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Once More About Love (1968) Plot Summary & Timeline

Once More About Love (1968) movie poster

Once More About Love is a 1968 drama and romance film directed by Georgi Natanson, running 1 hour 31 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 240 words (about 1 minute to read) and covers 10 key events in order, 3 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Once More About Love.

to read the plot summary
1 min
key events in the timeline
10
characters profiled
3
themes explained
3
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Once More About Love (1968) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 31m
Director
Georgi Natanson
Genres
Drama, Romance
Original language
Russian
Studio
Mosfilm
No spoilers

What Is Once More About Love About?

The premise of Once More About Love in 239 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the intellectual heart of Soviet Moscow, where science and culture intersect at unlikely moments, Natasha first encounters the charismatic physicist Evdokimov during a lecture at the Polytechnic Museum. Accompanied by her longtime companion Feliks, she finds herself unexpectedly drawn to the confident young speaker, whose presence seems to command the room. It is a fleeting moment — a glance, a captivated attention — but one that plants a seed of curiosity that will prove difficult to ignore.

When her relationship with Feliks eventually falters, Natasha makes a decisive change, leaving behind the familiar rhythms of home to become a flight attendant. The skies offer her a new perspective, a different kind of freedom, yet fate has a curious way of circling back. In a café, in the quiet hours before a flight, she encounters Evdokimov once again, and what begins as a chance meeting stirs emotions neither had anticipated.

Evdokimov, an intellectual accustomed to admiration and somewhat detached in his certainty, finds himself both intrigued and charmed by Natasha’s presence. She is unlike those who typically surround him — warm where he is reserved, open where he is guarded. Their connection deepens through conversations that bridge two very different temperaments and worldviews, raising questions neither has fully confronted before. As their paths continue to cross, both must discover what they are willing to risk, and whether the pull between them can survive the distances they carry within themselves.

Full plot

What Happens in Once More About Love?

The complete story of Once More About Love, from the first scene to the last, in 240 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

Natasha, a flight attendant, first notices physicist Evdokimov during a lecture at the Polytechnic Museum, where she is accompanied by her longtime friend Felix. She is captivated by the confident young speaker, but her relationship with Felix soon falters. Later, while at a café before another flight, she unexpectedly encounters Evdokimov again, and they strike up a conversation. Evdokimov, an intellectual used to admiration and somewhat arrogant, is both intrigued and charmed by Natasha’s presence.

You are the best girl in the USSR

After their second meeting, they spend the night together, during which Natasha confesses her love for him. Evdokimov reacts with cold detachment, failing to grasp the sincerity and vulnerability behind her words. The next morning, he casually arranges another meeting, only to find a note after her departure: “We won’t meet again.” However, both of them show up later that day at the agreed location, marking the start of a complicated romance. Despite their differences in temperament and interests, Natasha’s deep affection for Evdokimov prevails, and over time, he discovers his own growing feelings for her. As his scientific experiment approaches its most dangerous phase, Evdokimov departs on a work trip while Natasha continues her usual flight routes. When Evdokimov achieves a groundbreaking discovery, he eagerly anticipates sharing the news with Natasha. For the first time, he brings flowers to their meeting, only to learn that Natasha has died heroically in a plane fire while saving passengers.

Timeline

Once More About Love Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

10 key events in the order they happen, from “Natasha notices Evdokimov at the Polytechnic Museum” to “Natasha dies heroically in a plane fire”. 9 events name a place, across 8 locations.

  1. 1

    Natasha notices Evdokimov at the Polytechnic Museum

    Natasha, a flight attendant, first notices physicist Evdokimov during a lecture at the Polytechnic Museum. She is accompanied by her longtime friend Felix, and she feels drawn to his confident, intelligent presence. This moment seeds an attraction that will later complicate her life.

    When:During the lecture Where:Polytechnic Museum

  2. 2

    Felix's friendship falters as Natasha grows closer to Evdokimov

    Natasha's relationship with Felix begins to falter as her interest in Evdokimov grows. Felix senses a shift and worries that Natasha's attention is drifting from their friendship. The evolving dynamic signals a larger emotional journey to come.

