Aleksandra Vasilyeva
Actor
About Aleksandra Vasilyeva
Aleksandra Vasilyeva was a Soviet actress who had a brief but memorable appearance in classic cinema history. Her sole known film role was as Malvina in the 1939 Soviet children's fantasy film 'The Golden Key' (Zolotoy Klyuchik), directed by Aleksandr Rou. The film was based on Alexei Tolstoy's adaptation of the Pinocchio story, featuring the character Buratino (the Russian version of Pinocchio). Vasilyeva's portrayal of Malvina, the blue-haired doll with a kind heart who becomes a mother figure to Buratino, remains her only documented screen performance. Despite her limited filmography, her contribution to this beloved Soviet children's classic has preserved her name in cinema history. The film itself became a cultural touchstone for generations of Soviet children and continues to be remembered as one of the most important children's films of the era.
The Craft
Milestones
- Portrayed Malvina in 'The Golden Key' (1939)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Aleksandra Vasilyeva's cultural impact, while limited in scope, is tied to her role in one of the most beloved Soviet children's films of all time. 'The Golden Key' became a cultural phenomenon in the Soviet Union, with Vasilyeva's portrayal of Malvina contributing to the film's enduring legacy. The character of Malvina, with her distinctive blue hair and maternal nature, became an iconic figure in Soviet children's culture, and Vasilyeva's performance helped establish this character's place in the collective memory of generations of Soviet and Russian children.
Lasting Legacy
Aleksandra Vasilyeva's legacy is preserved through her single but memorable performance as Malvina in 'The Golden Key' (1939). Though her film career was extremely brief, her contribution to this classic Soviet children's film ensures her place in cinema history. The film itself continues to be studied and appreciated as an important example of Soviet children's cinema from the pre-war period, and Vasilyeva's performance remains a key element of the film's enduring appeal.
Who They Inspired
Due to the limited scope of her film career, specific information about Aleksandra Vasilyeva's influence on other actors or filmmakers is not documented. However, her portrayal of Malvina in 'The Golden Key' contributed to the template for how maternal and nurturing characters would be portrayed in subsequent Soviet children's films.
Off Screen
Very limited information is available about Aleksandra Vasilyeva's personal life. Her brief appearance in cinema history consists of a single role in 1939, and detailed biographical information about her background, family, or life outside of this film has not been preserved in historical records.
Did You Know?
- Her only known film role was as Malvina in 'The Golden Key' (1939)
- The character Malvina is the Russian adaptation equivalent to the Blue Fairy in Pinocchio stories
- The film was based on Alexei Tolstoy's retelling of the Pinocchio story
- Director Aleksandr Rou became famous for his fantasy and fairy tale films
- The Golden Key was one of the first Soviet color films, though Vasilyeva's scenes were in black and white
- The film was released just before World War II, making it one of the last major Soviet children's films of the pre-war era
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Aleksandra Vasilyeva?
Aleksandra Vasilyeva was a Soviet actress best known for her role as Malvina in the 1939 children's fantasy film 'The Golden Key'. Her film career appears to have been limited to this single performance, but the film's enduring popularity has preserved her contribution to Soviet cinema history.
What film is Aleksandra Vasilyeva best known for?
She is known exclusively for her role as Malvina in 'The Golden Key' (1939), a Soviet adaptation of the Pinocchio story directed by Aleksandr Rou. This appears to be her only credited film role.
When was Aleksandra Vasilyeva active in film?
According to available filmography records, Aleksandra Vasilyeva was active only in 1939, with her sole known appearance being in 'The Golden Key'. Specific birth and death dates are not documented in available historical records.
What awards did Aleksandra Vasilyeva receive?
There are no documented awards or nominations for Aleksandra Vasilyeva in available film history records. Her contribution to cinema is preserved through her role in the culturally significant film 'The Golden Key' rather than through formal recognition.
What was the significance of 'The Golden Key' in Soviet cinema?
'The Golden Key' was one of the most important Soviet children's films of the 1930s, adapting Alexei Tolstoy's version of the Pinocchio story for Russian audiences. The film became a cultural touchstone and remains beloved by generations of viewers, with Vasilyeva's portrayal of Malvina being a key element of its success.
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