But Ktorov, who was a shy person in real life, demonstrated his remarkable persistence and determination; he practiced his lines several hundred times.

In 1925, Ktorov shot to fame with the leading role in the silent movie The Tailor from Torzhok (1925) by director Yakov Protazanov.

The highlight of Ktorov's career was his brilliant performance as Paratov in Without a Dowry (1936), a classic film by Yakov Protazanov.

Anatoly Ktorov was designated People's Artist of the USSR (1963), was awarded the Stalin Prize (1952), and received numerous decorations for his contribution to the art of film and theatre.

He gave remarkable performances in his last film roles, which are considered to be his best works, one as Prince Bolkonsky in War and Peace (1967) by director Sergei Bondarchuk, and then as the King in The Ambassador of the Soviet Union (1969).