Review of Rasputin and the Empress (1932) by Delin C — 03 Aug 2010
The Barrymore family of two previous generations- Ethel, John, and Lionel take on Russian history as two real players in it and a fictionalized character. Lionel plays Rasputin- in one of the most terrifying characterizations I have ever scene.
Ethel plays Empress Alexis, who gets hypnotized by Rasputin in an effort to dethrone Russia. John plays a prince who is instantly suspicious of Rasputin. The movie reads like a play, there is nothing subtle about these performances, but these are the saints of American theatre.
If anything, this takes film back to its roots- tell a story in a theatrical reality. The film also does have clips of real footage of Czarist Russia in between acts.
This review of Rasputin and the Empress (1932) was written by Delin C on 03 Aug 2010.
Rasputin and the Empress has generally received mixed reviews.
Was this review helpful?
