Monument
«Gleb Zheglov and Vladimir Sharapov»
In Moscow, at the entrance to the police headquarters building in 38, Petrovka Street, there is a monument dedicated to the characters from the Soviet film “The Meeting place Cannot Be Changed,” which is based on the book “The Era of Mercy” by Arkady and Georgy Weiner. The monument honours Gleb Zheglov, the main character in the novel, and his partner Vladimir Sharapov.
Gleb Zheglov was the central figure in the mystery novel “The Era of Mercy” written by the Weiner Brothers in 1976. And 1979, the film “The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed” was released, based on the script written by the same authors. The story takes place in post-war Moscow, from August to November 1945. Zheglov is the captain of the Militia, a senior operative officer, and the head of a department in the Ministry of Internal Affairs that specializes in fighting criminal gangs. He is a charismatic character who embodies the image of a skilled, determined, and cunning Militia officer, for whom success in combating bandits is of utmost importance. Despite the effectiveness of his methods, they often raise controversy, as Zheglov is willing to sacrifice formal legal principles in order to ensure justice, leading to a conflict with the other main character, Vladimir Sharapov, who is honest and principled. Zheglov has become a symbol of the difficult moral choices faced by law enforcement officials in the post-war period. In the film adaptation, the role of Zheglov, played by Vladimir Vysotsky, received widespread recognition, establishing the character as a cult figure in Soviet cinema.
Vladimir Ivanovich Sharapov is a fictional character created by the Weiner brothers, Arkady and Georgy. He is one of the main characters in their works, appearing not only in their famous novel “The Era of Mercy”, but also in other stories, as well as film adaptations and songs, such as those by the band “Lyube”. In some stories, Sharapov appears only briefly, serving as a mentor and guide to another protagonist, Stanislav Tikhonov. Vladimir Ivanovich was born in 1923 and spent his youth during the Great Patriotic War. He proved himself to be a brave and skilled officer, commanding a penal company and later a reconnaissance unit. His military career included 42 successful missions behind enemy lines, which showcased his bravery and professional skills. Despite his numerous injuries – he was seriously wounded five times – Sharapov continued to fight for his Motherland. For his service, Sharapov received numerous awards testifying to his merits. These include two Orders of the Patriotic War, two Orders of the Red Star, the Order of the Red Banner, and the Polish cross “Virtuti Militari”. He also received medals such as “For Bravery”, “For Defence of Moscow”, “Defence of Stalingrad”, “Military Merit”, “Liberation of Warsaw”, “Capture of Berlin”, and “Victory over Germany”. Sharapov represents a generation of young soldiers who fought on the front lines. After returning from war, they strive to find a place in peaceful life. He is portrayed in the novel “The Era of Mercy” and its film adaptation, “Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed”, as an honest, principled, and sincere individual who advocates for law and morality. He is contrasted with Gleb Zheglov, whose methods, although effective, often violate ethical norms. This conflict creates a particularly intense and dramatic interaction between the two characters in the story, emphasizing the difficult choice between justice and strict adherence to rules. Vladimir Sharapov not only represents a collective image of a generation of heroes, but he also inspires with his inner strength, honesty, and loyalty to his duty.
Address: Moscow, Petrovka St., 38
