Peter the Great (1986– )

This is the story of Peter I, Tsar of Russia from 1682, and the constant struggle between him, his sister Sophia and the Streltsy, an important Russian military corp. The story depicts the ... See full summary »

Stars:

Maximilian Schell, Vanessa Redgrave, Omar Sharif

Nominated for 3 Golden Globes. Another 5 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Maximilian Schell	...	Peter the Great

Storyline

This is the story of Peter I, Tsar of Russia from 1682, and the constant struggle between him, his sister Sophia and the Streltsy, an important Russian military corp. The story depicts the efforts of Peter in transforming Russia in an "all European" country, importing scientists, costumes, technology and military tactics.

---

Plot Keywords:

russia | costume | part documentary | russian history | torture | 

---

Genres:

Biography | Drama | History | War

---

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 February 1986 (USA)

Also Known As:

Peter der Große

Filming Locations:

Moscow, Russia

Company Credits

Production Co:

NBC Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

371 min 360 min (4 parts)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The original producer/director Lawrence Schiller was fired after NBC was informed the project was going over budget. It was only after he was replaced that it was revealed the budget information was based on accounting error and not a production problem. Then, the lead actor left in the middle of production to direct an opera and only returned several weeks later.

User Reviews

Peter the Great TV mini-series

I found this TV min-series to be absolutely superb. The acting by the international cast was excellent and the costumes seemed like they belonged to the time period. It is a great, sweeping story about one of the greatest monarchs of all time and this film does not disappoint. The filming in Russia I think made the movie all that much more convincing.

It may be subject to the criticism that it is not completely historically accurate, but then the point of the mini-series is to entertain with a delightful story and I think it is understood that some freedom to re-write the history is acceptable. The main outline is correct and the characters look and act the part well.

I do not make this rating lightly. I have it on a VHS tape I bought years ago and still watch it often. I highly recommend it. Find it on the Internet and buy it. That's my recommendation.