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These are the user uploaded subtitles that are being translated: 1 00:00:01,330 --> 00:00:03,986 (volcano rumbling) (dramatic music) 2 00:00:03,986 --> 00:00:07,600 (dinosaurs screeching) 3 00:00:07,600 --> 00:00:08,866 (lion roars) 4 00:00:08,866 --> 00:00:12,149 (water splashing) 5 00:00:12,149 --> 00:00:13,432 (engine whirring) 6 00:00:13,432 --> 00:00:16,349 (thunder rumbling) 7 00:00:17,708 --> 00:00:19,198 (dramatic music continues) (tail slaps) 8 00:00:19,198 --> 00:00:22,115 (whale vocalizing) 9 00:00:27,028 --> 00:00:28,140 (gentle dramatic music) 10 00:00:28,140 --> 00:00:30,250 I was the empress of Russia. 11 00:00:30,250 --> 00:00:31,973 The greatest the country ever had. 12 00:00:33,090 --> 00:00:35,810 So I should be the one to bring the successor to the throne 13 00:00:35,810 --> 00:00:37,540 into the world. 14 00:00:37,540 --> 00:00:39,640 They thought little of me. 15 00:00:39,640 --> 00:00:42,992 Yet, I mastered the power game better than any man. 16 00:00:42,992 --> 00:00:46,630 (scoffs) Men? Yeah, yeah. 17 00:00:46,630 --> 00:00:48,920 I know everything that's said about me. 18 00:00:48,920 --> 00:00:52,633 That I got up to unspeakable things with countless lovers. 19 00:00:54,140 --> 00:00:56,988 But the truth? Only I know. 20 00:00:56,988 --> 00:00:59,773 (suspenseful music) 21 00:00:59,773 --> 00:01:02,690 (horses whinnying) 22 00:01:09,848 --> 00:01:14,848 (suspenseful music continues) (air whooshes) 23 00:01:21,592 --> 00:01:26,592 (upbeat music) (people laughing) 24 00:01:26,912 --> 00:01:28,680 Cheers! Drink up! 25 00:01:28,680 --> 00:01:30,730 I can remember everything. 26 00:01:30,730 --> 00:01:31,730 I wrote all of it down. 27 00:01:31,730 --> 00:01:34,080 Your roll. My life, 28 00:01:34,080 --> 00:01:37,966 I doubt that any author could have written it better. 29 00:01:37,966 --> 00:01:42,858 (upbeat music continues) (people chattering) 30 00:01:42,858 --> 00:01:44,829 Give me some more. Look at that! 31 00:01:44,829 --> 00:01:45,950 Look at that, boys! My mother 32 00:01:45,950 --> 00:01:46,783 was born into nobility. 33 00:01:46,783 --> 00:01:47,743 Ha-ha, I told you! 34 00:01:50,180 --> 00:01:52,650 Surely, you can't be serious. 35 00:01:52,650 --> 00:01:54,340 There is nothing else around. 36 00:01:54,340 --> 00:01:57,900 You have the choice: cold, hunger and wolves, 37 00:01:57,900 --> 00:01:59,553 or warmth, food and peasants. 38 00:02:01,846 --> 00:02:03,509 Ah, look at that! 39 00:02:03,509 --> 00:02:06,092 (men laughing) 40 00:02:08,370 --> 00:02:10,217 I won! (laughs) (upbeat music continues) 41 00:02:10,217 --> 00:02:13,590 And me? I was a disappointment to my mother. 42 00:02:13,590 --> 00:02:16,690 She thought I wasn't pretty enough, and above all, 43 00:02:16,690 --> 00:02:18,280 I wasn't a boy. 44 00:02:18,280 --> 00:02:20,340 But suddenly, I, of all people, 45 00:02:20,340 --> 00:02:23,339 was the one who could change our family's life. 46 00:02:23,339 --> 00:02:25,430 (men shouting) (men laughing) 47 00:02:25,430 --> 00:02:28,660 After everything, this is too much, too much, I tell you. 48 00:02:28,660 --> 00:02:30,613 And for the future wife of the Grand Duke of Russia. 49 00:02:30,613 --> 00:02:31,840 Most gracious one, 50 00:02:31,840 --> 00:02:33,940 if you shout your destination any louder, 51 00:02:33,940 --> 00:02:36,190 then there is little chance of reaching it. 52 00:02:36,190 --> 00:02:37,920 So hold back, most gracious one. 53 00:02:37,920 --> 00:02:39,980 What do you say, huh? (upbeat music continues) 54 00:02:39,980 --> 00:02:43,090 (men muttering) 55 00:02:43,090 --> 00:02:45,657 Drink this, girl, it'll warm you up. 56 00:02:46,499 --> 00:02:50,725 Hey, what's up? Go on, leave us, get going! 57 00:02:50,725 --> 00:02:54,108 (patrons cheering) 58 00:02:54,108 --> 00:02:55,767 (cup chatters) (men cheering) 59 00:02:55,767 --> 00:02:58,434 (gentle music) 60 00:03:01,360 --> 00:03:03,690 My beautiful Russia. 61 00:03:03,690 --> 00:03:06,670 I came here in 1744. 62 00:03:06,670 --> 00:03:10,140 I was called Sophie Auguste Friederike of Anhalt-Zerbst 63 00:03:10,140 --> 00:03:12,339 and was to be presented at court. 64 00:03:12,339 --> 00:03:15,172 (snow crunching) 65 00:03:15,172 --> 00:03:16,930 (sled scrapes) 66 00:03:16,930 --> 00:03:19,190 The kingdom needed a wife for the future emperor 67 00:03:19,190 --> 00:03:20,940 of all Russians. 68 00:03:20,940 --> 00:03:22,770 I was approved for this task, 69 00:03:22,770 --> 00:03:24,508 as long as I could prove myself. 70 00:03:24,508 --> 00:03:27,600 (horse whinnies) 71 00:03:27,600 --> 00:03:29,250 Sophie, pull yourself together. 72 00:03:30,470 --> 00:03:32,980 You only have yourself to blame for drinking that filth. 73 00:03:32,980 --> 00:03:36,520 I'm truly sorry, Mother. It doesn't happen often. 74 00:03:36,520 --> 00:03:38,250 I, I don't think you understand, 75 00:03:38,250 --> 00:03:40,680 this is the opportunity of a lifetime. 76 00:03:40,680 --> 00:03:44,223 And you? Being stupid, challenging fate with your antics. 77 00:03:46,700 --> 00:03:49,423 I doubt you'll even manage to stand before the empress. 78 00:03:50,858 --> 00:03:53,208 Well, perhaps she should have a secret lover, 79 00:03:54,200 --> 00:03:55,750 a singer from the court chapel. 80 00:03:57,280 --> 00:03:59,723 Child, you worry about your own business. 81 00:04:00,954 --> 00:04:04,476 (gentle music continues) 82 00:04:04,476 --> 00:04:05,500 (horse whinnying) 83 00:04:05,500 --> 00:04:06,440 First things first, 84 00:04:06,440 --> 00:04:08,540 we must take care of your future husband. 85 00:04:14,298 --> 00:04:15,620 (dramatic music) 86 00:04:15,620 --> 00:04:18,820 Our journey was 1,500 kilometers. 87 00:04:18,820 --> 00:04:21,030 We were traveling for seven weeks. 88 00:04:21,030 --> 00:04:22,330 Although by Russian standards, 89 00:04:22,330 --> 00:04:24,100 that was just a stone's throw. 90 00:04:24,100 --> 00:04:26,240 We still had to travel for another four months 91 00:04:26,240 --> 00:04:28,293 to reach the kingdom's eastern border. 92 00:04:33,090 --> 00:04:35,210 After all, the ruler of this huge kingdom 93 00:04:35,210 --> 00:04:37,823 was expecting us in Moscow, in the Kremlin. 94 00:04:39,132 --> 00:04:44,132 (dramatic music continues) (horses whinnying) 95 00:04:49,418 --> 00:04:50,992 (church bells ringing) 96 00:04:50,992 --> 00:04:55,992 (gentle music) (carriage rattling) 97 00:04:59,140 --> 00:05:02,000 Sophie, would you please just stop fidgeting? 98 00:05:02,000 --> 00:05:02,843 Yes, Mother. 99 00:05:06,870 --> 00:05:08,883 Mother, look there. That must be her. 100 00:05:09,860 --> 00:05:11,253 The Empress Elisabeth. 101 00:05:13,470 --> 00:05:15,020 That dress is wonderful. 