Zigzag of Success

Zigzag of Success

Year: 1968

Runtime: 88 mins

Language: Russian

Director: Eldar Ryazanov

Comedy

In a provincial town, the staff of the “Contemporary” photo studio grapple with daily woes: the director worries about missing production targets, receptionist Alevtina longs for marriage, and photographer Vladimir Oreshnikov dreams of a professional career. Oreshnikov secretly uses 20 rubles from the workers’ mutual aid fund to buy a lottery bond and wins 10,000 rubles. His colleagues demand the prize be shared, believing the money was public, leading to a dispute that is finally settled on New Year's Eve as the clock chimes.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Zigzag of Success yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Zigzag of Success (1968)

Trace every key event in Zigzag of Success (1968) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Opening animation on the history of photography

The film opens with a short animated sequence that traces the invention and evolution of photography. It frames photographers as professionals shaping memory and culture. The sequence sets the tone for a story rooted in image-making and aspiration.

Opening sequence
2

Sovremennik studio in a 1960s provincial town

The narrative shifts to a provincial town in the 1960s and the staff of the photo studio Sovremennik. The studio struggles to meet its goals, prompting the staff to look for a new idea. Oreshnikov emerges as a resourceful photographer who champions bold experiments.

early film Sovremennik photo studio, provincial town
3

Oreshnikov proposes self-portraits to boost productivity

Oreshnikov suggests that staff take self-portraits to increase productivity and morale. The proposal is met with enthusiasm and the team votes him as the head of their mutual aid fund. He sees this role as a springboard for his ambitions.

early film Sovremennik photo studio
4

The 20-ruble loan and the government bond plan

Oreshnikov borrows the entire 20 rubles from the mutual aid fund, leaving a note as a guarantee. He uses the money to buy a government bond through his fiancée, Olya, who works as a cashier at the local savings bank. The plan is a test of luck that could change his fortunes.

before lottery Mutual aid fund/ Savings bank
5

Lidiya Sergeyevna's domestic troubles start

Lidiya Sergeyevna endures a domestic crisis as her jealous husband grows tired of her late hours. He leaves her, taking all their furniture and disrupting her life. The strain foreshadows the personal costs of the studio's ambitions.

early-mid film Lidiya's home
6

Alevtina Vasilyevna's matchmaking scheme

Alevtina, the union committee head, becomes the target of a matchmaking plan arranged by her mother. Ivan Stepanovich Kalachyov is brought into the picture as a potential husband. The awkward matchmaking collapses into tension rather than romance.

mid-film Alevtina's home/family setting
7

Ivan Stepanovich's awkward visit to the studio

Ivan visits the studio under the pretense of needing a photo, hoping to establish contact with Alevtina. The interaction is uncomfortable and fails to spark romance. It reveals the social dynamics and pretenses among the studio's leadership.

mid-film Sovremennik photo studio
8

Oreshnikov wins the lottery bond

The bond in the lottery yields a massive 10,000 rubles, sending Oreshnikov into elation. The victory sours his relationship with Olya, eventually driving them toward a breakup. The windfall also heightens tension with his colleagues.

late film
9

Invitation to celebrate leads to a confrontation

Lidiya Sergeyevna invites Oreshnikov to celebrate with her, falsely claiming she has evicted her husband. He accompanies her to her home, only to face the awkward presence of the estranged spouse. The confrontation triggers a cascade of consequences for their relationship.

same night Lidiya's home
10

Studio meeting: judgment and loss of status

During a studio meeting, Oreshnikov's arrogance is blamed for misusing the mutual fund. The majority turns against him, and he is stripped of his role and the bond. The episode marks a sharp fall from grace and a reordering of the studio's power.

post-confrontation Sovremennik studio meeting room
11

Lidiya confesses love; restraint and seduction

Lidiya Sergeyevna confesses her love for Oreshnikov, but he gently rejects her. Despite the rejection, she continues to seduce him, complicating their professional and personal dynamics. The tension tests loyalties within the studio community.

after meeting Studio
12

New Year caper: Santa Claus and skier goofs

As the New Year approaches, Oreshnikov and Lidiya hatch a comedic revenge against their colleagues, disguising themselves as Santa Claus and a skier. They steal the money but ultimately return it, keeping only their rightful shares. The caper rebalances power and hints at renewed relationships.

New Year Sovremennik studio and town
13

Peace offering: fur coat for Olya

With the money settled, Oreshnikov uses his share to buy Olya a fur coat as a peace offering. The gesture offers a glimmer of reconciliation, though their future together remains uncertain. The episode underscores the fragility of their personal bonds amid the studio's upheavals.

post-New Year Olya's home
14

Alevtina's marriage to Ivan Stepanovich

Alevtina marries Ivan Stepanovich Kalachyov, though his simple tastes and his wife's expensive habits create tension. The union resolves one subplot while highlighting the class and desire differences. The wedding marks a pivot in the studio's social fabric.

post-New Year Alevtina's wedding
15

New beginnings: investments and optimism

Oreshnikov re-enters the game by investing in another lottery bond, hoping for another zigzag of luck. The staff, resilient and quirky, look forward to new beginnings in the studio. The film closes on a note of cautious optimism about art, friendship, and renewal.

end of film Sovremennik studio

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 12:33

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Zigzag of Success

Don't stop at just watching — explore Zigzag of Success in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Zigzag of Success is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Zigzag of Success Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Zigzag of Success, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Zigzag of Success Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Zigzag of Success

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Zigzag of Success. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Zigzag of Success

More About Zigzag of Success

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Zigzag of Success: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Zigzag of Success

Similar Movies to Zigzag of Success

Discover movies like Zigzag of Success that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.