The Elusive Avengers (Neulovimye mstiteli/Неуловимые мстители) is a 1966 Soviet Ostern directed by Edmond Keosayan.

It has two sequels, The New Adventures of the Elusive Avengers (1968) and The Crown of the Russian Empire/Once again the Elusive Avengers (1971)

Plot

The Elusive Avengers is a vivid comedy version of a story about four youngsters who become heroes in the Russian Civil War. Valerka, a former schoolboy, joins Yashka, a devil-may-care gypsy and orphans, Danka and sister Ksanka. They make a pledge of mutual assistance, determined to exact revenge on the bandits who are bringing so much suffering to peaceful villagers. The friends then embark on a series of daring adventures.

Meanwhile, strange things begin to happen to a band of outlaws led by the ruthless bandit Ataman Burnash. All his schemes seem to go wrong, sabotaged by unseen and unidentified enemies. The mischievous culprits always leave a note signed '- the Elusive Avengers', and are of course the four friends, who succeed by never forgetting their pledge of mutual assistance.

In a plot twist familiar to many Westerns such as For a Few Dollars More and the Japanese Yojimbo, Danka uses his anonymity to infiltrate the outlaws' gang and insinuate himself into Ataman's confidence, becoming his trusted right hand man. But intrigue and rivalries in the bandits' inner circle threaten to expose Danka's real identity. Can he prevail now he has become separated from the support and protection of his friends?