Viktor Tourjansky
Germany- Early Life and Career in Russia
- The Russian Revolution and Exile
- Career in Europe and the United States
- Collaboration with UFA and Nazi Propaganda
- Post-World War II Career
- Death and Legacy
Early Life and Career in Russia
Vitezslav Turzhansky was born on March 4, 1891, in Kiev, Russian Empire, to a painter. In 1911, he moved to Moscow and studied acting under Stanislavsky. He began his film career in 1912, making his directorial debut in 1914.
The Russian Revolution and Exile
After the October Revolution in 1917, Turzhansky moved to Yalta. In 1920, he fled Russia with his wife and other members of the film studio "Tovarishchestvo I. Yermolieva" aboard the Greek cargo ship "Pantera."
Career in Europe and the United States
In Paris, Turzhansky changed his name to Victor Turzhansky for easier pronunciation. From 1920 to 1925, he directed eleven films with producers such as Iosif Yermoliev, Alexander Kamenka, and Noah Bloch. He collaborated as an assistant director on Abel Gance's epic "Napoléon" (1927) and directed the Franco-German film "The Courier of the Tsar" (1926) based on Jules Verne's novel. He also worked in Germany (1928-1929), France, Britain, and the United States until 1937.
Collaboration with UFA and Nazi Propaganda
In 1936, Turzhansky joined the UFA studio in Germany and became a permanent resident in 1938. He directed both entertaining and propaganda films for UFA and Bavaria, including "The Secret Sign LB 17" (1938), "The Governor" (1939), and "Enemies" (1940).
Post-World War II Career
After World War II, Turzhansky successfully continued his career in West Germany. From 1958 onwards, he worked primarily in France and Italy.
Death and Legacy
Victor Turzhansky died on August 13, 1976, in Munich. He is remembered as a versatile and prolific filmmaker who worked in various countries and made significant contributions to the history of cinema.
