Who is the Russian James Bond?

In the world of espionage, few characters have captured the public imagination as much as James Bond. However, while Western audiences were enthralled by the suave British agent, the Soviet Union had its own spy hero in the form of Max Otto von Stierlitz. The protagonist of the popular television series “Seventeen Moments of Spring,” Stierlitz embodied a different kind of spy – one who was more subdued and dedicated entirely to his work.

This article delves into the world of Stierlitz, exploring his character, the impact of the television series, and the influence he may have had on one of the most powerful figures in modern Russia – Vladimir Putin. Through this exploration, we gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and political landscape of the Soviet Union and its enduring legacy in today’s Russia.

Key Takeaways

• Max Otto von Stierlitz, the protagonist of the Soviet television series “Seventeen Moments of Spring,” was the USSR’s answer to James Bond.
• The series, which aired in 1973, was incredibly popular and is believed to have inspired many young Soviets, including Vladimir Putin, to join the KGB.
• The character of Stierlitz reflected the desires of the Russian public in the late 1990s for a leader who was young, ethnically Russian, a former member of the security services, and a non-drinker.
• The legacy of Stierlitz continues to influence modern Russia, as evidenced by a special gift given to actress Eleonora Shashkova by the Russian secret service in 2007.

Max Otto von Stierlitz: The Soviet Answer to James Bond

While Western audiences were captivated by the suave and gadget-laden James Bond, Soviet citizens found their espionage hero in Max Otto von Stierlitz, a wartime agent who infiltrated the German high command during World War II. Stierlitz, the protagonist of the 12-part series “Seventeen Moments of Spring,” was a stark contrast to Bond, eschewing women and gadgets for a life devoted entirely to his work.

The series, first broadcast in 1973, was a cultural phenomenon in the USSR, with an estimated 50 to 80 million viewers tuning in. The plotline, which involved Stierlitz disrupting secret peace negotiations between the Nazis and the Americans in 1945, was a perfect Cold War narrative. However, the series also served a more covert purpose: it was part of a PR campaign designed to attract young, educated recruits to the KGB.

The Influence on Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Putin has never explicitly stated whether Stierlitz was the inspiration behind his decision to join the KGB. However, the timing is suggestive: the series first aired when Putin was 21, and he joined the KGB two years later. Like Stierlitz, Putin was eventually posted to Germany.

In a 1991 TV documentary, Putin, who had by then left the KGB and was working for the mayor of St. Petersburg, admitted to his career as a spy. The documentary included a re-enacted scene from “Seventeen Moments of Spring,” with Putin replacing Stierlitz at the wheel of a car, driving back to Berlin.

The Search for a New Stierlitz

In the late 1990s, amid the chaos that followed the dissolution of the USSR, many Russians began to yearn for law and order. Opinion polls indicated that voters wanted the next president to be young, ethnically Russian, a former member of the security services, and a non-drinker. In essence, they were searching for a new Stierlitz.

In a 1999 poll conducted by the Kommersant newspaper, Russians were asked which film character they would like as their next president. Stierlitz came second, after the wartime military commander Marshal Zhukov. The following year, Putin, who fit the desired profile, was elected president.

The Legacy of Stierlitz

The influence of Stierlitz extends beyond Putin. Eleonora Shashkova, who played Stierlitz’s wife in “Seventeen Moments of Spring,” received a special gift from the Russian secret service on her 70th birthday in 2007: a thank you for her portrayal of the wife of a foreign agent. This unprecedented gesture underscores the enduring impact of the series and its protagonist on Russian society.

For further reading, check out these related articles:

• Dina Newman talking to Eleonora Shashkova
• Vladimir Putin’s formative German years

1. Who was Max Otto von Stierlitz?

Max Otto von Stierlitz is a fictional character from the Soviet television series “Seventeen Moments of Spring.” He is portrayed as a Soviet spy who infiltrated the German high command during World War II. Unlike the Western spy archetype epitomized by James Bond, Stierlitz is a more subdued character, eschewing gadgets and romantic entanglements for a life dedicated entirely to his work.

Stierlitz’s character is a reflection of the Soviet Union’s idealized image of a spy. He is disciplined, patriotic, and completely devoted to his mission. His character was so influential that it is believed to have inspired many young people, including Vladimir Putin, to join the KGB.

2. What was the significance of “Seventeen Moments of Spring”?

“Seventeen Moments of Spring” was a 12-part television series that aired in the Soviet Union in 1973. It was incredibly popular, with an estimated 50 to 80 million viewers tuning in. The series followed the exploits of Max Otto von Stierlitz, a Soviet spy working undercover in Nazi Germany during World War II.

