Case No. 306 (1956)
A Soviet crime mystery in which routine traffic accidents lead detectives deep into the shadowy world of foreign espionage.
Case No. 306 - Movie Information
- Original Title: Дело № 306
- Release Year: 1956
- Directed by: Anatoly Rybakov
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Mystery, Adventure
- Runtime: 1h 21m
- Original Language: Russian
- Spoken Languages: Russian
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 7, 1956 (Russia)
- Alternative Titles: Affaire n° 306 (FR), Delo N. 306 (RU)
- Production Companies: Mosfilm
- Production Countries: Soviet Union
Case No. 306 - Plot
While investigating a regular traffic accidents detectives find evidence of foreign intelligence involvement.
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Case No. 306 - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Anatoly Rybakov
Main Cast
- Boris Bityukov
- Mark Bernes
- Tatyana Piletskaya
- Konstantin Nassonov
- Ada Vojtsik
- Maksim Shtraukh
- Lyudmila Shagalova
- Valentina Tokarskaya
- Yevgeni Vesnik
- Nikolay Khoshchanov
Writers
- Matvej Royzman
Case No. 306 - FAQs
What is Case No. 306 about?
Case No. 306 follows Soviet detectives who begin by investigating what appear to be ordinary traffic accidents, only to discover the incidents are connected to foreign intelligence operations. The film blends procedural crime-solving with Cold War espionage intrigue, offering a tense look at mid-1950s Soviet law enforcement.
Is Case No. 306 based on a true story?
Case No. 306 is not documented as being based on a specific true story. It draws on the espionage anxieties and law enforcement themes common in Soviet cinema of the mid-1950s, presenting a fictional but culturally grounded narrative about foreign intelligence threats on Soviet soil.
Who are the main actors in Case No. 306?
The cast is led by Boris Bityukov as police captain Mozarin and the beloved Mark Bernes as Lieutenant Colonel Gradov. Tatyana Piletskaya plays forensic expert Kornyeva, with strong supporting turns from Maksim Shtraukh, Lyudmila Shagalova, Yevgeni Vesnik, and Valentina Tokarskaya.
What genre is Case No. 306?
Case No. 306 blends Crime, Mystery, and Adventure into a compelling Soviet procedural. It works as a detective thriller on the surface while weaving in Cold War espionage elements, making it an interesting genre hybrid that goes well beyond a straightforward police investigation.
Who directed Case No. 306?
Case No. 306 was directed by Anatoly Rybakov and produced by the legendary Mosfilm studio in the Soviet Union. The film was released in May 1956, placing it squarely in the post-Stalin thaw era, a period of cautious creative and political change in Soviet filmmaking.
What is the significance of the espionage angle in the film?
The foreign intelligence subplot reflects the Cold War climate of 1950s Soviet society, where espionage fears were deeply embedded in public consciousness. By embedding a spy narrative within a routine traffic investigation, the film dramatizes how hidden threats could lurk beneath everyday Soviet life, amplifying the story's tension considerably.
What are some similar films to Case No. 306?
If you enjoy Case No. 306, you might like The Quiller Memorandum (1966), a Cold War spy thriller with a similarly procedural tone, or Welcome to the Punch (2013) and The International (2009) for modern crime-conspiracy fare. Suburbicon (2017) also offers crime drama with a period atmosphere worth exploring.
How long is Case No. 306?
Case No. 306 runs for 81 minutes — a tight, economical runtime that keeps the investigation moving at a brisk pace. At just over an hour and twenty minutes, it's the kind of film that gets straight to business without overstaying its welcome.
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