It figures that a glossy 1930s movie about one of Russia's most notable rulers would have to come from somewhere other than the Soviet Union. "The Rise of Catherine the Great" shows the Austrian princess moving to Russia, marrying the volatile Peter III, and eventually assuming the throne.
I understand that the movie got banned in Germany, as the star and director were Jews. We should consider this the occasional reminder that there are NO GOOD PEOPLE among the Nazis. But anyway, the movie is as fine as we can expect, with Elisabeth Bergner putting on an excellent performance as Catherine. I will admit that, due to the movie's inflated sense of itself, I threw out some MST3K-style comments. When she said "Say something gay!", I said in a Nathan Lane voice "Honey, that dress makes you look like Grace Kelly in 'High Society'."
Anyway, worth seeing. Dorothy Hale (Countess Olga) committed suicide in 1938 and was the subject of a Frida Kahlo painting.
I understand that the movie got banned in Germany, as the star and director were Jews. We should consider this the occasional reminder that there are NO GOOD PEOPLE among the Nazis. But anyway, the movie is as fine as we can expect, with Elisabeth Bergner putting on an excellent performance as Catherine. I will admit that, due to the movie's inflated sense of itself, I threw out some MST3K-style comments. When she said "Say something gay!", I said in a Nathan Lane voice "Honey, that dress makes you look like Grace Kelly in 'High Society'."
Anyway, worth seeing. Dorothy Hale (Countess Olga) committed suicide in 1938 and was the subject of a Frida Kahlo painting.