They Fought for Their Country

In July 1942, during the German drive on Stalingrad, a Soviet rifle regiment retreats to Stalingrad after suffering severe losses in battle. The film follows the rearguard action as the soldiers show their companionship, sentiments, fears and heroism while protecting the bridgehead of the Don River against the German army. Characterized by Vasiliy Shukshin's portrayal of Piotr Lopakhin, a soldier who balances his jovial nature with deep worries about the country's fate.