The Road to Berth

The Road to Berth

Year: 1962

Runtime: 89 mins

Language: Russian

Director: Georgiy Daneliya

Drama

Seeking a real adventure, 15‑year‑old Vaska travels to the Arctic and signs on with the marine rescue tug Cola. He struggles to earn the respect of the seasoned, rough‑tough crew known as the “sea wolves.” Their next mission is to tow the war‑damaged ship Polotsk back from New Earth.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Road to Berth (1962)

Trace every key event in The Road to Berth (1962) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Vaska boards the rescue tug Kola

Fifteen-year-old Vaska boards the rescue tug Kola with the goal of reaching Murmansk. He quickly admires the gruff boatswain Rosomakha, a mentor-in-the-making in his eyes. A playful rivalry erupts between Rosomakha and helmsman Marat Chepin, with Vaska siding with Rosomakha during a table football match. This early dynamic sets the tone for Vaska's eagerness to belong and learn on the ship.

start of voyage Kola, onboard
2

Vaska's mishap and rescue

Vaska's curiosity with machinery leads to a series of mishaps aboard the Kola, including flooding the first officer's cabin and an accidental fall overboard. Rosomakha acts quickly to pull him back from the sea, demonstrating his protective, mentor-like role. The captain considers removing him, but ultimately allows him to stay as an apprentice mechanic. The incident cements Vaska's resolve to learn from Rosomakha.

early voyage Kola, deck and cabin
3

Vaska becomes apprentice mechanic

Following the rescue, the captain recognizes Vaska's potential and allows him to stay on as an apprentice mechanic. He begins learning alongside the seasoned crew, gradually earning their trust. Rosomakha becomes a mentor figure, shaping Vaska's understanding of seamanship and responsibility. The arrangement gives Vaska a personal stake in the mission and its dangers.

shortly after rescue Kola
4

Mission to salvage Polotsk

The Kola sets off toward the World War II–damaged ship Polotsk, intending to prepare it for towing back to Murmansk. The crew boards Polotsk to assess the damage, seal leaks, and ready it for towing. A looming storm tests their ability to keep the crippled vessel afloat as pumps fail and water pours in. The operation demands teamwork under extreme pressure.

en route to Polotsk Polotsk, sea vicinity
5

Bonding moment on Polotsk

During the salvage, Rosomakha grows close to Vaska and shares a pledge to introduce him to his son once they return to Murmansk. The quiet talk deepens trust between mentor and apprentice and gives Vaska a personal stake in the mission. The men brace for the worsening weather as the storm approaches.

during salvage Polotsk
6

Odessa emergency triggers a crisis

A critical emergency comes in from the freighter Odessa, which is adrift and heading toward dangerous reefs. The captain makes the hard decision to abandon Polotsk to save Odessa, shifting the focus from salvage to a rescue operation. Rosomakha hesitates, torn by loyalty to his current crew and the duty to those in peril. The crew faces a choice with lives at stake and time running out.

emergency moment Sea near Polotsk
7

Vaska's pointed remark

During the heated debate about abandoning Polotsk, Vaska bluntly states, 'I wouldn’t want a father like that.' His simple, piercing line cuts through the argument and unsettles Rosomakha's conscience. The moment highlights the personal stakes behind leadership choices and the influence a young sailor has on an older mentor. The crew absorbs the truth in Vaska's words.

debate moment Polotsk deck/bridge
8

Rosomakha commits to the rescue

Moved by Vaska's remark, Rosomakha makes a decisive move and cuts the towline, steering the Kola toward Odessa. He prioritizes saving lives over salvaging Polotsk, risking the loss of the ship and possibly his own safety. The Kola accelerates toward the Odessa's location, embodying Rosomakha's selfless leadership. The team steels themselves for a dangerous rescue.

immediate after decision Sea toward Odessa
9

Polotsk wrecks in the storm

Meanwhile, the Polotsk succumbs to the brutal storm and breaks apart. The surviving crew members cling to the wreckage, fighting to stay alive as the sea rages around them. The disaster underscores the costs of the mission and the heavy price of difficult choices. The crew's resilience is tested to the limit as they endure exposure and cold.

storm aftermath Polotsk wreck
10

Odessa rescue operation

The Kola reaches Odessa and mounts a coordinated rescue operation for those aboard the adrift freighter. Rosomakha takes a leading role in directing the effort and keeping the crew safe in a high-stakes environment. The tense rescue showcases his leadership and the crew's trust in his decisions. The urgency of the situation frames the final act of the voyage.

rescue operation Odessa, at sea
11

Rosomakha dies after ensuring safety

As the rescue unfolds, Rosomakha succumbs to his injuries, but not before ensuring the safety of those he saved. His final act epitomizes selflessness and cements his status as a hero in the eyes of Vaska and the rest of the crew. The loss hits the Kola crew hard, but their resolve remains intact. The memory of his sacrifice guides them forward.

aftermath of rescue Odessa/sea vicinity
12

Polotsk's survivors and the crew's resolve

The surviving Polotsk crew members cling to the wreck while the ocean rages around them, relying on each other for strength. The tragedy reinforces the gravity of the mission and the depth of Rosomakha’s sacrifice. Vaska processes the events with a new sense of responsibility and purpose. The Kola returns to port with a renewed determination to honor their fallen captain.

aftermath Polotsk wreck
13

Legacy of a hero

The story closes with the Kola crew reflecting on Rosomakha's legacy, a testament to courage, duty, and self-sacrifice. Vaska looks toward Murmansk with renewed resolve, inspired by the boatswain's example. The voyage is remembered not for the salvage success but for the heroism that saved lives and shaped a young sailor's future. The film ends on a note of resilience and remembrance.

after mission Murmansk harbor

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 09:09

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