Re: New Nicholas & Alexandra Video - Mini Series? Part II

[edubs31]

Small addition to make to the last scene. When General Alexiev reads the telegrams sent by others begging the Tsar to abdicate immediately I'd like to add Nikolasha's bit about "I implore you on my knees to give up the crown".

March 15, 1917 - Pskov, Aboard the Imperial Train

The next scene begins as a brief continuation of the previous. Nicholas stands over Guchkov and Shulgin who read the abdication decree. After a few moments they angle their eyes upward from the document, finished reading, and glance over at the Tsar...

Nicholas: Is this what you wish?
Vasily Shulgin: Yes your Majes...(stopping himself). Yes, thank you.
Nicholas (leaning over to the document on the desk): What shall I do for the moment?
Alexander Guchkov: You are entirely free to return to staff.
Nicholas: Very well. Thank you gentleman.

The Tsar nods and proceeds to exit the train car with Count Fredericks trailing closely behind. The scene then shifts to a short while later. Nicholas sits behind the desk in his office with Count Fredericks standing just over his left shoulder while General's Alexiev, Ruzsky, and Narischkine stand before him...

Nicholas: Somehow I always knew this day would arrive. I have been born for misfortune…If it is necessary that I should abdicate for the good of Russia, then I am ready for it. But I am afraid that the people will not understand it.
General Alexiev: You have done what you must Sire. It is in God's hands now.
Nicholas (nodding and then rising from his chair): Excuse me gentleman. I should like some time alone now.
Generals (collectively): Yes of course.

The Tsar moves closer to the doorway leading to his private cabin and says "May God be with us all". He then makes the sign of the cross - an act followed by the other men in the room - nods, exits the room and closes the door behind him. The scene cuts away and shifts to a montage of clips from around the Russian Empire as Nicholas's voice narrates the wording of the decree of abdication...

- General's Alexiev, Ruzsky and Narischkine stand around and read the decree inside the carriage exited by Nicholas only moments earlier.
- Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich strolling alone about on the grounds of his estate reads from a pamphlet containing the abdication decree.
- Stationed abroad General Brusilov sits at his desk and reads the document while an Aide-de-Camp stands over his shoulder doing the same.
- Aboard a battleship at Admiral Kolchak sits comfortably at his desk, flanked on either side by a pair of officers while a third stands before them and reads the decree aloud.
- In Tauride Palace Chaiman Rodzianko is shown being handed the document by an aid, interrupting his conversation with a pair of fellow Duma members, and begins to read. Just down the hallway Alexander Kerensky does the same, pacing in front of the desk of a seated Prince Lvov while Pavel Miliukov stands nearby, and reads aloud.
- The head priest of a small village addresses a gathering of peasants outside his church. Standing on the front steps of the house of worship he is shown reading aloud to the assembled crowd.
- A pair of Cossacks who have to defected to the side of the revolution are next shown in Petrograd pinning the decree of abdication to the doorway of an abandoned local storefront. Dozens of common Russian citizens quickly gather around and read with noticeable excitement.
- Celebration breaks out across Petrograd and Moscow; in a local tavern one bourgeoise man pops open a bottle of champagne and shouts, "Viva la revolution!". The streets are flooded with people. Men embrace one another while women with tears in their eyes raise up small children to kiss.
- Automobiles jam packed with revolutionaries tear down alleyways. Shouts of "Down with the Tsar!", and "Long Live the Revolution" can be heard echoing off the walls of buildings as they pass.

Nicholas (voice narrates): "In the days of the great struggle against the foreign enemies, who for nearly three years have tried to enslave our fatherland, the Lord God has been pleased to send down on Russia a new heavy trial. Internal popular disturbances threaten to have a disastrous effect on the future conduct of this persistent war. The destiny of Russia, the honour of our heroic army, the welfare of the people and the whole future of our dear fatherland demand that the war should be brought to a victorious conclusion whatever the cost...The cruel enemy is making his last efforts, and already the hour approaches when our glorious army together with our gallant allies will crush him. In these decisive days in the life of Russia we thought it our duty of conscience to facilitate for our people the closest union possible and a consolidation of all national forces for the speedy attainment of victory...In agreement with the Imperial Duma we have thought it well to renounce the throne of the Russian Empire and to lay down the supreme power. As we do not wish to part from our beloved son, we transmit the succession to our brother, the Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich, and give him our blessing to mount the throne of the Russian Empire. We direct our brother to conduct the affairs of state in full and inviolable union with the representatives of the people in the legislative bodies on those principles which will be established by them, and on which he will take an inviolable oath...In the name of our dearly beloved homeland, We call on our faithful sons of the fatherland to fulfil their sacred duty to the fatherland, to obey the Tsar in the heavy moment of national trials, and to help him, together with the representatives of the people, to guide the Russian Empire on the road to victory, welfare, and glory...May the Lord God help Russia!"

