The director took advantage of his position.
The picture of Eldar Ryazanov “Hussar Ballad” was accepted by the audience with a bang. The director took the casting seriously and did not fail. However, few people know that some of the actors got roles through connections. This fact, which was kept silent, may disappoint many.
So, Kutuzov was played by the eminent artist Igor Ilyinsky. At first, his candidacy did not suit the Goskino officials, but Ryazanov did not make concessions to them. He did not even consider other candidates and defended the actor. Ilyinsky was not the only one whom the director “dragged” into his project through connections.
Vladimir Shiryaev, who reincarnated as Vincento Salgari, also easily got into the film. Eldar Alexandrovich considered that the actor had an ideal Italian appearance. The director did not arrange any castings for him.
Anthony Khodursky, who played Count Nurin, also did not pass the audition. The actor has played this character on the stage before. Ryazanov was captivated by his skill and without hesitation approved him for the role in The Hussar Ballad.
