Who directed the 1959 Soviet film Ballad of a Soldier?
Grigory Chukhray directed the 1959 Soviet film Ballad of a Soldier. He cast two nineteen-year-old actors with little experience to play the main roles.
Questions about Ballad of a Soldier
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did Ballad of a Soldier open for Soviet audiences?
Ballad of a Soldier opened its doors to Soviet audiences on the 1st of December 1959. The film sold 30.1 million tickets during screenings across the nation.
What awards did Ballad of a Soldier win in 1961?
Ballad of a Soldier won the Golden Gate Award for Best Film and Best Director at San Francisco in 1961. It also received the Lenin Prize that same year for both the director and producer.
Why did Grigory Chukhray choose inexperienced actors for Ballad of a Soldier?
Grigory Chukhray chose Vladimir Ivashov and Zhanna Prokhorenko because their youth provided spontaneity and charm to the screen. This unconventional casting strategy was supported by Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev.
How many tickets did Ballad of a Soldier sell upon release?
The film sold 30.1 million tickets during screenings across the nation after opening on the 1st of December 1959. This sales figure established it as an instant classic among critics.