The Scarlet Empress

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.

• 
  Marlene Dietrich

  Princess Sophia Frederica / Catherine II
• 
  John Lodge

  Count Alexei
• 
  Sam Jaffe

  Grand Duke Peter
• 
  Louise Dresser

  Empress Elizabeth Petrovna
• 
  C. Aubrey Smith

  Prince August
• 
  Gavin Gordon

  Capt. Gregori Orloff
• 
  Olive Tell

  Princess Johanna Elizabeth
• 
  Ruthelma Stevens

  Countess Elizabeth 'Lizzie'
• 
  Davison Clark

  Archimandrite Simeon Todorsky / Arch-Episcope
• 
  Erville Alderson

  Chancelor Alexei Bestuchef