The Rise of Catherine the Great

(1934)Directed by Paul Czinner95 minDrama, History
The more he hated her, the more she loved him...this girl of MANY loves who rose to rule a hundred million souls but could not govern her own heart.

The woman who will become Catherine the Great marries into the Russian royal family when she weds Grand Duke Peter, the nephew of Empress Elizabeth. 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.

Douglas Fairbanks Jr.as Grand Duke Peter
Elisabeth Bergneras Catherine
Flora Robsonas Empress Elisabeth
Gerald du Maurieras Lecocq
Irene Vanbrughas Princess Anhalt-Zerbst
Joan Gardneras Katushienka
Dorothy Haleas Countess Olga
Diana Napieras Countess Vorontzova
Griffith Jonesas Grigory Orlov
Gibb McLaughlinas Bestujhev
Laurence Hanrayas Goudovitch
Allan Jeayesas Colonel Karnilov
Charles Carsonas English Ambassador
Stewart Grangeras Regiment Soldier
Judy Kellyas Guest at Hunting Lodge
John Turnbullas Rumyantsev
Michael Wildingas Regiment Soldier
Arnold Lucyas Minor Role
William Heughanas Minor Role
Heron Carvicas Minor Role