Courage
"A story of heroism in the skies above the Soviet border"
Plot
Courage (Мужество) follows Aleksei Tomylin, a skilled civil aviation pilot known for his daring aerial maneuvers who works at an airport near the Soviet-Afghan border. After deciding to abandon his reckless flying style and fly more cautiously, Tomylin is assigned a critical mission to cross the border and deliver an order to capture a notorious saboteur. On his return journey, his plane crashes near an abandoned settlement, where he is taken hostage by a gang of criminals. Pretending to cooperate with his captors, Tomylin plans to use his expertise as a flying ace to outsmart the saboteurs and complete his mission, relying on his courage and piloting skills to overcome the dangerous situation.
About the Production
The film was produced during a critical period in Soviet cinema, just before World War II. Kalatozov utilized real pilots and actual aircraft for many sequences, pushing the boundaries of Soviet aerial cinematography. The production faced challenges due to the political climate of 1939, with strict censorship requirements from Stalin's regime.
Historical Background
'Courage' was produced in 1939, a pivotal year in world history and a critical period in Soviet cultural production. The film emerged during the Great Purge's aftermath, when Stalin was consolidating power and preparing for the looming conflict with Nazi Germany. The Soviet border with Afghanistan was strategically important, and the film's themes of vigilance against foreign threats reflected the regime's paranoia about external enemies. This was also a period when Soviet cinema was transitioning from the experimental avant-garde of the 1920s to more conventional socialist realist narratives. The film's emphasis on individual heroism within the collective represented a shift in Soviet propaganda, moving away from pure collectivism to celebrating exceptional individuals who served the state.
Why This Film Matters
As an early example of Soviet action cinema, 'Courage' helped establish conventions for the Soviet aviation film genre that would influence decades of filmmaking. The movie reflected the Soviet Union's fascination with aviation as a symbol of modernity and technological progress. Its portrayal of the Soviet pilot as a heroic figure contributed to the cult of the aviator that was prominent in 1930s Soviet culture. The film also demonstrated how Soviet cinema could create entertaining genre films while still serving ideological purposes. Kalatozov's innovative aerial photography techniques would later influence his more internationally acclaimed works, making this film an important stepping stone in his artistic development.
Making Of
The production of 'Courage' was a significant undertaking for Soviet cinema in 1939. Director Mikhail Kalatozov, who had previously worked as a cinematographer, brought his technical expertise to the challenging aerial sequences. The film was shot during a period of intense political pressure on Soviet filmmakers, with Stalin's cultural commissars demanding films that promoted Soviet ideals and military preparedness. Kalatozov had to balance artistic ambition with political requirements, creating a film that was both entertaining and ideologically correct. The cast underwent flight training with actual pilots to prepare for their roles, and several dangerous stunts were performed without the safety equipment available in modern filmmaking. The production team worked closely with the Soviet Air Force, gaining access to military bases and aircraft that were typically off-limits to civilian film crews.
Visual Style
The cinematography in 'Courage' was groundbreaking for its time, particularly in the aerial sequences. Kalatozov and his cinematographer developed innovative techniques for mounting cameras on aircraft, creating dynamic shots that were unprecedented in Soviet cinema. The film employed a mix of wide shots to establish the vastness of the Soviet landscape and close-ups to capture the intensity of the aerial combat. The crash sequence utilized multiple camera angles and slow-motion effects to maximize dramatic impact. The black and white photography emphasized the stark beauty of the border regions while creating a sense of tension and danger through high-contrast lighting.
Innovations
The film pioneered several technical innovations in Soviet cinema, particularly in aerial photography. The production team developed new camera mounting systems that could withstand the vibrations and G-forces of flight maneuvers. The crash sequence involved complex miniature work combined with full-scale photography, creating a seamless illusion of destruction. The film also experimented with location sound recording in challenging environments, capturing authentic audio from aircraft and outdoor settings. These technical achievements would influence subsequent Soviet action films and contribute to Kalatozov's reputation as a technically ambitious director.
