The main filming locations of the film are in Moscow and Leningrad (Saint Petersburg). The key interior scenes were shot at the Yuzhny supermarket, which was the first self-service store in Leningrad and was located at the intersection of Yaroslav Gashek and Kupchinskaya streets. For the scenes with the sausage department, the film crew moved to a meat processing plant, as the stores did not have enough products for filming, and there they were given a product tasting. Some facades and interiors of the supermarket were filmed at a Moscow store at Otradnaya Street, 16. The scenes related to the banquet after the wedding were filmed at the Pribaltiyskaya Hotel, which added a festive atmosphere to the film. The scenes of the religious procession were filmed against the backdrop of the Smolny Cathedral, emphasizing the cultural significance of the events. These locations helped create an authentic atmosphere of the Soviet era and reflect the realities of the citizens' lives of that period.

Filming Locations:

Store

In the Film

The scene where Nikolai suddenly runs up to Nadezhda and, without waiting for her request, grabs her heavy bags. A conversation ensues between them, in which Nikolai, trying to make an impression, talks about his life: he lives with his parents and has no wife. Nadezhda, being a practical and caring person, has just prepared a bag of scarce goods that she wanted to give him. However, Nikolai, being a decent and modest man, refuses the gift. He explains that at home, his parents might not understand such a gesture. This moment highlights the contrast between their characters: Nadezhda is confident and generous, while Nikolai is honest and a bit shy. The scene becomes the beginning of their complex relationship, filled with both mutual interest and differences in worldview.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Otradnaya Street, 16 in Moscow, where Nikolai works as a loader. This place is ideal for their meeting, as it reflects the everyday life of Soviet society, filled with shortages and routine. Behind the store, where goods are unloaded, there is an atmosphere of ordinary city life, which emphasizes Nikolai's modest position after being fired from the institute. The gray building of the supermarket symbolizes the grayness and monotony of life at that time, as well as the contrast between Nikolai's dreams of space and the reality he faces. Here, Nadezhda, confident and resourceful, demonstrates her skills in obtaining scarce goods. Their conversation against the backdrop of this unremarkable place highlights the differences in their worldviews: Nikolai is an idealist, while Nadezhda is a pragmatist. This scene not only introduces the characters to each other but also sets the tone for their further relationship, full of contradictions and clashes of different life philosophies.

Hotel

In the Film

The scene where Nadezhda and Krokodil walk together through the hotel lobby. At this moment, music is playing in the room, creating an atmosphere of luxury. Nadezhda is dressed in an elegant red dress, and Krokodil is in a gray suit. Both look confident and demonstrate their superiority over others. After leaving the hotel, they get into an expensive car that emphasizes their status. At the same time, Nikolai, standing at a bus stop on his way to work, notices Nadezhda. He watches her from afar, periodically staring, and misses his bus.

In Reality

The scene was filmed Nadezhda and Krokodil leaving the hotel was filmed at the Park Inn hotel, located at 14 Korablestroiteley Street, Saint Petersburg. This location was chosen for filming due to its modern and elegant design, which is ideal for conveying the atmosphere of luxury and status of the characters. The Park Inn hotel is a typical building with comfortable conditions and stylish decor, creating a contrast with the ordinary life of the main characters. The atmosphere of the lobby, where music plays, emphasizes their confidence and sense of superiority over others. The choice of this location is also due to its accessibility and proximity to the city center, making it attractive for filming in the context of urban life.

Nikolai Walks Down the Street Without Pants

In the Film

The scene where Nikolai runs away from his own wedding. There are almost no friends of his at the celebration, and the pressure from those around him becomes unbearable. At some point, noticing that his parents have left the party, Nikolai loses control of himself and decides to leave, and moreover without pants and jacket. Without waiting for the end of the celebration, he runs out into the street. Nadezhda rushes after him and begs him to stop, but Nikolai does not listen to her and continues walking. He hurries down the street, leaving behind the wedding noise and bustle. Nadezhda tries to catch up with him and persuades him to return, but Nikolai is unyielding and does not stop. In the end, he manages to escape, and Nadezhda has to catch a taxi.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Zhdanovskaya Street, 9 in Saint Petersburg. This location was ideal for filming, as it represents an ordinary city street, which emphasizes the comicality and absurdity of the situation. The street, with its typical architecture and everyday atmosphere, creates a contrast with Nikolai's extraordinary act. He runs out onto the street very angry, which makes the scene more realistic and recognizable to viewers. The ordinary surroundings help to focus attention on his internal conflict and decision to break out of the usual framework. Thus, Zhdanovskaya Street becomes not just a backdrop for the action, but an important part of the narrative, emphasizing the comedic aspect of the situation and reflecting the realities of Soviet life.