Zhukovsky (film)

Zhukovsky is a 1950 Soviet biopic directed by Dmitry Vasilyev and Herbert Rappaport. The film chronicles the life of Nikolai Yegorovich Zhukovsky, a Russian scientist and engineer who is considered a founding father of modern aviation.

The film portrays Zhukovsky's dedication to scientific research, particularly his work in aerodynamics and hydrodynamics. It showcases his efforts to establish aviation as a legitimate field of study in Russia, facing skepticism and resistance from established scientific circles. The narrative highlights Zhukovsky's pioneering experiments with gliders and wind tunnels, his theoretical contributions to understanding lift and drag, and his role in training the first generation of Russian pilots and aircraft designers.

Zhukovsky is notable for its depiction of the pre-revolutionary Russian scientific community and its attempts to portray the societal context in which Zhukovsky's scientific endeavors took place. The film uses dramatic license to highlight the importance of Zhukovsky's work for the development of Soviet aviation and its contribution to national defense. It is considered a classic example of Soviet biographical film, often emphasizing the protagonist's dedication to the advancement of science for the benefit of the state. The film stars Vsevolod Pudovkin in the title role.