Strictly Business (1963)
A witty Soviet comedy anthology from director Leonid Gaidai, bringing three beloved O. Henry stories to the screen with irony, charm, and unforgettable performances.
Strictly Business - Movie Information
- Original Title: Деловые люди
- Release Year: 1963
- Directed by: Leonid Gaidai
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 24m
- Original Language: Russian
- Spoken Languages: Russian
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 27, 1963 (SU)
- Alternative Titles: Businessmen (US), Business People (UK), Деловые люди (Киноальманах) (RU), Деловые люди (Киноальманах) (SU)
- Production Companies: Mosfilm, Experimental Comedy Film Studio
- Production Countries: Soviet Union
Strictly Business - Plot
Three stories based on O. Henry novels. (1) Bob Tidball recovers $30,000 in pristine credit cards from a bandit's sack and races across the plains until his horse breaks its leg. Forced to mount Dodson's stallion, he's ambushed and killed by "Shark" Dodson, who seizes the entire loot. (2) A thief slips through a third-floor window to steal a stack of bills from a sleeping gentleman's dressing table. When the homeowner awakens and raises only one hand against the revolver—his other immobilized by a sudden rheumatic attack—the would-be robber reconsiders his plan. (3) Sam and Bill, two small-time grifters short $2,000 for their swindle, decide to kidnap Ebeneger Dorset's young son. They demand exactly that sum as ransom, setting in motion a desperate bargain.
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Strictly Business - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Leonid Gaidai
Main Cast
- Vladlen Paulus
- Aleksandr Shvorin
- Viktor Gromov
- Vladimir Pitsek
- Viktor Uralsky
- Lev Lobov
- Yuri Chulyukin
- Rostislav Plyatt
- Yuriy Nikulin
- Georgiy Vitsin
Writers
- Leonid Gaidai
Strictly Business - FAQs
What is Strictly Business (1963) about?
Strictly Business is a Soviet comedy anthology that brings three O. Henry short stories to life. Each segment offers a distinct comic twist: a Wild West betrayal over stolen loot, a bumbling burglar undone by an unexpected turn, and two small-time con men who bite off far more than they can chew when they kidnap a mischievous boy.
Which O. Henry stories does the film adapt?
The film adapts three O. Henry tales: “The Roads We Take,” a Western about a deadly betrayal over stolen money; “Makes the Whole World Kin,” a comic encounter between a thief and a rheumatic homeowner; and “The Ransom of Red Chief,” in which kidnappers are terrorized by their own hostage.
Is Strictly Business worth watching today?
Absolutely. Directed by Leonid Gaidai at the height of his comedic powers, the film showcases beloved Soviet screen legends Yuriy Nikulin and Georgiy Vitsin in top form. Its sharp humor, clever storytelling, and affectionate take on O. Henry's irony make it a delightful watch for fans of classic comedy and world cinema alike.
Where can you watch Strictly Business online?
You can find streaming and viewing options for Strictly Business on JustWatch, which lists all available platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on your location, so checking JustWatch is the easiest way to find where it's currently streaming or available to rent or buy.
Who are the main actors in Strictly Business?
The film features an impressive ensemble of Soviet cinema greats. Yuriy Nikulin plays the hapless thief in the second story, while Georgiy Vitsin and Aleksei Smirnov star as the ill-fated kidnappers in the third. Vladlen Paulus and Aleksandr Shvorin lead the Western-flavored first segment, and Rostislav Plyatt rounds out the cast.
Does the kidnapping story have a funny twist ending?
It certainly does. In the “Ransom of Red Chief” segment, the kidnappers Sam and Bill find their hostage — young Johnny Dorset — so wild, demanding, and exhausting that they end up paying his father to take him back. The tables are completely turned, and the comedy builds to a wonderfully absurd conclusion.
Who directed Strictly Business and what else did he make?
Leonid Gaidai directed the film. He is one of the most celebrated comedy directors in Soviet cinema, best known for the wildly popular Shurik trilogy — Operation Y (1965), Kidnapping Caucasian Style (1967), and The Diamond Arm (1969). Strictly Business was an early showcase of the sharp comic sensibility that would define his career.
Is Strictly Business based on a true story?
No, the film is not based on real events. It adapts three fictional short stories by the American writer O. Henry, whose work was widely celebrated in the Soviet Union. Gaidai transports Henry's signature ironic humor and twist endings into a lively anthology format, staying true to the spirit of the original tales.
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