**The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed**
**Definition:**
*The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed* is a Soviet television crime drama miniseries released in 1979, directed by Stanislav Govorukhin. The series is based on the novel *The Era of Mercy* by the Vayner brothers and follows the investigations of a Moscow police detective in the immediate post-World War II period.
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# The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed
*The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed* (Russian: *Место встречи изменить нельзя*) is a Soviet television miniseries that first aired in 1979. Directed by Stanislav Govorukhin and adapted from the novel *The Era of Mercy* by Arkady and Georgy Vayner, the series is a crime drama set in Moscow shortly after World War II. It follows the efforts of a dedicated police detective and his team as they combat organized crime and corruption during a turbulent period in Soviet history. The series is widely regarded as a classic of Soviet television and has had a lasting cultural impact in Russia and other post-Soviet states.
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## Background and Development
### Source Material
The miniseries is based on the novel *The Era of Mercy* (*Эра милосердия*), written by the Vayner brothers, Arkady and Georgy. The novel itself is a work of detective fiction that explores the challenges faced by law enforcement in the Soviet Union during the late 1940s. The Vayner brothers were well-known Soviet writers specializing in crime and detective stories, and their work often combined detailed procedural elements with social commentary.
### Production
The adaptation was directed by Stanislav Govorukhin, a prominent Soviet filmmaker known for his work in various genres, including drama and thriller. The screenplay was co-written by the Vayner brothers and Govorukhin, ensuring fidelity to the source material while adapting it for television. The series was produced by the Central Television of the USSR and was originally broadcast in five episodes.
### Historical Context
Set in 1945-1946, the series captures the atmosphere of post-war Moscow, a city struggling with the aftermath of the Great Patriotic War (World War II). The period was marked by social upheaval, economic difficulties, and a rise in criminal activity, including black market operations and organized gangs. The series reflects these realities, portraying the efforts of the Soviet police (militsiya) to restore order and justice.
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## Plot Summary
### Main Storyline
The narrative centers on Captain Gleb Zheglov, a shrewd and determined detective in the Moscow Criminal Investigation Department, and his partner Vladimir Sharapov, a young and idealistic officer recently returned from the front. Together, they investigate a notorious gang led by the elusive criminal known as „Fox” (Лис), who is responsible for a series of robberies and murders.
The story unfolds as Zheglov and Sharapov navigate the complexities of police work, balancing the demands of justice with the realities of the Soviet legal system. The series explores themes of loyalty, morality, and the tension between individual initiative and bureaucratic constraints.
### Key Episodes
– **Introduction of the Gang:** The series opens with a violent robbery that sets the tone for the investigation. The gang’s ruthlessness and cunning are established early on.
– **Zheglov and Sharapov’s Partnership:** The contrasting personalities of the two detectives are highlighted, with Zheglov’s pragmatism complementing Sharapov’s idealism.
– **Undercover Operations:** The detectives employ various tactics, including undercover work and informants, to infiltrate the criminal network.
– **Climactic Confrontation:** The series culminates in the capture of the gang leader and the resolution of the case, underscoring the triumph of law enforcement.
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## Characters
### Gleb Zheglov
Portrayed by Vladimir Vysotsky, Zheglov is the central figure of the series. He is characterized by his sharp intellect, street smarts, and sometimes ruthless approach to justice. Zheglov embodies the archetype of the tough, pragmatic detective who prioritizes results over strict adherence to rules.
### Vladimir Sharapov
Played by Vladimir Konkin, Sharapov is Zheglov’s partner and serves as a moral counterpoint. His idealism and commitment to legal procedures often clash with Zheglov’s methods, creating dramatic tension and highlighting different philosophies of law enforcement.
### Other Notable Characters
– **Fox (Lis):** The gang leader and primary antagonist, whose identity and motives are central to the plot.
– **Various Police Colleagues and Informants:** Supporting characters who assist or hinder the investigation, reflecting the complexities of the Soviet police system.
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## Themes and Analysis
### Justice and Morality
The series explores the nature of justice in a society recovering from war and facing internal disorder. It raises questions about the means used to achieve justice, including the use of deception, coercion, and extralegal tactics.
### Post-War Soviet Society
By situating the story in the immediate post-war period, the series provides insight into the social and economic challenges of the time. It portrays a society grappling with scarcity, displacement, and the struggle to rebuild.
### Law Enforcement and Bureaucracy
The dynamic between Zheglov and Sharapov illustrates the tension between individual initiative and institutional constraints. The series critiques bureaucratic inefficiency while acknowledging the necessity of order and discipline.
### Friendship and Loyalty
The partnership between the two detectives is a central emotional thread, highlighting themes of trust, mentorship, and the personal costs of police work.
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## Production and Style
### Direction and Cinematography
Stanislav Govorukhin’s direction emphasizes realism and atmosphere, using on-location shooting in Moscow to create an authentic setting. The cinematography employs a muted color palette and stark lighting to evoke the mood of the era.
### Music
The soundtrack features compositions by Mikael Tariverdiev, whose music enhances the emotional and dramatic impact of the series. Vladimir Vysotsky, who played Zheglov, also contributed songs that became popular in their own right.
### Acting
The performances, particularly by Vysotsky and Konkin, received critical acclaim for their depth and nuance. Vysotsky’s portrayal of Zheglov is often cited as one of his most memorable roles.
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## Reception and Legacy
### Initial Reception
Upon its release, *The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed* was met with widespread acclaim from both audiences and critics. It was praised for its gripping narrative, strong performances, and realistic depiction of police work.
### Cultural Impact
The series became a cultural phenomenon in the Soviet Union and remains popular in Russia and other former Soviet republics. It influenced subsequent crime dramas and contributed to the popular image of Soviet law enforcement.
### Influence on Popular Culture
The character of Gleb Zheglov, in particular, became iconic, symbolizing the archetype of the Soviet detective. The series’ dialogue and scenes have been referenced and parodied in various media.
### Awards and Honors
The series and its creators received several awards, recognizing its artistic and cultural significance.
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## Adaptations and Related Works
### Novel and Other Media
The original novel by the Vayner brothers remains in print and is considered a classic of Soviet detective literature. The success of the series led to renewed interest in their work.
### Remakes and Homages
While no direct remakes have been produced, the series has inspired numerous crime dramas in Russia and beyond, influencing the genre’s development.
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## Historical Accuracy and Criticism
### Portrayal of the Soviet Militsiya
The series is noted for its relatively accurate depiction of the Soviet police force’s structure and procedures, though some dramatic liberties were taken for narrative purposes.
### Criticism
Some critics have pointed to the series’ idealized portrayal of law enforcement and its occasional reliance on clichés. Others have debated the ethical implications of Zheglov’s methods.
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## Conclusion
*The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed* remains a landmark in Soviet television history, combining compelling storytelling with a vivid portrayal of a critical period in Soviet society. Its exploration of justice, morality, and human relationships continues to resonate with audiences, securing its place as a classic of the crime drama genre.
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**Meta Description:**
*The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed* is a 1979 Soviet crime drama miniseries directed by Stanislav Govorukhin, depicting post-war Moscow police efforts to combat organized crime. The series is acclaimed for its realistic portrayal of law enforcement and enduring cultural impact.