1 00:00:49,000 --> 00:00:53,000 *CREDITS* 2 00:01:16,960 --> 00:01:18,760 The river trip was a great success. 3 00:01:19,760 --> 00:01:24,240 She saw what I had done in Crimea and she...wept. 4 00:01:25,280 --> 00:01:26,280 In awe. 5 00:01:26,360 --> 00:01:28,800 And did you tell her you are fucking half its population ? 6 00:01:28,880 --> 00:01:31,200 Believe nothing of what you hear about me. 7 00:01:31,640 --> 00:01:33,560 I only sleep with women I like. 8 00:01:34,280 --> 00:01:37,200 Mind you, they are a very likeable bunch in the Crimea. 9 00:01:37,280 --> 00:01:38,920 Oh my God ! 10 00:01:42,080 --> 00:01:43,280 Oh, yes ! The Countess Bruce, 11 00:01:43,360 --> 00:01:47,280 may I introduce my adjutant Valerian Zubov. 12 00:01:48,080 --> 00:01:50,120 And his brother Platon. 13 00:01:54,040 --> 00:01:57,280 - Where have they been keeping you ? - Minsk. 14 00:01:57,960 --> 00:02:00,200 Come. I'd like you to meet the Empress. 15 00:02:00,600 --> 00:02:02,600 Story of my life. 16 00:02:03,680 --> 00:02:05,040 Pleasure. 17 00:02:07,720 --> 00:02:08,800 Your Majesty ! 18 00:02:09,960 --> 00:02:12,840 May I introduce Platon Zubov. 19 00:02:13,800 --> 00:02:17,520 Your brother has done us good service. Welcome to court. 20 00:02:17,600 --> 00:02:19,640 It is a great honour to meet Your Majesty. 21 00:02:19,720 --> 00:02:21,320 And what brings you here ? 22 00:02:22,120 --> 00:02:25,280 Are you interested in politics ? 23 00:02:25,920 --> 00:02:29,160 The situation in France. Do you find that disturbing ? 24 00:02:30,200 --> 00:02:34,120 I am afraid I have absolutely no understanding of politics Your Majesty. 25 00:02:36,640 --> 00:02:38,920 Well thank God for that. 26 00:02:39,560 --> 00:02:42,440 Anyone who says they understand politics is an idiot. 27 00:02:54,080 --> 00:02:56,120 The Turks have locked our ambassador to Istanbul 28 00:02:56,200 --> 00:02:57,840 in the Fort of the Seven Towers. 29 00:02:57,920 --> 00:02:59,440 It is a curious way of declaring war. 30 00:02:59,465 --> 00:03:01,104 It's the way always do it my friend. 31 00:03:01,160 --> 00:03:04,160 I don't care how the fucking Turks declare war. 32 00:03:04,240 --> 00:03:06,080 I don't care if they dance round in a circle 33 00:03:06,160 --> 00:03:09,240 and wave their baggy trousers over their collective heads. 34 00:03:09,320 --> 00:03:11,440 Do you wish me to organise a declaration of war, Your Majesty ? 35 00:03:11,520 --> 00:03:14,000 - I do indeed. - How do you want us to declare war ? 36 00:03:14,080 --> 00:03:15,520 In a very loud voice. 37 00:03:15,600 --> 00:03:18,280 - And ring some bells. Now ! - Yes, Your Majesty. 38 00:03:18,360 --> 00:03:21,640 And you had better recall Alexei Orlov to court. 39 00:03:22,280 --> 00:03:24,760 - Matushka, no ! - You need help. 40 00:03:26,440 --> 00:03:28,440 Matushka, please ! 41 00:03:28,520 --> 00:03:31,760 Why do people who declare war think they are going to win ? 42 00:03:31,840 --> 00:03:34,000 Wouldn't they be better off not announcing 43 00:03:34,080 --> 00:03:36,280 who they are going to try and kill ? 44 00:03:36,360 --> 00:03:37,560 Orlov ? 45 00:03:37,640 --> 00:03:40,120 I need help from Orlov ? Is that why you're recalling Orlov from court ? 46 00:03:40,200 --> 00:03:43,080 You can't do this on your own. You're getting old. You're ill. 47 00:03:43,160 --> 00:03:46,520 Nonsense. I'm fine. I am perfectly fine. 48 00:03:46,600 --> 00:03:48,920 Why do you want to run this war anyway ? 49 00:03:49,000 --> 00:03:51,480 - You love killing people ? - Come on. You know it's not that. 50 00:03:51,560 --> 00:03:53,760 I never said that I wanted this war in the first place. 51 00:03:53,840 --> 00:03:55,560 What is it then ? Glory ? 52 00:03:56,000 --> 00:03:59,760 I would like to remind you that you owe all of your advancement to me. 53 00:03:59,840 --> 00:04:02,760 You owe all of your money, all of your palaces 54 00:04:02,840 --> 00:04:05,200 and all of your military power to me. 55 00:04:05,280 --> 00:04:07,760 I own you. Don't forget that. 56 00:04:07,840 --> 00:04:13,000 Please, Matuskha. All I'm saying is that we don't need Orlov. 57 00:04:13,080 --> 00:04:15,920 That is all I'm saying. Jesus fucking Christ ! 58 00:04:18,640 --> 00:04:21,080 I don't like reminding you of your place. 59 00:04:21,160 --> 00:04:23,760 But sometimes I have to. You know that. 60 00:04:24,120 --> 00:04:28,440 And I know that I have built a huge empire of my own. 61 00:04:31,080 --> 00:04:35,280 I wanted you to see it, Matushka, because I did it for you. 62 00:04:38,160 --> 00:04:40,880 For Russia. I am loyal. 63 00:04:41,560 --> 00:04:43,120 I am utterly loyal. 64 00:04:44,840 --> 00:04:45,840 I know that. 65 00:04:50,160 --> 00:04:52,040 But you do need help. 66 00:04:52,520 --> 00:04:55,800 - And what do you need ? - Probably a good fuck. 67 00:05:49,360 --> 00:05:52,320 What the hell are your German soldiers doing here ? 68 00:05:52,400 --> 00:05:56,120 They are expressly forbidden to approach this palace. You know that. 69 00:05:56,200 --> 00:05:59,080 I have come to offer my four battalions, Mother. 70 00:05:59,520 --> 00:06:04,080 Over a thousand men. For the war. I want to do something. 71 00:06:04,160 --> 00:06:07,440 Staying at home with your wife is the best thing you can do. 72 00:06:07,520 --> 00:06:10,240 Russian soldiers may not have the shiniest boots in the world. 73 00:06:10,320 --> 00:06:13,027 But they have courage. They have the desperate 74 00:06:13,052 --> 00:06:15,904 courage of the decent poor. 75 00:06:16,280 --> 00:06:17,720 Something you will never understand. 76 00:06:17,800 --> 00:06:20,011 Because you have had nothing but a life 77 00:06:20,036 --> 00:06:22,024 of privilege and false entitlement. 78 00:06:22,360 --> 00:06:25,840 Now put your toy soldiers back in their box. 79 00:06:26,280 --> 00:06:28,120 Order them out of here. Now. 80 00:06:29,600 --> 00:06:31,880 Shoulder arms ! 81 00:06:34,080 --> 00:06:36,480 About face ! 82 00:06:41,160 --> 00:06:43,640 Forward march ! 