The montage of scene slowly fades and cuts away.

[TimM]

Russia's descent in the Dark Age begins.

[JamesAPrattIII]

I'm back Errata general Alexiev was not on the Imperial train. He remained back at Stavka. Also I believe general Bruilov was at the South West front headquarters at this time not abroad.

An add on from my reply 1075: Dimitri and Knox come out of the dugout after the bombing raid. In the background medical orderlies treat two men who are wounded while a spooked riderless horse runs by them.
Dimitri: Besides bombing us the enemies aircraft spot all our troop movements and when we get within artillery range and are out in the open like during an attack call artillery fire on them. (scene fades)

Scene Marseilles France August 1916 2 French officers are sitting at a café:
Officer 1: What the devil is wrong with that Russian Brigade?
Officer 2: One Battalion mutinied and killed one of it's commanders. They were arrested and threatened with decimation so they gave up the leaders and killers who have since been tried and executed. The Russians are blaming it on Revolutionary propaganda but, there was trouble on the ship that carried them to france. It looks like there was something wrong with that brigade before it left Russia.
Officer 1: Well this is a isolated incident we shouldn't have any more problems with them.
Officer 2; (looks worried) I hope you are right.
(scene fades)

[JamesAPrattIII]

Summer/Fall 1916 Olga realizes her parents are hated (in several scence)
Scene Olga is making a bed in a hospital ward when she finds a leaflet she picks it up and starts to read it: "Regiment after regiment you go submissily to destruction. all the burden of the war are laid upon the workers and peasants. They heard you to the slaughter and take your last shirt from you in taxes while the landlords prosper." (scene fades)

Scene Alexandra is walking through a hospital ward talking to the wounded who look at her with hate in their eyes. She leaves the ward unconcerned)
Patient 1: (spits) German Bitch!
Patient 2: Traitor!
Patient 3: The only way we will win this war is to hang her and some of our Generals
(scene just outside the ward Olga unnoticed by the men is hearing what they are saying looks somewhat shocked)

scene Olga is reading a newspaper and looks very upset

scene olga finds another propaganda leaflet while moving a stretcher and reads it "Why does the government have to call up 18 year old boys. There is only one answer: most of those called up have already found eternal rest in the fields of foreign Galica and East Prussia."
voice: You need to stop reading and get back to work.
(Olga turns around and sees it is her sister Tatania)
Olga: Oh!
Tatania: What's that your reading?
Olga: Oh nothing really wads up and throws in trash can.
(Scene both girls leave the room and scene fades)
The wording from the leaflets are from two in the book Carpathian Disaster"

[JamesAPrattIII]

Nicholas is at Stavka  talking with general Alexiev August 1916:
Nicholas: It appears the Rumanians will soon be joining the war on our side just as soon as the diplomats work out the details.
Alexiev Sire, as I have pointed out to you before having the Rumanians come into the war would be a terrible idea. It would greatly lengthen the front we have to defend (points at map). It would expose Southern Russia to invasion. There are only 2 rail lines leading from Russia to Rumania and they are of different gauges. Finally, the Rumanian army is useless as a fighting force.
Nicholas: Yes, you have brought these arguments before. but, our diplomats and those of our allies have been working for 2 years to get Rumania into the war on our side and they have finally succeeded. I will admit this is not the most opportune time but our Allies seem to think Rumania's coming into the war will turn it our favor. How is the South West fronts offensive doing now?
Alexiev: It appears to be losing momentum.
Nicholas: Yes, you are right.
(scene fades)

[edubs31]

James, just a quick comment. What high ranking officers did Nicholas travel from Stavka to Pskov with?

I'm reading so many different versions of the sequence of events leading up to Nicholas's abdication it's extremely difficult to keep track. Alexiev not being aboard the train at all is a pretty major error of inclusion that I'll need to fix. By saying Brusilov is "abroad" was just a generic phrase that I'll fix. I'm really just looking for the visual of him in his office mostly. He could be stationed in Cleveland for all it matters.

And then I really liked your Olga scenes there James. Excellent! Good character development as obviously OTMA is about to start playing a starring role in this drama and it's important for the audience to know a thing or two about their personalities.

[edubs31]

March 16, 1917 - Alexander Palace

As word spreads throughout Russia of the Tsar's abdication we refocus in on the reaction at Tsarskoe Selo. The scene begins in a guest bedroom where the Empress's friend Lili Dehn has been asked to stay the night. Sorting through a bag full of personal items that she's placed a top of bureau a pair of maids are in the process of making up a bed as Alexandra enters the room...

