''My Younger Brother'' () is a 1962 Soviet teen drama film directed by

Aleksandr Zarkhi Aleksandr Grigoryevich Zarkhi (; 18 February 1908 – 27 January 1997) was a Soviet and Russian film director and screenwriter. People's Artist of the USSR (1969). Hero of Socialist Labour (1978). His film ''Twenty Six Days from the Life of ...

. The film tells about four friends who, after passing the final exams, decides to go to the Baltic States to feel like adults, and even the attempt of the brother of one of them to dissuade them from the venture fails.

Plot

The story, narrated by two brothers, unfolds as a reflection on personal growth, choices, and sacrifice. The elder brother, Viktor Denisov, is a respected young scientist preparing to defend his dissertation but faces a moral dilemma when his findings contradict his thesis. Meanwhile, his younger brother, Dmitry, freshly graduated from school, rejects guidance and impulsively embarks on a journey from Moscow to Estonia with friends Alyk Kramer, Yuri, and classmate Galya Bodrova, who secretly harbors feelings for him. In Tallinn, the group encounters new acquaintances, and Galya, aspiring to be an actress, attempts to integrate into their artistic world. However, tensions arise as Dmitry’s reckless behavior strains his relationship with Galya, and the group ends up working as laborers in a furniture store before joining a fishing collective on the Estonian coast. While Viktor chooses to sacrifice his academic career by refusing to defend a flawed dissertation, Dmitry experiences personal growth, taking on responsibility within the collective and forming a relationship with a local girl, Ulvi. Galya reappears, seeking reconciliation, but Dmitry’s brusque rejection leads her to despair. When a Norwegian cargo ship signals for help during a storm, Dmitry rises to the occasion, issuing an on-air apology to Galya. Tragedy strikes as Viktor dies during a work-related test, prompting Dmitry to reflect on their shared dreams and the paths they’ve taken. In the end, Dmitry and his companions, including Galya, return to their old Moscow neighborhood, united by their experiences and the memory of Viktor’s integrity and sacrifice.

Cast

* Lyudmila Marchenko as Galya *

Aleksandr Zbruyev Aleksandr Viktorovich Zbruyev (, born 31 March 1938, Moscow, Soviet Union) is a Soviet Union, Soviet and Russian theatrical and film actor. Selected filmography * ''My Younger Brother'' (1962) as Dimka Denisov * ''A Span of Earth'' (1964) as Alek ...

as Dima Denisov * Oleg Dal as Alik * Andrei Mironov as Yurka * Oleg Efremov as Viktor Denisov *

Mikhail Nazvanov Mikhail Mikhailovich Nazvanov (; 12 April 1918 – 13 July 1964) was a Soviet and Russian stage and film actor. He was awarded Honored Artist of the RSFSR in 1949. Biography Mikhail Nazvanov was born in Moscow in the wealthy family of a large t ...

as Andrei Ivanovich, professor * Ivan Savkin as Igor Bauman *

Arvo Kruusement Arvo Kruusement (born 20 April 1928) is an Estonian actor, theatre and film director who has made some of Estonia's classic novels into films; '' Spring'' (1969), ''Summer'' (1976), and ''Fall'' (1990) The movie ''Spring'' has been noted as the b ...

as Matti * Jaan Saul as Endel * Sergei Kurilov as Innokentiy Petrov *

Villu Tomingas Villu may refer to: * Villu (given name), an Estonian masculine given name * ''Villu'' (film), a 2009 Indian Tamil film starring Vijay * ''Hari Villu'', a 2003 Indian Telugu film * Onavillu, a simple, short bow-shaped musical instrument * Villu P ...

as GustavMy Younger Brother (1962) Full Cast // Crew
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References

External links

* 1962 films 1960s Soviet films 1960s Russian-language films 1960s teen drama films 1962 drama films Soviet teen drama films Soviet black-and-white films Mosfilm films Films scored by Mikael Tariverdiev {{1960s-USSR-film-stub