The Elder Son (1976 film)

The Elder Son is a 1976 Soviet television film adaptation of Alexander Vampilov's play of the same name. Directed by Vitaly Melnikov, it is a dramatic comedy that explores themes of loneliness, family, and the search for connection.

The film tells the story of Vladimir Busygin, a young man drifting through life. After a chance encounter with two young women, he impulsively pretends to be the illegitimate son of Andrei Grigoryevich Sarafanov, a kindly but somewhat naive musician. Sarafanov, yearning for a family, readily accepts Busygin, and the situation leads to a complex and often humorous exploration of human relationships. Busygin's initial deceit evolves into genuine affection for Sarafanov and his children, creating both comedic and poignant moments as he navigates the unexpected responsibilities of his newfound "family." The film examines the consequences of deception and the potential for unexpected connections to form in unlikely circumstances. The cast includes renowned Soviet actors such as Yevgeny Leonov as Sarafanov and Nikolai Karachentsov as Busygin.