The film's action unfolds against the backdrop of Leningrad, which becomes not just a setting but one of the main "characters" of the picture. The film's director, Fridrikh Ermler, was himself a resident of Leningrad. He lived in a house on Kirovsky (now Kamennoostrovsky) Prospekt, 55, and his deep attachment to the Petrograd Side is felt in every detail of the film. In his picture, he made the Petrograd Side a full-fledged heroine of the narrative. Doctor Elizaveta Maksimovna lives in the famous Lidval House (Kamennoostrovsky Prospekt, 1–5). On Rentgena Street, there is an episode where the heroine meets a patient who has broken bed rest and accompanies him home. The factory that "poisons life for the whole district" is represented by a furniture factory on the Karpovka Embankment. The final scene of the film takes place on a balcony overlooking the Neva and Revolution Square. According to the plot, this is the balcony of the "House of Political Prisoners," but since the building does not have such spacious balconies, the scene was filmed on the roof, where a set was specially built. Also interesting is the scene with an ambulance racing along Marata Street. In the frame, you can see the remains of the Trinity Church—already decapitated but not yet demolished. This episode becomes a symbol of a transitional time where old and new collide, creating a special Leningrad atmosphere.
The film became not only a vivid example of masterful work with sets and locations but also a true cinematic ode to Leningrad and its inhabitants.
 

Filming Locations:

Street

In the Film

The scene where the main heroine, the charming doctor Elizaveta Maksimovna, notices a patient on the street who is violating bed rest. He tries to explain in a soft and insinuating voice why he is disobeying medical instructions. However, Elizaveta is adamant and sends him back to continue treatment.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on Rentgena Street in the Petrogradsky District of St. Petersburg. This is a relatively small but atmospheric street connecting Kamennoostrovsky Prospekt with the Karpovka River Embankment. The architecture of the street is a mixture of Art Nouveau, Neoclassicism, and Eclecticism.

Palace Square

In the Film

The scene where Elizaveta Maksimovna, walking around the city with her companion after a concert, confesses her love … for Leningrad. "I love our city," she says softly but confidently. Well, how could one not love it, we say!

In Reality

The scene was filmed on Palace Square, in the heart of St. Petersburg. In the frame, we can see the Alexander Column, erected in honor of Russia's victory over Napoleon, and the Admiralty building, which formerly served as a shipbuilding yard.

Yuri Ershov's House

In the Film

The scene where Yuri Ershov takes Elizaveta by the hand, leads her out onto the balcony, takes a deep breath of fresh air, and finally confesses his feelings! This incredibly touching moment leaves no one indifferent. Tears glisten in Elizaveta's eyes, and to be honest, even your editor could not hold them back.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on a balcony offering a panoramic view of the historical heart of Leningrad. It was specially built as a set on the roof of a residential building on Petrovskaya Embankment. From there, there is a beautiful view of the Neva and the Trinity Bridge.