Grusha, a young servant girl fleeing with an abandoned noble infant, attempts to buy milk from a cynical peasant. The scene highlights the harsh reality of war-torn poverty as the Old Man exploits Grusha's desperation, forcing her to pay an exorbitant price to keep the child alive.
GRUSHA: Noontime is meal time. Now we'll sit hopefully in the grass, while the good Grusha goes and buys a little pitcher of milk.
[She knocks at the cottage door]
Grandfather, could I have a little pitcher of milk? And a corn cake, maybe?
OLD MAN: Milk? We have no milk. The soldiers from the city have our goats. Go to the soldiers if you want milk.
GRUSHA: But grandfather, you must have a little pitcher of milk for a baby?
OLD MAN: And for a God-bless-you, eh?
Create a free account to explore more
Upgrade to Pro for full access — £6.99/month
Director's Notes
Want expert coaching on this scene?
Browse our curated list of acting coaches, dialect specialists, and more.
Need representation?
Browse verified agents and casting directors in our directory.
How well does this scene match you?
Save your casting profile to see match scores on every scene.
Try Headshot AnalyserGo Pro
£6.99/mo
- ✓ Unlimited scene reading
- ✓ PDF downloads
- ✓ Director's Notes
- ✓ Headshot Analyser
- ✓ Cover Letter Generator
- ✓ Practice Mode
- ✓ Agent Connect
- + 1,000+ scenes
More from The Caucasian Chalk Circle
Scene 3 — The Corporal's Philosophy of War
from The Caucasian Chalk Circle
A cynical Corporal berates a subordinate for his lack of enthusiasm and perceived insubordination during their march. He delivers a crude, visceral speech defining the 'ideal' soldier as someone who finds sexual gratification in violence and total devotion to their superior.
The Old Man's Wisdom
from The Caucasian Chalk Circle
Members of two collective farms meet with a government delegate to debate the ownership of a valley following the retreat of Nazi forces. The scene explores themes of heritage versus utility as the characters use humor, hospitality, and tradition to argue their claims to the land.
The Peasant's Resurrection
from The Caucasian Chalk Circle
A supposedly dying peasant, Jussup, suddenly sits up and confronts his mother-in-law and guests who are celebrating his expected demise. He drives the wedding/funeral guests away in a rage, leaving his new 'wife' Grusha in a state of shock as the reality of her forced marriage changes instantly.
The Governor's Wife's Priorities
from The Caucasian Chalk Circle
As a violent coup erupts in the city, the Governor's Wife obsessively prioritizes her luxury wardrobe over her own safety and the welfare of her infant son. Her frantic demands and mistreatment of her servants create a chaotic atmosphere that ultimately leads to the abandonment of the child.