
It is a plain EARTHEN RUNWAY at the edge of the forest. ANTI-AIRCRAFT GUN EMPLACEMENTS are situated at either end. BUNKERS are slightly visible just inside the tree line.
ext. anti-aircraft gun emplacement - day
It's a RING of SAND BAGS around a SINGLE BARREL 37MM AA-GUN with a THREE MAN CREW. A SENIOR NCO, 20's, weathered, looks skyward with binoculars, picks up a field telephone.
NCO
It's one of our's and it's in trouble.
ext. 351st h.q. bunker - day
A tough looking SENIOR LIEUTENANT, 30's, emerges from the bunker, looks skyward with binoculars.
POV BINOCULARS: Ria's aircraft is trailing smoke. The remaining strut is flopping about in the wind.
The Tough Lieutenant lowers the binoculars.
tough lieutenant
(mutters)
It's a wonder the damned thing is still
airborne.
(yells into bunker)
Crash landing alert!
int. Ria's cockpit - day
Ria is struggling with the controls. She HUMS "Kalinka" with some desperation. SOUND of ENGINE 'COUGHING'.
ext. 351st runway - day
A 'make shift' FIRE TRUCK(a GAZ 'MODEL A' knock-off) races out onto the runway. Ria's aircraft is just over the run way. The nose is smoking heavily with small bursts of flame spurting out.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
Ria is 'fighting' the aircraft down.
Ria
(muttering)
Nose up, tail down. Nose up, tail down.
ext. 351st runway - day
Ria's aircraft comes in low and level. The Fire Truck chases a hundred feet behind. Just as Ria's aircraft 'belly's in', the remaining strut breaks off, bounces, tumbles, hits the wing with a loud "THUNK". A cloud of dust is churned up. SOUND of METAL "SCREECHING". The aircraft 'bounces' a few times.
C/U The propeller as it strikes the ground. The tip of one prop snaps off with a "POP-TING" SOUND.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
Ria grits her teeth, struggles with the controls. SOUND of "BUZZING WHIZ" just above the canopy.
ext. 351st runway - day
Ria's aircraft grinds to a stop in a cloud of smoke and dust. The canopy slams open, Ria jumps out. (No flight suit, just a uniform tunic under her parachute rig, plus boots and riding pants: a 'summer uniform') The Fire Truck races up. TWO CREWMEN leap off the Truck with fire extinguishers, begin spraying the aircraft's burning nose.
The Tough Lieutenant pulls up in a JEEP next to Ria.
tough lieutenant
Comrade, are you all right?
Ria pulls off her flight helmet, shakes out her hair, smiles brightly.
Ria
Now that's what I call an exciting ride!
His mouth drops open. The Crewmen also stare. Ria looks at the rudder. The tip of the propeller blade is embedded horizontally in its edge.
Ria
(laughs)
Almost gave me a haircut.
The Tough Lieutenant smiles with amazement.
ext. 586th runway/Kalac' - day
It is also an EARTHEN RUNWAY on the edge of the forest with AA-EMPLACEMENTS and several BUNKERS just inside the tree line. The 586th is 'on approach', damaged aircraft coming in first. Some trail smoke. One is having engine trouble.
cut to:
Most of the aircraft have landed, are taxiing towards the tree line, where the CAMOUFLAGE NETTING is being raised. One aircraft has stalled, is smoking heavily. GROUND CREW rush up, spray it with fire extinguishers.
ext. 568th flight line/Kalac' - day
The aircraft taxi in through the tree line, then cut their engines. Ground Crew move in quickly. Natalya climbs out of her aircraft, jumps down. A dozen Ground Crewwomen begin to 'man-handle' the aircraft, turning it around, pushing and pulling it back into its revetment. Natalya joins their effort. In the B/G, we see this action being repeated all along the flight line. (All Pilots are in 'summer uniform')
int. 586th h.q. bunker/Kalac' - day
A similar layout to the H.Q. bunker at Rasskazovo. Marina enters, followed by Natalya. Their faces are dirty below the 'goggle line'.
Marina
...and a half an hour until the debriefing.
At least they can wash their face and brush
their hair.
Natalya
I'll let them know.
Marina
'Til then, I'm in my office.
They salute. Natalya exits. Marina heads for her office.
int. marina's office/Kalac' - day
Marina sits at her desk, smoking a cigarette, staring blankly, her face still dirty. Vera enters.
