The Scarlet Empress

1934 · directed by Josef von Sternberg

Rating
78/100
Hit
no

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.

The Scarlet Empress (1934), directed by Josef von Sternberg, rates 78/100. See how its director, cast and crew rate across their careers.

Cast

  • Marlene Dietrich
  • John Lodge
  • Sam Jaffe
  • Louise Dresser
  • C. Aubrey Smith
  • Gavin Gordon
  • Olive Tell
  • Ruthelma Stevens
  • Davison Clark
  • Erville Alderson

Crew

  • Bert Glennon — Director of Photography
  • Josef von Sternberg — Editor
  • Sam Winston — Editor
  • Eleanor McGeary — Writer
  • Manuel Komroff — Writer

More from Josef von Sternberg

  1. The Docks of New York (1928) — 84/100 · hit
  2. The Last Command (1928) — 84/100 · hit
  3. The Blue Angel (1930) — 82/100 · hit
  4. Anatahan (1953) — 81/100 · hit
  5. Underworld (1927) — 80/100 · hit
  6. Shanghai Express (1932) — 79/100

How these numbers work: Methodology