Nikolay Litvinov

Nikolay Litvinov

Actor

Active: 1951-1951

About Nikolay Litvinov

Nikolay Litvinov was a Soviet actor who appeared in the 1951 animated film 'The Tale of the Dead Princess and the Seven Knights' (Сказка о мёртвой царевне и о семи богатырях), directed by Ivan Ivanov-Vano. This film was an adaptation of Alexander Pushkin's classic fairy tale, and Litvinov contributed his voice talents to this landmark Soviet animation production. The film was one of the earliest full-length animated features produced by the Soviet animation studio Soyuzmultfilm, representing a significant achievement in Russian animation history. Litvinov's participation in this production placed him among the pioneering voice actors of Soviet cinema during the early post-war period. His work helped establish the tradition of high-quality voice acting in Soviet animation that would influence generations of performers. The film itself was critically acclaimed for its artistic interpretation of Pushkin's work and remains a classic of Russian animation.

The Craft

On Screen

Classical theatrical voice acting style typical of Soviet animation of the era, emphasizing clear diction and dramatic interpretation suitable for fairy tale narration

Milestones

  • Voice role in 'The Tale of the Dead Princess and the Seven Knights' (1951)
  • Participation in pioneering Soviet animated feature film

Best Known For

Iconic Roles

  • Voice character in 'The Tale of the Dead Princess and the Seven Knights'

Must-See Films

  • The Tale of the Dead Princess and the Seven Knights (1951)

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

  • Ivan Ivanov-Vano (director)

Studios

  • Soyuzmultfilm

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Nikolay Litvinov contributed to the foundation of Soviet voice acting tradition in animation through his work in one of the earliest full-length animated features produced by Soyuzmultfilm. The film 'The Tale of the Dead Princess and the Seven Knights' represented a significant cultural achievement, bringing Pushkin's beloved fairy tale to animated life and helping establish Russian animation as a serious artistic medium. His voice performance, along with those of his fellow cast members, helped create a template for how classical literature could be adapted to animation while maintaining its poetic and dramatic integrity.

Lasting Legacy

While Nikolay Litvinov's filmography appears limited to this single production, his contribution is preserved as part of a historically significant work in Russian animation history. The film itself continues to be studied and appreciated as an example of early Soviet animation artistry, and his voice work remains part of this enduring cultural artifact. The film has been preserved and restored by Russian film archives, ensuring that his contribution to cinema history remains accessible to future generations.

Who They Inspired

As an early voice actor in Soviet animation, Litvinov was part of the generation that established the standards and techniques for voice performance in Russian animated films. His work helped demonstrate how voice acting could enhance the artistic quality of animated adaptations of classical literature, influencing subsequent generations of Soviet and Russian voice performers.

Off Screen

Limited biographical information is available about Nikolay Litvinov's personal life, as he appears to have been primarily known for his single contribution to Soviet animation. Details about his family, relationships, and personal background are not well-documented in available historical records.

Did You Know?

  • The film 'The Tale of the Dead Princess and the Seven Knights' was based on a poem by Alexander Pushkin, one of Russia's most celebrated writers
  • This was one of the first full-length animated features produced by the Soviet Union's premier animation studio, Soyuzmultfilm
  • The film combined traditional animation techniques with elements of Russian folk art and lacquer miniature painting styles
  • Director Ivan Ivanov-Vano was considered one of the pioneers of Soviet animation and was often called the 'patriarch of Russian animation'
  • The film's release in 1951 came during a period of cultural revival in the Soviet Union following World War II
  • Soyuzmultfilm, where this film was produced, was founded in 1936 and became the Soviet Union's most important animation studio
  • The film was part of a broader Soviet cultural effort to adapt classic Russian literature to various media forms

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Nikolay Litvinov?

Nikolay Litvinov was a Soviet voice actor best known for his role in the 1951 animated film 'The Tale of the Dead Princess and the Seven Knights,' one of the earliest full-length animated features produced by the Soviet Union's Soyuzmultfilm studio.

What films is Nikolay Litvinov best known for?

Litvinov is primarily known for his voice work in 'The Tale of the Dead Princess and the Seven Knights' (1951), an animated adaptation of Alexander Pushkin's classic fairy tale directed by Ivan Ivanov-Vano.

When was Nikolay Litvinov born and when did he die?

Specific birth and death dates for Nikolay Litvinov are not well-documented in available historical records, though his known film work dates from 1951 during the Soviet era.

What awards did Nikolay Litvinov win?

There are no documented awards or nominations specifically for Nikolay Litvinov in available sources, though the film he contributed to has been recognized as an important work in Russian animation history.

What was Nikolay Litvinov's acting style?

Litvinov employed a classical theatrical voice acting style typical of Soviet animation of the early 1950s, characterized by clear diction and dramatic interpretation suitable for fairy tale narration and literary adaptation.

What was the significance of the film Litvinov worked on?

'The Tale of the Dead Princess and the Seven Knights' was significant as one of the first full-length animated features produced by Soyuzmultfilm, representing a major achievement in bringing Pushkin's classic literature to animated form.

How did Nikolay Litvinov contribute to Soviet cinema?

Litvinov was part of the pioneering generation of voice actors in Soviet animation, helping establish standards for voice performance in animated adaptations of classical Russian literature during the early post-war period.

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Films

1 film