Vera
I heard it was rough.
Marina
Three dead. Two missing. And a couple of
those aircraft out there are 'write offs'.
Vera
(shrugs)
More spare parts.
(quiet)
Who did we lose?
Marina
(sighs)
Zharinova, Pakirdjian, Antipova. I'm fairly
certain they didn't make it. Both Tikomarova
and Andryushchenkova are missing.
(smiles)
But we did kick the hell out of those Fascist
bastards.
(looks at Stalin's portrait)
"Old Mustache" would be proud.
Vera
(smiles)
Then it was a good day.
Marina
Yes, it was.
ext. 586th h.q. bunker/Kalac' - day
Two small tables are set up just outside the entrance. At one, Marina debriefs Alexandra Moninova. At the other, Natalya debriefs Lilya. The rest of the Pilots lounge in a motley collection of chairs, smoking, talking, drinking tea, napping, etc. (Everyone's face is washed) Vera exits the Bunker.
Vera
(to Marina)
I was just on the horn with the Three Hundred
Fifty First Fighter Regiment.
Marina
Who are..?
Vera
The unit that assisted us today.
Marina
Ah, yes. Actually, saved our bacon is
more like it.
Vera
Well, it seems Tikomarova bellied in at
their field, in one piece, of course...
Several women CHEER and clap. Natalya smiles softly.
Vera
...And they are bringing her back to us.
Marina
They?
Vera
(grins)
It appears we are going to have company.
About two dozen of them. With vodka,
sausages, and American records.
All the Pilots CHEER this time.
Marina
(stern)
Excuse me, but I believe I have something
to say in this matter.
All get quiet, look at Marina.
Marina
(grins)
Comrades, wash your hair!
All laugh and CHEER loudly.
ext. 586th flight line/Kalac' - day
Natalya, towel around her shoulders, stands by the nose of her aircraft with Valya Sherbikova, who is draining water from the Yak's radiator into a bucket.
Valya
By now, it should be just the right
temperature.
She tests the water with her finger tip, smiles.
Valya
Perfect.
Natalya leans forward, Valya pours the water on her head.
Natalya
Ahh, that is truly wonderful.
Natalya soaps up her hair. Valya drains more water. In the B/G, this action is repeated all along the flight line. Many of the Pilots SING and laugh.
INT. 586TH PILOT'S QUARTERS BUNKER/KALAC' - DAY
It is basically an underground barracks. The Pilots chatter and laugh as they dry their hair and put on their best uniform tunics.
ext. 586th 'mess hall'/Kalac' - day
The HALL is really a large rectangular wood roof on beams topped with sand bags, surrounded by a wall of sand bags half way up, all covered by camouflage netting. It is well back from the tree line.
int. 586th 'mess hall'/Kalac' - day
Vera, Valya, and several Enlisted Women are moving the crude wood benches and tables to the side.
Vera
(to Valya)
I feel bad that the pilots are having
this party and the rest of you...
Valya stops, looks at directly at Vera.
Valya
Comrade Commissar, please understand some-
thing. All the enlisted personnel know what
the pilots go through. We see them come back
bone tired and shot up. Most of us saw how
Tanya Leonidova died.
Valya looks at the Enlisted Women, who indicate their agreement.
Valya
I believe I speak for all of us when I say
that we do not begrudge 'our girls' their
little party. We will watch from outside,
dance with each other. It will make us
happy to see them happy.
Vera
(deeply moved)
Thank you, Comrades.
ext. 586th h.q. bunker/Kalac' - dusk
The Pilots are all fast asleep in the chairs, except for Vera and Marina, who smoke. Natalya SNORES gently, which makes them both smile.
Marina
(looks at watch)
So, was this party a threat or a promise?
Vera
Shh. Listen.
In the distance, the SOUND of MEN SINGING, accompanied by an ACCORDION. Vera and Marina grin.
Vera & marina
(simultaneously)
Tikomarova!
ext. dirt road/Kalac' - dusk
A 2&1/2 TON TRUCK drives along the dirt road leading to the field. SOUND of SINGING and MUSIC.
int. back of truck - dusk
Ria, in the middle of about TWO DOZEN MALE PILOTS, plays an accordion, as they all SING a "bawdy drinking song".
