The Cold Summer of 1953

In the turbulent summer following Stalin’s death, a wave of released convicts spills out of the Gulag and terror descends upon a quiet northern village. When a gang of ruthless criminals seizes the settlement, the defenseless townspeople are forced to rely on two exiled political prisoners—men once condemned by the regime—who must now stand against the marauders to protect innocent lives and reclaim their own dignity.

The film is known for being the last role of beloved Soviet actor Anatoly Papanov. After his sudden passing, his part was dubbed by Igor Yefimov. As a poignant tribute, the film ends with a behind-the-scenes clip featuring Papanov’s real voice, uttering the words, “I only regret one thing… the years. I want so badly to live like a human… and to work.”

Originally, the lead character Luzga was an archaeologist, but Valeriy Priyomykhov argued that such a profession wouldn’t fit a man capable of fighting criminals. The role was rewritten to be a former military intelligence captain, lending true grit and realism.

The film was shot in the village of Ruga by Lake Syamozero in Karelia, with Proshkin living there during production, while the cast and crew stayed in nearby Petrozavodsk.

Received the Jury Prize at the All-Union Film Festival (1988) and the Grand Prix at the Valenciennes International Film Festival in France (1989).