Event Type: Branch

Takes Place: 7th October 2025

Time: 7.00 p.m.

Venue: Lecture Theatre, Roland Levinsky Building, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA

Description: In the Soviet Union, cinema was a tool of the state. Or at least it was meant to be. Stalin took to heart Lenin’s assertion that “of all the arts, cinema is the most important for us,” and presided over the most intensive era of film censorship to that point in history. He also appeared on screen—not personally, but as a character in contemporary feature films, making him the first political leader to do so. Who exactly was this cinematic Stalin? And was he a success for a regime set on shaping audiences through film? This talk explores these questions and the audacious oddity that was Joseph Stalin, film star.

How to book: The easiest approach is to book tickets through Eventbrite (see The Bridge link) Otherwise contact The Bridge, University of Plymouth thebridge@plymouth.ac.uk Or phone The Bridge T: 01752 585050

Price: Free for national and local members of the HA and for Plymouth University students, Visitors £6.00, concessions £4.00

Tel: 01752 843750

Email: a.cousins345@btinternet.com

Website: www.ha-plymouth.org.uk/

Organiser: Alan Cousins

Lecturer: Dr Claire Knight, University of Bristol

Region: South-West England

Branch: Plymouth