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This is one of old Hollywood's(1934) best. It's director Josef von Sterberg's story of Catherine the Great, one of Russia's most infamous and powerful rulers.Marlene Dietrich was never more beautiful or intriging! It begins when she is a young princess sent to Russia to marry Grand Duke Peter(played perfectly by Sam jaffe), next in line to the throne once his aunt dies.Catherine doesn't find out until she gets there that he is quite insane and wants nothing to do with her. She soon figures out how to make herself invaluable and how to enjoy herself along the way. The sets and the atmosphere alone make this worth watching. The palace is huge (it takes 6 people just to open a door!),full of shadows and secret passage ways,sumptuous,moody, grotesque with it's enormous gargoyals and carved figures.It's unlike anything I've seen before or since! The movie was made just before the Hayes Production Code set restrictions on how Hollywood could portray sexuality.As a result, we see Catherine using her femininity to gain power and loyalty, especially amoung her troops, and enjoying herself. There is also a short piece on the director,Josef von Sterberg.It shows him giving a class to future filmakers as he talks about different techniques in lighting, etc. A great little booklet is also included with the DVD.Vollständige Rezension lesen
Scarlet Empress was a Criterion DVD with well done extras. The clarity of the picture, the lush Von Sternberg approach to reselling her story, the wild gargoyles and the ever luminous forehead and cheekbones of Marlene made it worth it all. Great find. I am well pleased. Insight to comparison to Garbo Queen Christina success by this failed feature. We care about Garbo but not poor Sophia!
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The movie actually has little dialogue. It's really about the visuals, lighting and shadow - Dietrich's face, costume, mood and set design. Watch and indulge.
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If you're into classic Marlene Detrich then you'll love this movie. Sam Jaffe is marvelous as crazy Peter. And you'll want to forever wear your coat on just one shoulder and arm. ;)
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One of the best movies of the 20th century. Macabre and thrilling, it’s a movie to enjoy over and over. Sternberg without restraints, Dietrich at her most stunning in looks and performance. Sam Jaffa over the top, in a good way, as the idiot Prince.
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