Scarlet Empress. The (Blu-ray) (UK Import)

Directed by Josef von Sternberg

Starring: Marlene Dietrich, John Lodge, Sam Jaffe, Louise Dresser, C. Aubrey Smith, Gavin Gordon, Olive Tell, Ruthelma Stevens, Davison Clark
Contributors: Josef von Sternberg, Manuel Komroff, Bert Glennon
Studio: Powerhouse Films
Genre: Classic
Main Language: English
Region: Region B
Release Date: 25 Jul 2022
Originally Issued: 1934
No of Discs: 1
BBFC Cert: (12) Suitable for 12 years and over.
Run Time: 104 minutes

Description

Josef von Sternberg directs this 1930s historical drama centred on the life of Catherine the Great. German-born Princess Sophia Frederica (Marlene Dietrich) is married off to Russia's Grand Duke Peter (Sam Jaffe), in the hope of improving the royal blood line. Forced to continue in a loveless marriage, and put up with the eccentricities of her mother-in-law, Empress Elizabeth (Louise Dresser), Catherine finds comfort in the arms of a succession of soldiers and the opportunistic Count Alexei (John Lodge).

Forever anxious to strengthen her power base, Catherine's chance finally arrives with the death of the aged Elizabeth, allowing her to assume the title of Empress. With one last hurdle to overcome, that of her treacherous husband, Catherine achieves her future legacy by staging a coup d'état with the aid of the military.

Special Features

• Interactive Menus
• Commentary: Tony Rayns (writer)
• Other Documentary: 'Josef von Sternberg: An Introduction', 'The Twilight of an Angel'