Comedic-adventure treasure hunt, set in the Soviet Union in 1927.
When Ippolit's mother-in-law declares on her death bed that she has ensconced a bevvy of treasures within one of twelve chairs lost after the revolution, Ippolit (Ron Moody) despairs for his bleak future without that fortune. Opportunist Ostap Bender (Frank Langella) teams up with the broken aristocrat, and together they go off in search of the loot. Unfortunately for the unlucky duo, Ippolit's mother also informed the crooked town priest Father Fyodor (Dom DeLuise) of the secret gems and jewels buried in one of the chairs. Now, the race is on to see who will find the treasure first, and who will be left buried in the gloom of poverty in the U.S.S.R.
The story was written by Ilya Ilf and Yevgenni Petrov, two soviet journalists in the 1920s, and the humour and class politics made it ideal for comedy director Mel Brooks. From the outset, fans of Brook's films will notice a significant difference in the look and style of the film. While the set pieces and humorous gags remain, there is also a dedication to Russian culture and landscapes that runs parallel. Authenticity is not an issue, with music and costumes representing the era succinctly, and the pace of the film follows the tradition of treasure hunts perfectly. Langella gives an impressive performance, with charisma and power that drive the film on. DeLuise is his usual, oafish self.
With a banal script, and exhaustive Russian trivialities, this film does border on the tedious. Failing to deliver the spark that other Brook's films have. But worth a watch for the adventure, the history, and the laughs.
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