This is the Big Film of Bulgarian Cinema. Unfortunately, I didn't see it referenced in the filmography of Robert Holloway's "Bulgarian Cinema" - which is the only book I have witnessed in English language that narrates the story of cinema art in Bulgaria and Eastern Europe (not Kung Fu East).
I will try to remember the plot of this Movie by the faculties of my mind, since I haven't watched it from my childhood years and now-a-day spending time for such scrutiny is obsolete. This TV serial was made in two installments (1969 and 1971) with each film having 12 episodes, 45 min each. The whole saga takes some 50 years to evolve - from the anti-fascist uprising in 1923 to the mid-1970s. Pictures are taken in several socialist countries (then) and Bulgaria; plus, there are several episodes shot abroad in Paris, London, etc. mainly from the second film. The film evolves as personal vendetta between Nikola "Sergei" Deyanov (communist, whose father is killed during the uprising by barge drowning) and Bogdan Velinski (cop and police inspector, who is personally responsible for the execution of the protagonist's father).
Let me make a stop here and say that the Soviets during that historical period were leading world power. They were supposed to have developed an A-bomb, have sent cosmonauts via rockets in Space and naturally have big budget cinema. These are all balloones and life haven't changed a bit since "Ninotchka" (1939) with Greta Garbo. But at that time We (young and adults together from the Socialist Bloc) were prone to believe that things are different. No one disputed that the Russians think big and that their performance is best. Certainly, the Soviet serial "Seventeen Moments of Spring" (1973) with Vyacheslav Tikhonov was thought to be better spy thriller. That is also misnomer. Everything the Russians have is taken and modified with least originality - language, culture, religion, etc. mainly from East Europe and less so from Western Civilization.
No indulgence to the Bulgarians, whatsoever. Further on the actor's play. Stefan Danailov playing as Major Deyanov made a cult character. He was the Bulgarian Alain Delon. The Borsalino type hero of Sergei has remained unforgettable for people of my generation - the melody of the film, the partisan fights and skirmishes with the fascists, the spymaster and double agent from the second film, etc. This is a Legacy. As to the negative role of Inspector Velinski (Georgi Cherkelov), I may observe the following. Take for instance a psychological actor such as George C. Scott. Brilliant stage work which is precise to the utmost detail. I remember particularly his mannerism with dices - every time he has to take a decision, he throws his dices. So much so!
I dedicate this review to my Uncle K. killed by the communists in the 1950s. Rest in peace!
