The Scarlet Empress
Seen it?1934 | 104 min | Drama, History, Romance
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and history buffs. If you loved The Young Victoria or The Duchess, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 44 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1934: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
86% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.9 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 26K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Josef von Sternberg
- 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