102 00:05:15,020 --> 00:05:16,540 She owns more than 5,000, 103 00:05:16,540 --> 00:05:18,783 and never wears any of them more than once. 104 00:05:19,690 --> 00:05:23,170 Honored, Princess, please excuse me. My name is Maria. 105 00:05:23,170 --> 00:05:26,100 I will act as your lady-in-waiting during your stay here. 106 00:05:26,100 --> 00:05:27,610 Whatever you want me to do I can- 107 00:05:27,610 --> 00:05:29,203 What do you mean by stay? 108 00:05:31,000 --> 00:05:34,766 What's she like, the empress? How can I please her? 109 00:05:34,766 --> 00:05:38,220 (dramatic music) 110 00:05:38,220 --> 00:05:41,380 Speak not, unless she has asked you to speak. 111 00:05:41,380 --> 00:05:44,550 And if so, weigh up your words precisely. 112 00:05:44,550 --> 00:05:47,710 Elisabeth had her own great grand-nephew locked up. 113 00:05:47,710 --> 00:05:49,900 Nobody has heard from him since. 114 00:05:49,900 --> 00:05:51,053 What did he do? 115 00:05:51,970 --> 00:05:52,880 Nothing. 116 00:05:52,880 --> 00:05:54,809 (ominous music) (feet thudding) 117 00:05:54,809 --> 00:05:57,185 (metal clanks) 118 00:05:57,185 --> 00:05:58,018 (door slams) 119 00:05:58,018 --> 00:06:01,050 In Russia, nobody is safe on the throne, 120 00:06:01,050 --> 00:06:03,260 as long as there is someone else who could seize it. 121 00:06:03,260 --> 00:06:04,093 The empress threw a child 122 00:06:04,093 --> 00:06:05,960 in the dungeons? Sh! 123 00:06:05,960 --> 00:06:07,130 Not so loud. 124 00:06:07,130 --> 00:06:09,963 (dramatic music) 125 00:06:11,000 --> 00:06:12,820 There is not a single room in this palace 126 00:06:12,820 --> 00:06:14,950 where you can talk aloud freely. 127 00:06:14,950 --> 00:06:16,490 There are secret passages everywhere 128 00:06:16,490 --> 00:06:18,470 and the walls are quite thin. 129 00:06:18,470 --> 00:06:21,270 You must always assume that someone will hear you speak. 130 00:06:23,090 --> 00:06:25,673 And every person whom you trust can betray you. 131 00:06:30,896 --> 00:06:32,729 Psst. It's starting. 132 00:06:33,680 --> 00:06:37,263 (dramatic music continues) 133 00:06:46,810 --> 00:06:48,000 (upbeat dramatic music) 134 00:06:48,000 --> 00:06:49,720 I announce to Your Majesty, 135 00:06:49,720 --> 00:06:52,730 Empress Elisabeth Petrovna, the arrival 136 00:06:52,730 --> 00:06:56,350 of the Princess Sophie Auguste Friederike of Anhalt-Zerbst 137 00:06:56,350 --> 00:07:00,150 and her mother, Duchess Johanna von Holstein-Gottorp. 138 00:07:07,398 --> 00:07:08,231 Go. 139 00:07:09,359 --> 00:07:13,526 (upbeat dramatic music continues) 140 00:07:17,075 --> 00:07:20,158 (suspenseful music) 141 00:07:35,706 --> 00:07:38,456 Hmm, a charming girl. Charming. 142 00:07:40,839 --> 00:07:43,870 (giggles) Alexei Gregorovich, what do you think? 143 00:07:43,870 --> 00:07:46,450 As astute as your observations are, 144 00:07:46,450 --> 00:07:48,369 she's not comparable to Your Majesty. 145 00:07:48,369 --> 00:07:52,100 (giggles) Charmer, that surely 146 00:07:52,100 --> 00:07:54,293 would not cause me any alarm. 147 00:07:55,260 --> 00:07:58,083 I have heard that you are quite a smart girl. 148 00:07:59,260 --> 00:08:04,110 Yes. No, I don't know. 149 00:08:04,110 --> 00:08:06,633 Everything remains to be seen. Huh! 150 00:08:06,633 --> 00:08:11,633 (door clattering) (gentle dramatic music) 151 00:08:17,273 --> 00:08:18,930 Grand Duke Peter, 152 00:08:18,930 --> 00:08:21,030 my cousin whom Elisabeth had adopted in order 153 00:08:21,030 --> 00:08:22,633 to someday take over her throne. 154 00:08:28,170 --> 00:08:29,233 Do it now. 155 00:08:34,120 --> 00:08:34,953 The man with whom 156 00:08:34,953 --> 00:08:36,570 I should share a table and bed 157 00:08:36,570 --> 00:08:38,563 and eventually the crown, of course. 158 00:08:43,130 --> 00:08:45,720 We should leave the young people alone for a moment 159 00:08:45,720 --> 00:08:47,367 to get acquainted. 160 00:08:47,367 --> 00:08:51,534 (gentle dramatic music continues) 161 00:08:53,703 --> 00:08:56,286 (floor creaks) 162 00:09:04,310 --> 00:09:06,623 Simply delighted, my dear cousin. 163 00:09:10,622 --> 00:09:13,350 (Peter clears throat) 164 00:09:13,350 --> 00:09:17,603 Yes, we'd be happy. Yeah. 165 00:09:19,230 --> 00:09:21,203 We have chosen very well, have we not? 166 00:09:23,030 --> 00:09:24,830 And now the course was set. 167 00:09:24,830 --> 00:09:26,193 There was no way back. 168 00:09:27,435 --> 00:09:28,695 (gentle music) 169 00:09:28,695 --> 00:09:31,528 (water splashing) 170 00:09:32,720 --> 00:09:35,220 I came from the house of Anhalt-Zerbst. 171 00:09:35,220 --> 00:09:39,240 Our small city was nothing more than a fleck on the map. 172 00:09:39,240 --> 00:09:43,000 My father, Christian August, did have a dukedom, 173 00:09:43,000 --> 00:09:44,600 but his land was scarcely bigger 174 00:09:44,600 --> 00:09:46,753 than the Prussian king's front garden. 175 00:09:47,950 --> 00:09:50,470 It was only a hundred insignificant dominions, 176 00:09:50,470 --> 00:09:52,690 which befitting their social status, 177 00:09:52,690 --> 00:09:55,123 could barely feed their regents. 178 00:09:55,123 --> 00:09:58,623 (gentle music continues) 179 00:10:01,549 --> 00:10:04,280 But mother was born a Holstein-Gottorp, 180 00:10:04,280 --> 00:10:07,230 and was more closely related to Prussian King Frederick II. 181 00:10:09,160 --> 00:10:12,750 He had suggested me as a possible bride for Russia. 182 00:10:12,750 --> 00:10:16,113 He hadn't wanted to send his own sisters. 183 00:10:16,113 --> 00:10:18,863 (powerful music) 184 00:10:33,784 --> 00:10:35,890 Because an insignificant bride doesn't cause 185 00:10:35,890 --> 00:10:37,970 any significant difficulties, 186 00:10:37,970 --> 00:10:40,100 I yielded to all instructions, 187 00:10:40,100 --> 00:10:43,920 rejected my Protestant beliefs and converted to Orthodox. 188 00:10:43,920 --> 00:10:46,330 When Peter and I stood before the altar, 189 00:10:46,330 --> 00:10:49,350 I no longer bore the name which my parents had given me. 190 00:10:49,350 --> 00:10:53,153 My God, my little girl. 191 00:10:53,153 --> 00:10:55,820 (gentle music) 192 00:10:57,200 --> 00:11:01,563 So that we do not misunderstand each other, valued cousin, 193 00:11:02,900 --> 00:11:05,148 pack all your things and go on home. 194 00:11:05,148 --> 00:11:07,500 (men singing in foreign language) 195 00:11:07,500 --> 00:11:10,790 I personally assure you that your journey home 196 00:11:10,790 --> 00:11:12,283 will be comfortable. 197 00:11:13,300 --> 00:11:16,025 There will be no need to worry about that. 198 00:11:16,025 --> 00:11:18,692 (curious music) 199 00:11:24,090 --> 00:11:26,710 Henceforth, I was left to myself, 200 00:11:26,710 --> 00:11:28,307 and to my husband. 