The Scarlet Empress

IMDb 6.9 1934 • 104 min • DramaHistoryRomance

Director

Josef von Sternberg

Country

US

Plot Summary

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.

Top Cast

Marlene Dietrich
Marlene Dietrich Princess Sophia Frederica / Catherine II
John Lodge
John Lodge Count Alexei
Sam Jaffe
Sam Jaffe Grand Duke Peter
Louise Dresser
Louise Dresser Empress Elizabeth Petrovna
C. Aubrey Smith
C. Aubrey Smith Prince August