The film is based on Sergei Narovchatov’s poem. Vassily Buslayev is an epic Russian hero who rose to defend the freedom and independence of his people. The strength and power of this son of a Novgorod governor, his friendship with simple folk enraged and scared the rich, fat merchants of the city. When they learned that the young man was setting out on a march to save his native land from the enemy, they couldn’t be more happy: how could he defeat a foe so mighty! But Vassily overcomes all intrigues and brings his expedition to a victorious end. He returns home a hero, and not alone but with a sweetheart. When a threat of enemy invasion again looms over Novgorod, people come and beg Vassily to defend their native land.

A story about twin brothers who grew in an orphanage. They promised each other that they would always be together but Kolya betrayed Vasya and left for the USA under the guise of his brother. However, brothers will meet again.

Based on the eponymous poem by A. Tvardovsky, directed by the State Academic Theatre of the Moscow Soviet.

Actor Vasili Lanovoy, talks about his early encounters with Tolstoy and Russian literature, landing the role of Anatole Kuragin in the film War and Peace, the reaction to the film on its release, and even recalls a couple of anecdotes about the filming.