Russian Romance
On tour with the visiting Russian Circus During the Cold War, a carefree American jazz pianist romances a beautiful Russian high-wire artiste, but the comic clash of cultures turns serious when the vindictive KGB tour director sends her home in shame, and the American must fly to Russia to bring her back
But the frivolity ends when VICTOR KROTOV (40), the vindictive KGB tour director catches Mariya returning late at night from Don’s room (she claims to have been visiting American tourists). Krotov expels her from the tour. Coincidentally, the Russian interpreter defects. The Soviet Embassy cancels the tour and sends an embarrassed Krotov and his troupe home.
Back in Los Angeles, Don realizes how much he loves and needs Mariya. He decides to fly to Russia and “bring her home.”
In Russia, seething over what he considers Mariya’s influence in the defection, Krotov dispatches her to a minor circus far from Moscow. The shame of her expulsion, haunting memories of the tragic deaths of her husband and child (thus, her aura of sadness), and now the loss of Don, prove too much to bear: at rehearsal, she faints and slips from the high wire.
When Krotov learns that Don has come to Moscow to see Mariya, he realizes the truth behind her late-night visit in America. He suppresses news of her accident -- officially, she is on vacation. Don searches for her, but her parents can’t help, and the American Embassy can’t interfere. So, he gambles on a new acquaintance, a Soviet Special Investigator with his own romantic backstory and hidden agenda. Their “chance” meeting has blossomed into friendship.
With the Soviet Union as silent partner, Don bursts into Krotov’s office and settles a long-standing score -- with his fists. He races to the hospital where Mariya lies comatose, having lost the will to live.
Will he reach her on time? Of course, otherwise we’d all leave the theater crying!
A life-long love of film sparked interest in story telling and screenwriting. Syd Fields, McKee, and Truby provided the basics; later, multiple courses with Hal Croasmun’s ScreenwritingU further honed his skills. Praise from directors Andy Fickman, Oscar-winning Michael Anderson, and Script consultant Linda Seger have -- so far – saved him from booze, drugs, and potential, if not inevitable, self impalement.
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