83 00:06:49,320 --> 00:06:53,000 Her Majesty has given me command of both army and the navy. 84 00:06:53,400 --> 00:06:55,597 My good friend Count Rumiantsev 85 00:06:55,622 --> 00:06:58,384 has been put in to share the command 86 00:06:59,560 --> 00:07:02,960 because Her Majesty thinks that I am getting too big for my boots. 87 00:07:03,040 --> 00:07:05,000 No, no... 88 00:07:05,760 --> 00:07:08,640 She is right. I am getting much too big for my boots. 89 00:07:08,720 --> 00:07:10,720 Bring me bigger fucking boots ! 90 00:07:15,520 --> 00:07:16,640 What ? 91 00:07:21,000 --> 00:07:22,691 This is the uniform I wore when 92 00:07:22,716 --> 00:07:24,624 I took the throne many years ago. 93 00:07:25,480 --> 00:07:27,825 The security of everyone in this room 94 00:07:27,850 --> 00:07:29,824 depends on my hanging on to it. 95 00:07:31,600 --> 00:07:32,720 Everyone. 96 00:07:35,080 --> 00:07:36,840 Now, I like peace. 97 00:07:37,400 --> 00:07:40,680 But I do not dislike the great events of war. 98 00:07:42,840 --> 00:07:48,960 As you know, this is Ochakov. The Turks' major fort on the Black Sea. 99 00:07:49,040 --> 00:07:53,800 They say it can't be taken. I want you to disprove that notion. 100 00:07:55,840 --> 00:07:58,640 Count Orlov, I'm glad you could join us. 101 00:07:59,120 --> 00:08:02,440 I have offered my services to Her Majesty in this war. 102 00:08:02,520 --> 00:08:05,920 Our navy has served her well in the Black Sea. 103 00:08:06,000 --> 00:08:08,200 Your Majesty, we will do our best. 104 00:08:08,880 --> 00:08:10,640 Please, pass me my boot. 105 00:08:12,000 --> 00:08:14,880 But we will do it slowly. 106 00:08:14,960 --> 00:08:17,520 We will not enter this war to squander Russian lives easily. 107 00:08:17,600 --> 00:08:19,920 No. You're going into it to cut short Turkish lives. 108 00:08:20,000 --> 00:08:21,480 As many of them as possible. 109 00:08:21,560 --> 00:08:25,720 We will take Ochakov, we will. But we will need to lay siege to it. 110 00:08:25,800 --> 00:08:27,480 It will take some time. 111 00:08:27,560 --> 00:08:31,360 So, I am more than happy for Count Orlov to serve. 112 00:08:32,440 --> 00:08:35,640 - Under my command. - Under your command ? 113 00:08:35,720 --> 00:08:38,800 You heard me, if you have a problem with that, there is the door. 114 00:08:39,320 --> 00:08:43,200 Your Majesty, is he asking for my resignation ? 115 00:08:44,200 --> 00:08:48,240 I think he is. If you won't serve under him. 116 00:08:48,840 --> 00:08:51,160 And are you going to allow that to happen ? 117 00:08:53,840 --> 00:08:55,800 He is the Commander in Chief. 118 00:08:55,880 --> 00:08:58,240 But I am sure you can do us great service. 119 00:08:59,840 --> 00:09:01,200 Your Majesty. 120 00:09:06,200 --> 00:09:09,400 I wanted to go to war with my brother and Prince Potemkin. 121 00:09:10,360 --> 00:09:13,880 My brother said no. He's always looked after me. 122 00:09:14,360 --> 00:09:15,600 Almost too much. 123 00:09:17,520 --> 00:09:19,600 My dream would be to serve under Prince Potemkin. 124 00:09:19,680 --> 00:09:22,040 He can't have everything for himself. 125 00:09:24,200 --> 00:09:28,080 Shouldn't he have charge of all of it ? Army... Navy... 126 00:09:28,160 --> 00:09:30,040 Why not the Civil Service ? 127 00:09:30,120 --> 00:09:33,960 They don't do anything, do they ? You work too hard... 128 00:09:36,280 --> 00:09:39,600 - You don't want an old woman like me. - Don't say that. 129 00:09:41,360 --> 00:09:43,520 How did you get on with your mother ? 130 00:09:44,200 --> 00:09:45,400 I loved her. 131 00:09:46,760 --> 00:09:49,280 But that has nothing to do with... 132 00:09:49,360 --> 00:09:52,000 - With what ? - With you. 133 00:09:52,720 --> 00:09:57,240 I'm never conscious of your age. You just... are. 134 00:09:57,960 --> 00:10:01,800 And you're always occupied. Always at the centre of things. 135 00:10:02,880 --> 00:10:03,880 You're young. 136 00:10:06,120 --> 00:10:07,560 You always will be. 137 00:10:08,400 --> 00:10:09,800 End of story. 138 00:10:26,520 --> 00:10:29,400 This is all completely new to me. 139 00:10:35,680 --> 00:10:38,480 You are so kind Masha...thank you. 140 00:10:38,560 --> 00:10:42,040 He will love staying with you, I am sure. Won't you Sashenka ? 141 00:10:42,120 --> 00:10:43,320 Yes. Of course I will. 142 00:10:43,760 --> 00:10:47,840 I know how much he loves coming here. And I try to encourage him in that. 143 00:10:47,920 --> 00:10:50,120 - Because... - Because... 144 00:10:50,480 --> 00:10:53,840 - He has doubts about staying with me ? - No, no ! 145 00:10:54,520 --> 00:10:57,840 You know how children are. They need their mothers. 146 00:10:58,880 --> 00:11:00,160 Yes, of course. 147 00:11:01,040 --> 00:11:02,560 Off you go ! 148 00:11:04,840 --> 00:11:06,840 So, how is Paul ? 149 00:11:08,520 --> 00:11:12,960 I hear he is a little too interested in one of your maids of honour. 150 00:11:14,720 --> 00:11:16,440 Katerina Nelidova. 151 00:11:18,480 --> 00:11:21,080 Tell your husband to be very careful. 152 00:11:22,760 --> 00:11:23,920 I like you, Maria. 153 00:11:24,880 --> 00:11:26,000 But he... 154 00:11:26,600 --> 00:11:32,000 He must show himself capable and worthy of ruling this country. 155 00:11:42,520 --> 00:11:45,200 Sashenka, wave goodbye to Mama. 156 00:11:45,520 --> 00:11:47,160 Goodbye, Mother ! 157 00:11:53,480 --> 00:11:58,000 So, Sashenka, my little Prince. I want you to sign a document for me. 158 00:11:58,080 --> 00:11:59,080 Okay. 159 00:12:08,960 --> 00:12:11,280 What exactly was it that I signed, Granny ? 160 00:12:11,360 --> 00:12:15,920 Well, it's a letter of intent. Why don't you read that little bit to me ? 161 00:12:16,960 --> 00:12:21,360 "I. Alexander, acknowledge my father is not fit to rule" 162 00:12:22,080 --> 00:12:25,600 "and that I will take the throne when the Empress Catherine dies..." 163 00:12:25,680 --> 00:12:28,120 Good, good. 164 00:12:31,360 --> 00:12:32,360 Now... 165 00:12:35,360 --> 00:12:37,960 This is going to be our little secret, alright ? 