The Scarlet Empress (1934)

About This Movie

The Scarlet Empress is a 1934 drama and history film directed by Josef von Sternberg. Its leading cast includes Marlene Dietrich, John Lodge and Sam Jaffe. It runs for 1 hour 44 minutes.

Synopsis

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.

Synopsis from TMDB.

Trailer

The Insanity of The Scarlett Empress (Marlene Dietrich) · plays from YouTube

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)
• Edward Van Sloan Herr Wagner (uncredited)
• Akim Tamiroff Bit Part (uncredited)
• Marie Wells
• Eric Alden
• Elinor Fair
• Julanne Johnston