    Where:Moscow social circle

  3. 3

    A café encounter rekindles their connection

    Before her next flight, Natasha meets Evdokimov again in a café and they begin to talk. He is intrigued and impressed by her presence, while she sees in him a mix of charm and intellect. This casual meeting becomes the foundation for a continuing, complicated romance.

    When:Before her next flight Where:Café

  4. 4

    The night they are together and Natasha's confession

    After their second meeting, they spend the night together and Natasha confesses her love. Evdokimov responds with cold detachment, failing to fully grasp the sincerity behind her feelings. The moment foreshadows the emotional distance that will challenge their bond.

    When:That night Where:Unspecified location

  5. 5

    The note that implies goodbye

    The next morning, Evdokimov arranges another meeting but Natasha leaves a note saying, 'We won't meet again.' The understated message creates doubt and emotional distance between them. Still, the two reconcile later in the day, continuing the complicated romance.

    When:Next morning Where:Unspecified location

  6. 6

    They meet again at the agreed spot

    Despite the note, both show up later that day at the agreed location, and their presence marks the start of a more complicated romance. Their differences in temperament and interests remain, yet Natasha's warmth endures. The reconciliation deepens their bond despite ongoing tensions.

    When:Later that day Where:Agreed meeting location

  7. 7

    Natasha's devotion and his growing feelings

    Over time, Natasha's deep affection for Evdokimov remains strong, and he discovers his own growing feelings for her. They navigate their differences in temperament and interests as their romance deepens. This uneasy balance sustains them through early trials.

    When:Over time

  8. 8

    Evdokimov's dangerous experiment and departure

    As Evdokimov's scientific experiment approaches its most dangerous phase, he departs on a work trip while Natasha continues her routine flights. The separation tests both lovers and intensifies the tension between professional ambition and personal attachment.

    When:As the experiment nears the dangerous phase Where:Laboratory and travel routes

  9. 9

    Breakthrough discovery and anticipation to share

    After the breakthrough, Evdokimov eagerly anticipates sharing the news with Natasha and even brings flowers to their next meeting. He hopes to celebrate together, unaware of the fate awaiting Natasha.

    When:Moment of discovery Where:Meeting place

  10. 10

    Natasha dies heroically in a plane fire

    Natasha dies heroically in a plane fire while saving passengers, a final act of courage that eclipses Evdokimov's scientific triumph. Her sacrifice leaves a lasting impression on those who knew her and on the memory of their romance.

    When:During the flight Where:On a plane

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Once More About Love?

3 characters, among them Natasha (Tatiana Doronina) - Natasha, Yevdokimov (Alexander Lazarev) - Evdokimov and Feliks (Alexander Shirvindt) - Feliks: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.

  • N(

    Natasha (Tatiana Doronina) - Natasha

    Played by Tatyana Doronina

    A flight attendant whose charm and sincerity pull Evdokimov into a meaningful connection. She is passionate, brave, and capable of deep vulnerability, driving the romance forward even as she balances the demands of a demanding job. Her love is persistent, ultimately guiding the emotional arc of the story and culminating in a heroic sacrifice.

    • 💃 Bold
    • 💖 Romantic
    • 🕊️ Selfless
  • Y(

    Yevdokimov (Alexander Lazarev) - Evdokimov

    Played by Aleksandr Lazarev

    A brilliant physicist who captivates with intellect and confidence. Initially cool and somewhat detached, he gradually engages with Natasha’s warmth, prompting inner change as he confronts the consequences of his ambitious work. His evolving feelings and dedication to discovery drive the narrative’s tension between science and love.

    • 🧠 Intellectual
    • 🎯 Ambitious
    • ❄️ Reserved
  • F(

    Feliks (Alexander Shirvindt) - Feliks

    Played by Aleksandr Shirvindt

    Natasha’s longtime friend who accompanies her to the lecture and remains a steady presence throughout the evolving romance. He provides a grounded, supportive counterbalance to Natasha’s fervor and Evdokimov’s intensity, helping anchor the relationship’s social dynamics.