166 00:12:38,040 --> 00:12:40,360 You're not to tell anybody about this. 167 00:12:40,440 --> 00:12:41,880 No Granny. I promise. 168 00:12:43,640 --> 00:12:45,000 Good. 169 00:12:46,120 --> 00:12:48,240 We'll get him back, sooner or later. 170 00:12:48,320 --> 00:12:50,080 No, she has stolen him. 171 00:12:50,160 --> 00:12:53,880 While she honeys and makes love over that nasty sty... 172 00:12:53,960 --> 00:12:56,960 She dotes on our son. That is good for us, Paul. 173 00:12:59,960 --> 00:13:03,080 - What are we going to do about her ? - You have to hold your nerve. 174 00:13:05,680 --> 00:13:07,320 Never look as if it is getting to you. 175 00:13:08,280 --> 00:13:11,040 The closer you are to her, the better for us. 176 00:13:12,520 --> 00:13:14,120 She isn't getting any younger. 177 00:13:19,480 --> 00:13:21,440 My mother is poisoning the boy against me. 178 00:13:21,520 --> 00:13:24,760 That is her general tactic in politics. Divide and rule. 179 00:13:25,840 --> 00:13:27,400 But I am genuinely concerned 180 00:13:27,480 --> 00:13:30,040 that she may be no longer quite capable 181 00:13:30,065 --> 00:13:32,304 of properly sustaining government. 182 00:13:32,640 --> 00:13:35,880 And I am not being disloyal, Maria Feodorovna. 183 00:13:35,960 --> 00:13:38,800 He has genuine concerns. Mother is in thrall to Potemkin. 184 00:13:38,880 --> 00:13:40,320 She's given him everything. 185 00:13:40,400 --> 00:13:42,640 He's running Ochakov exactly how he wants to. 186 00:13:42,720 --> 00:13:44,440 He's completely out of control. 187 00:13:44,520 --> 00:13:47,520 He will destroy her, unless we destroy him. 188 00:13:47,600 --> 00:13:49,360 When we think we have it all, 189 00:13:49,440 --> 00:13:51,760 that's when we lose everything, Your Excellency. 190 00:13:51,840 --> 00:13:54,320 I am not going to be made of no account. 191 00:13:54,400 --> 00:13:56,200 I am not going to sit in the corner 192 00:13:56,280 --> 00:13:58,760 while my mother struts around the stage. 193 00:13:58,840 --> 00:14:00,520 All my mother listens to are flatterers. 194 00:14:00,600 --> 00:14:03,280 Oh yes Your Excellency. You are absolutely right. 195 00:14:03,840 --> 00:14:07,520 Which is why I have asked young Zubov here today, sir. 196 00:14:08,160 --> 00:14:09,960 I know how upsetting you find 197 00:14:10,040 --> 00:14:13,760 the arrival of these... young men in your mother's life. 198 00:14:14,600 --> 00:14:17,680 But you think we can use this one, do you ? How ? 199 00:14:17,760 --> 00:14:20,280 To make a final break between her and Potemkin. 200 00:14:20,360 --> 00:14:23,160 We don't have to do very much at all. 201 00:14:24,000 --> 00:14:26,517 Come up, Zubov ! We are just discussing 202 00:14:26,542 --> 00:14:28,744 Potemkin's campaign in the Crimea. 203 00:15:04,360 --> 00:15:06,160 Who are you writing to ? 204 00:15:07,720 --> 00:15:09,280 Prince Potemkin. 205 00:15:11,280 --> 00:15:13,160 He won't do as he's told. 206 00:15:13,240 --> 00:15:16,160 - I always do what I'm told. - I know you do. 207 00:15:16,760 --> 00:15:18,840 It is a very attractive quality. 208 00:15:20,040 --> 00:15:22,880 But one not often found in generals, I fear. 209 00:15:29,760 --> 00:15:31,960 I heard someone say that he... 210 00:15:32,920 --> 00:15:35,200 That he... what ? 211 00:15:39,240 --> 00:15:41,360 I can't even remember who it was. It's not worth repeating. 212 00:15:41,440 --> 00:15:42,760 No, no, what ? 213 00:15:47,040 --> 00:15:49,280 Some people are saying he's lost his nerve. 214 00:15:53,160 --> 00:15:55,320 He's frightened to attack Ochakov. 215 00:15:56,640 --> 00:15:59,360 It's because all he thinks about is power and money. 216 00:16:02,720 --> 00:16:03,720 And girls. 217 00:16:09,680 --> 00:16:13,000 And he wants my job. Do they say that ? 218 00:16:16,920 --> 00:16:19,160 They say all sorts of dreadful things. 219 00:16:25,920 --> 00:16:27,880 And I wanted to say "How dare you ?" 220 00:16:29,280 --> 00:16:30,400 You know ? 221 00:16:33,080 --> 00:16:35,160 How dare you ? What have you done ?" 222 00:16:37,640 --> 00:16:38,640 But I didn't. 223 00:16:44,440 --> 00:16:45,800 Because I... 224 00:16:46,680 --> 00:16:49,760 really am a very unimportant person. 225 00:16:52,120 --> 00:16:54,080 You are not unimportant to me. 226 00:17:12,760 --> 00:17:14,480 So, when do we go in ? 227 00:17:14,560 --> 00:17:16,920 Not yet. We wait. 228 00:17:17,280 --> 00:17:19,760 What, bore them into surrendering. Is that the idea ? 229 00:17:19,840 --> 00:17:21,920 I don't like losing men, General. 230 00:17:22,360 --> 00:17:24,000 I know you are a compassionate man 231 00:17:24,080 --> 00:17:26,840 and I respect your desire not to waste lives, 232 00:17:26,920 --> 00:17:30,800 but Ochakov is not Troy. We do not have ten years. 233 00:17:30,880 --> 00:17:33,720 The fact is, she's had enough. She expects you to attack. 234 00:17:33,800 --> 00:17:36,000 Did she tell you to say that to me ? 235 00:17:36,760 --> 00:17:40,160 If she's got something to say she can say it herself. Is she a general ? 236 00:17:40,240 --> 00:17:42,480 - Who is in charge here ? - She is. 237 00:17:42,560 --> 00:17:45,040 Chain of command. Obey orders. Kill the bastards. Perfectly simple. 238 00:17:45,120 --> 00:17:48,680 We wait. O.K ? We wait ! We starve them into surrender. 239 00:17:53,360 --> 00:17:55,280 What's the matter, my old friend ? 240 00:17:57,040 --> 00:17:59,040 We wait. O.K ? 241 00:18:01,640 --> 00:18:02,840 Show them out. 242 00:18:05,840 --> 00:18:07,200 After you, Sir. 243 00:18:10,960 --> 00:18:14,080 Because he has such lovely black hair, 244 00:18:14,160 --> 00:18:17,600 we girls call him "Blackie." 245 00:18:19,800 --> 00:18:22,520 Colonel Zubov is a very handsome young man. 246 00:18:25,760 --> 00:18:28,600 At one point in my life I thought I was going to be handsome. 247 00:18:28,680 --> 00:18:30,880 But it turned out not to be the case. 248 00:18:33,880 --> 00:18:36,040 What's he like this Zubov ? 249 00:18:37,160 --> 00:18:38,280 People say he's nice, 250 00:18:38,360 --> 00:18:41,480 but some people say he's a scheming little bastard don't they ? 