Alexandra (walking into the room): Lili dear thank you for staying with us.
Lili Dehn (smiling): Oh but of course.
Alexandra: It's good to have the company. Especially with Nicky still being gone.
Lili Dehn: Yes we could all use friends during times such as these.
Alexandra (smiling): Yes...(the maids making the bed draw her attention). Oh my! You silly Russian ladies. Here, allow me to help you...(the Empress moves over to the bed an grabs hold of one of the blankets). My Grandmother Queen Victoria showed me how to make a bed. I'll teach you.

Lili, pulling person items out of a small bag, wears a curious grin while watching the Empress assist the maids. The scene then shifts to Alexandra's Mauve Room where seated at a small desk the Empress is shown composing a letter to her husband. Her voice narrates the words she has jotted down so far...

Alexandra (voice narrates): "The worst of the measles has passed for Baby, Olga and Anastasia. But Marie is in the grips of it. She shouts deliriously in her sleep. Poor child. We take turns keeping her cool with ice packs and moist towels, but only time will heal. Time and patience. And then there's Tatiana. Able to sleep, but the infection seems to have gone to her ears as she is almost completely deaf. Difficult it is. All the more so because you are not here beside us my darling. Lili has kindly accepted my request to spend the nights with us until you return. Anna will be here too. It a good comfort to have close friends, but no one can take the place or fill the hole that has been left by your absence. We know so little of your whereabouts and what goes on. How dreadful it must be to feel so alone surrounded by too many untrustworthy and contemptible men who wish to tell you what to do...If I only I could be there with you now. To help put your mind at ease. You and I have passed through a great many trials, but fear not, as God continues to watch over us. Only He can know how it will all end. But I do believe it all will all be for the best; For your reign, for Baby's inheritance, and for Russia..."

Just then a knock at the door interrupts her writing. "Come in" calls out the Empress and Grand Duke Paul Alexandrovich enters...

Alexandra (as the Grand Duke enters the room and closes the door behind him): Paul. How are you?
GD Paul: Good afternoon Alix.
Alexandra: How are you today?
GD Paul: I suppose I feel alright. Although there is some urgent information I must share with you.
Alexandra (places her ink pen down on the desk before her): Yes, please do...Won't you sit down?
GD Paul: Thank you, but I think I'd rather stand.
Alexandra (concerned): Very well. Is everything alright Paul?
GD Paul (looking down at some notes jotted onto a piece of paper): I've received word that Nicky's train was held up in Pskov.
Alexandra (exasperated): More delays?
GD Paul: Yes, but in this case the time was used somewhat effectively as he was able to meet with delegates of the Duma.
Alexandra (sarcastically): How delightful it must have been.
GD Paul (hesitantly): Apparently they spoke for quite some time. Chairman Rodzianko sent constant updates as well.
Alexandra: More trouble in Petrograd?
GD Paul: Yes it appears so...Upon the advice of the Chairman, several Generals who communicated through telegram, and gathering the opinion of those present he spoke with the Tsar was able to come to a decision.
Alexandra: A decision? On what?
GD Paul (after a brief pause): It seems he has chosen to abdicate the throne for himself and Alexei in favor of Misha.
Alexandra (stunned but calm): He has?
GD Paul: A decree was signed yesterday in the afternoon. He was under enormous pressure Alix. Something had to be done.
Alexandra (looking away): Yes I quite understand.
GD Paul: The government wishes to send him home immediately. Perhaps as soon as tomorrow he'll arrive. They assure no harm will come to him.
Alexandra: Makes me wonder why they couldn't have offered such assurances yesterday. Perhaps this all could have been avoided.
GD Paul: It has been a confusing and difficult few weeks for everyone I'm afraid.
Alexandra: Yes it most certainly has. Most of all us here at the palace, cut off from the world.
GD Paul: Is there anything I can do for you now Alix?
Alexandra (pausing then turning back her attention): No, thank you. I'm finishing a letter to Nicky now actually.
GD Paul: Then I shall leave you be for the moment.

[edubs31]

Paul somberly turns and exits the room as Alexandra, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, picks up her pen and continues to compose her letter...

Alexandra (voice narrates): "...Paul has just been and has told me all. I perfectly understand your action my hero. I know that you could not sign anything contrary to your oath at the coronation. We know each other absolutely. We do not need words and, I swear by my life, we shall yet see you on the throne, exalted again by your people and your troops for the glory of your reign. You have saved the reign of your son, and the country and your holy purity, and God himself will bless you on this earth and your country. I embrace you strongly and will never permit them to approach your luminous soul. I kiss, kiss, kiss you, I bless you and always understand you."

