Ivanov, Aleksandr Gavrilovich

Born July 31 (Aug. 12), 1898, in the village of Davydovo, in present-day Borovichi Raion, Novgorod Oblast. Soviet film director and screenwriter. People’s Artist of the USSR (1964). Member of the CPSU since 1918. Participant in the Civil War of 1918–20.

Ivanov graduated from a cinematography school in Leningrad in 1924 and finished his graduate studies at the State Scientific Research Institute of Art in 1935 (earning the title of docent). In 1925 he began working at Leningradkino (present-day Lenfil’m Studios). His films include The Moon on the Left Side (1929, based on the play by V.N. Bill’-Belotserkovskii), Fire Transport (1930), Aye, Aye, Captain! (1930), On the Border (1938), Submarine T-9 (1943), The Sons (1946), Victorious Return (1948), The Star (1953, based on the novella by E.G. Kazakevich), and The Soldiers (1957, based on V.P. Nekrasov’s tale In the Dugouts of Stalingrad).

Ivanov has an affinity for war themes, combat exploits, and everyday life in the army, and his work expresses the harsh romanticism of life at home and at the front in severe, restrained colors. Ivanov directed the film trilogy Virgin Land Upturned (1960–61; based on the novel by M.A. Sholokhov), Should a Comrade Call (1963), and The First Russians (1968). He wrote the screenplays for a number of his films. He received the Order of Lenin, four other orders, and medals.