Marlen Khutsiev’s film Ilyich Outpost (I am Twenty), a shot from which is on display, is a story about the generation that enters into an independent adult life in the post-war period, when life in the country changed dramatically. Ilyich Outpost is the story of the growing up of three friends who are searching for their own way.
The work on the film began in 1959. At that time, Marlen Khutsiev was already a famous director, having released two sensational movies Spring in Zarechnaya Street and Two Fyodors. Felix Mironer was supposed to become the co-author of the script and co-director of Ilyich Outpost, but he was replaced by Gennady Shpalikov, a beginner playwright and poet. It was thanks to this rising star of GITIS that lively dialogues and vivid images appeared in the film. Only someone the same age as the main characters could compose these so true to nature. Shpalikov also brought more romanticism and psychological depth to the film, and alleviated the rigid narrative structure of the script.
The film crew planned to complete work on the film in 1961, on the 20th anniversary of the start of World War II. However, the premiere was postponed until 1962, and then the film was severely criticized at the highest level.
Nikita Khrushchev considered that the main characters of Ilyich Outpost, who felt lost in life, did not personify the right Soviet youth. Into the bargain, one of the key episodes caused a real storm of Khrushchev’s negative emotions. At a meeting of the leaders of the Party and Government with representatives of the literature and art community in March 1963, the first secretary of the CPSU Central Committee stated: ‘The episode of the hero’s meeting with the shadow of his father who died in the war raises serious objections. When asked by his son about how to live, the shadow of his father in turn asks him – how old are you? And when the son replies that he is twenty-three years old, the father responds – and I’m twenty-one… and disappears. And you want us to believe in the veracity of such an episode? No one will believe! Is it possible to imagine that the father did not answer the question of his son and did not help him with advice on how to find the right path in life?’ However, some historians believe that Khrushchev did not even watch the movie.
Khutsiev was forced to subject the script to significant changes. For example, the new version of the scene that had caused Khrushchev’s discontent was ending by the deceased father’s words: ‘I will bequeath to you the Motherland, and my conscience is completely clear before you.’ As a result, the film was released under the title I am Twenty in 1965.
The original author’s version of Khutsiev’s film was restored only in the 1980’s. The Ilyich Outpost was first seen by the audience at the Cinema House in 1988.
The work on the film began in 1959. At that time, Marlen Khutsiev was already a famous director, having released two sensational movies Spring in Zarechnaya Street and Two Fyodors. Felix Mironer was supposed to become the co-author of the script and co-director of Ilyich Outpost, but he was replaced by Gennady Shpalikov, a beginner playwright and poet. It was thanks to this rising star of GITIS that lively dialogues and vivid images appeared in the film. Only someone the same age as the main characters could compose these so true to nature. Shpalikov also brought more romanticism and psychological depth to the film, and alleviated the rigid narrative structure of the script.
The film crew planned to complete work on the film in 1961, on the 20th anniversary of the start of World War II. However, the premiere was postponed until 1962, and then the film was severely criticized at the highest level.
Nikita Khrushchev considered that the main characters of Ilyich Outpost, who felt lost in life, did not personify the right Soviet youth. Into the bargain, one of the key episodes caused a real storm of Khrushchev’s negative emotions. At a meeting of the leaders of the Party and Government with representatives of the literature and art community in March 1963, the first secretary of the CPSU Central Committee stated: ‘The episode of the hero’s meeting with the shadow of his father who died in the war raises serious objections. When asked by his son about how to live, the shadow of his father in turn asks him – how old are you? And when the son replies that he is twenty-three years old, the father responds – and I’m twenty-one… and disappears. And you want us to believe in the veracity of such an episode? No one will believe! Is it possible to imagine that the father did not answer the question of his son and did not help him with advice on how to find the right path in life?’ However, some historians believe that Khrushchev did not even watch the movie.
Khutsiev was forced to subject the script to significant changes. For example, the new version of the scene that had caused Khrushchev’s discontent was ending by the deceased father’s words: ‘I will bequeath to you the Motherland, and my conscience is completely clear before you.’ As a result, the film was released under the title I am Twenty in 1965.
The original author’s version of Khutsiev’s film was restored only in the 1980’s. The Ilyich Outpost was first seen by the audience at the Cinema House in 1988.
