Background
Kapler, Aleksei was born on October 11, 1904 in Kiev.
Kapler, Aleksei was born on October 11, 1904 in Kiev.
In 1920, one of the founders (together with Sergei Iutkevich and Grigorii Kozintsev) of the Arlekin Theatre in Kiev. Entered the film industry in 1926. Acted in several films including The Greatcoat.
In 1929-1930, director-scriptwriter of many art documentaries. Wrote scripts for many official films between 1935-1943 which are now regarded as Stalinist propaganda, such as Shakhtery, Tri Tovarishcha, Kotovskii, Ona Zashchishchaet Rodinu and others. Won the Stalin Prize, 1941.
Was involved emotionally with Svetlana Allilueva, Stalin’s daughter, then aged 16. Arrested, and accused of being a British spy. Spent 10 years in prisons and camps and then in exile.
Returned to Moscow after Stalin’s death. Rehabilitated. First script filmed in 1957. Continued working in the film industry until the mid-1970s.
Taught at the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography.