Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna (TV 1986)

Story of Anna Anderson, who claimed to be Anastasia Romanov, the only "surviving" child of the last Czar and Czarina of Russia.

Director:

Marvin J. Chomsky

Writers:

James Goldman, Peter Kurth (book)

Stars:

Amy Irving, Olivia de Havilland, Jan Niklas

Won 2 Golden Globes. Another 2 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Amy Irving	...	Anna Anderson
Olivia de Havilland	...	Dowager Empress Maria
Jan Niklas	...	Prince Erich
Nicolas Surovy	...	Serge Markov
Susan Lucci	...	Darya Romanoff
Elke Sommer	...	Isabel Von Hohenstauffen
Edward Fox	...	Dr. Hauser
Claire Bloom	...	Czarina Alexandra
Omar Sharif	...	Czar Nicholas II
Rex Harrison	...	Grand Duke Cyril Romanov
Jennifer Dundas	...	Anastasia
Christian Bale	...	Alexei
Andrea Bretterbauer	...	Sonya Markov
Sydney Bromley	...	Herbert
Arnold Diamond	...	Dr. Markov

Storyline

Story of Anna Anderson, who claimed to be Anastasia Romanov, the only "surviving" child of the last Czar and Czarina of Russia.

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Plot Keywords:

czar | russia | female protagonist | russian history | 1920s | 

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Taglines:

The Great Romantic Enigma of the Twentieth Century

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery

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Details

Country:

USA Austria Italy

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 December 1986 (USA)

Also Known As:

Anastasia

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Telecom Entertainment Inc., Consolidated Entertainment, Reteitalia

Technical Specs

Runtime:

200 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Amy Irving was so impressed with Christian Bale that she recommended him to her then-husband Steven Spielberg, who was casting the lead for his next project, Empire of the Sun. Spielberg gave Bale the lead role, and while the film received mixed reviews, Bale was universally praised.

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Goofs

At the end of the film, the narrator says "The trial began in August, 1939..." In reality, this trial began in 1938.

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Connections

Version of Anastasia (1956)

User Reviews

Superb telling of the legendary story with excellent cast...

This is a richly produced, atmospheric telling of the Anastasia legend set against the time of the Russian revolution. It has the look of an authentic, handsome movie of the kind made during the golden age of Hollywood. In the title role, Amy Irving gives what is probably one of the finest performances of her career. Others around her are equally impressive: Rex Harrison, Olivia de Havilland, Claire Bloom, Omar Shariff, Jan Niklas and Susan Lucci.

The epic story begins with the start of the revolution and the exile of the family of Nicolas and Alexandra. After fleeing execution, the story follows Anastasia's years of struggle to regain her royal heritage--and the opposition of forces around her who call her an imposter.

Winner of two Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards and much acclaim from critics and public upon its video showing in 1986. Well worth viewing.