By 1924, Russian-born Ivan Mosjoukine had already established himself as one of French cinema’s top leading men, with roles in Le Brasier ardent and THE HOUSE OF MYSTERY, a 10-episode serial by Films Albatros. In its July 8, 1924 issue, French film fan magazine Mon Ciné ran a two-page story on the actor. The full text is available for Francophones, and below we’ve translated a brief excerpt where the journalist marvels at 34-year-old Mosjoukine’s ability to embody the qualities of a teenager in love. Perhaps this tender portrayal is why he was often referred to as the “Russian Valentino” in the press.
“Although born in 1889, Ivan Mosjoukine is eighteen, of character and temperament; and those who saw him, in THE HOUSE OF MYSTERY and Le Brasier Ardent, play love scenes will not contradict me: he loves with a respectful and shy ardor that is not found in any other leading man and that one hardly feels but around this age; Mr. Mosjoukine remains there. . . at least on screen.”
Source: Mon Ciné, Nr. 129, 07-08-1924