Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey (1993)

A documentary about the inventor of the first electronic synthesiser instrument and his subsequent life after he was abducted by the KGB as well as a history of his instrument.

Director:

Steven M. Martin

Writer:

Steven M. Martin

Stars:

Leon Theremin, Robert Moog, Clara Rockmore

1 win & 3 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Leon Theremin	...	Himself - Inventor of the Theremin
Clara Rockmore	...	Herself - Theremin Virtuoso
Robert Moog	...	Himself - Inventor of the Moog Synthesizer
Nicolas Slonimsky	...	Himself - Composer and Historian
Paul Shure	...	Himself - Musician
Henry Solomonoff	...	Himself - Theremin Studio Member
Suki Bader	...	Herself - Theremin Dancer
Beryl Campbell	...	Herself - Theremin Dancer
Lydia Kavina	...	Herself - Theremin's Great Niece
Brian Wilson	...	Himself - Founder of The Beach Boys
Todd Rundgren	...	Himself - Musician and Producer
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
V.I. Lenin	...	Himself (archive footage) (as Lenin)

Storyline

A documentary about the amazing life of Leon Theremin, inventor of the theremin, the electronic musical instrument so beloved of 50s sci-fi movie music. Theremin amazed America with his instrument until his kidnapping by Soviet agents in the mid-30s. Upon his release from a labor camp, he worked on surveillance devices for the KGB. Almost 60 years later , he is brought back to America for a touching reunion with his friends and colleagues.

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Plot Keywords:

theremin | kgb | inventor | soviet | leon theremin | 

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Taglines:

The Music He Created Was Strange. His Life Was Even Stranger.

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Genres:

Documentary | Biography | History | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for brief strong language

Details

Official Sites:

MGM

Country:

USA UK

Language:

English Russian

Release Date:

24 August 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Лев Термен: Электронная одиссея

Filming Locations:

Moscow, Russia

Box Office

Gross USA:

$187,923

Company Credits

Production Co:

Kaga Bay, Channel Four Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

83 min 81 min (cut)

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In 1991, director Steven M. Martin traveled to Moscow, found Léon Theremin, and bought him back to the United States for the first time since 1938.

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Goofs

In the documentary, Bob Moog makes a statement to the effect that Stradivarius designed the first violin. "Stradivarius" is not a person but refers to a musical instrument, usually a violin, made by Antonio Stradivari and his family. The violin existed as an instrument for more than a century before the birth of Antonio Stradivari in 1644.

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Quotes

Brian Wilson - Founder of The Beach Boys: It sounded like one of those scary movies where - OOOH - a weird trip, you know. Weird facial expressions. Weird, you know. It's almost sexual.

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Alternate Versions

The uncut version of the film contains a segment from The Mickey Mouse Club that is not available in any of the home-video releases because of rights issues.

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Connections

Features The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)

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Soundtracks

Concerto for Theremin and Orchestra
Written by Anis Fuleihan (as Fuleihan)
Performed by Clara Rockmore and the New York Symphony Orchestra

User Reviews

Clara Rockman? Who is she?

Underfire apparently did see this documentary but does not remember Clara Rockmore's name. Yes, Brian Wilson was annoying and rambled too long. Maybe a psychological study of excessive partying and drug abuse would make for another documentary on rock stars. Seeing Professor Theremin was richly rewarding to me. Clara Rockmore was wonderful to watch. Her mastery of the Theremin is amazing. It took me awhile to make up my mind but I purchased the DVD and I'm glad I did.