Movie

The Scarlet Empress

“The Reigning Beauty of the Screen!”

★ 6.9(142)19341h 44m

The Scarlet Empress isn't available to stream, rent or buy in South Africa right now. Availability changes often, so check back soon. Availability checked 21 July 2026.

Where to watch The Scarlet Empress

🇿🇦 South Africa

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Streaming in other regions

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Good to know

Director: Josef von Sternberg
Release date: 1934-05-09
Runtime: 1h 44m
Language: English
Budget: $900,000
Status: Released
Country: United States of America
Studio: Paramount Pictures

The Scarlet Empress — trailer

About The Scarlet Empress

The Scarlet Empress is a 1934 movie in the Drama, History and Romance genres, directed by Josef von Sternberg, starring Marlene Dietrich, John Lodge and Sam Jaffe. It has a runtime of 1 hour 44 minutes. It holds an average rating of 6.9/10 from 142 viewers. Below you can see where to watch The Scarlet Empress in South Africa — across streaming, rental and purchase options — along with the full cast, trailer and viewer reviews.

Synopsis

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.

Cast

Marlene Dietrich

Princess Sophia Frederica / Catherine II

John Lodge

Count Alexei

Sam Jaffe

Grand Duke Peter

Louise Dresser

Empress Elizabeth Petrovna

C. Aubrey Smith

Prince August

Gavin Gordon

Capt. Gregori Orloff

Olive Tell

Princess Johanna Elizabeth

Ruthelma Stevens

Countess Elizabeth 'Lizzie'

Davison Clark

Archimandrite Simeon Todorsky / Arch-Episcope

Erville Alderson

Chancelor Alexei Bestuchef

Maria Riva

Sophia as a Child

Jane Darwell

Miss Cardell, Sophia's Nurse (uncredited)

Themes & keywords

based on novel or bookroyal familybiographyempressroyaltypre-code18th centurycatherine the great

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch The Scarlet Empress in South Africa?+

The Scarlet Empress is not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service in South Africa. Availability changes often, so check back or switch your region.

Is The Scarlet Empress on Netflix?+

The Scarlet Empress is not on Netflix in South Africa right now.

How long is The Scarlet Empress?+

The Scarlet Empress has a runtime of 1 hour 44 minutes (104 minutes).

Who stars in The Scarlet Empress?+

The Scarlet Empress stars Marlene Dietrich, John Lodge, Sam Jaffe, Louise Dresser and C. Aubrey Smith.

When did The Scarlet Empress come out?+

The Scarlet Empress is a 1934 movie directed by Josef von Sternberg.

What genre is The Scarlet Empress?+

The Scarlet Empress is Drama, History and Romance film.

Who directed The Scarlet Empress?+

The Scarlet Empress was directed by Josef von Sternberg.