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The Twelve Chairs

Play trailer Poster for The Twelve Chairs G Released Oct 28, 1970 1h 34m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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87% Tomatometer 15 Reviews 62% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
In the wake of the Bolshevik Revolution, erstwhile count Ippolit Vorobyaninov (Ron Moody) has been reduced to being a simple clerk. But, before his mother-in-law dies, she reveals to him and local priest Father Fyodor (Dom DeLuise) that the family jewels, thought lost, are hidden in one of 12 English chairs that once adorned their mansion in Moscow. Partnering with small-time hood Ostap Bender (Frank Langella), Ippolit races to find the loot before Father Fyodor, who wants it for himself.

Critics Reviews

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Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times It's not going for the laughs alone. It has something to say about honor among thieves, and by the end of the film we can sense a bond between the two main characters that is even, amazingly, human. Rated: 4/4 Jul 3, 2018 Full Review Nell Minow Movie Mom Rated: 4/5 Dec 24, 2002 Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins Undoubtedly represents a steppingstone for Brooks, who would hone his filmmaking approach in his spoofs to come. Rated: 5/10 Jul 20, 2024 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews The premise was so good that I expected the frantic pic to be funnier and not so overwrought. Rated: B- May 2, 2010 Full Review Ken Hanke Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC) Probably the closest Brooks ever came to making a 'normal' film. Rated: 4/5 Jul 26, 2006 Full Review Robert Roten Laramie Movie Scope Rated: 3/5 Oct 26, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (180) audience reviews
Ravenswood R It just kind of stinks. Gags go nowhere, story is nothing. Dom DeLuise steals the show and is actually funny, but manages this feat for about 7 minutes in almost two hours. Not his fault. Mel Brooks was leaning heavily on Chaplin and a number of other 1970 established movie comedy tropes. Not essential viewing. You haven't heard of it, and there is a reason. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 09/15/24 Full Review matthias s "The Twelve Chairs left me feeling somewhat disappointed, especially as a fan of Mel Brooks' comedic genius. While the film had its moments, it failed to captivate me with the level of humor I was expecting. Instead of delivering the uproarious laughter I anticipated, it seemed to delve too much into politics, leaving me wanting more of Brooks' trademark comedic flair. As a result, I found myself longing for more comedy and less political discourse, which hindered my overall enjoyment of the movie. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 11/15/23 Full Review StephenPaul C LOL, the funniest 01 hour: and 34 minutes ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/10/23 Full Review Liam D One of Oscar Winner Mel Brooks (Frances, The Fly II) most underrated movies with a great lead performance by Oscar Nominee Frank Langella (Unknown, The Tale of Despereaux) Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/10/22 Full Review camille l The Twelve Chairs est l'archétype du film de Mel Brooks. Ca hurle chaque réplique, Dom DeLuise joue un gros sac, Mel Brooks en fait des caisses, la musique est extrêmement ironique. Des fois, ça marche du tonnerre, comme pour Sacré Robin des Bois. Ici, sur The Twelve Chairs, ça ne marche pas vraiment. On s'ennuie ferme entre deux rires chaque demi-heure. Mel Brooks est encore loin du sommet de son art et ça se sent, il tente des choses mais mis à part un exceptionnel Frank Langella, quasiment débutant au cinéma, The Twelve Chairs peut se ranger dans le rang des films oubliables et oubliés d'un des maîtres de l'humour parodique américains. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member The best comedy movie ever made! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/26/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Twelve Chairs

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The Twelve Chairs

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Movie Info

Synopsis In the wake of the Bolshevik Revolution, erstwhile count Ippolit Vorobyaninov (Ron Moody) has been reduced to being a simple clerk. But, before his mother-in-law dies, she reveals to him and local priest Father Fyodor (Dom DeLuise) that the family jewels, thought lost, are hidden in one of 12 English chairs that once adorned their mansion in Moscow. Partnering with small-time hood Ostap Bender (Frank Langella), Ippolit races to find the loot before Father Fyodor, who wants it for himself.
Director
Mel Brooks
Producer
Ronald H. Gilbert, Michael Hertzberg
Distributor
Universal Marion Corporation
Production Co
Crossbow Productions
Rating
G
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 28, 1970, Original
Release Date (DVD)
Sep 5, 2006
Runtime
1h 34m