Vladimir Basov... the deep pain behind the laughter

Vladimir Basov: The Pain Behind the Laughter

In the world of cinema, there are rarely artists who can make the viewer laugh and think deeply at the same time. One of such unique talents was Vladimir Pavlovich Basov. He was not only a famous actor, but also a talented director and screenwriter. Although Basov's life was filled with war, creativity, love, family dramas and serious illnesses, he faithfully served the art of cinema until the end of his life.

In the Shadow of War

Vladimir Basov was born on July 28, 1923 in the village of Urazovo, in the Belgorod region of present-day Russia. His father was a military man and died when Vladimir was young. Therefore, his mother raised him with great difficulty.

Basov, who was interested in literature and theater from a young age, dreamed of becoming an actor. But fate first brought him to the battlefield.

When World War II began in 1941, Basov went to the front. He served in the artillery troops, participated in several heavy battles, and was awarded state awards for his courage.

By the end of the war, Basov had risen to the rank of captain. He was offered high positions in the military. However, Basov's heart yearned for the stage. Therefore, after completing his military service, he returned to Moscow and entered the study.

In the world of cinema

After graduating from the institute in 1952, Vladimir Basov began working at Mosfilm. At first he became known as a director. The films he made were distinguished by their serious themes, psychological depth, and strong drama.

His most famous directorial works were "School of Courage", "Battle on the Road", "Silence", "Sword and Shield", and "Days of the Turbins". In particular, the multi-part feature film "Sword and Shield" was recognized as one of the best films about intelligence officers.

In addition to directing, Vladimir Basov also played roles in the cinema. Many viewers remember Basov for his unique appearance, hoarse voice and humorous images. He was unrivaled in bringing to life not beautiful heroes, but strange, humorous, and at the same time kind people who come across in life.

Vladimir Basov did not resemble classical heroes in appearance. But he proved that the strength of a true artist is not in beauty, but in talent. Basov was a brave officer at the front, a unique actor on stage, and a demanding director behind the camera. His films still make viewers laugh, think, and sow seeds of goodness in human hearts.

The films with Basov's participation are Operation I and Shurik's Other Adventures", "About Little Red Riding Hood", "The Adventures of Pinocchio", "Crime and Punishment", "Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears", "The Adventures of Electronics". Even in small episodes, he could create an image that would remain in the viewer's memory.

Unhappy marriages and serious illness

Basov was married three times. His first wife was actress Roza Makagonova. Then he married the famous actress Natalya Fateeva. From their marriage, a son was born - Vladimir Basov Jr. But this marriage also did not last long.

His third wife was actress Valentina Titova. Two children were born to this family. However, later this marriage also ended in divorce.

After his divorce from Valentina Titova, many thought that the children would stay with their mother. However, the court left the children in the care of their father, Vladimir Basov. One of the reasons was that Basov had a stable income, a place to live, and was considered to be able to provide for his children. Alexander later shared warm memories of his love and respect for his father more than once.

The fate of the Basov children was different. The eldest son, Vladimir Basov Jr., chose the cinema industry like his father. After graduating from VGIK, he worked as an actor and film director. Another son of Basov, Alexander Basov, also followed in his father's footsteps. He studied at VGIK and became a director and actor. He directed several films and television projects, and starred in films.

Alexander was very close to his father. After his parents divorced, Alexander and his sister were placed in the care of their father by a court decision. Vladimir Basov raised them almost alone: he cooked, did his schoolwork, and instilled a love of creativity.

Basov's daughter

Elizaveta Basova chose the art of dance. She studied choreography in St. Petersburg, then moved to Europe. Later, there is information that she married a young man of Greek origin named Adonis and lived in Paris, France. Elizaveta Basova also won awards at international choreography competitions.

It is worth noting that although Vladimir Basov was married three times in his life, his children are considered his greatest wealth. Two of them continued their film career, and his daughter found her way in the field of dance.

In 1983, Vladimir Basov suffered a stroke. Doctors did not believe that he would ever make films again. For several months, it became difficult for him to move. But Basov did not give up. With great perseverance, he regained his health, returned to directing and shot several more films. This demonstrated his boundless love for art. On September 17, 1987, Vladimir Basov died in Moscow at the age of 64 from a second stroke. He was buried at the Kuntsevo cemetery in Moscow. Basov's death was considered a great loss for cinema.