Mikhail Kalinin
Actor
About Mikhail Kalinin
Mikhail Ivanovich Kalinin was a prominent Bolshevik revolutionary and Soviet politician who served as the nominal head of state of the Soviet Union from 1919 to 1946. Born into a peasant family, he worked as a factory worker and metalworker before becoming involved in revolutionary activities, joining the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party in 1898. Kalinin was an early supporter of the Bolshevik faction and participated in the 1905 and 1917 revolutions. After the Bolshevik seizure of power, he held various important positions, including Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet, making him the ceremonial head of state. Known as the 'All-Union Elder,' he was respected for his proletarian origins and down-to-earth demeanor. His appearance in Dziga Vertov's 'Kino-Pravda No. 18' (1924) was as himself, a Soviet leader being documented in this newsreel series, not as an actor playing a fictional role. Despite his high position, he maintained a reputation as a moderate voice within the Soviet leadership, though his influence waned in later years under Stalin's regime.
The Craft
On Screen
Not applicable - appeared as himself in documentary footage
Milestones
- Joined Russian Social Democratic Labour Party (1898)
- Participated in 1905 and 1917 Revolutions
- Became Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet (1919)
- Served as nominal head of state of USSR (1919-1946)
- Appeared in Dziga Vertov's Kino-Pravda newsreel series (1924)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Order of Lenin (multiple times)
- Order of the Red Banner of Labour
Special Recognition
- City of Tver was renamed Kalinin in his honor (1931-1990)
- Numerous streets and institutions named after him throughout the Soviet Union
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Kalinin's appearance in Soviet cinema, particularly in Dziga Vertov's groundbreaking Kino-Pravda series, represents the intersection of political authority and the emerging Soviet film industry. As one of the few top Bolshevik leaders of proletarian origin, his image was used to symbolize the worker-peasant alliance that formed the basis of Soviet ideology. His presence in documentary footage helped legitimize the new Soviet regime through the powerful medium of film, which was recognized early on as a crucial tool for political education and propaganda.
Lasting Legacy
Mikhail Kalinin's legacy is complex - remembered both as a symbol of the Soviet state's proletarian origins and as a figure who navigated the dangerous waters of Soviet politics for decades. While cities and institutions bore his name during the Soviet period, his historical reputation has been reevaluated since the collapse of the USSR. His appearance in early Soviet documentary cinema provides valuable historical documentation of the early Soviet leadership and the role of film in constructing political legitimacy.
Who They Inspired
As a political figure rather than a cinema professional, Kalinin's influence on film was primarily through his position as a subject of Soviet documentary filmmaking. His participation in Vertov's Kino-Pravda series exemplified the Soviet approach to using cinema as a tool for political education and the documentation of revolutionary reality. The way he was portrayed in film influenced how Soviet leadership was presented to the masses during the early years of the USSR.
Off Screen
Mikhail Kalinin married Ekaterina Kalinina (née Lorberg), who was also a revolutionary. Their marriage faced difficulties, particularly during Stalin's purges when Ekaterina was arrested in 1938 and spent years in labor camps. Kalinin had several children, though his family life was often overshadowed by his political commitments and the turbulent political climate of the Soviet Union. Despite his high position, he was known for his relatively modest lifestyle compared to other Soviet leaders.
Education
Limited formal education; primarily self-taught while working in factories
Family
- Ekaterina Kalinina (née Lorberg) (1906-1946)
Did You Know?
- Despite being head of state, Kalinin had less actual power than Stalin or other Politburo members
- The city of Tver was renamed Kalinin from 1931 to 1990
- He was one of the few original Bolsheviks to survive Stalin's purges
- His wife was arrested during the Great Purge despite his high position
- He was known as the 'All-Union Elder' for his age and proletarian background
- Before politics, he worked as a metalworker in St. Petersburg factories
- He met Lenin in 1905 and became one of his closest associates
- His signature appeared on Soviet currency during his tenure as head of state
- He was the oldest member of the original Bolshevik leadership
- His film appearance was documentary footage, not dramatic acting
In Their Own Words
We must build socialism with our own hands, as workers and peasants
The Soviet power is the power of the working people themselves
From each according to his ability, to each according to his work
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mikhail Kalinin?
Mikhail Kalinin was a prominent Bolshevik revolutionary and Soviet politician who served as the ceremonial head of state of the Soviet Union from 1919 to 1946. He was known as the 'All-Union Elder' and was one of the few top Soviet leaders from a genuine working-class background.
What films is Mikhail Kalinin best known for?
Kalinin appeared in 'Kino-Pravda No. 18' (1924), a Soviet newsreel by director Dziga Vertov. This was not a dramatic role but documentary footage showing him in his capacity as a Soviet leader.
When was Mikhail Kalinin born and when did he die?
Mikhail Kalinin was born on November 19, 1875, in Verkhnyaya Troitsa, Russian Empire, and died on June 3, 1946, in Moscow, Soviet Union, at the age of 70.
What awards did Mikhail Kalinin win?
Kalinin received multiple Orders of Lenin and the Order of the Red Banner of Labour. The city of Tver was renamed Kalinin in his honor from 1931 to 1990, and numerous institutions throughout the Soviet Union bore his name.
What was Mikhail Kalinin's acting style?
Kalinin was not an actor by profession. His appearance in film was as himself in documentary footage, representing Soviet leadership rather than performing a dramatic role.
How was Kalinin related to Soviet cinema?
Kalinin appeared in Dziga Vertov's Kino-Pravda series, which was an innovative Soviet newsreel project. His presence exemplified how early Soviet cinema was used to document and legitimize the new political leadership.
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Films
1 film
