A former Imperial Russian general and cousin of the Czar ends up in Hollywood as an extra in a movie directed by a former revolutionary.
Acting
Jannings' physical collapse—Oscar-winning grotesquerie.
Direction
Von Sternberg's shadows eating the Russian palace whole.
Production
Train wreck staged with reckless 1928 ambition.
Director
Josef von Sternberg
Emil Jannings
Gen. Dolgorucki / Grand Duke Sergius Alexander
Evelyn Brent
Natalie Dabrova
William Powell
Lev Andreyev
Michael Visaroff
Serge (the valet)
Fritz Feld
A revolutionist
Harry Cording
Revolutionist (uncredited)
Shep Houghton
Russian Youth (uncredited)
Guy Oliver
Wardrobe Attendant (uncredited)
Harry Semels
A Soldier (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
US
