Is The Roundabout Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Roundabout is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 85 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Roundabout Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1971, The Roundabout emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Satirical comedy based on the notebooks and short stories by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov: "Romance with Double-Bass","On the Harmful Effects of Tobacco", "Misery", "Grateful", "Polinka", "The Cynic", "The Ninny". Unlike standard genre fare, The Roundabout attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Roundabout features a noteworthy lineup led by Vladimir Basov . Supported by the likes of Natalya Vorobyova and Evgeni Leonov , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Roundabout (1971) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Roundabout Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Roundabout is a Comedy film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Roundabout Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Roundabout attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Roundabout reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Roundabout Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Roundabout uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a comedy film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: The Roundabout adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Roundabout?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of The Roundabout
- Vladimir Basov – Smychkov
- Natalya Vorobyova – Bibulova
- Evgeni Leonov – Nyukhin
- Ivan Lapikov – Iona
- Pavel Pavlenko – Ivan Petrovich
Top Highlights
Vladimir BasovSmychkov
Natalya VorobyovaBibulova
Evgeni LeonovNyukhin
Ivan LapikovIona
Pavel PavlenkoIvan Petrovich
Valentina TitovaMariya Semyonovna
Viktor SergachyovMisha Bobov
Yelena KorolyovaPolinka
Leonid KuravlyovNikolai Timofeyevich
Yuri VolyntsevSyusin
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Roundabout has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.5/10, and global collection metrics, The Roundabout stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1971 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Roundabout movie hit or flop?
The Roundabout has received mixed reviews with a 5.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Roundabout worth watching?
The Roundabout is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Roundabout online?
The Roundabout may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
