Artist: Sergeii Eisenstein
Confronting Bodies: French, British, American and Russian governments
Date of Action: 1926-1950s
Specific Location: Eisenstein's films were censored worldwide, however the Soviet government frequently interfered with the production of his films
Description of Artwork: "The Battleship Potemkin" was considered "powerfully seditious" by critics. Most of Eisenstein's film were historically rooted and patronized by Soviet leadership.
Description of Incident: Eisenstein's film "The Battleship Potemkin" (1926) was burned by French customs upon arrival, banned from public viewing in Britain, and banned by movie theaters in Pennsylvania because it "gives American sailors a blueprint as to how to conduct a mutiny." His film "October" (1927) was written to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the October Revolution. The film was altered because it failed to glorify Stalin. Stalin also had all references to Trotsky removed.
Results of Incident: "The Battleship Potemkin" was banned in Britain until 1954. Eisenstein continued to make films, however, they were subject to the scrutiny of the Communist party.
Source: Censorship, A World Encyclopedia, ed. D. Jones
Submitted By: NCAC