Influential Russian-born art director, painter and student of architecture. Fled his country after the October Revolution for Germany, then settled in France and joined the Pathe film studio in Montreuil. His meticulous set designs brought authenticity to the films of Rene Clair and Jacques Feyder. He was famous for his stylised, or futuristic decors for films like
Le Million (1931) and
À Nous la Liberté (1931). Worked briefly for Alexander Korda's London Films at Denham Studios, 1934-36, notably as set designer for Feyder's
Knight Without Armor (1937). Died prematurely at 37.