Arkadiy Raykin (1975): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1975, Arkadiy Raykin is a documentary film directed by Marina Goldovskaya, running about 55 minutes.

What it’s about. There was no Soviet actor who could claim a greater popularity than Raikin. He was allowed the impossible: to be a satirist. Even during the height of government approved Anti-Semitism, Raikin was a figure to be reckoned with. He was known and beloved by all, his razor-sharp wit admired - and feared. In fact, president Putin met his future wife at a Raikin show. The film follows Raikin to his shows, on stage, and backstage, during rehearsals, at rest, and during conversations with his friends, including legendary Soviet jazz singer Leonid Utesov, film director Yuli Raizman, the poet Bella Ahmadullina, and the American film director George Kukor.

Who’s in it. Arkadiy Raykin stars Arkadiy Raykin as Self, Bella Akhmadulina as Self, Georgi Tovstonogov as Self and Konstantin Raykin as Self, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 10.0/10, Arkadiy Raykin sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Arkadiy Raykin page.

If you liked it. Fans of Arkadiy Raykin tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.