Course

This course combines three fascinating and interconnected stories. One follows the waves of Russian emigres who came to Hollywood after the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution and made major contributions to the film industry as actors, directors, composers and designers. Another examines the significant impact of the vicissitudes of the crucial American-Soviet geo-political relationship on Hollywood production. Finally, we will consider some of the many Hollywood movies that represent Russians and Russia, from comedies like Ninotchka and The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming to epics like Doctor Zhivago and Anastasia to Cold War thrillers like From Russia with Love and The Hunt for Red October. Lectures and discussion will focus on dominant themes in a basically chronological context.

Harlow Robinson is an author, lecturer, and the Matthews Distinguished University Professor (emeritus) of History at Northeastern University. The author of Russians in Hollywood and other books, Robinson received two Fulbright Fellowships for study in Russia and an Academy Film Scholar Fellowship from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

This is a Livestreamed-Only Course

• Classes will stream live on the scheduled day and time.
• Classes not be recorded. 
• Course materials will remain available enjoy in the Member Dashboard through May 31.
• Fee assistance is available if cost is a barrier. Learn more.

Schedule Highlights

• Course starts on Monday, April 3 and ends on Monday, May 22.
• Classes meet for eight weeks, 1.5 hours per session.

Faculty Interview

• Read a recent interview with Harlow Robinson about his interest in Russia filmmaking and culture.