Тим Талер, или Проданный смех

Young Tim Thaler, unable to laugh freely due to his unhappy circumstances, makes a pact with the devilish Count von Keksen to sell his laughter. The deal stipulates that Tim will be unable to laugh unless he can win a bet to make someone laugh three times in one hour. As Tim navigates his life without laughter, he realizes the true value of joy and the consequences of his bargain.

This Soviet film, based on James Krüss's novel, is a beloved classic, particularly for its poignant exploration of childhood, happiness, and the impact of soulless bargains. While not widely reviewed by international critics in its time, it has maintained a strong nostalgic appeal and is often cited for its heartwarming message and memorable performances.

• Praised for its touching story about the importance of joy.
• Commended for its memorable characters and fantastical elements.
• Recognized as a classic children's film with a valuable moral lesson.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews and summaries for this Soviet-era film is not readily available in English-language sources.

The film is based on the 1962 novel of the same name by German author James Krüss, who won the Hans Christian Andersen Award for his work.