201 00:11:28,307 --> 00:11:32,210 (woman vocalizing) (dramatic music) 202 00:11:32,210 --> 00:11:36,283 My God, how long has it been, Soph? Sorry, Catherine. 203 00:11:37,450 --> 00:11:40,950 Catherine. The empress chose Catherine for me. 204 00:11:40,950 --> 00:11:44,060 Fine with me, that name was as good as any other. 205 00:11:44,060 --> 00:11:47,050 I had decided to leave the past behind me. 206 00:11:47,050 --> 00:11:48,377 In the name of the Father, 207 00:11:48,377 --> 00:11:51,986 the Son, and the Holy Spirit, amen. 208 00:11:51,986 --> 00:11:53,710 (dramatic music) 209 00:11:53,710 --> 00:11:55,600 I can't explain it clearly, 210 00:11:55,600 --> 00:11:58,950 but Russia was my country from the first day here. 211 00:11:58,950 --> 00:12:00,640 I would spend my life here, 212 00:12:00,640 --> 00:12:03,040 and it was up to me to shape this life 213 00:12:03,040 --> 00:12:05,167 so that it would make me happy. 214 00:12:05,167 --> 00:12:06,847 "My name is Catherine." 215 00:12:08,839 --> 00:12:11,990 (speaking Russian) Of course my name is Catherine, 216 00:12:11,990 --> 00:12:14,023 that is much too easy; ask me from here. 217 00:12:16,367 --> 00:12:20,249 "It has been simply delightful to meet you." 218 00:12:20,249 --> 00:12:23,999 (Catherine speaking Russian) 219 00:12:24,951 --> 00:12:26,167 (horse whinnies) 220 00:12:26,167 --> 00:12:28,647 "How is the esteemed wife?" 221 00:12:30,084 --> 00:12:33,834 (Catherine speaking Russian) 222 00:12:35,282 --> 00:12:38,256 (horses whinnying) Ha! Yah, hey. 223 00:12:38,256 --> 00:12:40,160 (suspenseful music) 224 00:12:40,160 --> 00:12:41,590 If I was the emperor's wife, 225 00:12:41,590 --> 00:12:45,490 the Russian people would understand me and love me, 226 00:12:45,490 --> 00:12:48,420 but was this country easy to love? 227 00:12:48,420 --> 00:12:52,500 I had never seen poverty to this extent in my homeland. 228 00:12:52,500 --> 00:12:55,710 What was it like for people who had to live like that? 229 00:12:55,710 --> 00:12:58,840 For me, Russia was like a book and I could hardly wait 230 00:12:58,840 --> 00:13:00,270 to open its first page. 231 00:13:00,270 --> 00:13:02,700 Yah! He-yah! For my husband, 232 00:13:02,700 --> 00:13:04,591 it was a shackle. Hee-yah, hee-yah! 233 00:13:04,591 --> 00:13:06,285 (bottle scrapes) (wine splashes) 234 00:13:06,285 --> 00:13:07,542 (Peter sips) (upbeat music) 235 00:13:07,542 --> 00:13:09,543 (sighs) Is this my punishment? 236 00:13:11,380 --> 00:13:13,080 Peter von Holstein was also 237 00:13:13,080 --> 00:13:14,920 from the German Dynasty. 238 00:13:14,920 --> 00:13:17,820 He never had designs on the Russian throne. 239 00:13:17,820 --> 00:13:21,270 He was a suitable candidate by a dynastic coincidence. 240 00:13:21,270 --> 00:13:23,203 Peter loved everything Prussian. 241 00:13:25,120 --> 00:13:28,043 Did I love him? How can you ask such a thing? 242 00:13:29,872 --> 00:13:32,520 (upbeat music continues) (air whooshing) 243 00:13:32,520 --> 00:13:34,900 At the start, I hoped that we could arrange something 244 00:13:34,900 --> 00:13:35,733 with each other. 245 00:13:40,299 --> 00:13:42,882 (dogs barking) 246 00:13:46,180 --> 00:13:48,827 (door clangs) (dramatic music) 247 00:13:48,827 --> 00:13:51,660 Come on, hurry up. Come quickly! 248 00:13:57,590 --> 00:14:01,310 King Charles. Here, here, here are you coming here? 249 00:14:01,310 --> 00:14:03,060 Your place is behind the other one. 250 00:14:05,410 --> 00:14:07,910 (Peter sighs) 251 00:14:09,670 --> 00:14:12,531 So did you have a nice day, Grand Duchess? 252 00:14:12,531 --> 00:14:13,710 (dog barks) 253 00:14:13,710 --> 00:14:16,803 This poodle will be the death of me, so disobedient! 254 00:14:18,180 --> 00:14:19,230 It has no discipline. 255 00:14:20,140 --> 00:14:22,433 Outrageous! No discipline. 256 00:14:23,395 --> 00:14:25,002 (dramatic music continues) 257 00:14:25,002 --> 00:14:29,810 And now, we'll come to the pleasant part of the day. 258 00:14:39,890 --> 00:14:41,483 My dear, my dear Catherine. 259 00:14:43,020 --> 00:14:46,866 We play the decisive battle. 260 00:14:46,866 --> 00:14:49,318 (box clattering) 261 00:14:49,318 --> 00:14:50,845 (clock chiming) (pieces clattering) 262 00:14:50,845 --> 00:14:53,512 (clock ticking) 263 00:14:56,866 --> 00:15:01,173 Pew! (sighs) 264 00:15:01,173 --> 00:15:05,600 Pew, pew, pew. (groans) 265 00:15:05,600 --> 00:15:08,643 Go, Catherine, you take the Russians. Take the Russians! 266 00:15:11,304 --> 00:15:13,187 (Peter imitated bugle blaring) 267 00:15:13,187 --> 00:15:16,267 Pow, pow, pow! (groaning) 268 00:15:16,267 --> 00:15:18,293 More! Pow! (laughs) 269 00:15:18,293 --> 00:15:21,090 (bells tolling) (dramatic music) 270 00:15:21,090 --> 00:15:22,590 After one year, the enquirers 271 00:15:22,590 --> 00:15:24,110 were still friendly. 272 00:15:24,110 --> 00:15:26,420 After four years, quite impatient, 273 00:15:26,420 --> 00:15:27,390 and after eight years, 274 00:15:27,390 --> 00:15:29,690 it was clear that something wasn't right here. 275 00:15:31,270 --> 00:15:33,023 Well? And? 276 00:15:34,960 --> 00:15:36,234 Well, as far 277 00:15:36,234 --> 00:15:40,483 as I can judge. No. 278 00:15:42,200 --> 00:15:47,200 Hmm. (clicks tongue) But she sleeps with him. 279 00:15:47,320 --> 00:15:48,333 That's true. 280 00:15:50,810 --> 00:15:54,403 One must always take things into one's own hands. 281 00:15:56,730 --> 00:15:59,683 Listen, I want you to arrange something for me. 282 00:16:01,134 --> 00:16:04,263 (dramatic music continues) 283 00:16:04,263 --> 00:16:05,096 Hmm. Yes? 284 00:16:07,935 --> 00:16:08,964 (cat meows) (lips smacking) 285 00:16:08,964 --> 00:16:12,400 (Elisabeth giggles) 286 00:16:12,400 --> 00:16:15,360 So as long as I didn't fulfill my holy duty 287 00:16:15,360 --> 00:16:19,083 of motherhood, the days stretched endlessly in front of me. 288 00:16:21,920 --> 00:16:23,670 What do you think about this one? 289 00:16:25,930 --> 00:16:27,033 Not green again. 290 00:16:28,520 --> 00:16:32,833 My duty, be beautiful, chat, receive people. 291 00:16:32,833 --> 00:16:35,500 (upbeat music) 292 00:16:43,680 --> 00:16:46,653 A solid hour would go by before I was dressed. 293 00:16:47,580 --> 00:16:50,550 And that was only the first wardrobe. 294 00:16:50,550 --> 00:16:52,320 For the afternoon and evening society, 295 00:16:52,320 --> 00:16:54,140 the whole thing would begin again. 296 00:16:54,140 --> 00:16:56,463 Mm, the secret code. 297 00:16:58,380 --> 00:17:02,203 Frivolous? Hesitant? 298 00:17:03,630 --> 00:17:05,290 And what is this called? 299 00:17:05,290 --> 00:17:07,420 That's nymphomaniac. 300 00:17:07,420 --> 00:17:09,713 For goodness' sake. (sighs) 301 00:17:10,560 --> 00:17:11,862 Then do it. 302 00:17:11,862 --> 00:17:15,362 (upbeat music continues) 303 00:17:18,820 --> 00:17:20,233 The next one, please. 