The Scarlet Empress

The Scarlet Empress (1934) is a drama, history film directed by Josef von Sternberg rated 6.9/10.

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.

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

Maria Riva

Sophia as a Child

Jane Darwell

Miss Cardell, Sophia's Nurse (uncredited)