The scene shifts to minutes later, Alexandra with letter and envelope in hand stumbles her way out of the Mauve Room and down the hall towards the main foyer. While passing she is bowed to and acknowledged by a pair of sentries and other servants. Approaching the main foyer her emotions finally overwhelm her as she grabs hold of a staircase railing to keep from collapsing. Tears are streaming down her face as Lili Dehn at the top of the staircase greatly alarmed by the sight of the distraught Empress calls out...

Lili Dehn (making her way down the flight of stairs): Your majesty?...My God, what is it?
Alexandra: Abdique!

A shocked Lili is brought to a halt after hearing the sobbing Empress's cries. Just then a pair of maids and sentry arrive and help her to a chair over by the corner of the room. Calls of "Your Majesty let us sit you down", "bring her some water", and "let her have some air" can be heard. Lili moves closer toward the now seated Empress along with Anna Vyrubova who quickly as possible makes her way down the hall from the opposite direction. The scene fades and cuts away. It picks back up sometime later that evening. The Empress's face still streaked with dried tears is shown tending to her sick son and daughters in various clips that depict her as Alexandra the nurse. Eldest daughter Olga, rolled over on her right side in bed and trying to avoid being noticed, quietly sobs while starring out a window and into the night sky. In the midst of the Empress attending to her duties the scene shifts again to Olga, having regained some measure of her composure, pulling up beside to sister Tatiana. Most of Olga's strength has return with only the fading effects of her victorious battle with measles still evident on parts of her face and neck. Tatiana meanwhile, sits up in bed and smiles at her sister who gazes in return. The younger sister is almost completely, if temporarily, deaf from the effects of her illness. Because of this she corresponds with sister Olga through a pencil and pad of paper taken from the nightstand that sits just to her bedside...

Tatiana (scribbling down a message and showing it to Olga): "You look better".
Olga (mouthing the words): Thank-You. I-Feel-Much-Better.
Tatiana (smiles and nods): "Good. What about Marie and Shyvz? Alexei?"
Olga (taking the pencil and pad of paper from her sister and shown writing): Younger ones feeling better. Marie very ill.

Tatiana frowns and nods as Olga looks away and wipes a tear from her right eye...

Tatiana (reaching out and tugging at Olga's left sleeve while mouthing words of great concern): What's-Wrong?
Olga (takes the pad of paper again and writes): "Papa has abdicated. He is no longer Tsar. Neither is Alexei. Uncle Misha is now Tsar."
Tatiana (reads message and responds quickly): "What does this mean? What do we do now?
Olga (writing a response): "Abdication Tatya. Nothing to do. Papa has given up the crown. He'll be home tomorrow and we are all under house arrest."
Tatiana (momentarily stunned, then gathers herself to write again): "Don't let mama sleep alone tonight."
Olga (nods and writes back): "I won't"
Tatiana (looking at her sister, smiling, then writing): "Miss your voices."

Olga looks closely at her sister, smiles softly, and mouths the words "I-miss-talking-to-you". Tatiana offers a sad and longing smile in response just before her sister leans in, kisses her on the forehead, and wraps both arms around her head and neck. The scene the fades quickly and cuts away...

[edubs31]

March 15, 1917 - Tauride Palace, Petrograd

The next scene begins inside the Tauride Palace office of Duma representative Pavel Miliukov. He sits at a desk behind a pile of paperwork and speaks to a pair of Duma representatives and their deputies also seated around. Miliukov is focused in on speaking in mid sentence...

