AllMovie

Though the headliners in Variety Stars were virtual unknowns in America, each and every one was a favorite in the Soviet Union. Essentially, this is a filmed record of a musical revue, staged at the Russo Variety Hall. The big-money acts range from a ballet troupe to a professional whistler (!) To add a bit of continuity, a fragmentary plot involving a pair of comedians who strive mightily to win a spot in the revue weaves in and out of the proceedings. Variety Stars was directed by Vera Stroyeva (Grand Concert), the actress-wife of filmmaker Grigori Roshal.