Beyond its entertainment value, the series served a more covert purpose. It was part of a PR campaign designed to attract young, educated recruits to the KGB. The series depicted the life of a spy as one of patriotism, courage, and intellectual challenge, which appealed to many young Soviets at the time.

3. How did the character of Stierlitz influence Vladimir Putin?

While Vladimir Putin has never explicitly stated that the character of Stierlitz influenced his decision to join the KGB, there are several suggestive factors. The series first aired when Putin was 21, and he joined the KGB two years later. Like Stierlitz, Putin was eventually posted to Germany.

In a 1991 TV documentary, Putin admitted to his career as a spy. The documentary included a re-enacted scene from “Seventeen Moments of Spring,” with Putin replacing Stierlitz at the wheel of a car, driving back to Berlin. This suggests that the character of Stierlitz may have had a significant influence on Putin’s career trajectory.

4. How did the character of Stierlitz reflect the desires of the Russian public in the late 1990s?

In the late 1990s, following the dissolution of the USSR, many Russians began to yearn for law and order. Opinion polls indicated that voters wanted the next president to be young, ethnically Russian, a former member of the security services, and a non-drinker. In essence, they were searching for a new Stierlitz.

In a 1999 poll conducted by the Kommersant newspaper, Russians were asked which film character they would like as their next president. Stierlitz came second, after the wartime military commander Marshal Zhukov. The following year, Putin, who fit the desired profile, was elected president.

5. How has the legacy of Stierlitz continued in modern Russia?

The influence of Stierlitz extends beyond Putin. Eleonora Shashkova, who played Stierlitz’s wife in “Seventeen Moments of Spring,” received a special gift from the Russian secret service on her 70th birthday in 2007: a thank you for her portrayal of the wife of a foreign agent. This unprecedented gesture underscores the enduring impact of the series and its protagonist on Russian society.

Furthermore, the character of Stierlitz continues to be a cultural touchstone in Russia. The series is still watched and discussed, and Stierlitz is often invoked in discussions about Russian politics and### 6. How does Stierlitz differ from Western spy characters like James Bond?

Stierlitz, as a character, is a stark contrast to Western spy figures like James Bond. While Bond is known for his charm, gadgets, and romantic entanglements, Stierlitz is portrayed as a more subdued and serious character. He eschews gadgets and women for a life devoted entirely to his work.

Stierlitz is also portrayed as a more realistic spy figure. He spends most of his time alone, often in deep thought or planning his next move. This portrayal is in line with the real-life demands of espionage, which often involve long periods of solitude and careful planning.

7. What was the impact of “Seventeen Moments of Spring” on Soviet culture?

“Seventeen Moments of Spring” had a significant impact on Soviet culture. The series was incredibly popular, with an estimated 50 to 80 million viewers tuning in. It became a cultural phenomenon, with people rushing home from work to watch the latest episode.

Beyond its entertainment value, the series also served a more covert purpose. It was part of a PR campaign designed to attract young, educated recruits to the KGB. The series depicted the life of a spy as one of patriotism, courage, and intellectual challenge, which appealed to many young Soviets at the time.

8. How did the series “Seventeen Moments of Spring” portray the life of a spy?

“Seventeen Moments of Spring” portrayed the life of a spy as one of dedication, patriotism, and intellectual challenge. The protagonist, Stierlitz, is shown as a disciplined and devoted agent who is willing to risk everything for his country.

The series also depicted the more mundane aspects of espionage. Stierlitz is often shown alone, in deep thought or planning his next move. This portrayal is in line with the real-life demands of espionage, which often involve long periods of solitude and careful planning.

9. How did the character of Stierlitz influence the perception of the KGB in the Soviet Union?

The character of Stierlitz played a significant role in shaping the perception of the KGB in the Soviet Union. Through the series “Seventeen Moments of Spring,” the KGB was portrayed as an organization of disciplined, patriotic, and intelligent individuals.

This portrayal was part of a larger PR campaign designed to attract young, educated recruits to the KGB. The series depicted the life of a spy as one of patriotism, courage, and intellectual challenge, which appealed to many young Soviets at the time.

10. What role did “Seventeen Moments of Spring” play in Vladimir Putin’s career?

While it’s not explicitly confirmed, there are several indications that “Seventeen Moments of Spring” played a role in shaping Vladimir Putin’s career. The series first aired when Putin was 21, and he joined the KGB two years later. Like Stierlitz, Putin was eventually posted to Germany.

In a 1991 TV documentary, Putin admitted to his career as a spy. The documentary included a re-enacted scene from “Seventeen Moments of Spring,” with Putin replacing Stierlitz at the wheel of a car, driving back to Berlin. This suggests that the series may have influenced Putin’s decision to join the KGB and his subsequent career trajectory.