Pavel Miliukov: I've contacted the Allied ambassadors. Naturally they are concerned over Russia's continued commitment to the war effort.
Duma Member #1: What is it you told them?
Pavel Miliukov: I avoided specifics. Told them the war is the first thing to discuss on our agenda just as soon as order is fully restored in the capital and the new government has established itself. I mentioned that free Russia does not aim at the domination of other nations, or at occupying by force foreign territories. Our aim is not to subjugate or humiliate anyone.
Duma Member #2: We are all aware of where you stand with regards to the war effort Pavel Nikolaevich. But such vague language will only suffice for so long.
Pavel Miliukov: Yes I'm aware. They'll need immediate confidence in the new government if we are to be recognized. For the moment they wait to see, as we do, whether Grand Duke Michael Romanov becomes the new Tsar.
Duma Member #1: The Grand Duke Michael. New Tsar of Russia. Could it work?
Duma Member #2: Not a chance.
Pavel Miliukov: The liberals and Soviet will never allow it. Not under any circumstance.
Deputy #1: Forgive me gentleman if I may?
Pavel Miliukov: Go right ahead Sergie Dmitrievich.
Deputy #1: Thank you. I was about to say that there are rumors the Grand Duke has no intentions of accepting the role in the first place. That he'll only seek the throne if he is popularly elected.
Duma Member #2: Which of course he won't be.
Duma Member #1: I agree with my comrade. The three century old rule of the Romanov dynasty is finished. Only a royal completely unconnected with the Romanov could ever be considered.
Deputy #2: Perhaps Prime Minister Lvov?
Duma Member #2 (smirking and mildly amused as he leans back in his chair): Ah yes, the good Prince. He's proving barely acceptable to the masses as Prime Minister much less Tsar.
Pavel Miliukov: Forget this talk of Tsar. It is the composition of the government from the ground up that I am concerned with first and foremost. Lvov plays a key role. He is the cog that allows the wheel in the government to turn.
Duma Member #1: I see you've placed quite a great deal of faith in him.
Pavel Miliukov: He's an important powerbroker. Someone who can appeal to the masses. The one man who can bring together the people, those in rooms such as this, Kerensky and the Soviet altogether.
Duma Member #2: And yet his name alone is drawing the criticism from the very people you speak of. A Prince at the head of the government? The workers read this in the newspapers and leaflets distributed and wonder if all they've done is exchange one Monarch for another.
Pavel Miliukov: Once they hear his message and witness how he selflessly performs his duty they'll come to respect him.
Deputy #2 (reading through a list of names): There are some other curious selection to this list of posts sir, if you don't mind me saying so.
Pavel Miliukov: Such as?
Duma Member #1: Mikhail Tereshchenko filling the role of Minister to Finance?
Duma Member #2: Isn't he that wealthy fellow from the Ukraine?
Duma Member #1: That's unlikely to go over well with the masses.
Duma Member #2 (reading through the same list of names): Yes, oh and who was it I was looking. Ah, yes, Shingarev for Minister of Agriculture. A mediocre nonentity Pavel Nikolaevich, even his friends attest to it.
Duma Member #1: And the list goes on and on. Konovalov at Trade and Industry, Nekrasov at Transport, Manuilov at Education (tossing the paperwork atop Miliukov's desk). Virtual unknowns.
Pavel Miliukov (growing irritated): Virtual unknowns but plenty competent, and what's more they are political neutral. Just the right men for the job. A task that is less about excelling in one's given role and more about holding the fragile new republic together through what is surely inevitable ideological disputes...do you disagree?
Duma Member #2: Well I should say that I...
Pavel Miliukov (interrupting): You were plenty familiar with the Tsar and Empress's choices for Minister. And how well did that go? Kerensky and Lvov are no Tsar's or Empress's, and I am no Rasputin!
Duma Member #2: Yes I quite understand that. And I apologize if you found our criticisms to be insulting.
Pavel Miliukov (calming back down): It's alright. But you mustn't forget who it is that you are speaking to. Eight of the twelve members of the new cabinet are deputies of the Fourth Duma and they were selected with the greatest amount of care and attention to detail.
Duma Member #1: Yes of course Pavel Nikolaevich, and we admire your diligence and the great responsibility you have undertaken...where is Kerensky might I ask?
Pavel Miliukov (lighting up a cigar): At the Catherine Palace as we speak. Rallying the support of the Soviet for our newly christened cabinet members.
Duma Member #1: What are the chances they'll confirm your selections?
Pavel Miliukov: He'll convince them. He alone has the power to do so...it's quite remarkable really. They love him.

[edubs31]

The next scene picks up inside a main hall at Catherine Palace where Alexander Kerensky addresses a near riotous crowd of Soviet Duma representatives waving banners and chanting slogans. Kerensky takes the podium, smiles, and manages to quiet the crowd just enough to be heard speaking over them...