304 00:17:21,818 --> 00:17:23,564 (men laughing) 305 00:17:23,564 --> 00:17:25,520 (lift rattling) 306 00:17:25,520 --> 00:17:26,874 (people chattering) Hoo-ee! 307 00:17:26,874 --> 00:17:27,740 (people laughing) 308 00:17:27,740 --> 00:17:28,870 There was a dining room 309 00:17:28,870 --> 00:17:32,460 in the Peterhof Palace which had no doors. 310 00:17:32,460 --> 00:17:35,550 You could only access it via a lift. 311 00:17:35,550 --> 00:17:36,923 But that was not enough. 312 00:17:39,940 --> 00:17:42,384 Food also would appear, as if by magic. 313 00:17:42,384 --> 00:17:44,760 (people applauding) (man laughing) 314 00:17:44,760 --> 00:17:47,010 Yes, it was quite fun. 315 00:17:47,010 --> 00:17:50,218 But such things couldn't fulfill a person. 316 00:17:50,218 --> 00:17:51,880 (bright music) 317 00:17:51,880 --> 00:17:54,410 I found my escape in books. 318 00:17:54,410 --> 00:17:56,390 First, it was novels. 319 00:17:56,390 --> 00:17:59,493 I devoured one after the other until I was bored. 320 00:18:06,610 --> 00:18:09,676 Then I went on to history books. 321 00:18:09,676 --> 00:18:12,343 (gentle music) 322 00:18:14,077 --> 00:18:18,077 "It is good to live in distress, it's like a coiled spring." 323 00:18:21,520 --> 00:18:24,213 He was so right. Good Montesquieu. 324 00:18:26,080 --> 00:18:27,263 He was so right. 325 00:18:28,180 --> 00:18:30,980 It was so soothing to think about something more 326 00:18:30,980 --> 00:18:33,333 than powder puffs and court gossip. 327 00:18:36,315 --> 00:18:41,315 (globe rumbles) (gentle music continues) 328 00:18:41,460 --> 00:18:44,770 There were many gifted thinkers in Petersburg. 329 00:18:44,770 --> 00:18:48,550 Geniuses of mathematics, philosophy and astronomy. 330 00:18:48,550 --> 00:18:49,720 Grand Duchess. 331 00:18:49,720 --> 00:18:51,930 Peter the Great had a gigantic globe made 332 00:18:51,930 --> 00:18:53,157 which was in the palace. 333 00:18:55,140 --> 00:18:56,853 Please, sit down, Grand Duchess. 334 00:19:00,660 --> 00:19:02,800 The stars will just take their course 335 00:19:02,800 --> 00:19:05,033 without you even having to follow them. 336 00:19:06,820 --> 00:19:08,820 I will show you how the sky has changed. 337 00:19:09,670 --> 00:19:14,670 (wood creaking) (dramatic music) 338 00:19:22,210 --> 00:19:24,370 Very interesting, Professor. 339 00:19:24,370 --> 00:19:26,333 But I prefer to control the movement. 340 00:19:29,837 --> 00:19:32,504 (playful music) 341 00:19:36,500 --> 00:19:38,723 But who to share all of this knowledge with? 342 00:19:40,070 --> 00:19:42,713 At the table, I would be of little interest. 343 00:19:43,820 --> 00:19:45,700 You must try this delicacy. 344 00:19:45,700 --> 00:19:49,240 It's called eyes awoken in the morning in sauce. 345 00:19:49,240 --> 00:19:51,944 An extraordinary delicacy indeed. 346 00:19:51,944 --> 00:19:55,564 (people chattering) 347 00:19:55,564 --> 00:19:57,130 Mm! 348 00:19:57,130 --> 00:20:01,110 It's paradise. Simply heavenly. 349 00:20:01,110 --> 00:20:03,540 A specialty from Ukraine. 350 00:20:03,540 --> 00:20:05,721 It tickles the palate wonderfully. 351 00:20:05,721 --> 00:20:06,670 Well, my love, 352 00:20:06,670 --> 00:20:10,580 then try your exceptionally sensitive palate on this. 353 00:20:11,879 --> 00:20:15,280 Mm! This is definitely French. 354 00:20:15,280 --> 00:20:17,280 Yum Perhaps it's, uh. 355 00:20:17,280 --> 00:20:20,490 Has it come from Paris? (man burps) 356 00:20:20,490 --> 00:20:23,126 Ah, so very close. 357 00:20:23,126 --> 00:20:24,328 (men laughing) 358 00:20:24,328 --> 00:20:27,186 The pate was delivered specially from Strasbourg. 359 00:20:27,186 --> 00:20:29,063 (woman giggles) 360 00:20:29,063 --> 00:20:30,113 From Paris. 361 00:20:31,242 --> 00:20:36,242 Mm! Did you hear that it's said the duke quite recently, 362 00:20:36,430 --> 00:20:37,930 Does she know about it? 363 00:20:37,930 --> 00:20:39,814 No, of course she doesn't. 364 00:20:39,814 --> 00:20:41,625 (all laughing) 365 00:20:41,625 --> 00:20:43,422 Ah, yes. Do tell us, my love. 366 00:20:43,422 --> 00:20:45,610 She really mustn't complain. 367 00:20:45,610 --> 00:20:48,963 Do you know last autumn when she, um, 368 00:20:50,270 --> 00:20:52,796 with that Swedish diplomat, you know. 369 00:20:52,796 --> 00:20:55,379 (all laughing) 370 00:20:58,960 --> 00:21:00,980 What happened there didn't have much to do 371 00:21:00,980 --> 00:21:04,302 with conventional diplomacy, as we have heard. 372 00:21:04,302 --> 00:21:07,135 (people laughing) 373 00:21:08,124 --> 00:21:11,710 (dramatic music) 374 00:21:11,710 --> 00:21:13,493 Obviously everyone had their fun. 375 00:21:21,243 --> 00:21:25,100 It went on in the same cycle year after year. 376 00:21:25,100 --> 00:21:27,580 Balls, journeys, boredom. 377 00:21:27,580 --> 00:21:31,310 The empress ruled, my husband and I lived next to each other 378 00:21:31,310 --> 00:21:33,915 and the court made up its intrigue. 379 00:21:33,915 --> 00:21:36,748 (hooves clomping) 380 00:21:37,710 --> 00:21:40,430 The young court, as Peter's entourage was called, 381 00:21:40,430 --> 00:21:43,520 was often away on trips and hunting parties. 382 00:21:43,520 --> 00:21:44,900 (energetic music) 383 00:21:44,900 --> 00:21:47,973 In 1752, something surprising happened. 384 00:21:49,603 --> 00:21:52,610 (born blaring) 385 00:21:52,610 --> 00:21:54,453 Or had I only waited long enough? 386 00:22:00,339 --> 00:22:02,936 (rifle fires) 387 00:22:02,936 --> 00:22:06,066 (dramatic music) 388 00:22:06,066 --> 00:22:07,830 Do we know each other? 389 00:22:07,830 --> 00:22:11,893 Sergei Saltykov, your faithful servant, Grand Duchess. 390 00:22:13,790 --> 00:22:14,797 Sergei (speaking in foreign language). 391 00:22:15,900 --> 00:22:19,270 The name Saltykov has an impressive ring to it at court. 392 00:22:19,270 --> 00:22:21,610 I assure you, my forbears have served the emperors 393 00:22:21,610 --> 00:22:22,813 for many centuries. 394 00:22:24,560 --> 00:22:27,057 And as such I can also be of service to you. 395 00:22:28,841 --> 00:22:32,170 (dramatic music continues) 396 00:22:32,170 --> 00:22:34,170 What kind of man was this? 397 00:22:35,080 --> 00:22:38,670 I was 24 years old and yet nobody had ever looked 398 00:22:38,670 --> 00:22:39,843 at me like that. 399 00:22:39,843 --> 00:22:43,176 (upbeat dramatic music) 400 00:23:04,717 --> 00:23:09,430 (upbeat dramatic music continues) 401 00:23:09,430 --> 00:23:13,093 It was whispered about day in, day out at court. 