Rasputin and the Empress Poster

Rasputin and the Empress 1932

★ 5.114 votes121 min📅 1932-12-23

"Beautiful girls who came to pray! Caught in the web of debauched Rasputin, whose crafty mind toppled a throne!"

In *Rasputin and the Empress (1932)*, the legendary Barrymore siblings—John, Ethel, and Lionel—collide in a gripping historical drama about power, corruption, and the fall of an empire.

Director: Richard Boleslawski

Cast

John Barrymore
John Barrymore
Prince Paul Chegodieff
Ethel Barrymore
Ethel Barrymore
Czarina Alexandra
Lionel Barrymore
Lionel Barrymore
Grigori Rasputin
Ralph Morgan
Ralph Morgan
Czar Nicholas II
Tad Alexander
Tad Alexander
The Czarevitch
Diana Wynyard
Diana Wynyard
Princess Natasha
C. Henry Gordon
C. Henry Gordon
Grand Duke Igor
Edward Arnold
Edward Arnold
Doctor Remezov
Henry Armetta
Henry Armetta
Photographer (uncredited)
Mischa Auer
Mischa Auer
Butler Pouring Drinks at Party (uncredited)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rasputin and the Empress (1932) about?

This 1932 drama chronicles the rise and fall of Grigori Rasputin, whose influence over Russia's last imperial family sparks scandal and revolution. The film depicts his manipulative grip on the Romanovs, blending historical events with dramatic storytelling to expose a world where faith and corruption collide.

Who directed Rasputin and the Empress?

Richard Boleslawski directed *Rasputin and the Empress*, bringing a director's eye for historical detail and emotional intensity to this classic drama.

Who stars in Rasputin and the Empress?

The film features John Barrymore, Ethel Barrymore, and Lionel Barrymore in a legendary sibling ensemble cast, alongside Ralph Morgan and Tad Alexander.

Is Rasputin and the Empress (1932) worth watching?

While lacking an IMDb rating, *Rasputin and the Empress* stands as a testament to early Hollywood's ability to craft historical dramas with depth and star power. Its blend of drama, history, and the Barrymore name makes it a compelling choice for fans of classic cinema, offering rich performances and a gripping narrative. Whether it's worth watching depends on your taste for period pieces and intense character studies.

How long is Rasputin and the Empress?

The runtime of *Rasputin and the Empress* is 121 minutes, or just over two hours.

🎥 Trailer

About Rasputin and the Empress (1932) — The Barrymore Trilogy's Darkest Masterpiece

In *Rasputin and the Empress (1932)*, the legendary Barrymore siblings—John, Ethel, and Lionel—collide in a gripping historical drama about power, corruption, and the fall of an empire. Directed by Richard Boleslawski, this film plunges viewers into the shadowy world of Rasputin, the enigmatic and morally ambiguous peasant turned royal advisor, whose influence over the Russian Imperial family unravels the fabric of a nation. With themes of manipulation, decadence, and political intrigue, the movie crafts a haunting atmosphere of foreboding and tragedy, where faith and deceit intertwine. The Barrymore trio delivers powerhouse performances, each embodying the moral complexities of their roles in this cautionary tale of unchecked power.

Set against the opulent yet crumbling backdrop of pre-revolutionary Russia, *Rasputin and the Empress* explores how a single figure could bend the will of an entire dynasty. The film blends drama and history to deliver a narrative that's as much about human frailty as it is about political collapse. With its stark visuals and intense character dynamics, it remains a compelling watch for fans of classic cinema and historical epics alike.