Sumptuously produced and sharply scripted, this extravaganza retools the saga of Russia's notorious empress for a new generation. Catherine Zeta-Jones steps into the hoopskirts of such legendary actresses as Tallulah Bankhead, Jeanne Moreau, and Elizabeth Bergner and acquits herself well in this respectable history lesson, which balances sex and scheming. 1745: Innocent German princess Catherine (Zeta-Jones) is wed to Duke Peter (Hannes Jaenicke), a loveless union that cements the power of Russian Empress Elizabeth (Jeanne Moreau). When Peter, Elizabeth's nephew, proves impotent, Elizabeth, who's desperate for an heir, commands a palace lothario to woo and impregna...
Released:
1995
Rated:
n/a
Length:
100 mins