The author received a strict refusal.
Vladimir Menshov went through several candidates for the role of Katerina in the film “Moscow Doesn’t Believe in Tears.” Moreover, at first the name of his wife, Vera Alentova, was not even on the list. First, the author sent the script and invitation to her competitor.
The film was released in 1979. The two-part story about provincial students instantly earned the love of not only the entire USSR, but also the world. In 1981, the film was awarded an Oscar in the category “Best Foreign Language Film.”
However, before filming began, the director persistently searched for the leading actress. He considered Margarita Terekhova, and considered Irina Kupchenko his favorite. Menshov called her a superstar, so soon the script was on the table of his favorite.
Here the master was disappointed. Kupchenko did not like the idea and refused the role. Then the final choice fell on Alentova, who, according to Menshov himself, was not suitable either in appearance or in age.
Still from the film “An Ordinary Miracle” (1978). In the photo Irina Kupchenko
