- The Diamond Arm (1969)
- Kidnapping, Caucasian Style (1967)
- The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed (1979)
- The Irony of Fate, or Enjoy Your Bath! (1975)
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson: The Hound of the Baskervilles (1981)
- The Twelve Chairs (1971)
- The Prisoner of Château d'If (1988)
- The Mystery of the Third Planet (1981)
- The Return of the Musketeers, or The Treasures of Cardinal Mazarin (1989)
- The Adventures of the Elektronic (1979)
This collection of Soviet films delves into the theme of kidnapping, showcasing how this dramatic plot device was used to explore themes of crime, justice, and human resilience. These films provide a unique window into Soviet society's views on crime, offering suspense, intrigue, and often, a moral lesson. Each film in this list has been selected for its compelling narrative and its contribution to understanding Soviet cinema's approach to crime dramas.

The Diamond Arm (1969)
Description: While not strictly about kidnapping, the film features a plot where the protagonist is mistaken for a smuggler and becomes the target of a kidnapping attempt by criminals looking for a diamond bracelet he accidentally received.
Fact: The film is one of the highest-grossing Soviet films of all time and has become a cultural phenomenon in Russia.


Kidnapping, Caucasian Style (1967)
Description: This comedy revolves around the kidnapping of a young woman by a group of men from the Caucasus, who mistakenly believe she is a bride for their boss. It's a satirical take on traditional customs and Soviet bureaucracy.
Fact: The film was a huge success and is often quoted in everyday Russian conversations due to its memorable dialogues.


The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed (1979)
Description: This crime drama series includes episodes where characters are kidnapped or involved in kidnapping schemes, reflecting the gritty reality of post-war Soviet crime.
Fact: The series was so popular that it led to a revival of interest in detective stories in the USSR.


The Irony of Fate, or Enjoy Your Bath! (1975)
Description: While primarily a romantic comedy, the film includes a humorous kidnapping scenario when the protagonist is taken by his friends to the wrong city, leading to a series of mistaken identities.
Fact: This film is traditionally watched by Russians every New Year's Eve.


The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson: The Hound of the Baskervilles (1981)
Description: Although not a Soviet original, this adaptation of Conan Doyle's classic includes a kidnapping subplot, showcasing Soviet filmmakers' take on Western literature.
Fact: This series was one of the most expensive Soviet TV productions of its time.


The Twelve Chairs (1971)
Description: The film involves a treasure hunt where characters engage in various schemes, including kidnapping, to find hidden jewels in one of the chairs.
Fact: The film has been remade several times in different countries, showcasing its enduring popularity.


The Prisoner of Château d'If (1988)
Description: This adaptation of "The Count of Monte Cristo" includes the kidnapping of Edmond Dantès, which sets the story in motion.
Fact: The film was one of the last major Soviet productions before the dissolution of the USSR.


The Mystery of the Third Planet (1981)
Description: This animated film features a kidnapping plot when the main characters are abducted by aliens, adding a layer of adventure and mystery.
Fact: It was one of the first Soviet animated films to use computer graphics.


The Return of the Musketeers, or The Treasures of Cardinal Mazarin (1989)
Description: In this sequel to the famous "D'Artagnan and Three Musketeers," kidnapping plays a central role in the plot involving political intrigue and treasure hunting.
Fact: The film was a co-production between the USSR and France, reflecting the international appeal of the Musketeers' saga.


The Adventures of the Elektronic (1979)
Description: This sci-fi film involves a robot, Elektronic, who is kidnapped by criminals to impersonate a schoolboy, leading to a series of comedic and suspenseful events.
Fact: The film was one of the first Soviet movies to explore themes of artificial intelligence and identity.
