Catherine the Great

1934

1h 34m

History

Drama

List

57%

Tomatometer

7 Reviews

47%

Audience Score

Fewer than 50 Ratings

The woman who will become Catherine the Great (Elisabeth Bergner) marries into the Russian royal family when she weds Grand Duke Peter (Douglas Fairbanks Jr.), the nephew of Empress Elizabeth (Flora Robson). Although the couple has moments of contentment, Peter's cruel and erratic behavior causes a rift between him and Catherine. Mere months after Peter succeeds his aunt as the ruler of Russia, a revolt is brewing, and Catherine is poised to ascend to the throne as the country's new empress.

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Otis Ferguson

The New Republic

On the whole, I am thankful for Catherine the Great. Whatever its shortcomings, it represents genuine entertainment compared to Hollywood's choices in the past weeks.

Jan 22, 2024

Full Review

Walter Goodman

New York Times

In case you were wondering how Catherine the Great got that way, here is one version.

Jan 10, 2018

Full Review

Paul Rotha

Cinema Quarterly

It is polished; it is artificial; and it is theatrical in treatment. But if you are tolerantly disposed towards romantic costume pictures, the insignificance of all this pomp and petulance will not arise to disturb your entertainment.

Feb 3, 2021

Full Review

Helen Brown Norden

Vanity Fair

Miss Bergner, small and appealing, with the face of an eager child and bright, dark eyes, is superb as Catherine. She has one of the most beautiful voices yet heard in the films; even when she speaks in whispers, her words are distinct and moving.

May 31, 2019

Full Review

MFB Critics

Monthly Film Bulletin

Elizabeth Bergner gives a brilliant performance as Catherine of Russia. The picture is produced on a lavish scale, and settings and photography are excellent.

Feb 8, 2018

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 2/5

May 31, 2005

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Audience Member

A decent, fun depiction, but not as strong as "The Scarlet Empress."

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/13/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I know painfully little of Russian history and this film did little to rectify that. Great performances. More ribaldry from the Kordas and London Films. Recommended lightly.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/13/23

Full Review

Audience Member

good historical drama all star cast

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/25/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Not a great film, not a bad film, just good, with Doug Fairbanks, Jr delivering a riveting performance, and with some wonderful sets to boot.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/16/23

Full Review

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Paul Czinner

Director

Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

Grand Duke Peter

Elisabeth Bergner

Catherine

Flora Robson

Empress Elisabeth

Gerald du Maurier

Lecocq

Irene Vanbrugh

Princess Anhalt-Zerbst

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Synopsis

The woman who will become Catherine the Great (Elisabeth Bergner) marries into the Russian royal family when she weds Grand Duke Peter (Douglas Fairbanks Jr.), the nephew of Empress Elizabeth (Flora Robson). Although the couple has moments of contentment, Peter's cruel and erratic behavior causes a rift between him and Catherine. Mere months after Peter succeeds his aunt as the ruler of Russia, a revolt is brewing, and Catherine is poised to ascend to the throne as the country's new empress.

Director: Paul Czinner
Producer: Alexander Korda
Screenwriter: Lajos Biró, Arthur Wimperis, Melchior Lengyel
Production Co: Paramount Pictures
Genre: History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 15, 2020
Runtime: 1h 34m

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