The Canon / Parallax Editorial Archive
Curated by Pedro Neves, Founder of Parallax
The Scarlet Empress
Directed by Josef von Sternberg
1934•1h 44m•NR•★ 6.9
Drama / History
Synopsis
An innocent German princess is brought to 18th-century St. Petersburg to marry the dimwitted, sadistic Grand Duke Peter, rapidly learning court intrigue, statecraft, and sexual leverage to stage a military coup and become Empress Catherine the Great. Josef von Sternberg's hallucinatory, grotesque baroque delirium starring Marlene Dietrich amid gargoyles and clanging bells.
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The Scarlet Empress
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Cinematic Profile
Josef von Sternberg
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Cast & Crew
DirectorJosef von Sternberg
WriterManuel KomroffEleanor McGeary
CinematographyBert Glennon
Principal Cast
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'
Technical Specifications
Runtime1h 44m (104 mins)
Catalogued Editions
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Collector Status
Not Yet Collected
Production Details
DirectorJosef von Sternberg
LanguagesEnglish
CountryUS
StudioParamount Pictures
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