Ita Rina
Encyclopedia
Italina Lida "Ida" Kravanja (7 July 1907 – 10 May 1979), known under her pseudonym Ita Rina, was a Yugoslav
film
actress and beauty queen
. She was one of the major film stars in Germany
and Czechoslovakia
in late 1920s and early 1930. Rina retired from her career shortly after her wedding in 1931, when she changed her religion from Roman Catholic to Serbian Orthodox and her name to Tamara Đorđević.
(then Austro-Hungarian Empire, later Yugoslavia
, now Slovenia
) as Italina Lida Kravanja. She was called Ida Kravanja for short. The first daughter of Jožef and Marija Kravanja, Rina had a younger sister Danica. Shortly after the outbreak of the World War I
, the family moved to Ljubljana
, where Rina matriculated in 1923. She was not a good student; she repeated the third grade of elementary school
. However, her dream was to be an actress.
In October 1926, Slavic People magazine organized a beauty pagent for national election for Yugoslav representer at Miss Europe
, and Rina entered the competition. She was crowned Miss Slovenia and should travel to the final event for Miss Yugoslavia, which was supposed to be held on 20 December 1926 in Zagreb
. However, her mother did not want to let her go to Zagreb. After the group visit of Slovenian delegation, Marija Kravanja slacked. Unfortunately, when Rina arrived in Zagreb, the jury was already choosing the most beautiful of three finalists. She was, however, noticed by Alfred Miller, the owner of Balkan Palace cinema
in Zagreb. He immediately sent her photographs to German film producer
Peter Ostermayer. As her mother did not want to let her go to Berlin, Rina ran away from home.
in 1927. Shortly after she had her first audition, after which she had classes of acting, diction, dancing, driving and riding. She made her debut in 1927 film
What Do Children Hide from Their Parents, directed by Franz Osten
. After several small film roles in 1927 and 1928, the critics finally noticed her in 1928 film
The Last Supper. The same year, Rina met her future husband Miodrag Đorđević, a student. Her big breakthrough came the following year, in film Erotikon
, directed by Gustav Machatý
. She was starring in the leading female role, Andrea. Great success of film upset some moral and Christian organizations. The Catholic Abbot Battleme, wrote: "... First, they lie next to each other, and then one to another ... It is true that the cover hides their figures, but it certainly does not hide their movements... The protagonists are shown in particilary long shot, especially Ita... A viewer can recognize her excitement, then her expression anxiety mixed with longing, then the pain and at the end... I am blushing while describing the scenes". This was, however, the best advertisement for film, and the beginning of Rina's career.
In 1930, Rina acted in three films, most notable being the first talking Czech
film Tonka Šibenice, which is often named her best role. Meanwhile, she married to Miodrag Đorđević in 1931, and changed her religion from Roman Catholic to Serbian Orthodox. Rina was baptised in Russian Orthodox Church
, and also got her new Orthodox name, Tamara Đorđević. "I wanted to be named Ljubica, but the Russian Minister did not allow that name. He proposed me the Russian variety, Ljubov, but I refused it. So, I was named Tamara", Rina stated about her change of name. The same year, Rina was given an offer from Hollywood, but her husband forced her to choose between her career and their marriage; Rina chose to stay with him. Although she had announced her retirement from film career, she acted until the outbreak of the World War II
. Her last film was crime
drama
Zentrale Rio.
. In 1940, she gave birth to their son Milan. After the bombing of Belgrade in 1941, the family moved to Vrnjačka Banja
, where Rina gave birth to a daughter, Tijana. They moved back to Belgrade after the end of the World War II
in 1945. Although she was promised several roles in Yugoslav films, all projects were cancelled. After a letter she had written to President Tito
, Rina began working as a co–production advisor in Avala Film. She had returned to silver screen
once, in 1960 film
Rat
, directed by Veljko Bulajić
. That was her last role.
As she was ill of asthma
, Rina and her husband moved to Budva
(then Yugoslavia
, now Montenegro
) in 1967. There, she was taking care of her husband, who was ill of sclerosis
. Rina died on 10 May 1979 of asthmathic attack. She was buried few days later in Belgrade, with the presence of numerous film artists, admirers, friends and family.
Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia refers to three political entities that existed successively on the western part of the Balkans during most of the 20th century....
film
Film
A film, also called a movie or motion picture, is a series of still or moving images. It is produced by recording photographic images with cameras, or by creating images using animation techniques or visual effects...
actress and beauty queen
Beauty Queen
"Beauty Queen" is the second song from Roxy Music's second album, For Your Pleasure. The lyrics refer to Ferry's girlfriend, Valerie Leon, one-time UK beauty queen, B-movie actress and model working in the Newcastle area, circa 1973.-Musicians:...
