A Slave of Love

Olga Voznesenskaya celebrates a successful performance in the romantic comedy 'Slave of Love' alongside her co-star and lover, Vladimir Maksakov. The film's cast and crew are optimistic about their work, but the political situation begins to influence their plans. The Bolsheviks have just taken control of Moscow, creating a tense atmosphere for everyone involved.

Following the Bolsheviks' capture of Moscow, the film team moves south to Odessa to continue production away from the conflict. The move is driven by the need to avoid the ongoing fighting, but it also introduces challenges due to the political unrest and resource shortages. Olga remains committed to her work despite the turmoil around her.

Filming in Odessa is temporarily halted when Maksakov refuses to join Olga and the rest of the crew, leading to the recasting of his role. Olga, who refuses to work without Maksakov, also refuses to continue filming, especially as the remaining film stocks have become spoiled. On set, she develops a romantic interest in the camera operator Viktor Potozki.

Olga gets to know Viktor Potozki, the camera operator, on the set, and she quickly develops feelings for him. Viktor's professionalism and charm draw her in amid the chaos of ongoing political upheaval. Alexandra’s emotional struggles reveal her vulnerability and desire for genuine connection.

More actors and support staff from Moscow arrive with fresh supplies, allowing filming to resume. However, Maksakov remains absent, and his role is recast. The new production incorporates exotic elements that Olga and Maksakov previously rejected as artistically counter-productive. Her conflict with artistic ideals deepens as the film progresses.

Olga overreacts to creative disagreements and runs off to a cinema, publicly denouncing their film as a lie. Despite her outburst, she is later mollified when her fans shower her with flowers, reaffirming her popularity and dedication to her craft with a renewed sense of purpose.

Viktor Potozki arrives late on set, apparently intoxicated, which raises suspicion. Soon after, Fedotov, the White Guard spy chief, begins searching the film crew for a camera operator who secretly filmed a revolutionary execution. Olga notices the tension and realizes the political danger at hand.

Viktor admits to Olga that he secretly filmed White Guard atrocities using supposedly spoiled film stock. In the footage, Olga witnesses the brutal realities of the civil war, including executions and suffering among refugees, which leaves her deeply disturbed and questioning her involvement.

Olga successfully rescues Viktor after he is targeted by Fedotov and views the secret footage, which shocks her. She realizes the severity of the political conflict and the importance of the truth behind the images. Their connection deepens as she becomes more involved in his cause.

Olga and Viktor meet in a cafe where Viktor hands her a secret film roll. She is evidently falling in love with him, inspired by his political commitment and bravery. Their emotional bond is complicated by the dangerous situation they are caught in.

As Olga and Viktor leave the cafe, Viktor is suddenly shot dead by Fedotov’s men, leaving Olga heartbroken. His death signifies the dangerous and volatile atmosphere created by the civil war and his political activities. Olga is left to grapple with the loss and the truth of his actions.

Olga tries to give the secret film roll to Viktor’s fellow Bolshevik partisans, but they do not recognize it. The struggle to secure and hide the footage highlights her growing involvement in the political conflict and her sense of responsibility.

Fedotov and his men reappear at the film set, forcing Olga and her companions to defend themselves. The Bolshevik partisans arrive in time, shooting Fedotov and his men, and take Olga and the film roll away from the White Guard forces. The action underscores the violent chaos of the civil war.

Olga is placed in a tram by the Bolshevik partisans, who force the driver to take her to her hotel amid the chaos. During the journey, the driver jumps off and alerts the White Guard, sparking a chase. Olga curses her pursuers and begins to disappear into the fog, symbolizing her escape from the violence.