The Twelve Chairs
The Twelve Chairs

Movie spotlight

The Twelve Chairs

1933
Movie
63 min
Czech

The first movie adaptation of the Russian novel "The Twelve Chairs" by Ilya Ilf and Yevgeniy Petrov. The basic idea from this movie, in which a barber and an antique salesman were searching for money hidden in one of of twelve chairs, was later reused for other official and unofficial adaptions of the book

Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Director: Charles BartonGenres: Comedy, Mystery

Plot Summary

A down-on-his-luck treasure hunter, desperate for cash, learns from a dying aristocrat that a valuable diamond was hidden in one of twelve ornate chairs. He embarks on a frantic race against time and a greedy priest to locate the chair and its precious contents. His pursuit leads him through a series of increasingly absurd situations and encounters with eccentric characters.

Critical Reception

This early screwball comedy was generally well-received for its fast-paced humor and slapstick elements, though some found its plot somewhat convoluted. It's remembered as a minor but entertaining example of its genre from the early 1930s.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its energetic comedic performances.

  • Found to be a lighthearted and amusing romp.

  • Some critics noted the plot's reliance on coincidence.

Google audience: Audience reception information is not readily available for this classic film.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the classic 1928 Russian satirical novel of the same name by Ilya Ilf and Yevgeny Petrov, which has been adapted into film multiple times across various countries.

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