Ivan Vasilyevich Changes His Profession

Ivan Vasilyevich Changes His Profession

1973-09-17 1h 33m
Comedy Science Fiction
7.9
User Score
382 votes

Overview

A scientist builds a time machine and accidentally sends his apartment complex manager and a petty burglar to 16th century Moscow, while Tsar Ivan the Terrible travels to 1973.

Leonid Gaidai

Director

Leonid Gaidai

Writer

Top Billed Cast

Movie Details

Status

Released

Original Language

ru

Budget

$N/A

Revenue

$N/A

Runtime

1h 33m

Release Date

1973-09-17

Recommendations

Reviews

deepkino

deepkino

2025-09-15T14:42:57.441Z

The film is praised for its manic and fast-paced energy, as well as its unique blend of slapstick and clever humor. It is considered an example of how comedy can thrive and even contain subtle social commentary under a repressive regime. The use of physical comedy, sped-up chase scenes, and goofy music, a trademark of director Gaidai, contributes to the film's comedic appeal. While some of the cultural references and in-jokes may be lost on Western audiences, the film's artistic richness and entertainment value have made it a widely loved comedy. The film features strong performances, particularly from Yuri Yakovlev, who masterfully plays both the timid apartment manager and the demanding Tsar. The elaborate castle settings and colorful cinematography also add to the film's charm.