An emulator of Stanislavsky, Michael Chekhov left Russia after the 1917 Revolution to set up acting schools in London and New York. After resisting Hollywood for nearly two decades, Chekhov finally made his film debut in 1943's Song of Russia. His best screen role was as Ingrid Bergman's psychiatric mentor in Hitchcock's Spellbound, a performance that earned him an Oscar nomination. Michael Chekhov continued playing small film roles and serving as a studio acting coach until his death at age 64. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide