- Several of the interviews in this documentary were filmed at a symposium about the career and biography of Michael Chekhov, which was held in the US in the 1990s. The participants in the symposium shared their memories about being taught by, or working with, the late, great actor, director, and drama coach, Russian-born Chekhov (1891-1955), who was the nephew of the Russian writer Anton Chekhov (1860-1904). Many film clips, plus some rare stills of Chekhov & Shdanoff themselves, are added, to illustrate the interviews and commentaries. One of the participants, actress Mala Powers, is mentioned in the film's credits also as executor of Michael Chekhov's estate & foundation, and undoubtedly played an important role in getting this documentary made.—Prof. Steven P. Hill, University of Illinois (USA).
- Gregory Peck narrates this documentary beginning in Czarist Russia with the birth of Michael Chekhov in Saint Petersburg, in 1891 through his rise to superstardom on the Moscow Art Theatre stage and ultimately to his film and coaching career in Hollywood through his death in 1955. He coached notable stars such as Gary Cooper, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Anthony Quinn, Jack Palance, and other notable stars. Along the way, Michael Chekhov struggles through personal trauma and loss, insanity, and the political upheaval of the Russian Revolution at the height of his career, still considered today as Russia's finest actor. Turning to Rudolf Steiner's Spiritual Science, Michael Chekhov's insights into training and performance violated Soviet standards, threatening his life. The film reveals his escape from Russia to Berlin in 1928, his "wandering" years where he continues to teach and develop his revolutionary performance techniques in Berlin, Paris, Latvia, Lithuania and finally England where Russian emigre, George Shdanoff joins the Chekhov Theatre Studio as a dramaturg and co-director. The rise of Hitler, the Socialist coup, a heart attack and ultimately World War II force Mr. Chekhov and Mr. Shdanoff to relocate to the United States. The final third of the film includes interview footage of various actors revealing the dramatic impact of Chekhov and Shdanoff on their careers and insights into the unique approaches to the Chekhov Technique, which as grown in global interest. Psychological Gestures, Centers, Atmosphere and Imaginary body are discussed by Anthony Quinn, Leslie Caron, Patricia Neal, Mala Powers, and other noted actors.
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What is the English language plot outline for From Russia to Hollywood: The 100-Year Odyssey of Chekhov and Shdanoff (2002)?
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