251 00:18:42,040 --> 00:18:43,920 Have you formulated a view ? 252 00:18:46,280 --> 00:18:48,280 Madam, I am in the Civil Service. 253 00:18:49,640 --> 00:18:51,160 Give me time. 254 00:18:53,120 --> 00:18:57,120 I say he is a scheming little bastard and will ruin us all. 255 00:18:57,840 --> 00:19:01,840 I... am a great admirer of Potemkin. 256 00:19:02,200 --> 00:19:05,000 He is away risking his life for all of us. 257 00:19:05,880 --> 00:19:10,240 I don't want Blackie to wreck things between Madam and Potemkin because... 258 00:19:10,320 --> 00:19:11,480 Because ? 259 00:19:17,440 --> 00:19:19,200 You really love each other. 260 00:19:20,240 --> 00:19:22,160 You were the most beautiful couple. 261 00:19:22,240 --> 00:19:25,520 Really. I have never seen love like it, Your Majesty. 262 00:19:27,480 --> 00:19:31,440 Blackie, this is the Countess Bruce. She is just leaving. 263 00:19:33,680 --> 00:19:34,960 Your Majesty. 264 00:19:39,800 --> 00:19:41,960 More letters from her. All urging me to attack. 265 00:19:43,160 --> 00:19:46,840 Well, seeing as no-one gives a fuck whether we live or die...Let's attack ! 266 00:19:47,320 --> 00:19:48,320 God help us ! 267 00:19:50,000 --> 00:19:51,720 Gentlemen. Let's attack ! 268 00:19:52,080 --> 00:19:53,480 We attack. Now ! 269 00:19:53,560 --> 00:19:57,600 In line. Now or never. Move ! For Russia ! 270 00:19:57,680 --> 00:19:59,560 We go for the Stamboul gate. 271 00:20:00,560 --> 00:20:02,880 Gentlemen, there will be no retreat. 272 00:20:03,400 --> 00:20:08,160 The guns will breach the wall and we shall take the town. 273 00:21:03,480 --> 00:21:04,880 The town's taken ! 274 00:21:05,960 --> 00:21:08,400 Ochakov is ours ! 275 00:21:50,840 --> 00:21:54,280 We need to get Her Majesty down here. Catherine. Catherine ! Your Majesty - 276 00:22:05,400 --> 00:22:07,680 Silence for your Empress ! 277 00:22:08,360 --> 00:22:12,120 Russia is no longer crawling to Europe. 278 00:22:12,200 --> 00:22:14,240 We are a great nation 279 00:22:14,320 --> 00:22:18,640 and the world has been forced to recognise that fact. 280 00:22:20,560 --> 00:22:24,320 We have an empire now, a Russian empire. Free from Europe. 281 00:22:24,400 --> 00:22:27,120 And we fight like no-one else ! 282 00:22:27,200 --> 00:22:29,320 Silence for your Empress ! 283 00:22:29,400 --> 00:22:33,880 Russia has taken her place among the great nations 284 00:22:35,480 --> 00:22:38,920 and it is a position we will never give up ! 285 00:22:40,440 --> 00:22:45,320 Potemkin ! 286 00:22:45,720 --> 00:22:49,320 Potemkin ! 287 00:22:49,840 --> 00:22:55,000 Potemkin ! 288 00:23:01,200 --> 00:23:06,480 I can't tell you what a privilege it is to be here with you, Prince Potemkin. 289 00:23:07,120 --> 00:23:09,960 Well it's certainly a lot safer than Ochakov. 290 00:23:11,760 --> 00:23:12,960 Just. 291 00:23:19,720 --> 00:23:21,616 The German and the English ambassadors 292 00:23:21,641 --> 00:23:23,584 requested an audience with the council. 293 00:23:25,600 --> 00:23:27,640 We must assume it is serious. 294 00:23:29,720 --> 00:23:31,240 Bring them in. 295 00:23:46,200 --> 00:23:47,400 Eure Majestät, 296 00:23:48,440 --> 00:23:51,720 wir haben eine ernste Ankündigungzumachen... 297 00:23:52,320 --> 00:23:54,200 Any language but German ! 298 00:23:55,720 --> 00:23:56,840 Your Majesty... 299 00:23:57,520 --> 00:24:01,080 we apologise for interrupting the business of the council. 300 00:24:01,720 --> 00:24:04,760 But we have a very serious announcement to make. 301 00:24:06,040 --> 00:24:12,000 Unless the Russian government return the fortress of Ochakov to the Turks, 302 00:24:12,800 --> 00:24:18,440 both England and Germany will declare war on you. 303 00:24:18,520 --> 00:24:19,960 What ?! 304 00:24:20,040 --> 00:24:22,800 I think we should discuss this in the other room, privately. 305 00:24:22,880 --> 00:24:24,480 Do you indeed... 306 00:24:24,560 --> 00:24:28,360 If you think for one moment I will go crawling to Germany then you.. 307 00:24:28,440 --> 00:24:31,320 With respect Your Majesty, what Prince Potemkin is trying to say... 308 00:24:31,400 --> 00:24:35,800 Your Majesty, we must have a response by tomorrow morning. 309 00:24:35,880 --> 00:24:37,760 - And you will have one... - No ! 310 00:24:37,840 --> 00:24:39,960 ... when we have taken the time to consider our response. 311 00:24:40,040 --> 00:24:42,440 - I will not be dictated to by... - That is all ! 312 00:24:52,440 --> 00:24:55,760 You do not presume to speak over my head to a foreign ambassador... 313 00:24:55,840 --> 00:24:57,560 The European Ambassadors have made it clear 314 00:24:57,640 --> 00:25:00,760 they will not tolerate our position on the Crimean peninsula. 315 00:25:00,840 --> 00:25:01,880 Might I remind you... 316 00:25:01,960 --> 00:25:03,880 With Constantinople we must give them something. 317 00:25:03,960 --> 00:25:06,600 I supply you with millions of roubles to finance not only your women, 318 00:25:06,680 --> 00:25:07,680 but your armies... 319 00:25:07,760 --> 00:25:11,360 Might I remind you I waded through blood for you. 320 00:25:11,840 --> 00:25:15,840 You wanted to swallow the Ukraine, Crimea, cross the Black Sea, 321 00:25:15,920 --> 00:25:17,640 Constantinople and I did it ! 322 00:25:17,720 --> 00:25:18,880 You wanted that too ! 323 00:25:18,960 --> 00:25:21,320 I did it but I don't discuss it in front of the Council 324 00:25:21,400 --> 00:25:22,560 with a bunch of foreigners ? 325 00:25:22,640 --> 00:25:25,160 - With that two-faced little boy ! - He is not two-faced. 326 00:25:25,240 --> 00:25:26,280 He is so ! 327 00:25:26,360 --> 00:25:27,920 If that is what you thought of him why did you not say so earlier ? 328 00:25:28,000 --> 00:25:30,320 He's laughing at you ! 329 00:25:30,400 --> 00:25:33,520 - How dare you ! - I dare. 330 00:25:36,040 --> 00:25:38,560 - You're ill. - Yes, yes I'm fucking ill. 331 00:25:38,640 --> 00:25:40,880 Why ? Why are you being like this ? 