Harlow Robinson

This is a rare book with a narrow focus on the involvement and depiction of Russians in American film. The work is academic in focus, but a delightfully easy, intriguing read. I was disappointed that it wasn't well suited for my personal research needs, though; I'd hoped for more detail on the 1920s and the silent film industry, but the greater emphasis was on recent decades (and there's no denying those works are easier to watch and information is more readily available). Across the decades, the author focuses on actors, other film professionals, composers, and to a mild degree, dancers. I was disappointed that one aspect was ignored, that of touring Cossacks through the 1920s; I'd read of them elsewhere and hope to find more here, as Russian equestrians had recurrent roles in Russia-inspired silent films.

In summary, an interesting work on a niche subject, but a book better suited for people who want to study the roles of Russians in more contemporary film.… (mehr)