Princess Tarakanova (1910)

During the reign of Catherine the Great, a rival claimant to the throne is suspected. Naturally this must be dealt with, and quickly...

Early Russian filmmakers Kai Hansen and Maurice Maître bring a classic Russian drama to life. Based on the play by Ippolit Shpazhinsky, this film features the historical Taranakova-the alleged daughter of the secret marriage of Empress Elizabeth of Russia and therefore lawful heir to the throne-and her tragic interactions with the court of then-ruler Catherine the Great.

The film itself spares no expense on period costuming and design, and this is also the first film I know that has both a Theatrical and an Alternate ending (one from the play and one from the source material) and both are included on this print.The classical score was added decades later by parties unknown...B&W, Silent with English Subtitles.