332 00:25:44,000 --> 00:25:45,680 God, killing me ! 333 00:25:46,000 --> 00:25:49,760 There's a disease down there, Matushka, disease. 334 00:25:49,840 --> 00:25:52,280 I spend most of my nights coughing my guts up. 335 00:25:52,360 --> 00:25:55,280 Surrounded by men and women and children... 336 00:25:55,360 --> 00:25:57,880 children that I slaughter for you, like cattle. 337 00:26:00,160 --> 00:26:01,760 Why are we both like this ? 338 00:26:03,360 --> 00:26:06,720 Yes, I've got no idea either. I've got no idea. 339 00:26:07,720 --> 00:26:09,880 Please, come on. Come on. 340 00:26:11,400 --> 00:26:13,560 We wanted power and glory 341 00:26:15,440 --> 00:26:17,720 W have it and look what it's done to us. 342 00:26:20,400 --> 00:26:22,600 This is an old, old story. 343 00:26:23,240 --> 00:26:26,720 - Your Majesty... - Some fucking privacy, please ?! 344 00:27:05,600 --> 00:27:08,280 - You remember this ? - I do. 345 00:27:09,240 --> 00:27:10,440 Of course. 346 00:27:13,200 --> 00:27:15,560 I'm going to give a big dinner for you tomorrow evening. 347 00:27:16,160 --> 00:27:18,440 A farewell before you go back south... 348 00:27:18,520 --> 00:27:20,200 Yes, back down south. 349 00:27:20,280 --> 00:27:22,960 To build more cities and kill more people. 350 00:27:25,440 --> 00:27:27,280 Why ? For whom ? 351 00:27:27,360 --> 00:27:30,600 For me I suppose. I am the state, Grishenka. 352 00:27:30,680 --> 00:27:32,440 I have no life of my own left. 353 00:27:34,400 --> 00:27:36,120 I'm going to give you another palace. 354 00:27:36,960 --> 00:27:39,200 Yes well that's what you do for all your old lovers, 355 00:27:39,280 --> 00:27:41,040 when you've finished with them. 356 00:27:41,120 --> 00:27:43,320 You know I could never let you go. 357 00:27:44,440 --> 00:27:46,560 We're committed to each other. You know that. 358 00:27:46,640 --> 00:27:47,800 Do I really ? 359 00:27:50,560 --> 00:27:52,840 I see the way you look at me since I've been back. 360 00:27:55,160 --> 00:27:57,880 You're tired of my victories. You think I'm a threat. 361 00:27:57,960 --> 00:28:00,800 You think that... I want the throne. 362 00:28:00,880 --> 00:28:03,160 Do you imagine for one moment I would give it up to you ? 363 00:28:03,240 --> 00:28:05,600 The way we forced my husband to give it up to me ? 364 00:28:05,680 --> 00:28:09,280 You are hard, Matushka. You are so hard ! 365 00:28:09,760 --> 00:28:11,760 This is... 366 00:28:13,800 --> 00:28:18,200 It's not the state, it's just you, you love nobody but yourself. 367 00:28:18,280 --> 00:28:20,680 Well. That's humanity for you. 368 00:28:20,760 --> 00:28:22,760 What the fuck is the matter with you ? 369 00:28:23,320 --> 00:28:26,090 Why can't you just let somebody else in? 370 00:28:26,115 --> 00:28:28,344 Why can't you trust somebody ? 371 00:28:28,400 --> 00:28:31,920 Because it's never been safe for me to do that. Ever. 372 00:28:32,000 --> 00:28:33,912 How could you think for one second that 373 00:28:33,937 --> 00:28:35,704 I would turn my armies against you ? 374 00:28:37,440 --> 00:28:39,520 We will have to make nice with the Germans. 375 00:28:40,280 --> 00:28:42,760 Sometimes you just have to make a deal. 376 00:28:42,840 --> 00:28:44,160 Have you forgotten ? 377 00:28:47,800 --> 00:28:49,920 Your actions have consequences. 378 00:28:50,000 --> 00:28:52,160 I will not go crawling to the Germans. 379 00:28:52,240 --> 00:28:54,880 - Yes, you will. Because you have to. - My mother was German. 380 00:28:54,960 --> 00:28:58,120 She was a horrible, greedy selfish, bitch ! 381 00:29:07,720 --> 00:29:09,480 Come here.... come on ! 382 00:29:20,880 --> 00:29:21,880 Well... 383 00:29:35,040 --> 00:29:37,000 I will do as you suggest. 384 00:29:40,640 --> 00:29:43,600 Of course. Because I am always right. 385 00:29:44,480 --> 00:29:45,720 As am I. 386 00:29:47,240 --> 00:29:48,920 I will make nice to the Germans 387 00:29:49,000 --> 00:29:51,880 and you will go south and make peace with the Turks. 388 00:29:53,640 --> 00:29:55,720 Life's a compromise. I know. 389 00:29:59,960 --> 00:30:01,200 And you were right. 390 00:30:02,200 --> 00:30:04,800 I expect the Countess Bruce has told you. 391 00:30:06,440 --> 00:30:09,200 Zubov is a two-faced little bastard. 392 00:30:12,880 --> 00:30:15,520 Yeah... You'll have to get rid of him. 393 00:30:15,600 --> 00:30:18,640 People think I am stupid in that direction. But I am not stupid. 394 00:30:18,720 --> 00:30:21,120 - I know. - I will, I'll get rid of him. 395 00:30:22,360 --> 00:30:24,640 But not until I've had the best out of him. 396 00:30:24,720 --> 00:30:28,000 You, wicked, selfish, 397 00:30:28,560 --> 00:30:31,440 unregenerate, corrupt, 398 00:30:31,920 --> 00:30:34,160 highly sexed old witch... 399 00:30:34,680 --> 00:30:38,560 - No, no, I'm not corrupt... - I take that back. 400 00:30:41,800 --> 00:30:44,120 I mean, how can you talk to your empress like that ? 401 00:30:44,680 --> 00:30:46,960 It seems to come very easily to me. 402 00:30:50,120 --> 00:30:53,120 At the party tomorrow night, I want you to kneel before me. 403 00:30:54,400 --> 00:30:58,120 And tell everyone there that you worship me totally 404 00:30:58,520 --> 00:31:02,800 and that you are utterly and completely loyal to me. 405 00:31:51,160 --> 00:31:53,080 When they get older and wiser, 406 00:31:54,440 --> 00:31:58,400 sometimes husbands and wives need separate bedrooms my old friend. 407 00:32:23,760 --> 00:32:25,240 Sashenka you're back ! 408 00:32:26,760 --> 00:32:27,760 Good. 409 00:32:28,280 --> 00:32:31,000 So, did you have a lovely time with Mama ? 410 00:32:31,440 --> 00:32:33,880 -Yes. - Good. 411 00:32:34,600 --> 00:32:37,040 - I wondered... - Yes ? 412 00:32:38,240 --> 00:32:40,520 I wondered whether I might take him with me ? 413 00:32:42,280 --> 00:32:43,360 Take him home... 414 00:32:45,800 --> 00:32:49,800 Maria, he is the future Emperor of Russia. 415 00:32:50,600 --> 00:32:53,120 His place is here with me, you know that. 416 00:32:54,240 --> 00:32:58,000 Anyway, he has everything he needs here. Don't you Sashenka ? 