A Great Life () is a 1939 Soviet drama film directed by

Leonid Lukov Leonid Davydovich Lukov (; 2 May 1909 – 24 April 1963) was a Soviet film director and screenwriter. He directed 25 films between 1930 and 1963. Leonid Lukov was named People's Artist of the RSFSR in 1957 and awarded the Stalin Prize twice ...

. The film depicts a small mining village in the Donbas, where a young engineer’s innovative coal mining method faces resistance from a cautious mine committee chairman, but with the support of veterans and a determined party organizer, he perseveres to prove his method’s worth.

Plot

A small mining village in the

Donbas The Donbas (, ; ) or Donbass ( ) is a historical, cultural, and economic region in eastern Ukraine. The majority of the Donbas is occupied by Russia as a result of the Russo-Ukrainian War. The word ''Donbas'' is a portmanteau formed fr ...

thrives on hard work and determination. Three months ago, a new Party organizer, Khadarov, arrived at the mine, revitalizing both the settlement and the mining operation. Efforts to re-equip the mine are underway, supported by young engineer Petukhov, who, with the encouragement of veteran miners Kuzma Kozodoev and Viktor Bugorkov, is developing an innovative coal extraction method. However, not everyone believes in its success. The chairman of the mine committee, Usynin, a man who avoids responsibility and fears failure, strongly opposes the initiative. Usynin repeatedly claims that Petukhov’s method is doomed, undermining morale and making Petukhov consider leaving the mine. Encouraged by Kozodoev, Bugorkov, and Khadarov, Petukhov decides to stay and complete his work. When the chief engineer Ivanov falls ill, Khadarov insists that Petukhov take over his duties. This vote of confidence inspires Petukhov to redouble his efforts to implement the new method, which promises to revolutionize coal mining in the region. The community’s journey, marked by conflicts, challenges, and personal transformations, unfolds as Khadarov’s leadership and the collective spirit of the miners drive the mine toward success and unity.

Cast

* Ivan Pelttser as Kozodoev * Ivan Novoseltsev as Khadarov *

Stepan Kayukov Stepan Yakovlevich Kayukov (; 1 August 1898 – 22 January 1960) was a Soviet and Russian stage and film actor. People's Artist of the RSFSR (1949). Selected filmography * '' Golden Mountains'' (1931) as worker * '' Iudushka Golovlyov'' (1 ...

as Usynin *

Yuri Lavrov Yuri Sergeevich Lavrov (; March 14, 1905 – August 20, 1980) was a well-known Soviet Russian film and theatre actor designated People's Artist of the USSR and People's Artist of Ukraine (1948). Biography Childhood in St. Petersburg He was ...

as Kuzmin *

Mark Bernes Mark Naumovich Bernes () (born Menakhem-Man Neukh-Shmuylov Neyman, ; ,This date: – is a mistake found in the ''Great Soviet Encyclopaedia''. True date: – was engraved on the Bernes's gravestone at Novodevichy Cemetery (Moscow), and also ...

as Petukhov * Vera Shershnyova as Sonya Osipova * Boris Andreyev as Khariton Balun * Pyotr Aleynikov as Vanya Kurskiy * Lidiya Kartashyova as Kozodoev's wife * Lavrenti Masokha as Makar LyagotinA Great Life (1939) Full Cast / Crew
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References

External links

* 1939 films 1930s Soviet films 1930s Russian-language films Soviet drama films Russian-language drama films 1939 drama films Soviet black-and-white films Dovzhenko Film Studios films Films about mining Films based on Russian novels {{1930s-USSR-film-stub