The acting and directorial works of Leonid Bykov, the idol of millions of viewers, have truly received national recognition. His roles in the films “Tiger Tamer”, “Maxim Perepelitsa”, “Volunteers”, “May Stars”, “Alyoshka’s Love”, “Only Old Men Go to Battle”, “Aty-Bati, the Soldiers Came...” reach the utmost life authenticity and persuasiveness, genuine skill, endowed with unique charm. An artist of rare talent, he found his theme in directing. His films about the Great Patriotic War are a requiem for the Russian soldier who did not return from the war. The bright life of a talented actor and director was cut short at the very peak, when Leonid Bykov began work on a new film... His death in a car accident near Kiev remained mysterious.