. She was one of the major film stars in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
and Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia or Czecho-Slovakia was a sovereign state in Central Europe which existed from October 1918, when it declared its independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, until 1992...
in late 1920s and early 1930. Rina retired from her career shortly after her wedding in 1931, when she changed her religion from Roman Catholic to Serbian Orthodox and her name to Tamara Đorđević.
Early life and modeling career (1907—1926)
Ita Rina was born on 7 July 1907 in the small town of DivačaDivaca
Divača is a small town and municipality in the Littoral region of Slovenia, a few kilometres from the Italian border.The Parish Church in the settlement is dedicated to Saint Anthony the Hermit and belongs to the Diocese of Koper....
(then Austro-Hungarian Empire, later Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia refers to three political entities that existed successively on the western part of the Balkans during most of the 20th century....
, now Slovenia
Slovenia
Slovenia , officially the Republic of Slovenia , is a country in Central and Southeastern Europe touching the Alps and bordering the Mediterranean. Slovenia borders Italy to the west, Croatia to the south and east, Hungary to the northeast, and Austria to the north, and also has a small portion of...
) as Italina Lida Kravanja. She was called Ida Kravanja for short. The first daughter of Jožef and Marija Kravanja, Rina had a younger sister Danica. Shortly after the outbreak of the World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, the family moved to Ljubljana
Ljubljana
Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia and its largest city. It is the centre of the City Municipality of Ljubljana. It is located in the centre of the country in the Ljubljana Basin, and is a mid-sized city of some 270,000 inhabitants...
, where Rina matriculated in 1923. She was not a good student; she repeated the third grade of elementary school
Elementary school
An elementary school or primary school is an institution where children receive the first stage of compulsory education known as elementary or primary education. Elementary school is the preferred term in some countries, particularly those in North America, where the terms grade school and grammar...
. However, her dream was to be an actress.
In October 1926, Slavic People magazine organized a beauty pagent for national election for Yugoslav representer at Miss Europe
Miss Europe
Miss Europe is a popular regional beauty pageant among female contestants from the nations of the European continent established in 1928 and re-established at the end of World War II by Roger Zeiler of the French Committee of Elegance and Claude Berr...
, and Rina entered the competition. She was crowned Miss Slovenia and should travel to the final event for Miss Yugoslavia, which was supposed to be held on 20 December 1926 in Zagreb
Zagreb
Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Croatia. It is in the northwest of the country, along the Sava river, at the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain. Zagreb lies at an elevation of approximately above sea level. According to the last official census, Zagreb's city...
. However, her mother did not want to let her go to Zagreb. After the group visit of Slovenian delegation, Marija Kravanja slacked. Unfortunately, when Rina arrived in Zagreb, the jury was already choosing the most beautiful of three finalists. She was, however, noticed by Alfred Miller, the owner of Balkan Palace cinema
Movie theater
A movie theater, cinema, movie house, picture theater, film theater is a venue, usually a building, for viewing motion pictures ....
in Zagreb. He immediately sent her photographs to German film producer
Film producer
A film producer oversees and delivers a film project to all relevant parties while preserving the integrity, voice and vision of the film. They will also often take on some financial risk by using their own money, especially during the pre-production period, before a film is fully financed.The...
Peter Ostermayer. As her mother did not want to let her go to Berlin, Rina ran away from home.
Film breakthrough and success (1927—1939)
Rina arrived in BerlinBerlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and is one of the 16 states of Germany. With a population of 3.45 million people, Berlin is Germany's largest city. It is the second most populous city proper and the seventh most populous urban area in the European Union...
in 1927. Shortly after she had her first audition, after which she had classes of acting, diction, dancing, driving and riding. She made her debut in 1927 film
1927 in film
-Events:*January 10 - Fritz Lang's science-fiction fantasy Metropolis premieres in Germany.*April 7 - Abel Gance's Napoleon often considered his best known and greatest masterpiece, premiers at the Paris Opéra and would demonstrate techniques and equipment that would not be used for years to...
What Do Children Hide from Their Parents, directed by Franz Osten
Franz Osten
Franz Osten was a German filmmaker who along with Niranjan Pal was among the first retainers of Bombay Talkies. Osten partnered with Pal on a number of India's earliest blockbuster films like Achhut Kanya and Jeevan Naiya.-Early life:He was born as Franz Ostermayr in Munich on 23 December 1876...
. After several small film roles in 1927 and 1928, the critics finally noticed her in 1928 film
1928 in film
-Events:Although some movies released in 1928 had sound, most were still silent.* July 28 - Lights of New York is released by Warner Brothers. It is the first "100% Talkie" feature film, in that dialog is spoken throughout the film...
