Josef von SternbergDirector
Marlene DietrichPrincess Sophia Frederica / Catherine II
John LodgeCount Alexei
Sam JaffeGrand Duke Peter
Louise DresserEmpress Elizabeth Petrovna
C. Aubrey SmithPrince August
Gavin GordonCapt. Gregori Orloff
Olive TellPrincess Johanna Elizabeth
Ruthelma StevensCountess Elizabeth 'Lizzie'
Davison ClarkArchimandrite Simeon Todorsky / Arch-Episcope
Erville AldersonChancelor Alexei Bestuchef
Maria RivaSophia as a Child
Jane DarwellMiss Cardell, Sophia's Nurse (uncredited)
The Scarlet Empress
- drama
- history
- romance
09 May 1934
6.9
2
1h 44min
The Reigning Beauty of the Screen!
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.
