The Scarlet Empress
Watch TrailerDuring 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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📋 Film Details
| Year | 1934 |
| Country | United States of America |
| Genre | Drama, History, Romance |
| Director | Josef von Sternberg |
| Runtime | 104 min. |
| Rating | TMDB: 6.9/10 (141 votes) |
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🎬 MovieFinder's Take
The director bets on details: a gesture, a glance, a pause. In a good drama this is what says the most — and that principle is upheld here.
Worth watching if you're in the mood for serious cinema. Not background viewing — it demands attention.
For viewers who can watch slow cinema and value the human element in stories.
Director: Josef von Sternberg
— MovieFinder Editorial
Best Watched
Viewing atmosphere: In quiet, in the evening. Better alone or with someone who watches films seriously.
🎭 Cast
Marlene Dietrich
Princess Sophia Frederica / Catherine II
John Lodge
Count Alexei
Sam Jaffe
Grand Duke Peter
Louise Dresser
Empress Elizabeth Petrovna
C. Aubrey Smith
Prince August
Gavin Gordon
Capt. Gregori Orloff
Olive Tell
Princess Johanna Elizabeth
Ruthelma Stevens
Countess Elizabeth 'Lizzie'
Davison Clark
Archimandrite Simeon Todorsky / Arch-Episcope
Erville Alderson
Chancelor Alexei Bestuchef
💬 Audience Reviews
Audience Score
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