A dashing cavalryman from the circus arena literally burst onto the big screen, and then just as quickly disappeared. The roles of heroes he got in life, especially if it was a question of winning the hearts of beautiful ladies.
Remember, under what surname Leo Tolstoy brought the hero of the war of 1812 Denis Davydov on the pages of his famous novel "War and Peace"? In the biography of the Soviet actor there was an episode that repeated this unusual find of a classic of Russian literature.
Childhood
Valery was born in February 1929. A young Soviet country opened up wonderful prospects for working people, children dreamed of long-distance travels, scientific discoveries and sporting achievements, dreamed of aviation and polar research. The constant reminders that the enemy was not asleep seemed an echo of the Civil War. Hitler’s attack on the Soviet Union was a shock to most citizens.
Pskov partisans. Artist Semyon Rotnitsky
At the time the war began, our hero was not even 18 years old, he did not fall under the call. This did not stop the boy with arms in his hands to defend his homeland. Almost nothing is known about Denisov’s combat path. Underground workers and partisans did not advertise their activities, many facts confirming their exploits were hushed up for their own safety. In 1944, when the enemy was expelled from the territory of the USSR, young soldiers were demobilized. Among them was Valery Denisov.
Choice of profession
The young man quickly made up for lost on the school curriculum and prepared for admission to the university. He chose an unusual profession for himself - the front-line soldier wanted to become an actor. In 1945 he entered the VGIK. Valera was lucky to get an education on the course of Vasily Vanin, the man who stood at the origins of the Soviet theater and feature sound film. In 1949, our student received a diploma confirming his qualifications, and his mentor was awarded the title of professor.
Denisov's first place of work was the Moscow theater studio of a film actor. In 1951, the debutant of the stage mastered several more specialties, one scene was not enough for him. In addition to the gift of acting, he discovered an interest in choreography and acrobatics. The young man performed in the ensemble of dance Igor Moiseyev and in the circus arena. The latter especially attracted the guy. Since childhood, he loved animals, knew how to work with horses, and therefore presented the audience with numbers as a rider.
Valery Denisov
Circus
Valeria was noticed by the head of the horse ensemble Mikhail Tuganov. The retired major, who ended the war in Berlin, invited a talented artist to his troupe. To join the circus riders, who represented the Ossetian art of horse-riding, our hero had a very piquant occasion. Mikhail Tuganov had a beautiful daughter, Dzerassa. Joint exits on the stage allowed the couple to get closer, and in 1951 Denisov became the husband of a charming native of the Caucasus.
Dzerassa Tuganova
A rider inspired by love worked wonders in the arena. In 1956, he presented the audience with his solo program, which received high marks. Now Valery demonstrated drama and dance exclusively in the framework of performances with his family. The wife gave him a daughter, who was given the name Nina. This joyful event did not distract her for a long time from the life of the circus. Soon, the wife was again in the saddle next to her chosen one. In 1961, father-in-law handed over to Denisov the reins of government in his ensemble.
Hussar
The young Soviet director Eldar Ryazanov planned to film the popular play "Once Upon a Time" about the adventures of a pretty woman dressed as a hussar. For the filming, he needed an extras, able to cope with horses. In search of such, he attended a performance called "Iriston" and immediately invited the head of the equestrian circus to take part in making the film. Valery Denisov himself was offered the role of Denis Davydov - the legendary partisan during the war with Napoleon.
On the set, our hero met the stars of the Soviet screen, whose work he admired. The work of the cavalrymen was the most difficult. Spring was in the yard, Ryazanov demanded winter landscapes, it was difficult for horses to walk over rough terrain. Pyrotechnics only added risk. Busy in the tape Valery Denisov could not cope on his own. He asked for help from Mikhail Tuganov, and most of the scenes with the riders were staged by the old master.
Valery Denisov and Larisa Golubkina on the set