EXT. 568TH H.Q. BUNKER/KALAC' - DUSK
Vera and Marina have stood up. The women are in various stages of waking up. SOUND of the TRUCK, SINGING, etc. gets LOUDER. The Truck pulls to stop just beyond the Bunker. SOUND of MEN LAUGHING and SHOUTING. The Men begin to leap down from the Truck. Ria leaps down as several of the Women Pilots rush up, hug and kiss her, laugh.
MAJOR IGOR KUZNETSOV, 27, darkly handsome, strides up to Marina and Vera, salutes.
KUZNETSOV
(smiles)
Major Igor Kuznetsov, Executive Officer, Three
Hundred Fifty First Fighter Regiment.
Marina
(returning salute)
Colonel Marina Raskova, Officer Commanding,
Five Hundred Eighty Sixth Fighter Regiment.
She goes to shake hands, but as Kuznetsov takes her hand, he bows, kisses it, 'clicks his heels'.
KUZNETSOV
I am truly honored, Comrade Raskova.
Marina is a little stunned by this, but not unhappy with it either. Kuznetsov smiles at Vera.
Kuznetsov
I hope that the Comrade Commissar will
forgive my bourgeois indulgences.
Vera
(grinning)
We will forgive anything that does justice
to our beloved commander.
Marina
(blushing deeply)
I..ah..thank you for your assistance today.
Kuznetsov
We were simply cleaning up your left overs,
Comrade Raskova.
At this moment, CAPTAIN PETR CHERNYAKOVSKY,22, fresh faced, walks up holding a BOX of RECORDS.
Kuznetsov
This is Captain Petr Chernyakovsky, our
'Entertainment Officer'.
Petr stares at Marina with awe. Marina is very embarrassed.
Petr
(mumbles)
Comrade Colonel.
Kuznetsov
(laughs)
I'm afraid I have a number like Comrade
Chernyakovsky here. When we found out that
we had fought along side Marina Raskova,
many of my men insisted upon meeting you.
He turns towards a GROUP of YOUNG MALE PILOTS, standing sheepishly at a slight distance, each clutching large leather bound books.
Kuznetsov
They are quite enamored of you. They are
hoping that you will sign their flight
log books.
Marina
But..But..
Vera
(laughing)
Marina Nicolaivna, it seems you have been
promoted to 'movie star'.
Marina gives Vera a 'dirty look', which makes Vera laugh harder. Lilya and Katya approach smiling, salute, take Petr by each arm, steer him away.
Kuznetsov
(grins)
A very efficient unit.
Marina looks at the group of 'star-struck' Pilots, smiles ruefully. The Pilots shift on their feet, smile shyly.
int. 586th 'mess hall'/Kalac' - night
Next to the table with the PHONOGRAPH, Katya and Lilya sort through the box of records as Petr watches. Male and Female Pilots cluster uncertainly around the Hall.
Katya
(amazed)
Where did you get all of these?
Petr
I traded vodka with an American bomber crew.
They were ferrying...
Katya
(pulls out a record)
This one!
(to Lilya)
It's Benny Goodman's "String of Pearls".
It's amazing!
Katya puts the record on the phonograph. The SOUND of "String of Pearls" drifts out across the Hall. The Male and Female Pilots smile, relax, begin to pair up and dance.
ext. 586th 'mess hall'/Kalac' - night
Natalya gives several bottles of vodka to some of the Ground Crewwomen, who are watching the dancing.
Natalya
I'm sorry I don't have any extra men to
go round.
crewwoman
That's alright, Comrade Major. Vodka is
more reliable.
They all laugh.
int. 586th 'mess hall'/Kalac' - night
A different SONG is now playing. As the couples dance, we notice that the Men's uniforms though clean and well kept, are very baggy and ill-fitting compared to the Women's uniforms, which are gorgeously well tailored and brightly embroidered. To the side, Kuznetsov, Marina and Natalya sit and talk. They all smoke and drink.
Kuznetsov
...With the 'stacking' technique we have been
using...
(gestures with hands)
...then diving down. It's called the "Falcon
Dive".
Natalya
Yes, yes! We have been working out a
technique very much...
There is a commotion. They look towards it.
Ludmilla, looking like 'something the cat dragged in', stands in the Mess Hall entrance, amazed by the party. Several of the women rush over, hug her, etc. Ria has a washcloth, cleans Ludmilla's face, drags her over to a tall YOUNG MALE PILOT, 20, very Slavic.
Ria
(to Young Pilot)
She's just back from the dead. Dance
with her!
Cut to:
Ludmilla and the Young Pilot dance.
