The Scarlet Empress

1934

English

7.5

♡ 9

86%

85%

Action

based on novel or book

Josef von Sternberg Director

Sam Jaffe as Grand Duke Peter

Edward Van Sloan as Herr Wagner

Olive Tell as Princess Johanna Elizabeth

Marlene Dietrich as Princess Sophia Frederica / Catherine II

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.