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Balis BratkauskasLithuanian actor, film and television director, Honored Artist of the Lithuanian SSR
Date of Birth: 06.12.1923
Country:  Lithuania |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Pioneering Lithuanian Cinema and Television
- Transition to Television and Creative Triumphs
- Later Years and Legacy
- "Two in a Small Town" (1965)
Early Life and Career
Balis Bratkauskas, a renowned Lithuanian actor, film director, and television director, was born on December 6, 1923, in the village of Alunta, Lithuania. He graduated from the theater studio at the Vilnius Drama Theater in 1948.
Pioneering Lithuanian Cinema and Television
Bratkauskas played a pivotal role in the nascent Lithuanian film industry. His standout performances in the early, imperfect films of the young Lithuanian Film Studio showcased his intuitive grasp of the art form. His charismatic portrayal of the enigmatic Count Vladas in the historical-revolutionary film "Ignotas Returned Home" (1956) exemplified his ability to elevate even "negative" characters.
In 1960, Bratkauskas directed "The Nightingale," a dynamic short film about the anti-fascist movement in Lithuania. This novella from the film anthology "Living Heroes" earned him a special diploma from the international film press at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival.
Transition to Television and Creative Triumphs
Moving to television in 1963, Bratkauskas distanced himself from cinema somewhat. However, his commanding performance as the overseer Geishe in "This Cursed Subordination" (1970) left a lasting impression on audiences.
His greatest achievement in television was his direction of "Tadas Blinda" (1973), the first independent Lithuanian TV series. This four-part epic about "noble" outlaws, with its distinct folk-art style, continues to captivate Lithuanian viewers today.
Later Years and Legacy
Bratkauskas passed away on April 17, 1983. His filmography includes:"Ignotas Returned Home" (1956) - Count Vladas
"The Bridge" (1956) - Algirdas
"The Nightingale" (1960) - Commander
"This Cursed Subordination" (1970) - Geishe
"Divided Sky" (1974) - Mindaugas
"Autumn Day Anxiety" (1975) - Valaičio
"Smoke and Little Man" (1976) - Souldman
"Lost Home" (1976) - Gestapo officer
"Our Minor Sins" (1979) - Stanka
As a film director, he directed "Julius Janonis" (1959) and "The Nightingale" (1960). His television directing credits include:
"Two in a Small Town" (1965)
"Unfinished Story" (1966)"Tadas Blinda" (1973)
"Why the Pines Wept" (1978)
"Dichus's Career" (1980)
"The Riddle of Endhaus" (1981)
