Nikolay Gorlov

Nikolay Gorlov

Actor

Active: 1934-1951

About Nikolay Gorlov

Nikolay Gorlov was a Soviet actor who worked primarily during the Stalinist era of Soviet cinema, appearing in numerous films from the mid-1930s through the early 1950s. His career coincided with the golden age of Soviet socialist realism in film, where he often appeared in supporting roles that embodied the ideological values promoted by the state. Gorlov worked across various genres including historical dramas, war films, and children's cinema, demonstrating versatility as a character actor. His filmography includes collaborations with prominent Soviet directors of the period, contributing to several films that have since become classics of Russian cinema. Like many actors of his generation, his career was shaped by the political and cultural demands of the Soviet system, which heavily influenced film production and artistic expression during his active years.

The Craft

On Screen

As a Soviet actor during the socialist realism period, Gorlov likely employed a theatrical, expressive style characteristic of 1930s-1940s Soviet cinema, emphasizing clear emotional expression and ideological clarity in his performances.

Milestones

  • Film debut in Accordion (1934)
  • Appeared in multiple films during the 1940s wartime period
  • Participated in The Humpbacked Horse (1941), one of the most beloved Soviet fantasy films
  • Worked during the peak of Soviet socialist realism cinema
  • Career spanned nearly two decades of Soviet film history

Best Known For

Must-See Films

  • The Humpbacked Horse (1941)
  • Yakov Sverdlov (1940)
  • Malakhov Kurgan (1944)
  • Accordion (1934)
  • The Disappearance of 'Eagle' (1940)

Working Relationships

Studios

  • Mosfilm
  • Lenfilm
  • Soyuzdetfilm

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Nikolay Gorlov contributed to the Soviet film industry during a critical period in its development, participating in films that reflected the cultural and political values of the Stalin era. His work in children's cinema, particularly The Humpbacked Horse, helped create enduring cultural touchstones for generations of Soviet viewers. As part of the ensemble casts typical of Soviet productions, he contributed to the collective artistic vision that defined this era of Russian cinema.

Lasting Legacy

While not a major star, Nikolay Gorlov represents the generation of character actors who formed the backbone of Soviet cinema during its most ideologically charged period. His appearances in historically and culturally significant films ensure his place in the archival record of Russian film history, even as detailed biographical information remains scarce.

Who They Inspired

As a supporting actor, Gorlov's influence would have been primarily through his contributions to ensemble performances rather than as a mentor or trendsetter. His work exemplifies the collaborative nature of Soviet film production during the 1930s-1950s.

Off Screen

Limited information is available about Nikolay Gorlov's personal life, which was common for many Soviet supporting actors of his era whose biographies were not extensively documented.

Did You Know?

  • Worked during one of the most politically restrictive periods in Soviet cinema history
  • Appeared in The Humpbacked Horse, which became one of the most beloved Soviet family films
  • His career spanned the crucial World War II period in Soviet filmmaking
  • Participated in films representing multiple genres of Soviet cinema
  • Like many Soviet actors, likely received state training through theater or film institutes
  • Worked during the transition from silent to sound cinema in the Soviet Union
  • Contributed to films promoting Soviet historical narratives and revolutionary ideals

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Nikolay Gorlov?

Nikolay Gorlov was a Soviet character actor active from 1934 to 1951 who appeared in numerous films during the Stalinist era, including both children's cinema and historical dramas that reflected Soviet cultural values.

What films is Nikolay Gorlov best known for?

He is best known for his appearances in The Humpbacked Horse (1941), Yakov Sverdlov (1940), Malakhov Kurgan (1944), and his debut film Accordion (1934), which represent significant works of Soviet cinema from the 1930s-1940s.

When was Nikolay Gorlov active in film?

Nikolay Gorlov had an active film career spanning from 1934 to 1951, covering nearly two decades of Soviet cinema during the Stalin era and World War II period.

What was Nikolay Gorlov's acting style?

His acting style likely reflected the theatrical and expressive approach characteristic of Soviet socialist realism cinema, emphasizing clear emotional expression and ideological clarity typical of films from the 1930s-1940s.

What studios did Nikolay Gorlov work with?

He likely worked with major Soviet film studios including Mosfilm, Lenfilm, and Soyuzdetfilm, which were the primary production centers for Soviet cinema during his active years.

Films

6 films