Alexander Kerensky (preaching): Fellow Russians. The new beginning is upon us!...(loud cheers). For centuries the people of Russia have existed in bondage under the rule of the tyrannical Tsarist regime. That rule has ended as of only hours ago. The Tsar has finally realized once and for all that the masses are no longer to subservient to his will. A new Russia instead has emerged. One that will chart its own course. It's own destiny under the rule not of a monarchy, but a democracy by the people and for the people...(more loud cheering). But we must be careful. Careful not to get carried away with the great new powers that we have been entrusted with. For what we do from this point forward will come to define us. Who we are and what we choose to be!...(lite applause). First order of business. We must establish a new set of laws granting freedoms not afforded to us by the Tsarist government. I propose the basic civil liberties such as freedom of the press and the abolition of ethnic and religious discrimination. We shall also look to introduce universal suffrage so all Russian adults, male and female alike, have a say in electing those who will lead them...(more applause). Now I understand in accordance with the resolution passed by the Soviet that my position as vice-chairman conflicts with my role as Provision Committeeman. It has been suggested however that I never the less be appointed to the role of Minister of Justice. Comrades do you agree?...(shouts of "Yes!", "Yes!" can be heard). And while there is no man who represents the perfect choice for any role in the government, that we can agree there are any number of loyal and faithful servants of the people wishing to do only what is in the best interest of their country...(murmuring approval). Comrades, do you trust me? I speak with all my soul and from the bottom of my heart. And if it is needed to prove this, if you do not trust me, then I am ready to die! Do you approve of my decision to join the new government? That which is to represent the people? For I shall resign from the Soviet is your answer is no!

Filling the hall with raucous applause the Soviet representatives then respond with shouts of "We do! We do" that echo off the walls of the hall. Kerensky steps back from the podium and smiles while gazing upon the the enthusiastic masses he prepares to lead. The scene then fades slowly and cuts away.

[edubs31]

First of several scenes focusing on Lenin...

March 17, 1917 - Zurich, Switzerland

Our first look abroad since the outbreak of the revolution begins in Altstadt section of Zurich, Switzerland. Bolsheviks Vladimir Lenin and wife Nadya Krupskaya, living in exile, have rented some rooms in a home they're sharing with a Polish revolutionary Mieczyslav Bronski. The scene begins in the early afternoon with Lenin and Krupskaya just having finished lunch and planning to visit the library as part of their daily routine. Krupskaya is showing clearing the kitchen table of plates and utensils, and places them upon the countertop next to a sink where Lenin handles the washing with a soapy wet rag...

Nadya Krupskaya (placing the last of the items on the counter): There you are.
Vladimir Lenin (sleeves rolled up and washington away): Thank you.
Nadya Krupskaya: I think I'd like to take out Gorky's new novel from the library.
Vladimir Lenin: "In The World"?
Nadya Krupskaya: Yes, that's right. You haven't read it have you?
Vladimir Lenin: No but I'm aware of its existence. I've purposefully stayed away from it.
Nadya Krupskaya: Why? I understand it's quite good.
Vladimir Lenin: That it may be, but it's story telling. Nothing more.
Nadya Krupskaya: And what's wrong with a good story?
Vladimir Lenin: Nothing I suppose. Other than it distracts the mind from what is real and important.
Nadya Krupskaya: Sometimes that is the point. It's called a diversion my dear.
Vladimir Lenin (smiling and looking over his shoulder, mildly amused): You should write stories. You have a gift for it I think. God knows for how much longer we'll be stuck here in Switzerland. If this God forsaken country is good for anything it's for whimsical tales of romance and fiction.
Nadya Krupskaya: Well the papers said the weather should be nice tomorrow. I hear around fifteen degrees. We can take the rowboat out onto the lake and sit and read peacefully for a while. Perhaps I'll draw up some inspiration from the quiet serenity.
Vladimir Lenin: Good. That's the spirit my dear!
Nadya Krupskaya: Yes, well, I'm going to the bedroom for a moment. Fix myself up before we head into town.
Vladimir Lenin: Go right ahead.
Nadya Krupskaya (passively lecturing tone): Ten maybe fifteen minutes Ilyich. Don't you get started on any project now.
Vladimir Lenin (smiling with his back still turned and facing the sink): I won't.

Krupskaya exits the room and as Lenin finishes wiping dry the last wet plate for a dry towel. He then braces himself with both hands mounted on either side of the sink and gazes out the window starring into space. The camera zooms in on the forlorn look on his face for a few moments when suddenly the sounds of a door opening and shutting followed by a pair of racing footsteps snaps him out of his momentary daze. Seconds later and bursting through the door is roommate and fellow revolutionary Mieczyslav Bronski. Holding a newspaper in his hand and gasping to catch his brief he addresses Lenin...

Mieczyslav Bronski (breathing heavily but with excitement): Comrade Lenin!
Vladimir Lenin: What on Earth is wrong with you?
Mieczyslav Bronski (handing him a Swiss newspaper): Haven't you hear the news? There's a revolution in Russia!
Vladimir Lenin (receiving the paper): What?
Mieczyslav Bronski: Look! It's everywhere, in all papers. Published in the specials editions.

[edubs31]

Lenin quickly reads over the article blurb in the newspaper when Krupskaya, still putting on her right earring hurries back into the kitchen having heard the commotion...

