Inspector Strangelove

by Rolf McEwen

Inspector Strangelove is an adaptation by Rolf McEwen of The Inspector General, by Nikolai Gogol. The plot revolves around a case of mistaken identity in which an impoverished young civil servant from Saint Petersburg, Klestakov, is thought by the leaders of a small village to be an important government inspector. It’s a terrible mistake that costs them dearly. The government officials fear the consequences of a visit by an inspector because he might uncover the corruption of which they are guilty. Klestakov, when he realizes that they have mistaken him for an inspector, makes the most of the situation. He creates exaggerated tales of his life as a high-ranking government official. He solicits bribes from village officials. In a bold and reckless gesture, he proposes to the governor's daughter. He flees the village before his true identity can be discovered. The townspeople realize their mistake soon after he is gone. Then a shocking twist of fate falls upon the officials of this humble village in Russia.

96 pages, Print on Demand (Paperback)

First published November 6, 2009