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Narrated by Gregory Peck, this documentary is full of passionate testimony and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from Hollywood screen legends—including Anthony Quinn, Leslie Caron, Robert Stack—about two of the most beloved and influential acting coaches, Michael Chekhov and George Shdanoff.
Chekov, a student of Stanislavsky, was marked for death by the Communist regime in Russia and fled to Berlin in 1928. After forming a friendship with young actor Shdanoff, they outlined the next progression in the evolution of the 'Method' style of acting. An Oscar nominee for his performance in Spellbound, Chekov continued to teach and act until his death in 1955. Shdanoff and his wife, Elsa Schreiber, carried on Chekov's work, coaching some of the leading lights of the big screen, such as Ingrid Bergman, Clint Eastwood, Marilyn Monroe and Paul Newman.
"From Russia to Hollywood is a captivating look at a seldom explored Hollywood lineage. Keeve's tribute is rich in understated emotion, wit and intelligence."—Variety