Ludmilla
I'm sorry. I must smell awful.
young pilot
(sniffs, smiles)
You smell wonderful.
Ludmilla
(grins)
You must be a farm boy.
He 'grins like a goon'.
Petr and Katya are by the phonograph. Katya looks through the record box.
Katya
What are these?
Petr
I don't think you girls are ready for
that stuff.
Lilya is just behind him.
Lilya
What are we not ready for?
Petr
Well, it's called "jitterbug". The dancing
is.. well, it's very wild. Lots of, sort of,
being thrown around.
Lilya
(smiles)
We are all Komsomol members in this
regiment.
Petr
(uncertain)
Yes?
Lilya
That means we are all trained gymnasts.
Petr
Oh.
cut to:
In the middle of the Hall, Petr is slowly showing Lilya 'jitterbug' moves without music. Everyone else stands in a circle watching them carefully.
Ext. 586th h.q. bunker/Kalac' - night
TWO JEEPS pull up in front of the Bunker. The Second Jeep's passengers are FOUR SERGEANTS, big, tough, carrying sub-machine guns. From the First Jeep steps LIEUTENANT GENERAL VASILY BARKAGAN, 40's, handsome, weathered. The SOUND of FRANTIC "SWING" MUSIC can be heard. Barkagan smirks.
int. 586th 'mess hall'/Kalac' - night
The 586th and the 351th are 'tossing each other all over the dance floor'. Barkagan enters, looks around frowning. After a beat, the MUSIC is stopped with a LOUD "SCRAAACH". Everyone stops, turns to see what's happening, begins snapping to attention.
Ria
(shouts)
Attention!
Barkagan stalks into the HALL, scowling.
Barkagan
Well, well. What's this? Fraternization.
Contraband. Decadent music. Drunkenness.
(looks around)
What kind of Russians are you?
(holds out his hand, palm up)
Do you see this? Can anyone here explain
to me why it is not grasping a glass of
vodka?
Everyone is a bit stunned. Marina approaches him, smirking.
Marina
Vasily Vladimirovich, you are a black dog.
Barkagan
(grins, eyes sparkling)
And what does that make you, darling
Marina Nicolaivna?
Marina and Barkagan hug, kiss on both cheeks and laugh.
Barkagan
So, what is the occasion for this bacchanal?
Marina
We survived another day of fighting.
Barkagan
Always a good reason.
In the B/G, Vera is whispering to Katya and Ria, who nod, pick up their accordions, begin playing a "Russian dance tune". Barkagan turns towards them.
Barkagan
Well, the surprises never cease.
Vera approaches with a glass of vodka, hands it to Barkagan who throws it back. Vera starts to do the beginning steps of a "folk dance", smiling at Barkagan.
Barkagan
(grins)
Nicely done, Comrade Commissar. Nicely done.
He begins to dance as well, the two of them slowly circling each other. The MUSIC picks up its tempo.
cut to:
Barkagan and Vera dance the "Kazatska" with unrestrained exuberance. All are clapping and stomping their feet.
AUDIO FADE/DISSOLVE TO:
All are sitting on the benches and tables in a semi-circle around Marina and Barkagan. A FRAMED B&W PHOTO is being passed around.
Marina
...That was taken two months earlier,
in December of Thirty Six. That's me on
the left..
C/U the PHOTO in someone's hands as Marina speaks: THREE WOMEN in heavy flight suits stand arm in arm before a large primitive MULTI-ENGINED AIRCRAFT on a SNOW COVERED FIELD.
Marina(o.s.)
...Galina Suverova in the middle, and
Valeria Tsibizova on the right.
The PHOTO is passed on.
Marina
We had been in Vladivostok since October.
Ludmilla raises her hand.
Marina
Yes, Comrade Andryushchenkova?
Ludmilla
Comrade Raskova, I was wondering, why
were you flying in Winter?
Marina
(smiles)
Because anyone could fly from one end of
Russia to the other in good weather.
All smile and laugh.
dissolve to:
Marina
... We threw everything extraneous over
board, even unbolted all the seats, except
the pilot's of course, but it wasn't enough.
So, just north of Votkinsk, I bailed out.
Barkagan
This is in February, mind you.
Marina
(shrugs dismissively)
It was nothing. We had seen a collective
farm earlier. I just headed towards that.
Barkagan
You parachute out of your aircraft in the
dead of Winter to insure the success of
your mission, and it was nothing?