417 00:33:00,320 --> 00:33:01,760 Yes, Granny. 418 00:33:01,840 --> 00:33:04,280 He was saying you got him to sign something. 419 00:33:04,360 --> 00:33:06,360 Oh, was he ? 420 00:33:07,120 --> 00:33:09,423 He's clearly very young. Whatever it is was... 421 00:33:09,448 --> 00:33:11,064 do you think he understood it ? 422 00:33:12,040 --> 00:33:13,760 It was about the succession. 423 00:33:15,400 --> 00:33:16,440 You know that. 424 00:33:17,600 --> 00:33:18,920 Or you suspected. 425 00:33:21,280 --> 00:33:24,760 Do you really think we should be having this discussion in front of the boy ? 426 00:33:24,840 --> 00:33:26,520 He knows who his father is. 427 00:33:27,600 --> 00:33:28,680 As do you. 428 00:33:30,480 --> 00:33:35,200 Do you seriously think Paul is capable of governing this country ? 429 00:33:35,560 --> 00:33:38,200 I think he is my husband. And I am loyal to him. 430 00:33:38,520 --> 00:33:41,040 Good. Very good. 431 00:33:41,400 --> 00:33:43,160 Well, if you ever change your mind, 432 00:33:43,240 --> 00:33:45,280 perhaps you may write something to the effect 433 00:33:45,360 --> 00:33:49,880 that you think your son should succeed instead of his father. 434 00:33:49,960 --> 00:33:52,040 Do you really imagine I would do that ? 435 00:33:56,240 --> 00:33:57,640 What must you think of me ? 436 00:33:59,040 --> 00:34:01,400 - By bye my darling. - Goodbye, mommy. 437 00:34:26,480 --> 00:34:29,160 Where is he ? You were going to bring him home. 438 00:34:29,800 --> 00:34:31,960 What happened to "getting close to her" ? 439 00:34:32,360 --> 00:34:35,760 She's made him sign something. It's about the succession. 440 00:34:37,320 --> 00:34:39,680 What is it ? What does it say ? 441 00:34:41,200 --> 00:34:44,560 He would succeed. Instead of you. 442 00:34:49,560 --> 00:34:52,640 Darling, it's all right. It doesn't... 443 00:34:52,720 --> 00:34:55,600 No, it doesn't mean anything, it means nothing. 444 00:34:56,200 --> 00:34:58,720 She tried to get me on her side. To write something... 445 00:34:58,800 --> 00:35:01,120 something that would allow Sasha to take the throne instead of you. 446 00:35:01,200 --> 00:35:02,400 And... 447 00:35:03,160 --> 00:35:05,520 I am loyal to you. I said I would do nothing of the kind. 448 00:35:05,600 --> 00:35:09,320 Wives betray their husbands. Children betray their parents. 449 00:35:09,400 --> 00:35:11,400 There is no loyalty. There isn't... 450 00:35:11,800 --> 00:35:13,000 I am loyal to you. 451 00:35:15,400 --> 00:35:16,520 You know I am. 452 00:35:18,760 --> 00:35:20,480 Paul, I am loyal to you ! 453 00:35:23,840 --> 00:35:25,880 And I hope you remain loyal to me. 454 00:35:32,320 --> 00:35:34,360 I just thought you'd bring him home. 455 00:35:39,200 --> 00:35:43,080 The British and German ultimatum has been withdrawn. 456 00:35:44,160 --> 00:35:47,400 It seems everyone is suddenly more frightened of France than of Russia. 457 00:35:47,920 --> 00:35:52,240 There is no longer any danger of war on two or three fronts. 458 00:35:53,760 --> 00:35:57,280 It seems Prince Potemkin may have been a little hasty 459 00:35:57,360 --> 00:36:00,840 apologising to the Germans for winning a war, Your Majesty. 460 00:36:01,160 --> 00:36:04,760 You may have noticed, Alexei, that the common people in France 461 00:36:04,840 --> 00:36:07,400 are demanding control over taxation. 462 00:36:08,200 --> 00:36:10,880 We will be at war with them next 463 00:36:10,960 --> 00:36:14,320 and, as always, we need as many friends we can get. 464 00:36:14,400 --> 00:36:17,400 Prince Potemkin is a very skilled negotiator. 465 00:36:43,600 --> 00:36:46,480 Sir ? Sir, are you all right, sir ? 466 00:36:50,080 --> 00:36:51,080 Oh God. 467 00:36:53,080 --> 00:36:54,800 I can't breathe... 468 00:36:55,960 --> 00:36:57,440 Help me up. 469 00:37:09,840 --> 00:37:12,640 - I must write to her. - Yes, sir. 470 00:37:30,520 --> 00:37:35,120 This is for her eyes only. You understand. No one else. 471 00:37:36,600 --> 00:37:38,840 I'll make sure my brother doesn't see it, sir. 472 00:37:39,800 --> 00:37:43,560 You're a good man. And you've done good service. 473 00:38:19,400 --> 00:38:22,360 Well, what is it ? I can tell from your face it's bad news. 474 00:38:22,440 --> 00:38:23,680 It's... 475 00:38:24,160 --> 00:38:26,840 What, just say it. Give me the letter and tell me the worst. 476 00:38:26,920 --> 00:38:28,600 He's dead, Your Majesty. 477 00:38:29,120 --> 00:38:30,520 Who is dead ? 478 00:38:30,920 --> 00:38:32,160 Potemkin. 479 00:38:36,360 --> 00:38:37,360 Potemkin. 480 00:38:41,280 --> 00:38:42,760 Potemkin's dead ? 481 00:38:44,280 --> 00:38:48,160 Your Majesty. This letter is for your eyes only. 482 00:39:16,680 --> 00:39:17,680 Your Majesty ! 483 00:39:51,360 --> 00:39:53,480 My darling Matushka. 484 00:39:54,640 --> 00:39:56,440 What I want to say is this. 485 00:39:57,720 --> 00:40:00,600 In going where you have to go and doing what you have to do 486 00:40:00,680 --> 00:40:02,360 you wear away at love. 487 00:40:03,480 --> 00:40:05,520 Even a love like ours, 488 00:40:06,000 --> 00:40:10,760 born out of reason and laughter and happiness and great ambition. 489 00:40:12,680 --> 00:40:16,080 But I do not regret all the things we have achieved together. 490 00:40:16,480 --> 00:40:18,280 Not for a moment. 491 00:40:19,160 --> 00:40:23,080 And I would rather have had our love used and out in the world 492 00:40:23,160 --> 00:40:26,560 than kept in some drawer with anniversaries and dried roses 493 00:40:26,640 --> 00:40:29,160 and the good opinion of moralists. 494 00:40:29,240 --> 00:40:30,840 I love you as ever I did. 495 00:40:31,720 --> 00:40:34,120 And one day the world will know of it. 496 00:40:35,440 --> 00:40:37,920 Be as true to me as I was to you Matushka. 497 00:40:39,680 --> 00:40:41,520 It gives you a lot of scope. 498 00:41:06,200 --> 00:41:08,080 The Turkish war is over. 499 00:41:11,040 --> 00:41:12,560 We are at peace. 