This film is not only a gripping detective story, but also a wonderful opportunity to discuss the role of law enforcement in protecting our cultural heritage... from certain foreign citizens, too, if necessary.

The heroic police officers, led by Colonel Zorin (a role brilliantly played by Vsevolod Sanayev), investigate a complex crime involving speculators and a foreign agent seeking to smuggle our national treasure abroad.

In this film, the internal affairs agencies protect not only historical and artistic treasures, but also cultural heritage itself – an area of critical importance to the international image and humanitarian ties of any country, Russia not being an exception.

Incidentally, the film's plot is based on a true story – the attempted theft of Frans Hals' painting (of the same name) from a museum, a story that deeply impressed us, too. The film's plot doesn't completely mirror the actual circumstances of the case, so if you feel like reading about the actual affair, don't worry about spoilers.