Music
The musical score was composed by Dmitri Kabalevsky, one of the Soviet Union's most prominent composers. The soundtrack combines traditional Russian folk melodies with modern orchestral arrangements, reflecting the film's themes of tradition and progress. The music swells dramatically during the aerial sequences, using brass and percussion to create a sense of urgency and heroism. Kabalevsky incorporated leitmotifs for different characters, with Tomylin's theme appearing in various transformations throughout the film. The sound design was particularly innovative for its use of actual aircraft engine recordings rather than studio-created effects.
Famous Quotes
A pilot's courage is not in taking risks, but in knowing which risks are worth taking for the Motherland.
The sky is vast, but our duty is clear - to protect every inch of Soviet soil from above and below.
When you fly for the Soviet Union, you carry the hopes of millions on your wings.
Memorable Scenes
- The opening aerial sequence showcasing Tomylin's daredevil flying maneuvers through mountain passes
- The tense border crossing scene where Tomylin must navigate through hostile territory
- The spectacular crash landing sequence combining practical effects and cinematography
- The final confrontation where Tomylin uses his piloting skills to outsmart the saboteurs
Did You Know?
- This was one of Mikhail Kalatozov's early directorial efforts before his international breakthrough with 'The Cranes Are Flying' in 1957
- The film was shot just weeks before the Soviet invasion of Poland, making its border themes particularly prescient
- Real Soviet Air Force pilots were consulted for the aerial sequences to ensure authenticity
- The aircraft used in the film were actual Soviet planes of the era, including the Polikarpov R-5
- Oleg Zhakov, who played Tomylin, was a decorated actor who would later receive the title of People's Artist of the USSR
- The film was temporarily banned during the Khrushchev thaw due to its Stalin-era propaganda elements
- Some aerial footage was later reused in Kalatozov's more famous films
- The saboteur character was loosely based on real Basmach insurgents who operated in Central Asia
- The film's original negative was damaged during World War II but was partially restored in the 1970s
- The crash sequence was filmed using a combination of miniatures and a real aircraft intentionally damaged for the shot
What Critics Said
Contemporary Soviet critics praised 'Courage' for its technical achievements and patriotic message, with Pravda calling it 'a triumph of socialist realist art.' Western critics had limited access to the film due to Cold War restrictions, but those who saw it noted its impressive aerial sequences. Modern film historians recognize the film as an important precursor to Kalatozov's masterworks, with particular appreciation for its groundbreaking cinematography. Some contemporary critics have criticized the film's heavy-handed propaganda elements but acknowledge its historical importance and technical innovations within the constraints of its time.
What Audiences Thought
The film was popular with Soviet audiences upon its release, particularly among young people who were drawn to its action sequences and heroic protagonist. The movie's timing just before World War II made its themes of military preparedness and border defense resonate strongly with viewers. In the decades following its release, 'Courage' became a relatively obscure title, known primarily to film scholars and Kalatozov enthusiasts. The film has experienced renewed interest in recent years as more of Kalatozov's early work has been rediscovered and restored by film archives.
Awards & Recognition
- Stalin Prize, Second Class (1940)
- Order of the Red Banner of Labour awarded to the production team
Film Connections
Influenced By
- Soviet socialist realist literature
- Earlier Soviet aviation films like 'Wings' (1926)
- Hollywood adventure films of the 1930s
- Contemporary Soviet propaganda posters celebrating aviation
- The writings of Soviet pilot heroes
This Film Influenced
- Kalatozov's later 'The Cranes Are Flying' (1957)
- Soviet war films of the 1940s and 1950s
- Cold War aviation films from both sides
- Modern Russian action films with patriotic themes
You Might Also Like
Film Restoration
The film was partially damaged during World War II when Soviet film archives were threatened by the German advance. A restoration was undertaken in the 1970s by Gosfilmofond, Russia's state film archive, using surviving elements. The restored version has been preserved on digital formats, though some scenes remain incomplete due to the original damage. The film is considered partially preserved but viewable.