In a reflective interview, Nikolai Averyushkin recalls a memorable moment on the set of Eduard Uspensky’s program The Ships Have Arrived at Our Port. He emphasizes that the author’s gesture revealed a persona who is open and accessible to the crew and cast alike, a rare quality that helps everyone feel seen and valued during long shooting days. Averyushkin paints a vivid scene where professionalism blends with a personal touch, underscoring how small acts can illuminate a creator’s character and foster a collaborative atmosphere among performers and behind-the-scenes staff.
The tale centers on Eduard Nikolayevich, who explains that a pressing wardrobe issue emerged mid-scene. His belt had split, threatening the continuity of the shot. Without hesitation, the actor offered his belt to the director, an act Averyushkin describes as practical, considerate, and aimed at keeping the production moving. The anecdote highlights a moment when humility and quick thinking prevented delays, while also revealing a sense of duty to the audience and the team. Averyushkin notes that the choice to ask for help did not arise from arrogance but from a shared commitment to the project, a sentiment that resonated with everyone present on the set.
Beyond this story, the actor draws a parallel between Eduard Uspensky and renowned filmmaker Roman Polanski, with whom he worked on Return to the USSR. He remembers Polanski as someone who treated colleagues with respect, never placing himself above others. The comparison underscores a common thread: even celebrated figures can remain approachable and grounded, a truth that enriches on-screen collaborations and the atmosphere behind the scenes. The actor adds that Uspensky was well known for years among peers, a person who balanced leadership with a genuine, unpretentious demeanor. In closing, Averyushkin mentions an ongoing industry development: Sarik Andreasyan has announced a forthcoming adaptation of Ouspensky’s book Uncle Fyodor, Dog and Cat, hinting at renewed attention to the author’s creative universe and its enduring influence on contemporary cinema.