402 00:23:20,270 --> 00:23:21,903 Now I could understand it. 403 00:23:24,138 --> 00:23:25,312 (upbeat music) 404 00:23:25,312 --> 00:23:27,962 (pickle crunching) 405 00:23:27,962 --> 00:23:28,840 (heart beating) 406 00:23:28,840 --> 00:23:31,263 The consequences couldn't be ignored for long. 407 00:23:36,264 --> 00:23:40,097 Argh! Not the long one, the short one, fool! 408 00:23:45,954 --> 00:23:47,360 (gentle music) 409 00:23:47,360 --> 00:23:52,360 Now, my dear, what has brought you to me? 410 00:24:00,290 --> 00:24:03,490 Some news which should make you happy, Your Majesty. 411 00:24:03,490 --> 00:24:06,921 I'm, I'm expecting the heir to the throne. 412 00:24:06,921 --> 00:24:10,139 (dramatic music) 413 00:24:10,139 --> 00:24:11,889 Heir to the throne? 414 00:24:13,090 --> 00:24:13,923 Yes. 415 00:24:16,287 --> 00:24:19,370 (Elisabeth laughing) 416 00:24:22,680 --> 00:24:24,930 Your child will be the one, 417 00:24:24,930 --> 00:24:27,763 regardless of who its father is. 418 00:24:29,175 --> 00:24:32,258 (Elisabeth laughing) 419 00:24:34,010 --> 00:24:36,233 Go, child. Maria! 420 00:24:37,910 --> 00:24:39,523 Bring Sergei to me. 421 00:24:41,100 --> 00:24:45,901 (Elisabeth claps) (Elisabeth laughing) 422 00:24:45,901 --> 00:24:49,480 God, up in Heaven. (faintly speaking) 423 00:24:49,480 --> 00:24:50,480 You called for me? 424 00:24:52,540 --> 00:24:54,613 Mission accomplished, my dear. 425 00:24:58,001 --> 00:25:01,443 (giggles) It shall not harm you. 426 00:25:04,950 --> 00:25:07,853 Should you require my service again. Any time. 427 00:25:09,000 --> 00:25:12,150 I only learnt about everything much later on. 428 00:25:12,150 --> 00:25:14,853 I had really believed that he was the love of my life. 429 00:25:16,835 --> 00:25:19,347 (suspenseful music) 430 00:25:19,347 --> 00:25:22,230 (Catherine gasping) 431 00:25:22,230 --> 00:25:26,403 On the 21st of September, 1754, the labor started. 432 00:25:28,010 --> 00:25:29,473 I smell wonderful tea. 433 00:25:35,740 --> 00:25:38,540 I awaited the delivery with dread. 434 00:25:38,540 --> 00:25:41,460 Countless women had died in childbirth. 435 00:25:41,460 --> 00:25:43,303 The doctors were charlatans. 436 00:25:45,168 --> 00:25:49,000 (Catherine panting) 437 00:25:49,000 --> 00:25:52,370 The midwife had first been sent to the empress. 438 00:25:52,370 --> 00:25:53,470 And? 439 00:25:53,470 --> 00:25:54,854 It's still going on. 440 00:25:54,854 --> 00:25:57,354 (foot stomps) 441 00:25:59,316 --> 00:26:04,316 (Catherine groaning) (suspenseful music continues) 442 00:26:04,889 --> 00:26:07,370 (Catherine yelling) 443 00:26:07,370 --> 00:26:08,470 It's gone on too long. 444 00:26:09,632 --> 00:26:12,632 (Catherine yelling) 445 00:26:19,916 --> 00:26:22,916 (Catherine yelling) 446 00:26:27,918 --> 00:26:30,418 (baby crying) 447 00:26:35,447 --> 00:26:38,816 (baby shrieking) 448 00:26:38,816 --> 00:26:40,166 It was a boy. 449 00:26:41,640 --> 00:26:44,290 I only held him for a few seconds. 450 00:26:44,290 --> 00:26:47,370 Paul was taken straightaway to the empress's residence, 451 00:26:47,370 --> 00:26:48,770 where he would also grow up. 452 00:26:49,831 --> 00:26:52,664 (dramatic music) 453 00:26:54,010 --> 00:26:55,913 Others would determine his life. 454 00:26:56,770 --> 00:26:58,030 As for mine, 455 00:26:58,030 --> 00:27:00,903 I vowed then that only I would determine my life. 456 00:27:03,438 --> 00:27:06,855 (upbeat dramatic music) 457 00:27:08,840 --> 00:27:11,763 For Peter, Paul was unquestionably his son. 458 00:27:12,710 --> 00:27:15,363 As long as the successor to the throne was secured. 459 00:27:18,310 --> 00:27:20,460 I wonder who the boy actually looks like. 460 00:27:21,770 --> 00:27:22,643 Probably me. 461 00:27:23,490 --> 00:27:27,300 Hmm. Yes, but the eyes are clearly mine. 462 00:27:27,300 --> 00:27:29,280 There you go, dear husband, 463 00:27:29,280 --> 00:27:32,310 we are actually a happy little family. 464 00:27:32,310 --> 00:27:34,980 Hmm, that is quite true, 465 00:27:34,980 --> 00:27:37,885 especially if everyone can go their own way. 466 00:27:37,885 --> 00:27:39,683 (ominous music) 467 00:27:39,683 --> 00:27:42,263 And you have finally done your duty for the family. 468 00:27:43,730 --> 00:27:44,763 Is that a threat? 469 00:27:45,840 --> 00:27:49,803 Threat? I would never do that, Highness. 470 00:27:50,940 --> 00:27:54,613 All in good time, my dear Peter, all in good time. 471 00:27:55,510 --> 00:27:56,423 Sit straight, boy. 472 00:27:57,580 --> 00:27:59,210 I would rather play. 473 00:27:59,210 --> 00:28:02,850 (upbeat dramatic music) 474 00:28:02,850 --> 00:28:06,690 Then go. Peter was right. 475 00:28:06,690 --> 00:28:09,740 He and the court could treat me how they wanted. 476 00:28:09,740 --> 00:28:12,210 They had distanced the boy from me long ago. 477 00:28:12,210 --> 00:28:14,640 I might as well have never seen him. 478 00:28:14,640 --> 00:28:16,090 But I didn't really miss him. 479 00:28:20,236 --> 00:28:22,986 (balls cracking) 480 00:28:24,009 --> 00:28:26,340 (people clapping) 481 00:28:26,340 --> 00:28:27,173 It's your turn. 482 00:28:31,680 --> 00:28:33,860 Sergei was soon sent away abroad, 483 00:28:33,860 --> 00:28:35,723 and he moved on to the next affair. 484 00:28:37,917 --> 00:28:41,084 To the left! Forward, hut! 485 00:28:42,500 --> 00:28:44,750 But I had learnt my lesson. 486 00:28:44,750 --> 00:28:48,630 After that, it took a long time to give my heart again. 487 00:28:48,630 --> 00:28:50,140 Maria, who is that? 488 00:28:50,140 --> 00:28:52,204 But many received my favor. 489 00:28:52,204 --> 00:28:54,515 Present arms! 490 00:28:54,515 --> 00:28:57,348 (dramatic music) 491 00:28:59,566 --> 00:29:02,800 (balls clacking) 492 00:29:02,800 --> 00:29:03,850 You don't know him? 493 00:29:05,380 --> 00:29:08,670 That's Grigory Orlov with his brother. 494 00:29:08,670 --> 00:29:12,543 Orlov. Have him come to me. 495 00:29:12,543 --> 00:29:16,000 (balls cracking) 496 00:29:16,000 --> 00:29:20,230 Um, what shall I tell him is the purpose of his audience? 497 00:29:20,230 --> 00:29:21,943 I will tell him when I meet him. 498 00:29:22,800 --> 00:29:24,670 Grigory wasn't scared of anything. 499 00:29:24,670 --> 00:29:28,140 Not of an affair with me and with many others. 500 00:29:28,140 --> 00:29:31,720 And I decided that men can be used very sensibly. 501 00:29:31,720 --> 00:29:35,040 You only have to tell them where and how. 502 00:29:35,040 --> 00:29:37,373 My lords, let's continue. 503 00:29:38,850 --> 00:29:41,253 Who else would like me to show them how to play? 504 00:29:42,494 --> 00:29:45,380 (sultry music) 505 00:29:45,380 --> 00:29:49,460 Hey. Let me show you how it's done. (giggles) 506 00:29:49,460 --> 00:29:52,530 Grigory Orlov was a wonderful lover. 507 00:29:52,530 --> 00:29:55,163 And I now also knew precisely what I wanted. 508 00:30:04,510 --> 00:30:08,600 Erotic paintings, snuffboxes. 