Chess Fever Ending Explained: With an international chess tournament in progress, a young man becomes completely obsessed with the game. Directed by Vsevolod Pudovkin, this 1925 comedy film stars Vladimir Fogel (The Hero), alongside Anna Zemtsova as Vera, Natalya Glan as Vera's friend, Mikhail Zharov as House Painter. With a 6.4/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.

What Happens at the End of Chess Fever?

With an international chess tournament in progress, a young man becomes completely obsessed with the game. His fiancée has no interest in it, and becomes frustrated and depressed by his neglect of her, but wherever she goes she finds that she cannot escape chess. On the brink of giving up, she meets the world champion, Capablanca himself, with interesting results.

Vsevolod Pudovkin's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Vladimir Fogel (The Hero)'s journey. His fiancée has no interest in it, and becomes frustrated and depressed by his neglect of her, but wherever she goes she finds that she cannot escape chess.

How Does Vladimir Fogel (The Hero)'s Story End?

  • Vladimir Fogel: Vladimir Fogel's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
  • Anna Zemtsova (Vera): Anna Zemtsova's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
  • Natalya Glan (Vera's friend): Natalya Glan's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of Chess Fever Mean?

Chess Fever's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Vladimir Fogel may feel rushed. Vsevolod Pudovkin's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.