Rasputin and the Empress (1932) in Color — Starring John Barrymore & Ethel Barrymore

Rasputin and the Empress (1932) — Buy This Classic in Color

Discover Rasputin and the Empress, the 1932 historical drama starring all three Barrymore siblings — John, Ethel, and Lionel — in their only film appearance together, now available as a professionally colorized version. This lavish pre-Code spectacle dramatizes one of the most extraordinary power struggles in modern history with Hollywood’s most legendary acting dynasty at the peak of their powers. Own this classic movie in color as a DRM-free MP4 digital download for just €15.00.

Plot Summary

Russia in the early twentieth century is a nation teetering on the brink of revolution. The Romanov dynasty, which has ruled for three centuries, faces mounting unrest from a population exhausted by poverty, inequality, and the catastrophic losses of World War I. At the center of the imperial court, the Empress Alexandra lives in constant anguish over her young son, the Tsarevich Alexei, who suffers from hemophilia — the hereditary bleeding disorder that threatens his life with every bruise and cut. When the finest doctors in Russia prove helpless, the desperate empress turns to Rasputin, a mysterious and charismatic Siberian peasant and self-proclaimed holy man who claims he can heal the boy through the power of prayer and divine intercession.

Rasputin, played with mesmerizing intensity by Lionel Barrymore, does appear to calm the boy’s symptoms, and this seeming miracle gives him an unshakeable hold over the grateful empress, portrayed by Ethel Barrymore with regal dignity and maternal desperation. Through his influence over Alexandra, Rasputin begins to manipulate court politics, installing his cronies in positions of power, dismissing competent ministers, and enriching himself while Russia descends further into chaos. His debauched personal behavior and brazen corruption become a public scandal that weakens the throne at the worst possible moment.

Prince Paul Chegodieff, played by John Barrymore with aristocratic fury and tortured conscience, watches with growing alarm as Rasputin’s malignant influence spreads through every level of government. As a loyal servant of the Tsar, Chegodieff first attempts diplomatic solutions — reporting Rasputin’s crimes, appealing to the Tsar directly, and marshaling the nobility against the monk. When these efforts fail because the Empress will not hear a word against her son’s healer, Chegodieff realizes that only drastic and violent action can save the empire from destruction. The film builds to its historical climax with the infamous assassination plot, dramatized with theatrical grandeur and shocking violence.

Cast & Crew

Director: Richard Boleslawski

Stars: John Barrymore, Ethel Barrymore, Lionel Barrymore, Ralph Morgan, Diana Wynyard

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

Rasputin and the Empress was originally filmed in lavish black and white that captured the grandeur of the Russian imperial court on massive MGM soundstages. This professionally colorized restoration transforms every scene with frame-by-frame precision, bringing the opulent palace interiors to breathtaking life — gilded throne rooms, crystal chandeliers casting prismatic light across marble floors, richly embroidered curtains and tapestries, and the elaborate court dress of the Russian aristocracy. Military uniforms blaze with medals and colored sashes, and the women of the court appear in exquisite gowns adorned with jewels and furs. The contrast between the golden splendor of the palace and the dark, intimate chambers where Rasputin works his influence gains powerful visual impact through colorization. Lionel Barrymore’s Rasputin becomes an even more unsettling presence in color, his peasant garments and wild eyes clashing with the refined elegance surrounding him. The colorized version reveals the visual splendor of this restored classic film in ways that enhance the story’s dramatic power. Now also available in colour.

Buy Rasputin and the Empress in color today for just €15.00. Your DRM-free MP4 download is available for instant access.

Historical Significance

Rasputin and the Empress holds a unique and unrepeatable place in cinema history as the only film to feature all three Barrymore siblings — John, Ethel, and Lionel — together on screen. The Barrymores were the most celebrated acting family in American theater and early Hollywood, and the prospect of seeing them together drew enormous attention. The production was famously troubled, with the three siblings clashing over everything from line readings to screen time. Ethel Barrymore, the grande dame of the American stage, had not made a film in more than a decade and was persuaded back before the cameras only by an enormous salary and the chance to play an empress. The film also caused a landmark lawsuit — Princess Irina Yusupova, wife of one of Rasputin’s real assassins, sued MGM for defamation after a character clearly based on her was depicted in a compromising situation with Rasputin. She won a substantial settlement that changed how studios depicted living people. Through modern colorization, this remarkable family collaboration and fascinating historical drama reaches new audiences.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD restored
• Colorized: Professionally colorized from original black and white
• Audio: Original mono restored
• Runtime: Approximately 121 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Is this historically accurate?
A: The film takes significant dramatic liberties with historical events, though the broad outlines of Rasputin’s influence over the Empress and his eventual assassination follow the historical record. The character of Prince Chegodieff is a composite of the real conspirators.

Q: Why is this film notable?
A: It is the only movie to star all three Barrymore siblings — John, Ethel, and Lionel — the most famous acting family of their era. Their dynasty continued through Drew Barrymore, making the family legacy one of Hollywood’s longest.

Q: What was the famous lawsuit about?
A: Princess Irina Yusupova sued MGM because a character in the film, clearly based on her, was depicted being assaulted by Rasputin. She won a large settlement, and the case led to the standard disclaimer that characters are fictitious that appears in films to this day.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as an MP4 file compatible with virtually any device or media player.

Q: Is there DRM on the file?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free so you can watch it on any device without restrictions.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: Your download link is available instantly after payment, so you can start watching within minutes.

Related Colorized Classics

• City for Conquest (1940)
• The Crusades (1935)
• General Della Rovere (1959)
• The Long Voyage Home (1940)
• The Magic Face (1951)