509 00:30:08,600 --> 00:30:10,843 It was a common practice all over the court. 510 00:30:11,860 --> 00:30:14,103 We had our toys, and we had our fun. 511 00:30:15,176 --> 00:30:18,531 (sultry music continues) 512 00:30:18,531 --> 00:30:22,190 (Catherine moans) 513 00:30:22,190 --> 00:30:24,773 Grigory wouldn't be the last man in my bed. 514 00:30:27,590 --> 00:30:29,313 I never made a secret of it. 515 00:30:29,313 --> 00:30:30,146 (whip slaps) 516 00:30:30,146 --> 00:30:32,700 Over the years I introduced 21 men officially 517 00:30:32,700 --> 00:30:36,143 as my favorites at court. (giggles) 518 00:30:36,990 --> 00:30:39,830 So many, that was fewer than the number 519 00:30:39,830 --> 00:30:41,690 of mistresses my male colleagues 520 00:30:41,690 --> 00:30:44,283 on European thrones wore out in one year. 521 00:30:46,870 --> 00:30:50,403 What is this prudishness? We are all only human. 522 00:30:52,000 --> 00:30:53,780 And I believe that none of my favorites 523 00:30:53,780 --> 00:30:55,293 had the time to regret me. 524 00:30:58,200 --> 00:31:01,190 Likewise, if I became weary of them, 525 00:31:01,190 --> 00:31:02,833 I compensated them royally. 526 00:31:03,907 --> 00:31:06,610 (whip slaps) (sultry music continues) 527 00:31:06,610 --> 00:31:07,760 They were all worth it. 528 00:31:12,171 --> 00:31:15,004 (dramatic music) 529 00:31:16,470 --> 00:31:17,810 Dear God. 530 00:31:17,810 --> 00:31:19,480 I had been at the emperor's court 531 00:31:19,480 --> 00:31:20,510 for 18 years. 532 00:31:20,510 --> 00:31:22,233 Take me to your (faintly speaking). 533 00:31:23,401 --> 00:31:25,523 (dramatic music continues) 534 00:31:25,523 --> 00:31:28,370 Empress Elisabeth kept getting ill several times, 535 00:31:28,370 --> 00:31:30,740 but then would recover each time. 536 00:31:30,740 --> 00:31:33,283 But now it seemed serious. 537 00:31:38,115 --> 00:31:40,710 (instruments clicking) 538 00:31:40,710 --> 00:31:43,210 (blood drips) 539 00:31:46,210 --> 00:31:47,310 It's nearly the end. 540 00:31:52,318 --> 00:31:57,318 (keys clinking) (dramatic music continues) 541 00:31:59,980 --> 00:32:01,920 It was a tense time. 542 00:32:01,920 --> 00:32:05,450 Everyone tried to gather as much information as possible 543 00:32:05,450 --> 00:32:07,260 in order to have the best position 544 00:32:07,260 --> 00:32:09,781 in the event of a change of government. 545 00:32:09,781 --> 00:32:11,947 (keys clinking) 546 00:32:11,947 --> 00:32:14,590 (lock clicking) 547 00:32:14,590 --> 00:32:16,130 The small boy, Ivan, 548 00:32:16,130 --> 00:32:18,830 who Elisabeth had once locked in the dungeon, 549 00:32:18,830 --> 00:32:20,820 had become a young man, 550 00:32:20,820 --> 00:32:25,045 who hadn't had a single day of freedom in 21 years. 551 00:32:25,045 --> 00:32:27,422 (dramatic music continues) 552 00:32:27,422 --> 00:32:32,422 Czar, Czar. (water drips) 553 00:32:35,590 --> 00:32:37,380 Does he know who he is? 554 00:32:37,380 --> 00:32:40,813 No. He only knows that word. 555 00:32:46,626 --> 00:32:49,709 (suspenseful music) 556 00:33:04,890 --> 00:33:06,390 Peter also kept up to date 557 00:33:06,390 --> 00:33:08,140 with Ivan's condition. 558 00:33:08,140 --> 00:33:10,270 Don't worry, there's no danger, he's mad. 559 00:33:10,270 --> 00:33:11,360 He prepared himself 560 00:33:11,360 --> 00:33:13,170 to finally assume the throne 561 00:33:13,170 --> 00:33:14,430 for which he had been summoned 562 00:33:14,430 --> 00:33:16,687 from Germany nearly two decades ago. 563 00:33:17,548 --> 00:33:21,130 (dramatic music) (bells ringing) 564 00:33:21,130 --> 00:33:23,760 Empress Elisabeth had become famous amongst the people 565 00:33:23,760 --> 00:33:25,110 for her piety. 566 00:33:25,110 --> 00:33:27,433 Rightly so because she sincerely believed. 567 00:33:29,486 --> 00:33:30,670 (Peter coughing) Peter could never 568 00:33:30,670 --> 00:33:33,693 really reconcile himself to the Orthodox beliefs. 569 00:33:35,040 --> 00:33:37,340 Therefore, spirituality was an important factor 570 00:33:37,340 --> 00:33:38,830 of power in Russia. 571 00:33:38,830 --> 00:33:40,723 I knew that it could not be ignored. 572 00:33:41,922 --> 00:33:44,589 (bells chiming) 573 00:33:46,210 --> 00:33:48,263 Did it play a role in what I thought? 574 00:33:49,130 --> 00:33:50,840 Peter made plans, 575 00:33:50,840 --> 00:33:52,610 but I would have been the last person 576 00:33:52,610 --> 00:33:53,803 he would have betrayed. 577 00:33:55,480 --> 00:33:58,040 Because who said that I would still be at his side 578 00:33:58,040 --> 00:34:00,398 if he ascended to the throne? 579 00:34:00,398 --> 00:34:03,731 (gentle dramatic music) 580 00:34:07,383 --> 00:34:12,228 (giggles) Fire! (laughs) 581 00:34:12,228 --> 00:34:14,100 (cannon fires) (Elisabeth gasps) 582 00:34:14,100 --> 00:34:15,600 He wants to see you. 583 00:34:15,600 --> 00:34:16,700 Who? 584 00:34:16,700 --> 00:34:19,850 The Grand Duke, Peter, your husband. 585 00:34:19,850 --> 00:34:23,423 I know who Peter is, Maria. But why does he want me? 586 00:34:24,290 --> 00:34:27,083 He's keeping up to date with young Ivan's condition. 587 00:34:28,130 --> 00:34:30,760 And he's been keeping a lady lover, 588 00:34:30,760 --> 00:34:32,390 an impossible person named- 589 00:34:32,390 --> 00:34:35,133 Elisabeth Vorontsova, I know. 590 00:34:36,250 --> 00:34:38,260 You mustn't believe that you are the only one 591 00:34:38,260 --> 00:34:39,963 who brings me news, my dear. 592 00:34:41,130 --> 00:34:42,483 I have learnt my lesson. 593 00:34:44,320 --> 00:34:46,370 She apparently loves his soldier's games. 594 00:34:47,209 --> 00:34:48,964 (Elisabeth giggles) (soldier thuds) 595 00:34:48,964 --> 00:34:51,631 (playful music) 596 00:35:02,570 --> 00:35:06,386 (Elisabeth laughing) 597 00:35:06,386 --> 00:35:09,800 (Peter laughing) 598 00:35:09,800 --> 00:35:12,763 Where is the blasted general? Come. 599 00:35:14,500 --> 00:35:16,067 You must see this. 600 00:35:16,067 --> 00:35:19,400 (gentle dramatic music) 601 00:35:22,467 --> 00:35:25,467 (Elisabeth giggles) 602 00:35:27,990 --> 00:35:29,553 You called me for this? 603 00:35:30,560 --> 00:35:32,290 But she was guilty. 604 00:35:32,290 --> 00:35:34,850 And according to military law deserved nothing less 605 00:35:34,850 --> 00:35:36,813 than the highest penalty. 606 00:35:36,813 --> 00:35:38,480 (gentle dramatic music continues) 607 00:35:38,480 --> 00:35:40,580 What did she do? Do? 608 00:35:40,580 --> 00:35:43,423 This here, she climbed the walls, and there. 609 00:35:46,240 --> 00:35:47,690 The situation is quite clear. 610 00:35:54,810 --> 00:35:57,480 The penalty is the same for all those who defy 611 00:35:57,480 --> 00:35:59,963 the future emperor's orders, I'm afraid. 