The Last Supper. The same year, Rina met her future husband Miodrag Đorđević, a student. Her big breakthrough came the following year, in film Erotikon
Erotikon
Erotikon is a 1920 Swedish romantic comedy film directed by Mauritz Stiller, starring Tora Teje, Karin Molander, Anders de Wahl and Lars Hanson. It is based on the 1917 play A kék róka by Ferenc Herczeg...
, directed by Gustav Machatý
Gustav Machatý
Gustav Machatý was a Czech film director, screenwriter and actor. He directed 17 films between 1919 and 1955, including Ecstasy...
. She was starring in the leading female role, Andrea. Great success of film upset some moral and Christian organizations. The Catholic Abbot Battleme, wrote: "... First, they lie next to each other, and then one to another ... It is true that the cover hides their figures, but it certainly does not hide their movements... The protagonists are shown in particilary long shot, especially Ita... A viewer can recognize her excitement, then her expression anxiety mixed with longing, then the pain and at the end... I am blushing while describing the scenes". This was, however, the best advertisement for film, and the beginning of Rina's career.
In 1930, Rina acted in three films, most notable being the first talking Czech
Czech language
Czech is a West Slavic language with about 12 million native speakers; it is the majority language in the Czech Republic and spoken by Czechs worldwide. The language was known as Bohemian in English until the late 19th century...
film Tonka Šibenice, which is often named her best role. Meanwhile, she married to Miodrag Đorđević in 1931, and changed her religion from Roman Catholic to Serbian Orthodox. Rina was baptised in Russian Orthodox Church
Russian Orthodox Church
The Russian Orthodox Church or, alternatively, the Moscow Patriarchate The ROC is often said to be the largest of the Eastern Orthodox churches in the world; including all the autocephalous churches under its umbrella, its adherents number over 150 million worldwide—about half of the 300 million...
, and also got her new Orthodox name, Tamara Đorđević. "I wanted to be named Ljubica, but the Russian Minister did not allow that name. He proposed me the Russian variety, Ljubov, but I refused it. So, I was named Tamara", Rina stated about her change of name. The same year, Rina was given an offer from Hollywood, but her husband forced her to choose between her career and their marriage; Rina chose to stay with him. Although she had announced her retirement from film career, she acted until the outbreak of the World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. Her last film was crime
Crime
Crime is the breach of rules or laws for which some governing authority can ultimately prescribe a conviction...
drama
Drama
Drama is the specific mode of fiction represented in performance. The term comes from a Greek word meaning "action" , which is derived from "to do","to act" . The enactment of drama in theatre, performed by actors on a stage before an audience, presupposes collaborative modes of production and a...
Zentrale Rio.
Marriage, later years and death (1940—1979)
As she had left film career, Rina and her husband settled in BelgradeBelgrade
Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia. It is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, where the Pannonian Plain meets the Balkans. According to official results of Census 2011, the city has a population of 1,639,121. It is one of the 15 largest cities in Europe...
. In 1940, she gave birth to their son Milan. After the bombing of Belgrade in 1941, the family moved to Vrnjačka Banja
Vrnjacka Banja
Vrnjačka Banja is a town, municipality, and a resort, mineral spa located in Raška District of Serbia. It contains the world's only hot spring with a temperature measuring exactly that of the human body ....
, where Rina gave birth to a daughter, Tijana. They moved back to Belgrade after the end of the World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
in 1945. Although she was promised several roles in Yugoslav films, all projects were cancelled. After a letter she had written to President Tito
Josip Broz Tito
Marshal Josip Broz Tito – 4 May 1980) was a Yugoslav revolutionary and statesman. While his presidency has been criticized as authoritarian, Tito was a popular public figure both in Yugoslavia and abroad, viewed as a unifying symbol for the nations of the Yugoslav federation...
, Rina began working as a co–production advisor in Avala Film. She had returned to silver screen
Silver screen
A silver screen, also known as a silver lenticular screen, is a type of projection screen that was popular in the early years of the motion picture industry and passed into popular usage as a metonym for the cinema industry...
once, in 1960 film
1960 in film
The year 1960 in film involved some significant events, with Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho the top-grossing release in the U.S.-Events:* April 20 - for the first time since coming home from military service in Germany, Elvis Presley returns to Hollywood, California to film G.I...
Rat
Rat
Rats are various medium-sized, long-tailed rodents of the superfamily Muroidea. "True rats" are members of the genus Rattus, the most important of which to humans are the black rat, Rattus rattus, and the brown rat, Rattus norvegicus...
