The Scarlet Empress

Overview

Eighteenth-century German noblewoman Sophia Frederica, destined to become Catherine the Great, arrives in Moscow for a politically motivated marriage to the inept Grand Duke Peter, heir to the Russian throne. Their union is devoid of affection, leading Catherine to seek solace in numerous affairs, notably with the charming Count Alexei, with whom she bears a child. As Peter's erratic behavior escalates upon his ascension to the throne, Catherine seizes the opportunity to orchestrate his downfall, setting the stage for her own rise to power in a tumultuous court.