Marina
(grins)
Valeria was the better pilot..
(pats her 'rump')
.. and I carried more ballast.
Everyone laughs.
Barkagan
And Comrade Stalin made you Hero of the
Soviet Union. Personally.
Marina
(shy)
Yes.
Lilya
I remember listening to the reports on the
radio. I was just thirteen. They called you
"The Winged Sisters". It was then that I
decided I was going to be a pilot. I joined
a Komsomol glider club the next day.
Most of the Women and several of the Men nod their heads, "mummer in agreement". Marina blushes deeply, smiles with embarrassment. All become quiet, many looking at her with tremendous reverence. Vera 'bustles', stands.
Vera
(grins)
Well, boys and girls, we have a long day
of killing Fascists ahead of us.
The group begins to stretch, stand up.
Barkagan
(stands, raises glass)
I wish to propose a toast. To Mother Russia!
(looks around the HALL)
And all Her ferocious daughters!
All
(laughing, cheering)
Mother Russia!-Her ferocious daughters!
All 'toss back' their vodka.
cut to:
Everyone is milling about, saying their "good-byes", etc, exiting the Hall. Katya is by the phonograph putting on a record. After a beat, the haunting strains of "The Sadko Aria" from Rimsky-Korsakov's "Song of India" drift across the Hall. The Men and Women look at each other with great poignancy. Several of the Women have bunches of wildflowers which they are placing in the Men's caps and tunic buttonholes. Many gently hug and kiss on both cheeks. There are some tears.
ext. 586th h.q. bunker/Kalac' - night
The Men are climbing into the Truck as the Women say their final "good-byes". The SOUND of the "Sadko Aria" can still be heard. Marina and Barkagan watch from a slight distance. His Jeeps are parked nearby.
Barkagan
I want you to pick two of your best pilots
for a special assignment.
Marina
Which is?
Barkagan
They are to be attached to an all male
regiment based at Stalingrad. I left the
orders on your desk.
Marina
This is political, I assume?
Barkagan
(chuckles)
What isn't? Speaking of political, did you
hear about your old friend Comrade Volkov?
Marina
No. How is the Comrade General these days?
Barkagan
He is a Comrade Major now, and commanding
a biplane unit out on the Mongolian border.
Marina
That's all?
Barkagan
It's the war. Officers are in short supply.
Otherwise, it would have been The Gulag at
least. Or a bullet in the back of the head,
more likely. After the war, however...
On the distant horizon, the FLASH of ARTILLERY is seen, followed by its RUMBLING "CHUMP-CHUMP" SOUND. All stop and look towards it. The music has ended.
Marina
Yes, after the war...
(smiles at Barkagan)
So, Vasily Vladimirovich, can you come and
visit me tomorrow night?
Barkagan
Tomorrow?
Marina
Yes, tomorrow.
(looks towards Truck)
Tonight, we must set an example.
Barkagan
(smiles, bows slightly)
I yield to your profound wisdom, Marina
Nicolaivna. Would the evening after
tomorrow be possible?
Marina
Certainly. I always look forward to your
company, Comrade General.
She comes to attention. They salute. Barkagan climbs into his Jeep, which pulls away quickly, closely followed by the Second Jeep.
The Men are all in the Truck, which begins to pull away. All are quiet. One MAN begins SINGING a "heroic ballad". Several other Men join in, then all. Some of the Women begin to SING as well. The Truck disappears into the darkness, the SOUND of the MEN'S SINGING SLOWLY FADING. The Women begin to disperse. Marina walks up to Lilya and Katya.
Marina
Comrade Litvyak. Comrade Fedotova. I have
an assignment for you two.
int. 586th h.q. bunker/Kalac' - night
At the map table, Marina is outlining a course to Lilya and Katya, who pay close attention.
Marina
You will be flying parallel to he front,
but most of the time you'll be a good
hundred miles behind the lines. Your
trip will be in two legs.
(points to spot on map)
This is the end of the first leg. It's
a small ferry stop field. You should
reach it by mid-afternoon. The second
leg will get you to the Two Hundred Ninety
Sixth's field to the east of Stalingrad
just before dusk.
(consults paper)
On your first leg, your compass heading
will be..
AUDIO FADE/DISSOLVE TO:
ext. 586th flight line/Kalac' - day
Marina and Ludmilla walk through the trees towards the aircraft.
Marina
Are you sure you're up to a patrol this
morning?
