The Scarlet Empress
United States • 1934 • 1h 44m
Director
#109Criterion Collection →Synopsis
During the 18th century, German noblewoman Sophia Frederica, who would later become Catherine the Great, travels to Moscow to marry the dimwitted Grand Duke Peter, the heir to the Russian throne. Their arranged marriage proves to be loveless, and Catherine takes many lovers, including the handsome Count Alexei, and bears a son. When the unstable Peter eventually ascends to the throne, Catherine plots to oust him from power.
Synopsis
During the 18th century, German noblewoman Sophia Frederica, who would later become Catherine the Great, travels to Moscow to marry the dimwitted Grand Duke Peter, the heir to the Russian throne. Their arranged marriage proves to be loveless, and Catherine takes many lovers, including the handsome Count Alexei, and bears a son. When the unstable Peter eventually ascends to the throne, Catherine plots to oust him from power.
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Credits
Crew
DirectorJosef von Sternberg
WriterManuel Komroff, Eleanor McGeary
CinematographerBert Glennon
EditorSam Winston, Josef von Sternberg
ProducerJosef von Sternberg
Cast
Marlene Dietrichas Princess Sophia Frederica / Catherine II
John Lodgeas Count Alexei
Sam Jaffeas Grand Duke Peter
Louise Dresseras Empress Elizabeth Petrovna