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.

Aleksandr 'Shurik' Timofeyev, inventor

Ivan the Terrible / Ivan Vasilievich Bunsha, building superintendent

Жорж Милославский / князь Милославский

Film Director Yakin

Anton Semyonovich Shpak, dentist

Feofan the diak

Uliana Andreevna Bunsha, superintendent's wife

Zinaida, Shurik's wife

Swedish Ambassador

Yakin's mistress

Tsaritza Marfa Sobakina

стрелец

Psychiatrist

Black Market Seller

Shpak's Dental Nurse

музыкант, играющий на балалайке (uncredited)

стрелец

Police Sergeant-Major

лейтенант милиции

боярин
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.
September 17, 1973

Aleksandr 'Shurik' Timofeyev, inventor

Ivan the Terrible / Ivan Vasilievich Bunsha, building superintendent

Жорж Милославский / князь Милославский

Film Director Yakin

Anton Semyonovich Shpak, dentist

Feofan the diak

Uliana Andreevna Bunsha, superintendent's wife

Zinaida, Shurik's wife

Swedish Ambassador

Yakin's mistress

Tsaritza Marfa Sobakina

стрелец

Psychiatrist

Black Market Seller

Shpak's Dental Nurse

музыкант, играющий на балалайке (uncredited)

стрелец

Police Sergeant-Major

лейтенант милиции

боярин
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.