Ludmilla
I need to get back in the saddle, Comrade
Colonel.
Marina
(smiles)
Yes, I do know that one.
On the flight line, Vera talks with Lilya and Katya.
Vera
I went over everything personally.
Katya
(warm smile)
Then we should be fine.
Marina and Ludmilla approach. They all salute.
Marina
Good morning, Comrades.
(to Vera)
So, everything is ready?
Vera
Perfectly, Comrade Colonel.
Marina seems at a loss for words. Natalya and Ria approach, Ria carrying an accordion.
Natalya
I wanted to see you off.
All are a bit awkward. Ria gives the accordion to Katya.
Katya
You really shouldn't.
Ria
It's my old one. The boy's from the Three
Fifty First gave me a new one.
Katya and Ria hug and kiss.
Lilya
I can't be sure of much, but I do believe
we will meet again, Natalya Andreivna.
Natalya
I hope so. I put a lot of work into you,
Lilya Atomova.
Natalya and Lilya smile gently, hug.
Marina
(teary eyed)
I just wanted to say..Well, that first day,
when I said that I was like the 'mother of
regiment', I wanted you to know that I truly
meant it.
Lilya and Katya both hug her very tightly, kiss her cheeks.
C/U of a YAK'S nose as its ENGINE ROARS to life.
cut to:
The FOUR YAKS taxi out from the tree line.
cut to:
ext. 586th runway/Kalac' - day
The Four Yaks take off in formation.
ext. sky/above Kalac' - day
The aircraft fly in formation.
int. Marina's cockpit - day
Marina
(keys throat mike)
This is Eagle One. Good luck to you..My
daughters.
She gives Lilya and Katya a 'thumbs up'.
int. Katya's cockpit - day
Katya is teary eyed.
int. Lilya's cockpit -day
Lilya
(teary eyed, keys throat mike)
This is Snowflake Two. We will make you
proud, Eagle One. Snowflake Two, out.
ext. sky/above Kalac' - day
Lilya and Katya peel off. Marina and Ludmilla continue on course.
dissolve to:
ext. sky/above the don - day
It's mid-morning. Marina and Ludmilla continue on course.
int. Marina's cockpit - day
Marina
(keys throat mike)
Eagle One to Eagle Two. We'll make another
sweep and then head home.
She looks over at Ludmilla's aircraft.
Ludmilla(o.s./radio)
Acknowledged, Eagle One.
ext. sky/above the don - day
Both aircraft begin to turn.
int. fuselage/Marina's aircraft - day
The CAMERA'S VIEW travels along a METAL CONTROL CABLE to an EXTREME C/U of a METAL BOLT that holds the Cable in place. A crack appears in the Bolt, it shears off, releasing the Cable, which snaps loose violently.
int. Marina's cockpit - day
The aircraft lurches violently into the turn. Marina's head is slammed against the canopy. The aircraft spins out of control.
ext. sky/above the don - day
Marina's aircraft spirals downward.
int. Ludmilla's cockpit - day
Ludmilla
(keys throat mike)
Eagle One, acknowledge.
(listens)
Eagle One, acknowledge.
int. Marina's cockpit - day
Marina is unconscious, the "G-force" pushing her against her seat.
Ludmilla(o.s./radio)
Eagle One, acknowledge.
ext. sky/above the don - day
Marina's aircraft spirals downward.
Ludmilla(o.s./radio)
(desperate)
Eagle One, Eagle One..
ext. Russian countryside - day
In the distance, Marina's Aircraft tumbles down from the
sky.
Ludmilla(o.s./radio)
..Acknowledge. Eagle One, Eagle..
Marina's Aircraft hits the ground. The FAINT SOUND of a "CRUMP". A ball of black smoke and fire blossoms upward into the sky, leaving a THIN COLUMN of SMOKE.
dissolve to:
ext. sky/above the don - day
On the distant horizon, a HUGE COLUMN of BLACK SMOKE rises miles into the sky. TWO YAKS steadily fly towards it.
int. Katya's cockpit - day
Katya watches the Black Column soberly, keys her throat
mike.
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya also looks at the Black Column.
Katya(o.s./radio)
Snowflake Two, do you see that?
LILYA
(keys throat mike)
How can I miss it?
int. Katya's cockpit - day
KATYA looks scared.
Katya
That's Stalingrad, isn't it?
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya
(soft)
Yes. That is Stalingrad.
