A great movie, my favorite about the war. Thank you, Leonid Fedorovich.
Why did we choose pilots as heroes? Hard to say. Perhaps because I studied at the aviation school, dreamed of flying and still admire the representatives of this heroic profession. Talking to pilots, combatants, we realized one very important thing for us. In the cruel crucible of war, in its merciless flame, the older experienced comrades strove, wherever possible, to save the young and inexperienced falcons. This was the highest wisdom - concern for the future, the eternal right and duty of the strong to protect, nurture and educate - their replacement. So the theme was born “Only old men go into battle.” And the other is just as dear to us. As the saying goes, “When guns speak, the muses are silent.” We wanted to prove that during the years of trials, those who remain people in the most cruel conditions, who take everything bright and human with them into battle, for which they are fighting the enemy, win. What could be more beautiful than music? No wonder the heroes of the “second singing squadron” like to repeat: “Wars are transient, music is eternal!” Our heroes opposed the evil and misanthropy of fascism with high humanism, the creative creative principle inherent in man. We wanted to make this film in memory of those who did not return from the war, and in gratitude to the living who survived this brutal battle. Therefore, with special trepidation and excitement, we show our picture to war veterans. And the best reward for us is when they say, "Yes, that was it."
The film is titled "Old Men Go Into Battle" (1973).
Let someone say the word goodbye and that’s it. No circus called honors.
No funeral speeches. “Take care” as much as you can, but please, not at home. Let the guys sing “Cranes”, “Earring with Small Bronnaya”, “Take the overcoat”, “This Victory Day”, and then let the 2nd Squadron “hit” “Smuglyanka” from beginning to end.
I regret that I did not have time to do anything worthwhile...
A farewell letter written shortly before his death. 👏