I'm surprised no one has pointed out that this same movie was made in 1962 in Cuba (Cuban title is "Las doce sillas," or "The Twelve Chairs"). I usually can't stand Mel Brooks so I've avoided his version, but the Cuban movie is very good.
shareThere's at least one other version based on the Russian novel, "It's in the Bag" (1945) starring Fred Allen of radio fame. That film and Brooks' "The Twelve Chairs" have virtually nothing in common aside from the basic plot element.
shareThanks, hammer4, I'll try to find the Fred Allen version. Meanwhile, people keep saying that the various movies don't do justice to the Russian novel, so I've ordered the novel (English translation, unfortunately I can't read Russian). -- MKM
shareI can't read or write Russian either. I've a tough enough time with English.
I've not read the novel myself, but from online research it appears that Brooks' film version hewes rather closely to it (locations, characters, etc). I'm sure the message board would be interested in your thoughts after you've read the book.
The basic premise is a clever one and it's not surprising there have been so many adaptations however free they may be. I feel the Brooks' film is enjoyable even if one knows nothing about the book.