#109/#930: STERNBERG, Josef von: The Scarlet Empress (1934)

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STERNBERG, Josef von: Dietrich & Von Sternberg In Hollywood {Spine #930}

STERNBERG, Josef von (United States)
The Scarlet Empress [1934]
Spine #109/#930
DVD


2001 synopsis

Filmmaker-svengali Josef von Sternberg escalates his obsession with screen legend Marlene Dietrich in this lavish depiction of sex and deceit in the 18th-century Russian court. A self-proclaimed "relentless excursion into style," the pair's sixth collaboration follows the exploits of Princess Sophia (Dietrich) as she evolves from trembling innocent to cunning sexual libertine Catherine the Great. With operatic melodrama, flamboyant visuals, and a cast of thousands, this ornate spectacle represents the apex of cinematic pageantry by Hollywood's master of artifice.

2018 synopsis

Marlene Dietrich stars in Josef von Sternberg's feverishly debauched biopic as the spoiled princess Sophia Frederica, who grows up being groomed for greatness and yearning for a handsome husband. Sent to Russia to marry the Grand Duke Peter, she is horrified to discover that her betrothed is a half-wit and her new home a macabre palace where depravity rules. Before long, however, she is initiated into the sadistic power politics that govern the court, paving the way for her transformation into the imperious libertine Catherine the Great. A lavish spectacle in which von Sternberg's unparalleled visual genius reaches new heights of florid extravagance, The Scarlet Empress is a perversely erotic portrait of a woman — and a movie star  capable of bringing legions to heel.

104 minutes
Black & White
Monaural
1:33:1/1:37:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2001/2018
Director/Writers


Based on the diary of Catherine II, as arranged by Manual Komroff.
Screenplay by Eleanor McGeary.

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

#109: Ten-page wraparound featuring an essay by Robin Wood.

#930: Eighty-four page booklet featuring essays by Imogen Sara Smith, Gary Giddins, and Farran Smith Nehme.

Commentary

None.

#109:

BBC Documentary

20-minutes: The World of Josef von Sternberg.

Production stills

And lobby cards.

Von Sternberg tribute

By underground filmmaker Jack Smith.

#930:

Television interview

With actor Dietrich from 1971.

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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