The Twelve Chairs

Set in 1927 in the Soviet Union, the story unfolds during the early years of the new regime. Private property has been nationalized, heightening the tension around wealth and legacy. The period’s mistrust, bureaucracy, and shifting loyalties provide the unstable atmosphere for a cross-country treasure hunt.

Stargorod is the provincial town where Vorobyaninov's former mansion stands and the jewel hunt begins. The chase expands from this small, bureaucratic backdrop to larger urban centers like Moscow, reflecting a post-revolution Russia. The setting features a mix of ordinary life and extravagant schemes, including a circus and a railway workers' recreation center that become key stages in the search.

💰 Greed

A fortune hidden in a chair becomes the magnet pulling all main players into a relentless pursuit. Vorobyaninov and Bender chase the jewels across Russia, driven by wealth, status, and the lure of a grand inheritance. Their fixation corrodes trust and personal morality, fueling a chain of schemes and escapes.

🕵️ Deception

False identities and misdirection drive the plot as characters manipulate others to advance their goals. Bender impersonates an official to corral the prize, while Fyodor pursues his own opportunistic ends. The humor hinges on how easily institutions and reputations can be bent by clever deceit.

🗺️ Journey

The narrative unfolds as a moving chase across cities, countryside, Siberia, and coastal regions, culminating in Moscow. Each location introduces new clues, obstacles, and a fresh set of players in the sprawling treasure hunt. The road trip becomes as much a test of nerve as of cunning.