
There Will Be No Leave Today 1959
A tense Soviet-era TV drama from 1959, *There Will Be No Leave Today* follows a squad of soldiers tasked with the dangerous mission of defusing a cache of unexploded WWII bombs uncovered during road construction in a rural village.
Director: Andrei Tarkovsky
Cast










Frequently Asked Questions
What is *There Will Be No Leave Today* (1959) about?
The film centers on a group of soldiers who must disarm a hidden collection of WWII-era bombs discovered during roadwork in a small village. Their mission becomes a high-stakes test of courage and precision, set against the quiet backdrop of post-war Soviet life.
Who directed *There Will Be No Leave Today*?
The film was directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, the iconic Soviet filmmaker known for his deeply atmospheric and philosophical approach to cinema.
Who stars in *There Will Be No Leave Today*?
The cast includes Oleg Borisov, Aleksei Alekseyev, Pyotr Lyubeshkin, Oleg Mokshantsev, and Vladimir Marenkov in key roles.
Is *There Will Be No Leave Today* (1959) worth watching?
While it's a lesser-known early work of Tarkovsky's, the film's intense focus on tension and moral weight makes it a compelling watch for fans of Soviet cinema or atmospheric dramas. Its short runtime adds to its accessibility, offering a tight, suspenseful experience without the lengthy commitment of his later masterpieces.
How long is *There Will Be No Leave Today*?
The film has a runtime of 46 minutes.
About There Will Be No Leave Today (1959) — A Soviet TV Movie of Unexploded WWII Tension
A tense Soviet-era TV drama from 1959, *There Will Be No Leave Today* follows a squad of soldiers tasked with the dangerous mission of defusing a cache of unexploded WWII bombs uncovered during road construction in a rural village. Directed by the legendary Andrei Tarkovsky, this short but gripping film immerses viewers in a slow-burning atmosphere of suspense and quiet heroism. The story unfolds with the director's signature contemplative pacing, focusing on the psychological weight of the soldiers' work as they confront both the immediacy of danger and the lingering scars of war.
Set against the backdrop of post-war reconstruction, the narrative explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and the burden of history. The compact runtime heightens the tension, making every moment feel charged with uncertainty. With Tarkovsky's distinctive visual style and a cast of understated yet powerful performances, this early TV movie offers a poignant glimpse into the era's cinematic craftsmanship and human resilience.