Original subtitles

TV Channel Russia

Written by Arif Aliev Art director Vladimir Menshov

Directed by Alexandr Baranov, Ramil Sabitov Camera - Maxim Shinkorenko

Production Designers Sergey Vorobjev, Sergey Onipenko

Music by Nikolai Rostov

Make-up Artists Marina Dedova, Ilona Levitskaya

Leading Editor Nadezhda Tarnovskaya

Leading Producer Alexei Kublitsky

Producers - Alexandr Akopov Ekaterina Efanova, Natalia Shneiderova

Empress Elizaveta I - Yulia Aug

Grand Duke Pyotr Fyodorovich, Emperor Peter III - Alexandr Yatsenko

Count Bestuzhev - Vladimir Menshov Count Lestocq - Konstantin Lavronenko Count Razumovsky - Alexandr Lazarev (Jr.)

Prince Saltykov - Rinal Mukhametov Captain Orlov - Sergey Strelnikov

Princess Johanna - Isabel Schosnig Count Shuvalov - Nikolai Kozak General Apraksin -Vitaly Kravchenko

Jemma - Elena Shamova Pimen - Ivan Dobronravov Matrena - Svetlana Korchagina

Prince Ponyatovsky - Aleksei Vorobyev Brekdorf - Maxim Kerin Betskoy - Kirill Rubtsov

Frederick II - Hartmut Krug Mardefelt - Vitus Eisenach Chetardie - Patrick Roullier Rollin

Nanny of Tsar Ivan VI - Valentina Talyzina

With Marina Alexandrova as Ekaterina II

EKATERINA

Summer of 1757, Russian troops score two major victories over Prussia.

They seize Memel and smash Prussian troops near Gross-Jagersdorf.

But perhaps due to the Empress's illness, no orders come to move towards Berlin.

Russian troops are on the enemy's territory, we can end the war

by a complete defeat of Prussia.

But Pyotr Fyodorovich doesn't even hide his attitude to this war and his admiration of King Frederick.

That's why I don't trust him!

And I don't trust Ekaterina Alekseyevna!

Because we all know whose son Pavel Petrovich really is.

Why do you say it now? - Do not flatter yourself.

Our enemies know about this as well.

It's all rumors, gentlemen.

Let us rally our efforts and persuade the heir to continue the war to the victorious end.

We should carry on the offensive.

Because if we stop, the Prussian troops will regroup and attack from the flanks.

Gentlemen, I am ready to go to Berlin and conclude an everlasting peace with the king of Prussia.

Peace with Frederick is more important than the Finnish lands.

Would Your Highness kindly explain who has made this decision?

I, Peter III.

By the way, can I issue a decree and change my name or add some heroic nickname?

Peter III, it sounds too ordinary.

I don't want to be mentioned in historical annals as 'the third'.

You are 'the third', Your Highness, and it can't be changed.

You are wrong. Everything is possible.

Pyotr Fyodorovich, you may rest assured, we shall find some solution.

Pyotr Fyodorovich, I assure you in my support.

So, when is Auntie's funeral?

What funeral? She is alive.

Yes, she’s alive, God bless her.

Here’s a letter from Count Bestuzhev.

Get me dressed.

Where do they meet?

I don't know.

In the palace?

The Count didn't mention it, and Her Highness silently got dressed and left.

Go. Quick!

So? I’m asking you, have you been sleeping when on duty?

You missed the conspiracy!

Get everyone here, on the double!

According to the doctors, Her Majesty will soon die.

I’ve planned everything.

Count Apraksin is supporting me.

Soon you will receive letters from him with his personal assurance of his loyalty to you.

But Pyotr Fyodorovich is the heir to the throne.

Pyotr Fyodorovich is against the war with Prussia.

Our troops are on the enemy's territory,

but he wants to admit our defeat and summon the army back to Russia.

Should we suffer Pyotr to ascend the throne, we shall cease to exist as a state.

It turns out that our soldiers have been dying for nothing?

It would be good for Russia if your son will ascend to the throne.

I'm offering you the regency.

I will not participate in a conspiracy.

If you don't seize power,

Pyotr Fyodorovich would hide you in Shlissenburg and announce you dead.

And he'd concoct a most unhandsome disease for you -

like, say, that his wife died from a hemorrhagic colic.