Nadya Krupskaya: Bronski? What is happening here?
Mieczyslav Bronski (excitedly): No, it's what's happening in Russia. Revolution has come at long last!
Nadya Krupskaya: What? Are you joking?
Mieczyslav Bronski: No! The Tsar has abdicated his throne. I've just handed Ilyich the newspaper report!
Nadya Krupskaya: Ilyich, tell me, what does it say? Is it true?

Lenin slowly lifts his head and moves his eyes up from the page, stares at his wife, and offers her a slight but unmistakable grin that manages to light up her face as well...

Mieczyslav Bronski: Incredible! After all this time the people did it themselves! We should celebrate!
Vladimir Lenin (placing the newspaper on the kitchen table): I must know more. I want to read every story there is and digest every ounce of information.
Nadya Krupskaya: The newsstands outside the library?
Vladimir Lenin: The lake. They post all of the newspapers as soon as they come out. They'll have it first.
Mieczyslav Bronski: Yes, you should go!
Nadya Krupskaya: Where are you going Bronski?
Mieczyslav Bronski: I have a meeting with fellow party members in town. We'll be discussing it naturally. I can find out more while I'm there and report back to the two of you.
Vladimir Lenin: Good. Nadya, lets go.

Lenin is shown quickly making his way out of the kitchen where he collects his coat and hat, and then exiting the home as wife Nadya trails closely behind. The scene shifts to Lenin and Krupskaya surrounded by a small crowd reading through several daily newspapers, Swiss or otherwise, that have been pilled up on newsstands by the docks of the lake. After a few moment the scene shifts again to sometime later in the evening. Lenin is shown alone at his desk jotting down a letter that he intends to send to fellow Bolshevik Alexandra Kollontai residing in Stockholm, Sweden. Lenin's voice narrates some of the words he writes as the camera zooms in on him scribbling away...

Vladimir Lenin (voice narrating): "Never again along the lines of the Second International! Never again with Kautsky! By all means a more revolutionary programme and tactics...(voices fades out and then back in). As before, revolutionary propaganda, agitation and struggle with the aim of an international proletarian revolution and for the conquest of power by the 'Soviets of Workers' Deputies, and not the Kadet fakers...(voice again fades out and then back in). We shall recapture the spirit of the 1905 revolution while not falling prey to the same errors in judgement and feeble of execution. This new revolution must be overwhelming if it is to be permanent. Brutal if necessary. Legal political measures must combine with illegal acts to ensure its success...(voice fading out and then back in once more). This is not Soviet conquest but a movement by the people and for the people. The revolution is to be waged on many levels. It is a fight for bread and survival, as well as for peace and freedom. We must spread out. Rouse new sections. Awaken fresh initiative. Form new organizations in every stratum and prove to them that peace can come only with the armed Soviet of Workers' Deputies in power...I've communicated with Zinoviev. Together we shall draw up a resolution, but I cannot help lead the revolution without being physically part of it. I long to travel back to Russia but England and France would never allow it. Nadya and I are afraid we shall not be able to leave this accursed Switzerland very soon. With that in mind it is imperative that you an I devise a strategy for constant communication with our comrades in St. Petersburg. In the meantime we will work on a plan for safe return to Russia. Perhaps the obtainment of passports from the foreigners of a neutral county. A Swede would do fine and be less likely to arouse the suspicion of authorities. A Swedish passport could be obtained through our comrades, but my unfortunate ignorance of the language is a decided obstacle. A few basic phrases would likely be enough but Nadya kindly brought to my attention my habit of talking in my sleep. My Russia tongue could be made obvious to all those seated around while babbling in the middle of a dream...I plan to write Ganiecki to enquire whether there is anyway to return to Russia through Germany. Perhaps I can offer them something the Tsar never could and the Provisional Government never will. Stability and peace, and Russia's exit from the war...I long for the day when we shall all be reunited. Let us hope that day shall arrive soon. Yours truly, Ilyich."

Lenin is shown placing his pen back in it's holder. After a brief reread of his letter he folds and places it into an envelope as the scene fades and cuts away...

[JamesAPrattIII]

Eb
I know the Tsar's military aide general N.N. Voeikov was on the train with him on his final ride as Tsar. Voeikov did write his memoirs in exile but, they are not in English. General Ruzski di bring his chief of Staff General  I.N. Danilov and another general S.S. Salvich with him during the abdication. Danilov went into exile and wrote his memoirs which are not in English. He did have a grandson Nicholas Danilov, who became a US newsman and I believe he was jailed briefly by the Soviets in the 1980s and wrote a book about his family and their experiences. This is all I can find on the train.

