The actor Vladimir Sokolov, whose biography is the theme of today's story, is hardly remembered in his homeland. He was born in Russia, and became famous in Germany, France and the USA. This article provides information not only about the creative path of Vladimir Sokolov, but briefly about the films in which he starred.
In Russia
Actor Vladimir Sokolov, whose photo can be seen in this article, was born in 1889. He graduated from Moscow University, then the Academy of Dramatic Arts. Since 1913, Vladimir Sokolov played on the stage of the art theater. But here he played a few roles. And in the early twenties, the actor moved to the Chamber Theater.
In Germany
In 1923, actor Vladimir Sokolov left for Germany. It turned out to be no accident there. While on tour with the Chamber Theater troupe, he was invited by Reinhardt, the then-famous Austrian director who led one of Berlin's most famous theaters. In subsequent years, Vladimir Sokolov played on the stages of Austrian and German theaters, starred a little in the movie.
Films
Sokolov’s film debut took place in 1926, in the film “The Adventures of Ten Stamp Banknotes”. Then the actor was invited by George Pabst in the film "The Love of Jeanne Ney." Three years later, the Russian actor played in the film "Western Front 1918", created by the same director. Since 1932, the hero of this article lived in France, where he played mainly in the films of Jean Renoir. One of them is “At the bottom”. In the film adaptation of the work of Gorky, Vladimir Sokolov played Kostyleva.
Hollywood
In 1937, the actor moved to the United States. In Hollywood, he was quite in demand. Here, the actor had a chance to play a lot of characters, among whom were mostly foreigners: Russians, Italians, Mexicans. In one of the films, Sokolov even played the role of a Chinese.
The Three-Penny Opera
The film was released in 1931. The film is directed by Georg Wilhelm Pabst. It was created, as you know, based on the play of the same name by B. Brecht. Vladimir Sokolov played the role of Smith in the film.
In the late twenties, director Erich Engels staged a play based on the play of Brecht. This production was a sensational success. For several years, the play was in large cities in Germany. The success of the play was the reason for creating the film.
Neutral Strip
In the credits for this film, Vladimir Sokolov is designated as "a Jew from Russia." The picture was shot in 1931 by Victor Trivas. This is his second directorial work. The film is based on one of the works of Leonhard Frank, included in the collection "Good Man." The role in the film of Trivas is one of the most famous in the filmography of Sokolov.
"At the bottom"
The premiere of the film of Jean Renoir took place in 1936. In general, the film retains the plot of a play by a Soviet writer. However, filmmakers introduced additional lines. So, the story of the Baron, preceding his appearance in a rooming house, is told. According to the plot of the film, he met with Ash when he was trying to rob him, but he ended up in a shelter, losing state money to cards and losing his property for debts. The final of the picture, in which Vladimir Sokolov played one of the roles, is rather optimistic. The director deliberately softened the gloomy ending of Gorky's play.
Meyerling
In this film, Vladimir Sokolov played the role of chief of police. The premiere of the black and white historical film took place in 1936. It was created based on the work of Claude Anet. The partners of Vladimir Sokolov on the set were Daniel Darje, Charles Buyer, Asya Noris.
"The Life of Emil Zola"
In the film, which tells about the life of the great French writer, Vladimir Sokolov played the role of the painter Paul Cezanne. The painting was created in 1937. The director is William Diterle. Sokolov’s partners on the set were Gloria Holden, Gail Sondergaard, Joseph Schildkraut. The role of Zola was played by Paul Mooney.
Other projects
In 1943, the painting “Mission to Moscow” was released. Director - Michael Curtis. Vladimir Sokolov in this film played the role of Soviet political figure Mikhail Kalinin. In the same year, the film adaptation of Ernest Hemingway's work “For Whom the Bell Tolls” appeared on the screens. Vladimir Sokolov played the role of Anselmo's conductor in this film. The partners of the Russian actor on the set were Gary Cooper, Katina Paksino, Ingrid Bergman.
Vladimir Sokolov passed away in February 1962, as a result of a heart attack. He played in the movie more than a hundred roles. This article presents only the most famous films with his participation.