Vassili Markovitch, Commisar of Art Quotes in Silk Stockings (1957)

Vassili Markovitch, Commisar of Art: I want to look somebody up. Does this office have a copy of Who's Still Who?

Vassili Markovitch, Commisar of Art: I am the new commissar of art. My name is Markovitch. Any questions?

Choreographer: Comrade commissar...

Vassili Markovitch, Commisar of Art: I will ask the questions. What are they doing?

Choreographer: Peter Boroff's tone poem, "Ode to a Tractor."

Vassili Markovitch, Commisar of Art: Peter Boroff? Do you not know that the great Peter Boroff may not come back from Paris, and if he does not, he no longer has any talent?

Vassili Markovitch, Commisar of Art: [On telephone] What? But comrade minister, how can I be in trouble already - I just sat down? The Boroff matter? I wasn't the one who sent those three idiots after Boroff, so why is it my fault? Oh, that is true, there is no one else.

Vassili Markovitch, Commisar of Art: You are a music lover?

Ninotchka Yoschenko: Music is essential for parades.

Vassili Markovitch, Commisar of Art: Of course.

Ninotchka Yoschenko: It seems to me that seduction can only take place when one is willing.

Vassili Markovitch, Commisar of Art: Yeeesss. I can see that you would think that. Have you ever been to Paris?

Ninotchka Yoschenko: No! I have never been outside the Soviet Union.

Vassili Markovitch, Commisar of Art: Welllll, heh, heh, I have spent many years in Paris. I got very close to the French people. In fact, they deported me three times.

Vera: Darling, I have looked it up. Comrade Yoschenko is a woman.

Vassili Markovitch, Commisar of Art: That's your opinion.