Comedy
United States of America
The Twelve Chairs is a 1970 comedy film directed by Mel Brooks, based on a 1928 satirical novel by Soviet authors Ilf and Petrov. The film stars Ron Moody as Ippolit Vorobyaninov, an aging aristocrat who has lost his wealth and status after the Russian Revolution. When his mother-in-law reveals on her deathbed that she had hidden her family jewels in one of twelve dining chairs, Vorobyaninov teams up with the opportunistic and charismatic thief Ostap Bender (Frank Langella) to track down the chairs and find the treasure.
The two men embark on a quirky adventure across Russia, encountering eccentric characters and mishaps along the way. They become embroiled in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with Vorobyaninov's former manservant, who is also seeking the treasure. As they search for the chairs, Vorobyaninov and Bender form a unlikely bond and must navigate their conflicting desires and philosophies.
The film features a humorous and witty script, colorful visuals, and energetic performances by its talented cast. It was a critical and commercial success, cementing Brooks' reputation as a master of parody and slapstick. The Twelve Chairs remains a beloved cult classic and a testament to the enduring appeal of comedy that transcends cultural and historical boundaries.
