Watch The Thirteen Chairs

The Thirteen Chairs is a 1969 Italian comedy film directed by Nicolas Gessner and Luciano Lucignani. Starring Vittorio Gassman, Sharon Tate, and Orson Welles, the film is based on the novel "The Twelve Chairs" by Soviet authors Ilya Ilf and Evgeny Petrov. The movie was a commercial success in Italy and South America, but it received mixed reviews from critics.

The plot of the movie revolves around a former aristocrat named Mario Beretti, played by Gassman, who is trying to reclaim a family fortune that was hidden inside one of thirteen chairs that were sold off during the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia. Beretti teams up with a beautiful young woman named Patrizia (Sharon Tate) and a crooked priest (Orson Welles) to track down the lost chairs, each of which contains a clue to the treasure's whereabouts.

As the trio travels from one location to another in search of the chairs, they encounter a range of eccentric characters, from a blind old lady who has one of the chairs to a group of gypsies who use the chairs as makeshift instruments in their musical performances. Along the way, they must also contend with a rival treasure hunter named Tressoldi (Vittorio De Sica), who will stop at nothing to get his hands on the fortune.

Despite its comedic premise, The Thirteen Chairs also touches on more serious themes, such as the nature of greed and the dangers of obsession. Beretti's single-minded pursuit of the chairs and the fortune they contain leads him into increasingly dangerous situations, and his relationships with those around him begin to suffer as a result.

One of the standout features of the film is its excellent cast. Gassman delivers a strong performance as the determined but troubled Beretti, while Tate brings charm and charisma to her role as Patrizia. Orson Welles steals the show as the conniving Priest, who is willing to go to great lengths to get his hands on the treasure.

The Thirteen Chairs also boasts a memorable score by Ennio Morricone, who is known for his work on classic films such as The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly and Once Upon a Time in the West. The atmospheric music adds to the film's sense of adventure and suspense, and helps to establish the mood for each scene.

Overall, The Thirteen Chairs is an enjoyable film that offers a mix of laughs, intrigue, and adventure. Although it may not be as well-known as some of the other films starring the talented cast, it is definitely worth a watch for fans of Italian cinema and classic comedies.

In conclusion, The Thirteen Chairs is a light-hearted comedy with an interesting premise that is executed quite well. The film has a solid cast, a memorable score, and touches on some deeper themes that make it more than just a simple caper flick. While it may not be a masterpiece of cinema, it is definitely an entertaining and enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.