When September Comes (1975) Plot Summary Explained

Levon Pogosyan journeys from his hometown of Ashtarak in Armenia to Moscow specifically to enroll his young grandson Levonik in the first grade. This mission represents his final act of purpose and love, ensuring his grandson's future while he still can. His terminal diagnosis makes this journey even more meaningful as it's his way of leaving a lasting legacy.

• levon
• moscow
• levonik
• grandson
• enrollment
• first grade

During a routine medical check-up, doctors discover that Levon is terminally ill with very little time left. They deliberately withhold this devastating news from him, choosing instead to let him live his remaining days in peace without the burden of knowing his fate. This compassionate deception allows Levon to continue spreading his warmth and generosity without despair.

• doctors
• prognosis
• terminal illness
• diagnosis
• health

Levon and the handyman Gena build a charcoal grill on the balcony of their Moscow high-rise to prepare shashlik. When smoke fills the air, neighbors think there's a fire and alert authorities. Instead of causing trouble, Levon turns the confusion into a spontaneous celebration, inviting everyone to join the meal. Firefighters even get drawn into the gathering, and the incident becomes a catalyst for community connection.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Levon's warmth already attracted neighbors seeking his company, setting up this moment of unexpected communion.

• shashlik
• balcony
• grill
• neighbors
• fire
• barbecue
• community

Levon's daughter Nune feels jealousy toward her husband because he works at a textile factory during the day and also participates in amateur theater in the evenings. His dual pursuits mean he's often absent from home, and his artistic interests create distance in their marriage. This tension represents the everyday family struggles that exist alongside Levon's joyful presence.

• nune
• husband
• jealousy
• theater
• textile factory
• family tension

Katya is a classmate of Levonik whose parents died during a geological expedition in the Pamirs mountains. She is now lovingly cared for by her grandfather Nikolai Nikolaevich, who raises her alone. Levon befriends Nikolai, and through this connection learns about Katya's loss, deepening his understanding of resilience and community.

• katya
• orphan
• pamirs
• grandparents
• nikolai

As Levon's time runs out, his friends and family gather at the airport to bid him farewell. This heartfelt goodbye captures the impact of his generosity, everyone whose life he touched comes to express their gratitude. The film closes on this poignant note of parting, marking the end of a chapter where one man's warmth transformed a disconnected urban community.

• airport
• farewell
• goodbye
• ending
• family
• friends

Levon's warm, open-hearted nature and willingness to help strangers stand out in the typically impersonal city environment. His small acts of kindness, sharing food, offering advice, bringing people together, gradually create a sense of community among neighbors who previously kept to themselves. People seek him out for connection and support, and his generosity leaves lasting impressions on everyone he meets.

• neighbors
• community
• kindness
• warmth
• impact

Levon suffers from health problems stemming from old war wounds. His friend Nikolai Nikolaevich helps him manage these issues throughout his time in Moscow. Despite his declining health from both the war injuries and his terminal diagnosis, Levon continues to engage fully with life, never letting his physical condition diminish his generous spirit.

• war wounds
• health
• nikolai
• injuries
• old age