Count Aleksey Nikolayevich Tolstoy (1883-1945)
Part of the screenplay of Peter the First. c.1937
Autograph manuscript signed ('Aleksey Tolstoy'), part of the screenplay of Peter the First, n.p., n.d. [1937].

In Russian. 18 pages, 270 x 210mm, title 'Peter I' at head, signed at end, foliated '16' to '33'. Provenance: Fekula Collection, no. 5584; Bonham's, 10 June 2008, lot 296.

Part of the screenplay of Peter the First. This is the crucial third scene of the film, in which Marta Skavronskaya (the future Catherine I) goes with Peter to one of Menshikov's rooms, from which she emerges a few hours later wearing his engagement ring. Tolstoy adapted the screenplay from his own celebrated novel (1929-34): both works aimed to glorify Stalin by drawing subtle analogies between the two Russian rulers. The film was shot at the 'Lenfilm' studio under the direction of Vladimir Petrov.

This lot has been imported from outside of the UK for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on our invoice.
Please note this lot is the property of a consumer. See H1 of the Conditions of Sale.