    • 🗣️ Loyal
    • 🤝 Friend
    • 🎭 Witty
Setting

Where and When Is Once More About Love Set?

Once More About Love is set in Polytechnic Museum, Moscow, Cafés in Moscow and Airplane (Soviet era). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.

When

Soviet era

The film is set in the Soviet Union, conveying the era’s blend of scientific aspiration and public culture. It depicts a society where public lectures, career-driven professionals, and travel by plane are part of ordinary life. The tone mirrors mid- to late-20th-century Soviet urban experience, with relationships unfolding against the backdrop of state-influenced modernity.

Where

Polytechnic Museum, Moscow, Cafés in Moscow, Airplane

The story centers around Moscow’s intellectual and social scene, beginning in the Polytechnic Museum where a lecture sparks Natasha and Evdokimov’s first connection. The action moves through bustling city cafés and other urban spaces, reflecting everyday life in the Soviet capital. The climax unfolds aboard an aircraft, tying intimate romance to the high-stakes world of air travel and public safety.

  • 🏛️ Museum
  • 🏙️ Urban
  • ✈️ Aviation
Themes

What Are the Themes of Once More About Love?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love, Ambition and Sacrifice.

  1. 01

    Love

    Love emerges between Natasha, a confident flight attendant, and the reserved yet brilliant Evdokimov. Their relationship navigates differences in temperament and life goals, highlighting how attraction can disrupt routines and stir personal growth. The romance persists through distance and miscommunication, driving both characters toward emotional honesty.

  2. 02

    Ambition

    Evdokimov’s scientific ambition and his cool, analytical demeanor contrast with Natasha’s warmth and spontaneity. The pursuit of a groundbreaking discovery tests his priorities and reveals how intellectual success can affect personal connections. The film probes the moral weight of scientific progress when weighed against human relationships.

  3. 03

    Sacrifice

    Natasha’s ultimate act of selflessness—saving passengers during a deadly plane fire—frames love as a transformative, heroic force. Her sacrifice contrasts with Evdokimov’s initially detached demeanor, underscoring themes of duty, courage, and the personal cost of heroism. The tragedy becomes a poignant close to a romance that endured despite adversity.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Once More About Love?

Melancholic in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Melancholic
Pacing
Steady
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Sad

A tender yet melancholic romance that builds steadily towards a tragic conclusion, leaving a profound sense of love found and heartbreakingly lost.

  • melancholic
  • romantic
  • tragic
  • reflective
  • bittersweet
  • yearning
  • ill-fated love
  • personal growth
  • sacrifice
  • grief and loss

Content notes: death of a main character.

Quiz

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3 films close to Once More About Love in story and themes that have a full plot summary here: Five Evenings (1978), Once More, with Feeling! (1960) and Loveless (2017).

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FAQ

Once More About Love Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Once More About Love, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Once More About Love about?

In the intellectual heart of Soviet Moscow, where science and culture intersect at unlikely moments, Natasha first encounters the charismatic physicist Evdokimov during a lecture at the Polytechnic Museum.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Once More About Love take place?

Once More About Love is set in Polytechnic Museum, Moscow, Cafés in Moscow and Airplane (Soviet era). The film is set in the Soviet Union, conveying the era’s blend of scientific aspiration and public culture. It depicts a society where public lectures, career-driven professionals, and travel by plane are part of…

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Once More About Love?

The story follows Natasha (Tatiana Doronina) - Natasha (played by Tatyana Doronina), Yevdokimov (Alexander Lazarev) - Evdokimov (played by Aleksandr Lazarev) and Feliks (Alexander Shirvindt) - Feliks (played by Aleksandr Shirvindt).

All the characters

What are the main themes of Once More About Love?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Love, Ambition and Sacrifice.

The themes explained

Who directed Once More About Love?

Once More About Love (1968) was directed by Georgi Natanson and runs 1 hour 31 minutes.

Georgi Natanson’s films

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