500 00:41:16,840 --> 00:41:19,240 Now we can join together with the rest of Europe 501 00:41:19,320 --> 00:41:20,320 What is it ? 502 00:41:20,640 --> 00:41:24,520 ... to fight the wicked and cruel revolution in France. 503 00:41:25,240 --> 00:41:29,200 Since King Louis XVI and his queen, Marie Antoinette, were arrested 504 00:41:29,280 --> 00:41:32,160 after attempting to flee to Varennes last year, 505 00:41:32,520 --> 00:41:36,600 our armies are in readiness to fight revolution... 506 00:41:37,080 --> 00:41:39,120 wherever we find it ! 507 00:41:41,400 --> 00:41:44,440 - Can you believe this prick ? - How can she stay with him ? 508 00:41:44,960 --> 00:41:48,080 I know he's my brother, but she's lost it since Potemkin died. 509 00:41:48,600 --> 00:41:52,320 We better get on with what happens after she dies. 510 00:41:52,960 --> 00:41:55,880 She will decide what happens after she dies. 511 00:41:56,440 --> 00:41:58,720 And none of us can do anything about it. 512 00:42:01,600 --> 00:42:03,440 And how will she manage that ? 513 00:42:03,920 --> 00:42:08,840 Will she still be dictating, even when the soil is in her mouth ? 514 00:42:09,160 --> 00:42:11,080 Has anyone seen this ? 515 00:42:11,840 --> 00:42:14,240 Has anyone seen this filth ? 516 00:42:15,080 --> 00:42:16,960 Why are people allowed to write these things ? 517 00:42:17,040 --> 00:42:19,520 - Your Majesty... - Don't "Majesty" me. 518 00:42:22,000 --> 00:42:23,160 This is treason. 519 00:42:23,840 --> 00:42:28,040 People are writing and printing sheer treason. 520 00:42:32,240 --> 00:42:35,560 We have peace abroad. And enemies at home. 521 00:42:36,640 --> 00:42:40,760 If I have made wars it is for the sake of the country I love. 522 00:42:40,840 --> 00:42:43,200 The author of this work.. 523 00:42:43,960 --> 00:42:48,520 presumes to call me a murderer and a tyrant on these grounds alone. 524 00:42:51,800 --> 00:42:56,680 "The Empress has become the greatest murderer in the commonwealth." 525 00:42:56,760 --> 00:43:01,000 "She is the greatest robber and the greatest traitor" 526 00:43:01,080 --> 00:43:06,520 "and a most savage enemy of the weak and the poor " 527 00:43:06,600 --> 00:43:08,080 "and the enslaved..." 528 00:43:13,800 --> 00:43:17,560 I have ordered the arrest and trial of the creature who wrote this book. 529 00:43:19,440 --> 00:43:23,200 If he is found guilty he will be executed. 530 00:43:25,080 --> 00:43:26,160 Be warned. 531 00:43:27,280 --> 00:43:32,160 I am your Empress and I hold tight to the reins of power. 532 00:43:33,520 --> 00:43:36,760 Do not imagine that the death of our first minister 533 00:43:38,520 --> 00:43:41,680 and dearest friend Prince Potemkin 534 00:43:42,080 --> 00:43:44,480 has weakened my resolve. 535 00:44:17,000 --> 00:44:18,480 Your Empress has spoken. 536 00:44:29,760 --> 00:44:32,560 I'm not a cripple. You don't need to carry me, you know. 537 00:44:32,640 --> 00:44:37,120 I'm sorry Matushka. Platon is very, very sorry. He upset Matushka. 538 00:44:37,200 --> 00:44:39,800 And you don't need to call me by that name. 539 00:44:41,280 --> 00:44:45,440 Matushka, Matushka... 540 00:44:46,840 --> 00:44:47,840 Matushka. 541 00:44:48,880 --> 00:44:52,280 That's what he used to call me. Matushka, Matushka.... 542 00:44:55,320 --> 00:44:57,280 Call me old woman. 543 00:44:57,360 --> 00:44:59,800 Any woman. The way the peasants do. 544 00:45:00,440 --> 00:45:03,040 I own the peasants. Thousands of them. 545 00:45:05,000 --> 00:45:06,240 They work and they drink 546 00:45:06,320 --> 00:45:09,440 and we whip them senseless if they dare to answer back. 547 00:45:09,760 --> 00:45:12,440 Do you think that's right ? Do you ? 548 00:45:12,520 --> 00:45:14,720 Mon petit noiraud. Don't answer that. 549 00:45:15,800 --> 00:45:18,600 Tun'est pas qualifié pour répondre. 550 00:45:21,840 --> 00:45:24,040 My grandson... he's such a sweet boy. 551 00:45:25,600 --> 00:45:29,040 But his father ! Oh God his father ! 552 00:45:31,560 --> 00:45:34,480 Are you all right ? I'm worried about you... 553 00:45:34,560 --> 00:45:38,560 I get these headaches. Oh such headaches. You wouldn't believe. 554 00:45:40,160 --> 00:45:43,320 - Where are we going ? - To an orgy, of course. 555 00:45:44,320 --> 00:45:48,040 A witches' sabbat. I'm going to fly you round on my broomstick. 556 00:45:51,000 --> 00:45:53,760 There are those who are sure that I am a fucking witch. 557 00:45:53,840 --> 00:45:57,840 Well, I read Latin. I like to screw young men. Witch. Clearly. 558 00:45:59,160 --> 00:46:01,880 I am an old, old woman. Not nice. 559 00:46:05,640 --> 00:46:09,800 Her Majesty has decided to have all French books burned. 560 00:46:09,880 --> 00:46:12,480 She seems to think they bear some responsibility 561 00:46:12,560 --> 00:46:14,880 for causing the French Revolution. 562 00:46:15,320 --> 00:46:17,600 Reading creates a prejudice. 563 00:46:24,440 --> 00:46:26,000 Voltaire ! 564 00:46:34,600 --> 00:46:38,120 "Religion began when the first scoundrel met the first fool" 565 00:46:47,440 --> 00:46:48,440 Rousseau ! 566 00:46:49,480 --> 00:46:51,960 He was a disgusting little man ! 567 00:46:55,200 --> 00:47:00,840 "Man is born free but everywhere he is in chains." 568 00:47:02,120 --> 00:47:03,920 What is that supposed to mean ? 569 00:47:04,480 --> 00:47:05,800 It means... 570 00:47:07,720 --> 00:47:09,160 It meant... 571 00:47:11,840 --> 00:47:15,400 Burn them ! Burn them all then. 572 00:47:17,800 --> 00:47:22,200 Burn all of those Frenchmen and their endless questions. 573 00:47:39,120 --> 00:47:40,640 What are you doing here ? 574 00:47:45,080 --> 00:47:46,320 Reading. 575 00:47:46,800 --> 00:47:48,920 You'd better be careful what you read. 576 00:47:49,880 --> 00:47:52,000 You used to like Voltaire. 577 00:47:52,560 --> 00:47:55,840 Perhaps. When I was young and foolish. 578 00:47:57,640 --> 00:47:59,040 He made you laugh. 579 00:48:00,120 --> 00:48:01,520 I don't deny it. 580 00:48:02,040 --> 00:48:05,520 You were so full of hope. And charity. 581 00:48:07,240 --> 00:48:10,160 Supported the arts and science. 