The Scarlet Empress
1934, English. Directed by Josef von Sternberg.
The Reigning Beauty of the Screen!
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.
- Runtime
- 1h 44m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- NR
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.9/10 from 151 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch The Scarlet Empress
The Scarlet Empress isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it online.
Rent
Amazon VideoAvailability in India as of 11 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Josef von SternbergDirector
- Marlene DietrichPrincess Sophia Frederica / Catherine II
- John LodgeCount Alexei
- Sam JaffeGrand Duke Peter
- Louise DresserEmpress Elizabeth Petrovna
- C. Aubrey SmithPrince August
- Gavin GordonCapt. Gregori Orloff
- Olive TellPrincess Johanna Elizabeth
- Ruthelma StevensCountess Elizabeth 'Lizzie'
- Davison ClarkArchimandrite Simeon Todorsky / Arch-Episcope
- Erville AldersonChancelor Alexei Bestuchef
- Maria RivaSophia as a Child
- Jane DarwellMiss Cardell, Sophia's Nurse (uncredited)
Details
- Released
- 9 May 1934
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Manuel Komroff, Eleanor McGeary
- Budget
- $900K
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News & fan talk
What The Scarlet Empress is based on
The Scarlet Empress is adapted from a novel.
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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The Scarlet Empress: quick answers
Is The Scarlet Empress worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.9/10 from 151 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is The Scarlet Empress?
The Scarlet Empress runs 104 minutes (1h 44m).
Does The Scarlet Empress have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Scarlet Empress. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Scarlet Empress parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Scarlet Empress is rated NR in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is The Scarlet Empress on?
The Scarlet Empress isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it online. (Checked 11 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Scarlet Empress?
If you liked The Scarlet Empress, try The Young Victoria, Queen Christina, Radioactive.
Who directed The Scarlet Empress?
The Scarlet Empress (1934) was directed by Josef von Sternberg and stars Marlene Dietrich, John Lodge, Sam Jaffe.
What is The Scarlet Empress based on?
The Scarlet Empress is adapted from a novel.