612 00:36:01,020 --> 00:36:03,460 In Russia, there is only one who makes the orders, 613 00:36:03,460 --> 00:36:04,660 and that is the emperor. 614 00:36:05,516 --> 00:36:08,183 (ominous music) 615 00:36:10,534 --> 00:36:12,310 (Elisabeth giggling) 616 00:36:12,310 --> 00:36:13,220 Or the empress. 617 00:36:16,100 --> 00:36:18,514 (Elisabeth shrieks) (Peter chuckles) 618 00:36:18,514 --> 00:36:19,640 (mellow music) 619 00:36:19,640 --> 00:36:24,400 On Christmas, 1761, Empress Elisabeth died. 620 00:36:24,400 --> 00:36:26,610 I didn't really mourn her death. 621 00:36:26,610 --> 00:36:29,263 She controlled my life too much for my liking. 622 00:36:30,130 --> 00:36:32,370 But I had learnt a lot from her 623 00:36:32,370 --> 00:36:36,180 because she also showed me how far one can go as a woman, 624 00:36:36,180 --> 00:36:39,343 and that too much sentiment for a throne is dangerous. 625 00:36:40,930 --> 00:36:43,388 Long live Emperor Peter. 626 00:36:43,388 --> 00:36:46,888 (mellow music continues) 627 00:36:52,590 --> 00:36:54,020 My husband was now ruler 628 00:36:54,020 --> 00:36:56,450 of the biggest kingdom in Europe. 629 00:36:56,450 --> 00:36:59,306 With all of the power that this title brought with it. 630 00:36:59,306 --> 00:37:04,223 (fireworks popping) (bells ringing) 631 00:37:04,223 --> 00:37:07,056 (dramatic music) 632 00:37:08,770 --> 00:37:10,980 Peter made peace with Frederick the Great 633 00:37:10,980 --> 00:37:14,052 and ended the Seven-Year War with Prussia. 634 00:37:14,052 --> 00:37:18,840 (soldier clattering) (wind whooshing) 635 00:37:18,840 --> 00:37:20,650 He had big plans and approached it 636 00:37:20,650 --> 00:37:25,650 with a decisiveness that I would not have expected of him. 637 00:37:26,190 --> 00:37:28,000 It doesn't matter whether any Russian interests 638 00:37:28,000 --> 00:37:29,183 are in play in Denmark. 639 00:37:30,380 --> 00:37:32,003 This is about my interests. 640 00:37:36,650 --> 00:37:38,030 Stand down. 641 00:37:38,030 --> 00:37:39,820 (dramatic music) (boots clicking) 642 00:37:39,820 --> 00:37:42,403 And I stood in the way of these interests. 643 00:37:43,480 --> 00:37:46,333 If he sends me to a convent, I would be fortunate. 644 00:37:47,260 --> 00:37:48,253 Peter loathes me. 645 00:37:49,663 --> 00:37:52,363 Because he knows that he can't hold a candle to you. 646 00:37:53,204 --> 00:37:55,704 And what use is that if I have to take the veil? 647 00:37:56,840 --> 00:37:59,663 It's not certain that I will survive the next few weeks. 648 00:38:01,140 --> 00:38:04,840 Peter has bestowed the Order of Catherine on Vorontsova. 649 00:38:04,840 --> 00:38:07,020 What can that mean other than he wants to marry her 650 00:38:07,020 --> 00:38:07,963 and get rid of me? 651 00:38:11,570 --> 00:38:13,320 And what if you get ahead of him? 652 00:38:14,469 --> 00:38:17,136 (ominous music) 653 00:38:21,076 --> 00:38:24,330 (upbeat music) (water splashing) 654 00:38:24,330 --> 00:38:26,090 It was at the time of the White Nights, 655 00:38:26,090 --> 00:38:27,913 in the year of 1762. 656 00:38:28,830 --> 00:38:30,960 Peter had been in power for six months, 657 00:38:30,960 --> 00:38:32,860 and yet, he still hadn't been crowned. 658 00:38:35,600 --> 00:38:38,040 He didn't understand that the people revere the crown 659 00:38:38,040 --> 00:38:39,663 and not the one who wears it. 660 00:38:43,490 --> 00:38:45,793 His mistake was my chance. 661 00:38:47,820 --> 00:38:51,930 I had endured the Romanovs and their arrogance for 18 years, 662 00:38:51,930 --> 00:38:55,560 and now they wanted to discard me like a moth-eaten dress. 663 00:38:55,560 --> 00:38:57,112 It was time to act. 664 00:38:57,112 --> 00:39:00,226 (cat meows) 665 00:39:00,226 --> 00:39:01,840 (dramatic music) 666 00:39:01,840 --> 00:39:04,780 If I have learnt one thing in all of these years, 667 00:39:04,780 --> 00:39:06,350 it is that you need strong allies 668 00:39:06,350 --> 00:39:08,810 if you want to achieve something. 669 00:39:08,810 --> 00:39:11,360 Grigory Orlov and his brothers scoped the situation 670 00:39:11,360 --> 00:39:14,330 in the military for me. (coins clinking) 671 00:39:14,330 --> 00:39:16,430 (fist thuds) Remember where to take it. 672 00:39:17,280 --> 00:39:19,320 A bit of pressure here, 673 00:39:19,320 --> 00:39:21,770 a nice little sum there. (coins clinking) 674 00:39:21,770 --> 00:39:23,833 And the number of my followers grew. 675 00:39:27,400 --> 00:39:31,060 It is done. (bells ringing) 676 00:39:31,060 --> 00:39:32,780 The church expected me to protect it 677 00:39:32,780 --> 00:39:35,256 from threatened expropriation. 678 00:39:35,256 --> 00:39:38,210 (powerful music) 679 00:39:38,210 --> 00:39:39,800 What had I to lose? 680 00:39:39,800 --> 00:39:42,670 If I did nothing, I would be nothing. 681 00:39:42,670 --> 00:39:44,233 So instead, I acted. 682 00:39:51,355 --> 00:39:54,022 (door thudding) 683 00:40:00,300 --> 00:40:01,520 Now is the time. 684 00:40:01,520 --> 00:40:03,330 What, already? 685 00:40:03,330 --> 00:40:04,530 Now or never. 686 00:40:05,750 --> 00:40:07,250 You sound like your brother. 687 00:40:08,390 --> 00:40:10,743 Yes, and he has always been right. 688 00:40:12,090 --> 00:40:14,090 Maria, I want to get dressed. Quickly. 689 00:40:16,101 --> 00:40:18,851 (dramatic music) 690 00:40:23,166 --> 00:40:25,790 (Catherine sighs) 691 00:40:25,790 --> 00:40:30,790 My dear, I am about to ascend to the Russian throne. 692 00:40:30,890 --> 00:40:32,940 I would hardly do that in such an outfit. 693 00:40:34,970 --> 00:40:39,020 Get me, get me 694 00:40:39,020 --> 00:40:40,793 a Guards uniform. Now! 695 00:40:43,620 --> 00:40:45,350 (gentle music) (water splashes) 696 00:40:45,350 --> 00:40:49,430 Peter had moved back into his favorite Peterhof Palace 697 00:40:49,430 --> 00:40:52,360 and celebrated the Peter and Paul festival. 698 00:40:52,360 --> 00:40:53,870 He didn't have the slightest idea 699 00:40:53,870 --> 00:40:55,503 of what was brewing against him. 700 00:40:59,339 --> 00:41:03,256 (Peter and Elisabeth laughing) 701 00:41:05,196 --> 00:41:07,529 (cork pops) 702 00:41:09,180 --> 00:41:12,560 And now, my dear Elisabeth, the Prussian era 703 00:41:12,560 --> 00:41:13,393 is dawning. 704 00:41:16,178 --> 00:41:20,519 Hup! (both laughing) 705 00:41:20,519 --> 00:41:24,264 (powerful music) (hooves clomping) 706 00:41:24,264 --> 00:41:25,281 Move aside. 707 00:41:25,281 --> 00:41:29,586 Make way for the true empress. 708 00:41:29,586 --> 00:41:30,590 Make way! 709 00:41:30,590 --> 00:41:32,190 It was dawn when we arrived 710 00:41:32,190 --> 00:41:34,100 with the Izmaylovsky Regiment, 711 00:41:34,100 --> 00:41:36,093 in front of the Towers of Petersburg. 