The Scarlet Empress (1934)
Erville Alderson: Chancelor Alexei Bestuchef
Quotes
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Count Alexei : How is Her Majesty?
Chancelor Alexei Bestuchef : The last few days she's turned sour, like milk that's been standing too long.
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Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : This is the Order of Saint Catherine. May you both wear it in good health, and be careful it doesn't scratch you.
[to Count Alexei]
Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : Don't stand around here doing nothing. Pin this on Catherine.
[to Princess Johanna]
Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : Get up.
[to the Chancellor]
Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : What do you think of Catherine?
Chancelor Alexei Bestuchef : I can only admire your judgment, Your Imperial Majesty.
Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : That's the chancellor. Steals more money from me in a week than I can collect in taxes in a year. Doctor, come here! What do you think of my taste in women, Doctor? Looks healthy, doesn't she? Just what we need to breed sons for Russia.
Count Lestoq : With your permission, Your Highness.
[He raises Catherine's arms and puts his ear to her chest]
Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : How was the journey, comfortable?
Princess Sophia Frederica : Yes, Your Majesty.
Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : Are you happy to be here?
Princess Sophia Frederica : Yes, Your Majesty.
Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : Are you going to love your new country?
Princess Sophia Frederica : Yes, Your Majesty.
Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : Do you promise to be a loyal subject?
Princess Sophia Frederica : Yes, Your Majesty.
Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : And don't make too many new friends, and no intrigue and gossip. I have my hands full now.
Count Lestoq : [He emerges from beneath Catherine's cape without his wig] Perfect, Your Imperial Majesty. She will give us no trouble.
[Catherine hands him his wig]
Count Lestoq : Your Highness.
Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : Someday I'll have every doctor thrown out of the country. And now, Catherine, before you go to your rooms, is there any wish I can grant you?
Princess Sophia Frederica : I would like to see the grand duke.
Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : [Grand Duke Peter enters with his entourage] That's a fine way to receive your bride. I suppose you had more important things to do. I told you to be here on time. Now go on! Kiss each other!
[He kisses Catherine]
Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : Now remember, Catherine, the first child must be a boy. That's why we had you brought here - to provide Russia with an heir to the throne. A fine, bouncing, healthy heir. You understand me, Catherine?
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Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : What's this, Alexei? Sending notes to the grand duchess? Do you want me to send you into exile? Or shall I tell the grand duchess that you're a notorious heartbreaker, and have broken every woman's heart in this court, including mine?
Count Alexei : You're very flattering tonight, Your Imperial Majesty, but the note contains nothing of importance.
Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : Then suppose you read it.
Count Alexei : We are all very much disturbed by your conduct and wish you would change your behavior so that Her Gracious Majesty might forgive you.
Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : Who else can read here? You read it, Catherine. I know you can read because my reports say you foolishly spend your time in bed reading books!
Princess Sophia Frederica : "We are all very much upset at, uh... at... and hope you will behave better, so that you may be forgiven by the empress."
Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : Send for the chancellor.
[In an adjoining room, Grand Duke Peter, assisted by Countess Elizabeth Varonsoff, starts to drill a hole in the wall]
Chancelor Alexei Bestuchef : Your Imperial Majesty?
Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : Read this for me.
Chancelor Alexei Bestuchef : "You must help me to see you alone again. You are being watched so closely that all my efforts to meet you for a few precious seconds are in vain."
Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : So, you're up to your old tricks again. And right under my nose too. Well, forget about her. She's reserved for my nephew and being taught how to earn his love first before wasting her favors on others.
[to the chancellor]
Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : Go on back to your dinner, it's the first time you've been of use to me in a year.
[to Catherine]
Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : And as for you, look after my friends and see that they're fed well. Did you hear what I said?
[the men at the table stand]
Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : Sit down, you fools, or I'll send you to Siberia. She may be a grand duchess to the rest of the world, but in here she's being taught how to be a Russian wife!
[Grand Duke Peter and Countess Elizabeth Varonsoff watch through the hole as Catherine doles out soup]