The Russian-American comedy in the spy film genre became the last project of the famous Soviet director Leonid Gaidai («The Diamond Arm», «Ivan Vasilievich Changes Profession»). The film's plot unfolds both in the USSR and the USA. Filming took place in Russia and the USA. Production began in 1991 in Moscow and Alabino near Moscow, and then continued in Crimea, in Feodosia. Later, the film crew went to the USA, where the main part of the film was shot. Filming took place on the streets of New York, in the famous Twin Towers, and at the casino entertainment complex «Taj Mahal» in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This facility, owned by Donald Trump, became one of the film's locations, and Donald Trump himself supported the Russian filmmakers and even appeared in the film's credits.

Filming Locations:

Restaurant "Lanzheron"

In the Movie

Scene where Upon arriving in the USA, agent Sokolov goes to the restaurant «Lanzheron», known among the Russian mafia in New York. There he accidentally meets a man named Uncle Misha, who tells him that all the visitors of this establishment are mafia members, although in reality this is not the case. At the end of the evening, singer Masha Zvezdnaya performs at the restaurant, who conquers Sokolov's heart.

In Reality

The scene was filmed On Brighton Beach Avenue in Brooklyn. Brighton Beach is not just a street, but a real cultural artery where the Russian-speaking community lives and thrives. Here you can find many shops with signs in Russian, cafes, restaurants, as well as kiosks with products popular in the countries of the former Soviet Union. The atmosphere on this street is imbued with the culture and traditions of Russian immigrants, which makes it a unique part of New York. From the very beginning, Brighton Beach was a place for Russian-speaking immigrants, especially those who came to the USA after the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s. Many of them settled in this area, creating a kind of little Russia overseas.

Casino

In the Movie

Scene where Agent Sokolov arrives in Atlantic City, and the purpose of his trip is the casino. He drives up to the bright, sparkling building of the entertainment gaming club, where he is greeted by a doorman and a charming waitress. Everyone is aware of the agent's arrival and his identity.

In Reality

The scene was filmed At the Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It was one of the most famous and ambitious projects of Donald Trump, opened in 1990. The grandiose establishment with an Indian theme became one of the most luxurious casinos in the world, with a huge gaming hall, expensive restaurants, and first-class guest rooms. It is said that Donald Trump, the famous politician and businessman, sought to appear in the film of the famous Soviet director Leonid Gaidai, but Gaidai refused him, leaving a place in the frame for himself. As a result, Gaidai played the role of an old gambler.

Kremlin

In the Movie

Scene where The presidents of two powerful countries — the USSR and the USA — discuss an important upcoming meeting in Hawaii. However, the negotiations are jeopardized when the Russian mafia, settled in America, begins to interfere. One of the mafiosi, Rabinovich, unexpectedly interrupts the presidents' conversation on a secret telephone line.

In Reality

The scene was filmed In one of the most recognizable and historic places in Russia — on Red Square in Moscow, directly at the walls of the Kremlin. This place, which needs no introduction, was perfect for such an important episode, emphasizing the grandeur and significance of what was happening, which further added to the absurdity of the situation.