The Cat Started It All

The film is based on Yuri Tomin’s story “Everything’s the Other Way Around Today” and tells the tale of children who decide to stage a “Disobedience Day.” Galka, Yurka, and Slavik make a pact to listen to no one and do only what they want. Their bewildered parents and teacher are slow to understand what’s come over the kids, but eventually manage to persuade them to abandon their impulsive idea.

Directed by Yuri Oksanchenko, The Cat Started It All leans on a strong ensemble — Lena Shabalina, Alesha Pospelov, Sergey Alekseev — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about family titles of 1982.