Viktor Perest-Petrenko

Actor

Active: 1942

About Viktor Perest-Petrenko

Viktor Perest-Petrenko was a Soviet actor who appeared during the early 1940s, a tumultuous period in Soviet cinema history. His most notable and possibly only credited film role was in the 1942 adaptation of Nikolai Ostrovsky's revolutionary novel 'How the Steel Was Tempered,' directed by Mark Donskoy. The film was produced during World War II, when Soviet cinema was heavily focused on patriotic and ideological content to boost morale during the Great Patriotic War. Perest-Petrenko was part of the ensemble cast that brought this beloved Soviet literary work to the screen, contributing to what would become one of the most influential Soviet films of the wartime era. His appearance in this production places him within the context of Soviet actors who worked under the strict artistic guidelines of Stalinist cultural policy. Unfortunately, detailed records about his broader career, training, or other artistic endeavors remain scarce in available historical documentation.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in the classic Soviet film 'How the Steel Was Tempered' (1942)
  • Participated in wartime Soviet cinema production during World War II

Best Known For

Iconic Roles

  • Unknown role in 'How the Steel Was Tempered' (1942)

Must-See Films

  • How the Steel Was Tempered (1942)

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

  • Mark Donskoy (director of 'How the Steel Was Tempered')

Studios

  • Soviet state film studios (likely Mosfilm or similar)

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Viktor Perest-Petrenko's contribution to Soviet cinema, while perhaps limited in scope, represents the collective effort of hundreds of actors who participated in creating the film legacy of the Soviet Union during its most challenging historical period. His appearance in 'How the Steel Was Tempered' places him within the cultural movement that sought to translate revolutionary literature into cinematic art, helping to shape the ideological and artistic landscape of wartime Soviet cinema. The film itself became a cultural touchstone, viewed by millions of Soviet citizens and serving as both entertainment and propaganda during the darkest years of World War II.

Lasting Legacy

The legacy of Viktor Perest-Petrenko is primarily preserved through his participation in one of Soviet cinema's most significant wartime productions. While he may not have achieved the fame of leading actors of his era, his contribution to 'How the Steel Was Tempered' ensures his place in the historical record of Soviet film history. The film continues to be studied by film historians as an example of wartime Soviet cinema and the adaptation of revolutionary literature to the screen.

Who They Inspired

Due to the limited documentation of his career and potential status as a supporting actor, specific information about Viktor Perest-Petrenko's influence on other actors or filmmakers is not readily available in accessible historical records.

Off Screen

Very limited information is available about Viktor Perest-Petrenko's personal life, which is not uncommon for supporting actors from the Soviet era whose records were not extensively documented or preserved.

Did You Know?

  • Appeared in the 1942 film adaptation of Nikolai Ostrovsky's autobiographical novel 'How the Steel Was Tempered'
  • The film was directed by renowned Soviet director Mark Donskoy
  • The production took place during the German invasion of the Soviet Union, making it a significant wartime achievement
  • The novel and film follow the story of Pavel Korchagin, a young Bolshevik who becomes a revolutionary hero
  • The film was one of several Soviet productions during WWII that focused on revolutionary themes to inspire patriotism
  • Information about Perest-Petrenko's other film roles, if any, remains difficult to locate in available archives
  • His name suggests Ukrainian heritage, as 'Petrenko' is a common Ukrainian surname

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Viktor Perest-Petrenko?

Viktor Perest-Petrenko was a Soviet actor active during the 1940s, best known for his appearance in the 1942 film 'How the Steel Was Tempered,' a classic Soviet adaptation of Nikolai Ostrovsky's revolutionary novel directed by Mark Donskoy.

What films is Viktor Perest-Petrenko best known for?

He is primarily known for his role in 'How the Steel Was Tempered' (1942), which appears to be his only documented film credit. This wartime Soviet production became one of the most significant films of its era.

When was Viktor Perest-Petrenko born and when did he die?

Specific birth and death dates for Viktor Perest-Petrenko are not available in accessible historical records, which is not uncommon for supporting actors from the Soviet era whose complete biographical information was not preserved.

What awards did Viktor Perest-Petrenko win?

There are no documented awards or nominations for Viktor Perest-Petrenko in available film history records, which may indicate he was a supporting actor whose contributions were not formally recognized by Soviet film institutions.

What was Viktor Perest-Petrenko's acting style?

Due to limited documentation of his career and potential status as a supporting actor, specific information about Viktor Perest-Petrenko's acting style is not available in historical records, though he would have worked within the conventions of Soviet socialist realist cinema.

How significant was 'How the Steel Was Tempered' in Soviet cinema?

'How the Steel Was Tempered' was a highly significant Soviet film produced during World War II, based on a beloved revolutionary novel. It exemplified the Soviet practice of adapting classic revolutionary literature to inspire patriotism during the Great Patriotic War and was seen by millions of Soviet citizens.

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Films

1 film