582 00:48:11,240 --> 00:48:13,760 You showed the world what women can achieve. 583 00:48:16,240 --> 00:48:17,560 I did what I did. 584 00:48:21,000 --> 00:48:23,200 When I was young I dreamed of freedom. 585 00:48:24,600 --> 00:48:28,480 As people do when they are young. I dreamed of breaking chains. 586 00:48:30,600 --> 00:48:33,120 But as you get older your choices narrow. 587 00:48:35,160 --> 00:48:39,000 So what did I do instead ? I gave us an Empire. 588 00:48:39,920 --> 00:48:41,480 Which is something. 589 00:48:43,160 --> 00:48:45,520 And you loved the greatest man of the age. 590 00:48:49,400 --> 00:48:51,160 I loved him. 591 00:48:54,080 --> 00:48:56,480 I enjoyed it all. Every single second. 592 00:48:57,840 --> 00:48:59,880 Life takes everything from you. 593 00:48:59,960 --> 00:49:02,720 Piece by piece by piece. 594 00:49:03,400 --> 00:49:05,400 It does. Doesn't it ? 595 00:49:06,160 --> 00:49:09,240 But I knew exactly what I was doing. 596 00:49:10,200 --> 00:49:14,280 And I wouldn't have had any of it any other way. 597 00:49:20,160 --> 00:49:23,280 They executed Louis. 598 00:49:26,400 --> 00:49:27,800 What is this world ? 599 00:49:28,960 --> 00:49:31,640 I don't recognise it anymore. 600 00:49:36,600 --> 00:49:38,840 I recognise you. 601 00:49:40,440 --> 00:49:44,000 In the end there is only... 602 00:49:45,000 --> 00:49:46,520 Flesh... 603 00:49:51,040 --> 00:49:52,400 My head.. 604 00:49:58,320 --> 00:50:00,000 It's in here. 605 00:50:02,640 --> 00:50:05,920 Yes, it's safe. Yes, he won't find that. 606 00:50:06,600 --> 00:50:08,200 Are you all right, Matushka ? 607 00:50:11,240 --> 00:50:13,080 My darling Matushka... 608 00:50:17,360 --> 00:50:21,320 The only man... the only man I ever loved. 609 00:50:24,760 --> 00:50:29,200 My Grishenka... you were the one... 610 00:50:34,040 --> 00:50:35,880 Matushka, Matushka ! 611 00:50:36,240 --> 00:50:38,600 Help, please help ! 612 00:51:07,120 --> 00:51:09,040 Where are her private papers ? 613 00:51:10,160 --> 00:51:11,440 Where are they ?! 614 00:51:20,000 --> 00:51:21,000 Get out. 615 00:51:21,080 --> 00:51:24,000 - She's still alive... - Get out ! Out ! 616 00:51:31,400 --> 00:51:34,400 "I leave the throne to my grandson Alexander," 617 00:51:34,960 --> 00:51:38,480 "who witnesses this document with his signature..." 618 00:51:44,680 --> 00:51:47,440 Is this what she made you sign ? Is it ? 619 00:52:13,760 --> 00:52:15,640 - What ?! - She is dead. 620 00:52:18,280 --> 00:52:19,520 Your Majesty. 621 00:52:55,880 --> 00:52:56,960 Be careful ! 622 00:53:07,600 --> 00:53:08,720 Today... 623 00:53:09,480 --> 00:53:12,040 we bury again the body of my father. 624 00:53:13,080 --> 00:53:14,840 He will lie next to his wife, 625 00:53:15,520 --> 00:53:18,920 my mother Catherine, in the Kazan cathedral. 626 00:53:21,160 --> 00:53:23,440 I am proud to be the son of Peter III 627 00:53:24,520 --> 00:53:27,480 and take this opportunity to tell you that from this day 628 00:53:27,560 --> 00:53:31,360 we will enact legislation to ensure that no woman... 629 00:53:32,560 --> 00:53:35,240 ever again rules Russia. 630 00:53:36,720 --> 00:53:39,560 You will place the crown on my father's coffin 631 00:53:40,320 --> 00:53:43,080 as we bear the two of them to their shared grave. 632 00:53:47,320 --> 00:53:50,480 My mother took the crown from my father. 633 00:53:50,560 --> 00:53:52,240 It was never hers by right. 634 00:53:55,440 --> 00:53:57,000 And now it is mine. 635 00:54:04,160 --> 00:54:07,960 And, after me, it will go to my sons. 636 00:54:10,480 --> 00:54:13,560 And, in time, their sons. 637 00:54:18,920 --> 00:54:23,040 Make sure that you erase all trace of that man Potemkin 638 00:54:24,040 --> 00:54:25,800 He is buried in the Ukraine. 639 00:54:25,880 --> 00:54:28,280 Wipe out the grave and every palace she gave him. 640 00:54:28,360 --> 00:54:31,000 He is not to be spoken of. Ever. 641 00:54:31,080 --> 00:54:32,520 Yes, Your Majesty. 642 00:54:33,240 --> 00:54:34,880 Who was he ? 643 00:54:37,520 --> 00:54:38,760 Nothing. 644 00:54:39,960 --> 00:54:42,066 I have even heard ignorant people say 645 00:54:42,091 --> 00:54:43,864 he and my mother were married ! 646 00:54:54,320 --> 00:55:00,400 Since history is written by crooks and fools. 647 00:55:00,960 --> 00:55:05,040 Heigh-ho, the blizzard and the ice. 648 00:55:06,080 --> 00:55:10,960 And made by bastards who break the rules. 649 00:55:11,520 --> 00:55:16,120 Heigh-ho, but love is very nice. 650 00:55:17,480 --> 00:55:22,840 And marriages were not made to last. 651 00:55:24,000 --> 00:55:29,880 Heigh-ho, the forest and the bear. 652 00:55:41,480 --> 00:55:46,120 If no one knows we are married but we two, is it still real ? 653 00:55:48,000 --> 00:55:49,760 It is the truth, Matushka. 654 00:55:50,440 --> 00:55:52,200 Soon we'll find out. 655 00:55:52,520 --> 00:55:55,920 Love will always be a private matter. 656 00:55:57,080 --> 00:55:58,760 And all the sweeter for it. 657 00:55:59,120 --> 00:56:01,120 We chose each other, Grishenka, 658 00:56:02,320 --> 00:56:04,800 although we had no choice in the matter. 659 00:56:06,960 --> 00:56:10,240 And so we stay ourselves 660 00:56:12,640 --> 00:56:15,240 even now we are one. 661 00:56:18,240 --> 00:56:19,520 Forever. 662 00:56:35,200 --> 00:56:38,120 Love is what's left of us 663 00:56:38,760 --> 00:56:40,960 after everything else is gone. 664 00:56:42,880 --> 00:56:45,200 Poets would like us to believe that. 665 00:56:46,920 --> 00:56:48,800 But what do they know ? 666 00:56:51,440 --> 00:56:54,840 Catherine was the last woman to rule Russia. 667 00:56:54,920 --> 00:56:57,760 After her death, Paul undid his mother's achievements 668 00:56:57,840 --> 00:57:00,720 and muddied her reputation with rumour and innuendo. 669 00:57:00,800 --> 00:57:03,040 Paul ruled unsuccessfully for 5 years 670 00:57:03,120 --> 00:57:05,556 until he was deposed and assassinated 671 00:57:05,581 --> 00:57:08,144 in a coup ordered by his son Alexander. 672 00:57:09,000 --> 00:57:14,000 *CREDITS*