, directed by Veljko Bulajić
Veljko Bulajic
Veljko Bulajić , today is a Croatian film director and actor of Montenegrin descent, most of his life working in Croatia...
. That was her last role.
As she was ill of asthma
Asthma
Asthma is the common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath...
, Rina and her husband moved to Budva
Budva
Budva is a coastal town in Montenegro. It has around 15,000 inhabitants, and it is the centre of municipality...
(then Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia refers to three political entities that existed successively on the western part of the Balkans during most of the 20th century....
, now Montenegro
Montenegro
Montenegro Montenegrin: Crna Gora Црна Гора , meaning "Black Mountain") is a country located in Southeastern Europe. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea to the south-west and is bordered by Croatia to the west, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast and Albania to the...
) in 1967. There, she was taking care of her husband, who was ill of sclerosis
Sclerosis (medicine)
In medicine, sclerosis refers to the stiffening of a structure, usually caused by a replacement of the normal organ-specific tissue with connective tissue.Types include:...
. Rina died on 10 May 1979 of asthmathic attack. She was buried few days later in Belgrade, with the presence of numerous film artists, admirers, friends and family.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Format | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1927 1927 in film -Events:*January 10 - Fritz Lang's science-fiction fantasy Metropolis premieres in Germany.*April 7 - Abel Gance's Napoleon often considered his best known and greatest masterpiece, premiers at the Paris Opéra and would demonstrate techniques and equipment that would not be used for years to... |
Was die Kinder ihren Eltern verschweigen | Film | ||
| Zwei unterm Himmelszelt | Film | |||
| 1928 1928 in film -Events:Although some movies released in 1928 had sound, most were still silent.* July 28 - Lights of New York is released by Warner Brothers. It is the first "100% Talkie" feature film, in that dialog is spoken throughout the film... |
Der Tanzstudent | Film | ||
| Das letzte Souper | Film | Maria | ||
| 1929 1929 in film -Events:The days of the silent film are numbered. A mad scramble to provide synchronized sound is on.*January 20 - The movie In Old Arizona is released. The film is the first full-length talking film to be filmed outdoors.... |
Wilde Ehen | Film | ||
| Erotikon Erotikon Erotikon is a 1920 Swedish romantic comedy film directed by Mauritz Stiller, starring Tora Teje, Karin Molander, Anders de Wahl and Lars Hanson. It is based on the 1917 play A kék róka by Ferenc Herczeg... |
Film | Andrea | ||
| Frühlingserwachen | Film | Ilse | ||
| Hanba | Film | Marta Holanová | ||
| 1930 1930 in film -Events:* November 1: The Big Trail featuring a young John Wayne in his first starring role is released in both 35mm, and a very early form of 70mm film and was the first large scale big-budget film of the sound era costing over $2 million. The film was praised for its aesthetic quality and realism... |
Die Galgentonitonischka | Film | ||
| Tonka Šibenice | Film | Tonka Šibenice | ||
| Der Walzerkönig | Film | Seine Tochter | ||
| 1933 1933 in film -Events:* March 2 - King Kong premieres in New York City.* June 6 - The first drive-in theater opens, in Camden, New Jersey.* British Film Institute founded.... |
Život teče dalje | Film | ||
| Das Lied der Schwarzen Berge | Film | Jela Gruić | ||
| 1935 1935 in film -Events:*Judy Garland signs a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer .*Seven year old Shirley Temple wins a special Academy Award.*The Bantu Educational Kinema Experiment started in order to educate the Bantu peoples.-Top grossing films:-Academy Awards:... |
A zivot jde dál | Film | Marie | |
| 1937 1937 in film The year 1937 in film involved some significant events, including the Walt Disney production of the first full-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.- Events :*April 16 - Way Out West premieres in the US.... |
Die Korallenprinzessin | Film | Anka, Vukowitsch' Pflegetochter | |
| 1939 1939 in film The year 1939 in motion pictures can be justified as being called the most outstanding one ever, when it comes to the high quality and high attendance at the large set of the best films that premiered in the year .- Events :Motion picture historians and film often rate... |
Zentrale Rio | Film | Chiquita Salieri | |
| 1960 1960 in film The year 1960 in film involved some significant events, with Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho the top-grossing release in the U.S.-Events:* April 20 - for the first time since coming home from military service in Germany, Elvis Presley returns to Hollywood, California to film G.I... |
Atomic War Bride Atomic War Bride Atomic War Bride , is a 1960 Yugoslav science fiction drama film directed by Veljko Bulajić.The film won three Golden Arena awards at the 1960 Pula Film Festival, including for Best Director , Best Actor and Best Scenography , and was nominated for the Golden Lion award at the 1960 Venice Film... |
Film | Mother |