- The Diamond Arm (1969)
- Gentlemen of Fortune (1971)
- The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed (1979)
- The Hound of the Baskervilles (1981)
- The Adventures of a Dentist (1965)
- Operation "Y" and Shurik's Other Adventures (1965)
- The Twelve Chairs (1971)
- The Prisoner of Castle If (1988)
- The Return of the Resident (1982)
- The Black Triangle (1981)
This curated selection of Soviet films delves into the shadowy world of bandits, offering a unique perspective on crime, justice, and human nature in the USSR. These films not only provide thrilling narratives but also offer a glimpse into the socio-political landscape of the time, making them invaluable for cinephiles and historians alike.

The Diamond Arm (1969)
Description: A comedy where an ordinary man becomes unwittingly involved in a smuggling operation. The film showcases the humorous side of dealing with bandits and their schemes.
Fact: The film was shot in several locations including Yalta, Odessa, and Moscow, making it a travelogue of sorts.


Gentlemen of Fortune (1971)
Description: This comedy-drama follows a kindergarten teacher mistaken for a notorious criminal, leading to a series of comedic misadventures. It's included for its portrayal of bandits in a light-hearted yet insightful manner.
Fact: The film was one of the highest-grossing Soviet films of all time and has become a cultural phenomenon in Russia.


The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed (1979)
Description: This TV series, set in post-war Moscow, follows a police captain as he battles a gang of thieves. It's a classic example of Soviet crime drama with a focus on the battle between law enforcement and bandits.
Fact: The series was so popular that it led to the creation of a sequel, and its theme song became an iconic tune in Soviet culture.


The Hound of the Baskervilles (1981)
Description: A Soviet adaptation of Conan Doyle's classic, where Sherlock Holmes investigates a case involving a legendary hound and a family curse, often involving criminal elements.
Fact: This film was part of a series of Sherlock Holmes adaptations by Igor Maslennikov, which gained international acclaim.


The Adventures of a Dentist (1965)
Description: A dentist's life spirals into chaos when he's mistaken for a criminal. This film explores the theme of mistaken identity and the underworld of bandits.
Fact: The film was one of the first Soviet films to openly criticize the bureaucracy and corruption within the system.


Operation "Y" and Shurik's Other Adventures (1965)
Description: A collection of comedic sketches, one of which involves a student's encounter with a gang of thieves. It's included for its satirical take on crime and bandits.
Fact: The film was directed by Leonid Gaidai, who became famous for his comedies, often featuring bandits and tricksters.


The Twelve Chairs (1971)
Description: A treasure hunt for hidden jewels in chairs, involving a con artist and a former aristocrat. The film humorously portrays the lengths people go to in pursuit of wealth, often involving bandits.
Fact: The film was based on a novel by Ilf and Petrov, which was also adapted into an American film in


The Prisoner of Castle If (1988)
Description: A Soviet adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo," where the protagonist deals with betrayal, imprisonment, and revenge, themes closely tied to banditry.
Fact: This film was one of the last major Soviet productions before the dissolution of the USSR.


The Return of the Resident (1982)
Description: A spy thriller where a Soviet agent must outwit a cunning adversary, showcasing the cat-and-mouse game between intelligence operatives and bandits.
Fact: The film was part of a popular series about Soviet intelligence, reflecting the espionage and counter-espionage themes of the Cold War era.


The Black Triangle (1981)
Description: A detective story set in the 1920s, where a young investigator battles a gang of counterfeiters. It's included for its depiction of early Soviet crime and banditry.
Fact: The film was shot in the historic city of Leningrad, providing a rich backdrop for the story.