Your posts since my last post here were fine except you mention "a royal" in 1038. I don't think this term really didn't come into popular use until the 1990s and back then the Romanovs were Imperial not Royal which is for the British royal family.

[rudy3]

Voeikov, of course, V. N. - Vladimir Nikolaevich.

About his book: http://forum.alexanderpalace.org/index.php?topic=11968.0

[edubs31]

March 19, 1917 - Zurich, Switzerland

The next scene begins by showing a gathering of Russian emigrants in Switzerland. A meeting is being held inside a private room attached to the public library. Seated at either end of a large round table are Vladimir Lenin and former Menshevik leader Julius Martov. In between sit five fellow revolutionaries. The camera pans around the room, focusing on on the various faces of those present as they speak. The scene begins with those present in the middle of conversation...

Revolutionary #1: The Russian empire lays virtually prostrate for us to do with it as we please. The only thing standing between us and full control is a few hundred kilometers of presently unpassable railway.
Revolutionary #2: We must find a way to return and quickly. An incredible opportunity is slipping through our fingertips.
Revolutionary #3: Yes, but how?
Revolutionary #2: We can pass through in disguise.
Revolutionary #4 (mildly amused): Disguised?
Revolutionary #2: Yes. Fake passports, clothing, wigs and facial hair if necessary. The only thing we need is money. Money and assurances.
Revolutionary #3: Assurances? Who on Earth would offer such a thing to a ragtag group of revolutionaries during wartime?
Vladimir Lenin: Perhaps we're overvaluing ourselves, just as we have underestimated the Russian people.
Revolutionary #2: What do you mean Comrade Lenin?
Vladimir Lenin: I mean simply that the revolution has taken place without our guidance and leadership. What makes us so certain that we will be warmly embraced by the people even if we should find our way back to Russia?
Revolutionary #1: Are you suggesting we do nothing?
Vladimir Lenin: I'm suggesting there may be nothing we can do to effect positive change.
Revolutionary #5: Ridiculous Comrade. Rubbish!
Revolutionary #2: Yes I'm surprised to hear you speak in such a way Comrade. Is it in jest? I've never known you to shy away from conflict and long odds.
Vladimir Lenin: I shy away from nothing Comrades. This revolution is all I have dreamt of for my entire adult life. The idea of Kerensky and Lvov as the de facto leaders of the new government disturbs me to no ends...How is the question. How are we to return to Russia and in what capacity will we be able to lead?
Revolutionary #3: You're quite the agitator Ilyich. No sooner do the people overthrow one government than you push to overthrown another.
Vladimir Lenin: Kerensky aims to appease. He's not a leader. He's a bargainer. Holding together several loose factions of power under the naive premise that a stable government can be cultivated through the exchange of ideas. Only one party can lead Russia. One who has both power and legitimacy. If it takes Civil War within to purge Russia of her weaker elements than I say so be it.
Revolutionary #4: That is dangerous talk Comrade. You'd better be certain of your abilities to lead.
Vladimir Lenin: I've never once doubted my abilities. The question I ask is how many of you are prepared to follow?
Revolutionary #1: Follow? Lenin are you declaring yourself our leader?
Julius Martov (interrupting): Gentleman, gentleman. It seems to me we have wondered off topic a bit...(murmuring agreement)? The important thing to remember is that the Russian people have turned to chaos in order to depose tierany. But just as quickly they'll turn to authoritarianism if the chaos persists and it promises some measure of control...(looking around the table noticing heads nodding in agreement as Lenin stares straight ahead). We are all aware of the importance of this current time and the window of opportunity that presents itself. With that in mind I propose a plan that would allow we emigrants to pass through Germany in order to return to Russia.
Revolutionary #5: And why would Germany agree to assist us in such a way?
Julius Martov: Because of what we can promise them in both the short term and in the long term.
Revolutionary #4: And what is that exactly?
Vladimir Lenin (cutting in): In the short term we can offer Germany and Austria their prisoners of war to be interned in Russia. In the long term we can offer them an end to Russia's involvement in the war completely.
Revolutionary #2: Pull Russia out of the war entirely?
Vladimir Lenin: Yes. A separate peace. One negotiated by a new Soviet government once it rises to power.
Revolutionary #1: I don't see how we can support a plan that relies upon Germany for assistance. Even if they were to agree to our terms, how could we trust them?
Vladimir Lenin: It would have to be done carefully. The best thing would be to have the negotiations started at the initiative of the Swiss Government.
Revolutionary #5 (dismissively): The Swiss won't lift a finger.
Vladimir Lenin: Then lobby the Germans directly. We have contacts. Lets us use them. Make it clear to the Germans that our fight is not now nor has it ever been with them.