Yefim Altus
Actor
About Yefim Altus
Yefim Altus was a Soviet actor whose known filmography consists of a single appearance in the 1938 film 'Great Citizen' (Velikiy grazhdanin). This two-part Soviet drama, directed by Fridrikh Ermler, was a significant work of Stalinist-era cinema that portrayed the Bolshevik revolution and the early years of Soviet power. Altus appeared in this politically charged film during a particularly repressive period in Soviet cultural history, when the state exercised strict control over artistic production. His brief acting career coincided with the height of Stalin's purges, which dramatically affected the Soviet film industry. Unfortunately, detailed records about Altus's life, training, or other potential work have not survived in accessible archives. His single known film role places him within the context of Soviet cinema's golden era of socialist realism, though he appears to have been a peripheral figure in the industry.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'Great Citizen' (1938), a landmark Soviet film of the Stalin era
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
While Yefim Altus himself had minimal cultural impact due to his extremely brief filmography, the film he appeared in, 'Great Citizen,' was a significant work of Soviet propaganda cinema that exemplified the socialist realist style mandated by Stalin's cultural policies. The film was part of a broader effort to create heroic narratives about the Bolshevik revolution and legitimize Soviet power through cinema. Altus's participation, however minor, connected him to this important moment in Soviet cultural history, when cinema was weaponized for political education and ideological reinforcement.
Lasting Legacy
Yefim Altus represents the countless minor actors and crew members who contributed to Soviet cinema during its most politically charged era but whose individual stories have been largely lost to history. His legacy is primarily as a footnote in the history of 'Great Citizen,' one of the most significant Soviet films of the late 1930s. The scarcity of information about him reflects both the limited documentation of minor film personnel in the Soviet era and the tragic loss of historical records during the upheavals of the 20th century.
Who They Inspired
Given his extremely brief and undocumented career, there is no evidence of Yefim Altus having influenced other actors or directors. His influence, if any, would have been limited to his immediate circle within the Lenfilm studio community in 1938.
Off Screen
Very little is documented about Yefim Altus's personal life, which is not uncommon for minor Soviet actors of the 1930s whose careers were brief and who may have been affected by the political turmoil of the era.
Did You Know?
- 'Great Citizen' was a two-part film totaling over three hours in length
- The film was directed by Fridrikh Ermler, a prominent Soviet director
- 1938 was during the height of Stalin's Great Purge, which affected many in the film industry
- Lenfilm Studio, where the film was produced, was one of the two major Soviet film studios
- The film portrayed Bolshevik leader Shchukin and was considered a model of socialist realism
- Altus's career spanned only a single year according to available records
- The film was restored and preserved as an important work of Soviet cinema
- Many Soviet actors from this period had their careers cut short by political circumstances
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Yefim Altus?
Yefim Altus was a Soviet actor known only for his appearance in the 1938 film 'Great Citizen,' a significant work of Stalinist-era cinema directed by Fridrikh Ermler.
What films is Yefim Altus best known for?
Altus is known exclusively for his role in 'Great Citizen' (1938), a two-part Soviet propaganda film about the Bolshevik revolution and early Soviet power.
When was Yefim Altus born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Yefim Altus are not documented in available historical records, which is common for minor Soviet actors of the 1930s.
What awards did Yefim Altus win?
There are no records of Yefim Altus receiving any awards or nominations, which is consistent with his brief and minor role in Soviet cinema.
What was Yefim Altus's acting style?
Due to the limited documentation of his work and single known film appearance, there is insufficient information to determine Altus's specific acting style or techniques.
Films
1 film
