Watch Rasputin and the Empress

Rasputin and the Empress is a historical drama film that was released in 1932, directed by Richard Boleslawski. The film stars the legendary Barrymore siblings - John, Ethel, and Lionel - in the lead roles. The film is based on the infamous relationship between the Russian mystic Grigori Rasputin and the last imperial family of Russia. The story follows the Emperor Nicholas II (played by Ralph Morgan) and his wife Empress Alexandra (played by Diana Wynyard), who are desperately trying to save their son, heir to the throne Alexei (played by Tad Alexander) from his hemophilia. In their search for a cure, they cross paths with the mysterious and charismatic Rasputin (played by John Barrymore), who seems to possess supernatural powers.

The Barrymore siblings' performances are the highlight of the film. John as Rasputin delivers a powerful and convincing portrayal of the character's allure and manipulative nature. Ethel Barrymore as the Empress Alexandra brings grace and poise to the role of the tragic royal, while Lionel Barrymore as the Grand Duke brings a sense of humor and lightness to the often somber tone of the film.

The film's production design and costumes are also noteworthy. The film's art direction evokes the lavishness of the Russian royal family's lifestyle, while the costumes are elegant and visually stunning. The cinematography is also very impressive, and the film's lighting creates a sense of mood and atmosphere.

Rasputin and the Empress is a biopic that explores themes of power, loyalty, and corruption. The film portrays Rasputin as a lecherous and immoral figure who, despite his deplorable behavior, manages to enthrall the Empress with his supposed ability to heal her son. The film is also a portrait of a doomed imperial family struggling to maintain its grip on power in the face of popular unrest and impending revolution. The film's historical accuracy has been debated, with some arguing that it unfairly portrays Rasputin as a malevolent figure.

Overall, Rasputin and the Empress is a well-crafted period drama that showcases the talents of the Barrymore siblings. The film does an excellent job of recreating the opulence of imperial Russia while also delving into the complex relationships between the characters. The film's depiction of Rasputin, while controversial, is undeniably entertaining and memorable. The film is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and classic Hollywood cinema.

Note for viewers: The movie features a disclaimer at the beginning, recognizing that the characters portrayed in the movie were real people, but the events may not necessarily have happened in the way they are depicted on screen.

Rasputin and the Empress is a 1932 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 1 minute. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.