712 00:41:38,471 --> 00:41:40,343 Make way! 713 00:41:40,343 --> 00:41:43,176 (hooves clomping) 714 00:41:44,609 --> 00:41:47,424 (soldier marching) And halt! 715 00:41:47,424 --> 00:41:50,624 (hooves clomping) 716 00:41:50,624 --> 00:41:51,541 Soldiers! 717 00:41:54,170 --> 00:41:55,490 Now I had to succeed 718 00:41:55,490 --> 00:41:57,483 in getting the Guards on my side. 719 00:41:58,430 --> 00:42:01,557 I had never spoken in front of such a crowd before. 720 00:42:01,557 --> 00:42:04,320 (horse whinnies) 721 00:42:04,320 --> 00:42:06,500 The hour has come to protect our country 722 00:42:06,500 --> 00:42:08,033 from the greatest dangers. 723 00:42:09,150 --> 00:42:10,993 Our church is in danger. 724 00:42:12,010 --> 00:42:14,750 An unwelcome foreign belief comes to take the place 725 00:42:14,750 --> 00:42:16,920 of our old religion. 726 00:42:16,920 --> 00:42:20,150 Our honor is in danger. 727 00:42:20,150 --> 00:42:23,000 It has been trampled on by the conclusion 728 00:42:23,000 --> 00:42:24,160 of a peace agreement 729 00:42:24,160 --> 00:42:26,123 with our deadly enemy, Frederick II. 730 00:42:27,135 --> 00:42:28,106 (couple moaning) 731 00:42:28,106 --> 00:42:29,902 (couple giggling) 732 00:42:29,902 --> 00:42:32,229 What is it? What is it? 733 00:42:32,229 --> 00:42:33,490 What is it? 734 00:42:33,490 --> 00:42:37,160 (suspenseful music) 735 00:42:37,160 --> 00:42:40,460 The peace with Frederick, that is only the beginning. 736 00:42:40,460 --> 00:42:43,140 Our country risks being conquered, 737 00:42:43,140 --> 00:42:45,640 yes, and being sacrificed. 738 00:42:45,640 --> 00:42:46,473 I'll send armies 739 00:42:46,473 --> 00:42:50,080 to fight against Denmark, against Denmark. 740 00:42:50,080 --> 00:42:54,530 It is your bravery on which our country now depends, 741 00:42:54,530 --> 00:42:59,046 it is your loyalty on which my power depends. 742 00:42:59,046 --> 00:43:00,986 (Elisabeth giggling) 743 00:43:00,986 --> 00:43:04,010 (Peter chuckling) 744 00:43:04,010 --> 00:43:05,887 There is only one way. 745 00:43:05,887 --> 00:43:08,554 (both laughing) 746 00:43:12,900 --> 00:43:16,400 You, my dear, I will make. 747 00:43:16,400 --> 00:43:17,853 And this is my duty. 748 00:43:18,871 --> 00:43:22,960 (sighs) With the help of God and also the sincere desire 749 00:43:22,960 --> 00:43:26,620 of our loyal subjects to ascend the throne. 750 00:43:26,620 --> 00:43:31,123 I will make you the Empress Of Russia. 751 00:43:32,600 --> 00:43:36,082 As the absolute and the one true leader 752 00:43:36,082 --> 00:43:39,165 (Elisabeth giggling) 753 00:43:41,370 --> 00:43:42,263 of Russia. 754 00:43:43,624 --> 00:43:48,624 (soldiers chanting in Russian) (soldiers cheering) 755 00:43:55,787 --> 00:43:58,370 (somber music) 756 00:44:00,552 --> 00:44:03,040 But no one came to Peter's aid. 757 00:44:03,040 --> 00:44:05,390 No one came to give him advice or told him 758 00:44:05,390 --> 00:44:07,750 how he could avoid catastrophe. 759 00:44:07,750 --> 00:44:09,790 Those loyal to him left him when they heard 760 00:44:09,790 --> 00:44:11,833 of my appearance in Petersburg. 761 00:44:20,063 --> 00:44:22,896 (Catherine sighs) 762 00:44:25,718 --> 00:44:29,135 (somber music continues) 763 00:44:29,990 --> 00:44:33,003 In just one day, I had changed Russia's fate. 764 00:44:34,620 --> 00:44:36,540 I had really done it. 765 00:44:36,540 --> 00:44:39,310 I, Sophie von Anhalt-Zerbst, 766 00:44:39,310 --> 00:44:41,283 had defeated the great Romanovs. 767 00:44:44,533 --> 00:44:49,533 (somber music continues) (boots thudding) 768 00:44:52,130 --> 00:44:54,240 When Peter realized how things were, 769 00:44:54,240 --> 00:44:56,760 he was completely deflated. 770 00:44:56,760 --> 00:44:58,040 He wrote to me assuring me 771 00:44:58,040 --> 00:45:00,850 that he wouldn't do anything more against me. 772 00:45:00,850 --> 00:45:03,030 He just wanted to go back to Germany. 773 00:45:03,030 --> 00:45:05,660 You are hereby arrested in the name of the empress. 774 00:45:05,660 --> 00:45:07,880 Could he have been serious? 775 00:45:07,880 --> 00:45:10,883 Or was he trying to lull me into a false sense of security? 776 00:45:15,337 --> 00:45:18,170 (dramatic music) 777 00:45:25,770 --> 00:45:29,427 So, as long as Peter was alive, there was a threat to me. 778 00:45:29,427 --> 00:45:32,094 (ominous music) 779 00:45:38,407 --> 00:45:41,157 (metal clinking) 780 00:45:46,160 --> 00:45:49,333 A few days later, I received a letter from Alexei Orlov. 781 00:45:52,357 --> 00:45:54,540 "Empress, there has been a disaster, 782 00:45:54,540 --> 00:45:57,340 blows were exchanged with Duke Fyodor at the table. 783 00:45:57,340 --> 00:46:01,031 We weren't able to separate them, and thus he was no more." 784 00:46:01,031 --> 00:46:02,898 (suspenseful music) 785 00:46:02,898 --> 00:46:05,315 (head thuds) 786 00:46:06,150 --> 00:46:10,050 I never ordered Peter's death, honestly. 787 00:46:10,050 --> 00:46:12,985 But didn't I have to know that it had happened? 788 00:46:12,985 --> 00:46:15,000 (ominous music) 789 00:46:15,000 --> 00:46:18,117 Exactly as in the case of the deplorable Ivan, 790 00:46:18,117 --> 00:46:19,650 (exciting music) 791 00:46:19,650 --> 00:46:22,660 who was sadly killed when my opponents wanted 792 00:46:22,660 --> 00:46:24,103 to free him from his cell. 793 00:46:25,195 --> 00:46:27,945 (powerful music) 794 00:46:43,440 --> 00:46:46,274 I didn't ponder over these things for long. 795 00:46:46,274 --> 00:46:47,167 (crowd cheering) 796 00:46:47,167 --> 00:46:50,560 On the 23rd of September, 1762, 797 00:46:50,560 --> 00:46:53,470 I was crowned empress in Moscow. 798 00:46:53,470 --> 00:46:56,020 Many had expected that I would only rule vicariously 799 00:46:56,020 --> 00:46:56,913 through my son. 800 00:46:57,800 --> 00:47:01,220 But I would not play the role of court scenery any longer. 801 00:47:01,220 --> 00:47:03,830 No, it was my throne (people applauding) 802 00:47:03,830 --> 00:47:05,103 and it was my crown. 803 00:47:05,958 --> 00:47:08,625 (bells ringing) 804 00:47:10,390 --> 00:47:13,069 (dramatic music) 805 00:47:13,069 --> 00:47:14,960 I recorded my memory of everything 806 00:47:14,960 --> 00:47:17,510 that happened in my memoirs. 807 00:47:17,510 --> 00:47:20,873 Or perhaps it was how I wanted to have it remembered. 808 00:47:22,570 --> 00:47:24,463 I have learnt to act like a man. 809 00:47:25,440 --> 00:47:28,873 With one difference, I have done it better. 810 00:47:30,110 --> 00:47:31,410 Because I was a ruler 811 00:47:31,410 --> 00:47:34,450 such as Russia and Europe had never seen. 812 00:47:35,796 --> 00:47:38,546 (powerful music) 813 00:48:05,528 --> 00:48:09,111 (powerful music continues) 814 00:48:34,191 --> 00:48:37,858 (powerful music continues) 60149

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