Despite the brutality of Joseph Stalin's totalitarian regime, his propaganda machine did its job very well. Many Russians hailed him as a hero and a savior, including a young school girl who was chosen to greet Stalin on one occasion.

Years later, this woman recalled the man of steel holding her in his lap, smiling like a loving father. She was star-struck and cherished the moment for many years.

Only later did she learn that during the same period, Stalin had had her parents arrested and sent to labor camps, from which they never emerged.