The Russia House

The Russia House

Year: 1990

Runtime: 123 min

Language: english

Director: Fred Schepisi

DramaThrillerRomance

While in Moscow, British publisher Barley Blair discovers a secret manuscript detailing the Soviet Union's nuclear capabilities. Drawn into a web of espionage, he is recruited by British intelligence and the CIA to investigate the document's origins. As he navigates dangerous political landscapes and uncovers hidden truths, Barley falls for the manuscript's editor, Katya Orlova. Their relationship deepens amidst Cold War intrigue, forcing him to confront perilous risks and protect her family from powerful forces.

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Timeline – The Russia House (1990)

Trace every key event in The Russia House (1990) 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

Barley's Business Trip to Moscow

Bartholomew 'Barley' Scott-Blair, the head of a British publishing firm, travels to Moscow for work-related commitments. While at a writer's retreat near Peredelkino, he expresses hopes of easing tensions between the East and West, an idea that catches the attention of a mysterious figure named Dante.

N/A Moscow, Russia
2

Dante's Proposition

After Barley's discussion about easing tensions, Dante insists that Barley must promise to do the right thing if an opportunity arises. This interaction sets up the moral dilemma Barley will face later on in the plot.

N/A Peredelkino, Russia
3

Katya Approaches Nicky Landau

Months later, while Barley is unavailable at a trade show, a young Soviet woman named Katya Orlova seeks out publisher Nicky Landau. She has a manuscript that she believes is critical and hands it over to Landau, who forwards it to British intelligence.

N/A Trade Show, N/A
4

Discovery of the Manuscript

The manuscript reveals the Soviet Union’s nuclear warfare capabilities, triggering an investigation by British intelligence. They identify Dante as the renowned Soviet physicist Yakov Efraimovich Saveleyev, the manuscript's author.

N/A N/A
5

Investigation in Lisbon

British intelligence agents track Barley to his holiday residence in Lisbon, questioning him about his relationship with Katya. Realizing he knows no more than they do, they engage him to assist in their mission to uncover the truth.

N/A Lisbon, Portugal
6

Spy Training

A British agent named Ned provides Barley with basic spy training to prepare him for his role in the intelligence operation. This training highlights Barley's transition from a mere publisher to someone who can influence international relations.

N/A N/A
7

Return to the Soviet Union

In a bold move, Barley decides to return to the Soviet Union to seek out Dante in hopes of validating his role as an informant. During this trip, he encounters Katya again, deepening his infatuation with her.

N/A Soviet Union
8

Reassuring Katya

Barley reassures Katya that he is not a spy, while confirming that Dante is indeed Yakov. This meeting is pivotal as it strengthens their bond and sets the stage for future developments in the plot.

N/A N/A
9

Concerns from the CIA

As British intelligence conducts its operations, the CIA team, led by Russell, expresses concerns about the sensitive nature of the manuscript. The document suggests that the Soviet nuclear missile program is chaotic, which raises alarms about an escalating arms race.

N/A N/A
10

Meeting Arrangement

Katya carefully arranges to meet with Yakov, ensuring their privacy from outside surveillance. Meanwhile, Barley informs Yakov that authorities now possess the manuscript, leading to trust issues and heightened tension.

N/A N/A
11

Yakov's Dilemma

Yakov feels betrayed upon learning about the British and American interest in the manuscript. However, Barley manages to convince him that there is still hope for its publication, which could benefit Yakov's scientific endeavors.

N/A N/A
12

Interrogation by U.S. Officials

Barley faces interrogation by Russell's superior, Brady, and military officer Quinn to clarify his loyalties. They are suspicious of his ideological stance on Glasnost, worried it might jeopardize U.S. interests.

N/A N/A
13

Barley's Confession

As Barley reveals his genuine feelings for Katya and claims he is an operative, she expresses her fears for Yakov, suspecting KGB involvement in their affairs. This revelation complicates their relationship further.

N/A N/A
14

Critical Meeting with Yakov

Under increased surveillance, Barley prepares to meet Yakov. He realizes that the Soviets might be aware of their operation, raising the stakes as both British and American agents anxiously await the outcome.

N/A Yakov's Apartment, Moscow
15

Final Decision and Reunion

In a desperate move, Barley facilitates the transfer of a crucial shopping list to the Soviets to ensure Katya’s safety. After this intense ordeal, he returns to Lisbon and awaits her arrival, embodying hope for a new beginning.

N/A Lisbon, Portugal

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 06:47

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Russia House

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