The movie takes the viewer to March 1944. A sinister gang has emerged in the Soviet rear, whose crimes shock with their brutality: the criminals attack civilians, rob them, and take their lives. The perpetrators have a grim «calling card»: after every attack, they leave behind a portrait of the victim—a kind of bloody autograph. Because of this horrifying trait, the group was nicknamed «Dead Head», and its leader became known as the Artist. The investigation into the series of monstrous crimes is assigned to experienced detectives—Major Yefimov and Captain Sazonov. Both are professionals with many years of experience, having solved the most difficult and convoluted cases more than once. With their characteristic thoroughness and insight, the investigators delve into every detail and soon come to the conclusion that the robberies and murders are merely a cover. The Artist’s true intentions and plans remain a mystery to them for now—and these are precisely what they must uncover.
