GENTLEMEN OF FORTUNE is another broad slice of Russian comedy that proves an interesting watch just to see how it compares to common Western attitudes and ideals. Once again the plot is an old-fashioned one and seems indebted to the style of Hollywood cinema in the 1930s. The general theme is cops and robbers with a particular look at the Russian prison system of the time.
The narrative involves your usual 'lookalike' plot in which an innocent man - a teacher this time around - just so happens to be the exact double of a notorious imprisoned criminal. The criminal previously stole a priceless historical artifact but now refuses to reveal the location, so the teacher is sent out to involve himself with the man's contacts, pose as the criminal, and retrieve it. The rest of the tale goes from there. The story is full of the usual satire, slapstick, and unusual situations, and is well made for its time.
The narrative involves your usual 'lookalike' plot in which an innocent man - a teacher this time around - just so happens to be the exact double of a notorious imprisoned criminal. The criminal previously stole a priceless historical artifact but now refuses to reveal the location, so the teacher is sent out to involve himself with the man's contacts, pose as the criminal, and retrieve it. The rest of the tale goes from there. The story is full of the usual satire, slapstick, and unusual situations, and is well made for its time.