Ivanov movie poster from "The Star"
Author Henry Sakaida poses with a poster from one of Ivanov's films "The Star". It hangs with other movie posters in a hallway at Lenfilm.
"CIVIL WORKER ALEXANDER IVANOV" UNMASKED!..page 3
By Henry Sakaida

He has worked in cinema since 1925 at the studio "Leningradkino" (now it is called "Lenfilm"). Some of his notable films include:
 The Moon is to the Left (1929)
The Transport of Fire (1930)
Yes, Captain! (1930)
On the Borderline (1938)
The Submarine T-9 (1943)
The Sons (1946)
The Victorious Return (1948)
The Star (1953)
The Soldiers (1957)
Ivanov liked war themes. In 1960-61, he produced the film trilogy Virgin Land Upheaved. He also produced the film If your Comrade Calls You (1963), and The First Russians (1968). I asked a local Russian friend if she had ever heard of Alexander, and she said, "Of course! I think 60% of Russians from my time know of him, and most of us have seen his films."
Alexander Ivanov is buried next to his wife, Kseniya, in St. Petersburg. Many of the crew of the submarine Kursk are buried in the same cemetary.
On August 12, 2003 while on my way back from Ulan Ude after the Siberian wedding I had attended, I made a visit to Lenfilm Studio with my personal tour guide Darzhema. Prior to my arrival, I had corresponded with Mr. Alexander Pozdnyakov, the studio's film historian and public relations man. When I met him, I was surprised by his impeccable English and a great sense of humor!
While chatting in Pozdnyakov's office, an old colleague of Alexander Ivanov's dropped into the office by chance. What luck! Mikhail recalled the great director with warmth. He told me that he knows the whereabouts of his niece and also that Ivanov died in 1984 of a heart attack.
"Ivanov has not achieved the great acclaim that he deserved, but he has not been forgotten!" Pozdnyakov emphasized. "He was a hard working man, a dedicated Communist, and a real gentleman who always wore fine suits. He received full military honors at his funeral, which included a rifle volley."
 In 1964, Alexander Ivanov received the title of "The People's Artist of the USSR." I feel proud to be the temporary custodian of his medals! I will never forget him, for in my negotiations with my wife, I also agreed to take out the garbage and wash the dishes for a year. She drives a hard bargain, but it was well worth it!

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