A copying error by a military scribe turns the Russian words "the lieutenants, however" into what looks like "lieutenant Kizhe". The Tsar reads the error, and wants to meet this (non-existent) lieutenant. The courtiers, eager to avoid the wrath of the temperamental Tsar, create a Kizhe to serve as their royal scapegoat.

Tsar Pavel I

Count von Pahlen

Princess Gagarina

Princess Gagarina's companion

Adjutant

Fortress commandant

Scribe

Lieutenant Sinyukhaev

Count Kutaysov (uncredited)

Tsar Pavel I

Count von Pahlen

Princess Gagarina

Princess Gagarina's companion

Adjutant

Fortress commandant

Scribe

Lieutenant Sinyukhaev

Count Kutaysov (uncredited)