There is an interesting article in the Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television, October 1995, by Victor Belyakov on "Russia's Last Tsar Nicholas II and Cinema". He writes of the history of the 'Tsarist Chronicles' at Krasnogorsk and of His Majesty's Photographer Aleksandr Karlovich Iagelskii who opened Russia's first film studio in Tsarskoe Selo.
An historical footnote: "...Thus the release of the first Russian film was not 1908, when Drankov exhibited Ponizovuiu volnitsu, but 1900, when Iagleskii filmed The Breakfast of Their Majesties, Their Highnessess, and Personages of the Court during the Hunt at the First Royal Manor and The Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, and Maria Nikolaevna Playing near a Tree with Their Nanny Miss Iger..."
V. Belyakov writes of the films has "...preserved particularities of Nicholas' personality often written about: his calm, unemotional reserve - his strange stiffness. He seems to be in a state of permanent embarrassment, nervously stroking his mustache, adjusting his service cap, or straightening the shirt of his uniform. But this was the man who had entrusted his will to God and who checked his every step and action against his conscience, and who did not give in to feelings and emotions. Nicholas was completely serious; this was not an act for the sake of appearances..."
Also V. Belyakov writes that "...By 1900 Iagelskii, who according to the directory Ves Peterburg of 1899 and 1902 lived in Tsarskoe Selo in a house belonging to the von Guns..." Does anyone know of this house and where it is located? How I would adore to have all the years of the St. Petersburg Almanachs!!!
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2584/is_n4_v15/ai_17782468Joanna
