Ninel Urusova
Actor
About Ninel Urusova
Ninel Urusova was a Soviet actress who made her mark in early Soviet cinema during the 1940s. Her most notable and only documented film work was providing voice performance for the acclaimed 1941 animated film 'The Humpbacked Horse' (Konyok-Gorbunok), directed by Ivan Ivanov-Vano. This film was based on the classic Russian fairy tale by Pyotr Yershov and became one of the most beloved Soviet animated features of its era. Urusova contributed her voice talents during a pivotal period in Soviet animation when the industry was establishing its artistic identity. While her filmography appears limited to this single production, her participation in such a significant cultural work places her within the important tradition of early Soviet voice actors who helped bring classic Russian literature to the screen. The film itself was groundbreaking for its time, blending traditional Russian artistic styles with innovative animation techniques. Unfortunately, detailed records about many supporting voice actors from this period in Soviet cinema are limited, making comprehensive biographical reconstruction challenging.
The Craft
Milestones
- Voice performance in 'The Humpbacked Horse' (1941)
- Participation in groundbreaking Soviet animated feature
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Ninel Urusova's contribution to Soviet cinema, while limited to a single documented work, represents the important tradition of voice acting in early Soviet animation. 'The Humpbacked Horse' became a cultural touchstone in Soviet cinema, helping to establish Russian fairy tales as a cornerstone of the country's animated film tradition. Her voice performance contributed to the film's enduring legacy and its role in preserving Russian folklore through the medium of animation. The film itself was instrumental in developing the unique aesthetic of Soviet animation, blending traditional Russian art forms with cinematic techniques. Voice actors like Urusova played a crucial role in bringing these stories to life, even when their individual contributions were not widely documented or celebrated at the time.
Lasting Legacy
Ninel Urusova's legacy is primarily tied to her participation in one of the most significant animated films of early Soviet cinema. 'The Humpbacked Horse' continues to be recognized as a masterpiece of Soviet animation, frequently referenced in film studies of the era. While her individual contribution may not be widely known outside of film historian circles, her work represents the collective effort of Soviet artists who helped establish the country's animation industry. The film remains an important cultural artifact, showcasing how Soviet cinema adapted classic Russian literature for the screen. Her involvement in this production places her within the historical narrative of Soviet artistic achievement during a period of significant cultural development.
Who They Inspired
Due to the limited documentation of her career and the scarcity of information about her specific techniques or methods, it's difficult to trace Ninel Urusova's direct influence on subsequent performers. However, as part of the pioneering generation of Soviet voice actors, she contributed to establishing the standards and traditions that would influence later Soviet and Russian animation voice work. The success of films like 'The Humpbacked Horse' helped demonstrate the artistic potential of animated features in Soviet cinema, paving the way for future generations of voice actors and animators.
Off Screen
Very limited information is available about Ninel Urusova's personal life, which is common for many Soviet voice actors and supporting performers from the 1940s era.
Did You Know?
- The name 'Ninel' is 'Lenin' spelled backward, a common practice in Soviet times
- 'The Humpbacked Horse' was one of the first full-length animated features produced in the Soviet Union
- The film was based on a beloved 19th-century Russian fairy tale poem by Pyotr Yershov
- Soyuzmultfilm, the studio behind the film, would become the most famous animation studio in the Soviet Union
- The film's director, Ivan Ivanov-Vano, is considered the 'patriarch' of Soviet animation
- Voice actors in early Soviet animation were often stage actors from Moscow theaters
- The film was re-released multiple times and became a holiday tradition for Soviet families
- Many early Soviet voice actors worked anonymously, with their contributions only documented in studio archives
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ninel Urusova?
Ninel Urusova was a Soviet actress known for providing voice performance in the 1941 animated film 'The Humpbacked Horse'. Her documented career appears to be limited to this single but significant contribution to Soviet cinema.
What films is Ninel Urusova best known for?
Ninel Urusova is known exclusively for her voice work in 'The Humpbacked Horse' (1941), a groundbreaking Soviet animated feature based on the classic Russian fairy tale by Pyotr Yershov.
When was Ninel Urusova born and when did she die?
Specific birth and death dates for Ninel Urusova are not available in documented sources, which is common for many supporting Soviet film performers from the 1940s era.
What awards did Ninel Urusova win?
There are no documented awards or nominations specifically recognizing Ninel Urusova's individual contributions, though 'The Humpbacked Horse' itself became a celebrated work in Soviet cinema.
What was Ninel Urusova's acting style?
Due to limited documentation of her career and the scarcity of detailed records about voice acting techniques in early Soviet animation, specific information about Ninel Urusova's acting style is not available in historical sources.
Films
1 film
