The Scarlet Empress

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.

• Josef von SternbergDirector
• Manuel KomroffWriter
• Eleanor McGearyWriter

• 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)