Two “autumn racers”: what is hiding the film Danelia

The script for the film was written by playwright Alexander Volodin. It was originally called “The Sad Life of a Scoundrel.” It is said that it was based on the writer’s own story and his double life. But later the director Georgy Danelia decided to change the title. And it wasn't accidental.

The word “autumn” became a hint of the mature age of the protagonist. And the marathon is a symbol of his endless and senseless race, in which he could not understand himself.

But the story echoed not only the personal experience of the playwright. Danelia was also involved in a love triangle. It turns out that we have two "autumn riders" - Volodin and Danelia.

But with the performer of the main role, everything did not happen immediately. Volodin saw in the image of Buzykin only Alexander Kalyagin. Danelia had her own idea of the hero. Oleg Basilashvili was not considered by the director at first. It seemed to him that the actor was too confident for the role of such a timid and indecisive person. But during filming, Basilashvili turned out to be quite different - shy and insecure. They eventually decided to keep him.

However, other artists also had their own vision of their characters, which often led to disputes with the director. Marina Neelova constantly tried to bring something of her own to the image. Natalia Gundareva herself refined the scenes with her heroine. And Galina Volchek, seeing herself on the screen, was so upset with her appearance that she did not even come to the premiere.

For the role of a foreign professor could not find an actor. Then Danelia invited the German journalist Norbert Kuhinke - a man with a very interesting appearance. He initially refused, citing employment. But still agreed, hoping to quickly withdraw, and hoping that after it all will forget.

But you can only imagine his surprise when he woke up famous the day after the movie came out. However, along with the popularity came the close attention of the Soviet and German special services.