In the end, he'd lose the crown, you'd lose your family, and your life would hardly be long.

No. Her Majesty will die and I'll take my son back.

Pyotr Fyodorovich won't object to this. And the Empire…

won't perish. Russia saw all kind of people on the throne. But it still goes on.

Empires are built for centuries and ruined in a blink of an eye.

Are you afraid?

I'm afraid to lose.

In Russia they blame the one who gets beaten first.

Very well, there is another idea, a worse one.

For you to get married

to Ioann Antonovich,

our secret prisoner.

He is the legitimate Emperor who has reigned for two weeks.

How old is he? -17.

We'll release him, enthrone him, you'll marry him and become the Empress.

Fear not: he won't be a nuisance - he's weak in the head.

What about Pyotr Fyodorovich?

He’ll die.

He will.

And no one will shed a single tear about him.

No, there will be no blood on me.

You fool! You silly woman!

A conspiracy is on the way, involving Bestuzhev and your wife.

I feel it my duty to warn you and assure you of my loyalty.

After Elizaveta Petrovna's demise the conspirators intend to enthrone...

Pavel. Under the regency of Ekaterina Alekseyevna.

How did you find out?

After Elizaveta's death, we'll hold the Council and think about it.

Why, why this quick tempo again?

You should play 'andante'.

Together!

There is a letter to you, Your Highness.

What does she want from me?

She asks me to dine with her.

What an extraordinary folly! I hate her!

Why don't you eat?

Pyotr Fyodorovich, hear me out.

Most probably, Elizaveta Petrovna is going to die soon.

Our marriage is a failed one.

After everything happens, I would like to leave.

Probably, leave Russia.

Together with Pavel.

You may leave wherever you wish.

Thank you… -But Pavel will stay with me.

And what did you expect?

That I will allow you to take my son away?

He is not your son.

You foul traitor! Do you think I know nothing?

You and Bestuzhev conspire against me!

Your Highness...

Call the doctor!

Pavel is not my son? He is my spitting image!

Alyosha...

Alyosha! - Here. I'm here, My Lady.

What happened? What, my darling?

I'm hungry.

Thank God. Thank God. Thank God.

Your Majesty, Aleksey Grigoryevich, Count Shuvalov is here with an urgent report.

Will you receive him?

I was just brought back to life. Can't I have some peace? Let him wait.

I'm so happy to see Your Majesty in good health.

Lyoshenka, order to lay the table in the parlor. I'm hungry.

Yes, yes, my darling.

I'm sorry, Your Majesty, to disturb you at such a moment,

but we’ve intercepted letters evidently pertaining to a conspiracy against you.

And against me, too. They want to kill me.

So dreadful. Who?

Apraksin, Bestuzhev, and Ekaterina Alekseyevna.

Where are the letters?

Take Apraksin and Bestuzhev to the dungeon. Their guilt is obvious to me.

Ekaterina Alekseyevna I will talk to myself.

This way, please.

Be still and silent.

Bestuzhev, in the name of Her Imperial Majesty,

you are arrested for plotting a coup.

Come with me.

We have friendly relations with Stepan Fyodorovich, but this fact could hardly do you any harm.

My dear, did you agree to take part in a coup?

No.

Don't believe her. She's being devious, she's lying.

Be quiet.

She should be put in the dungeon and tortured until she confesses.

You’ve nearly killed your wife and your future child.

Imagine if it happened and how we would have looked in people's opinion.

Get out.

You’re beginning to take interest in things that don't concern you, my dear.

I did nothing of the kind.

But here I can read quite the opposite.

Count Bestuzhev said there were other letters as well.

Then Bestuzhev lied.

Tell me the truth, I'm not going to punish you.

I didn't take part in the conspiracy.

I really hope I'm not wrong about you, my dear.

It will hurt, Stepan Fyodorovich.

It already hurts, Alexander Ivanovich.

I'm weak and can't bear pain.

Confess, and you'll not be tortured.

I'll send you to a cell and bring dinner from the tavern. You must be hungry.

Hunger is the worst torture for me. What confession are you expecting?

Of treason. Betrayal. Tell me why you stopped the offensive on Konigsberg. And tell me about your accomplices.

Arina! Arina! Call the doctor. - Has is started?

What was the role of Ekaterina Alekseyevna in all this?

Ekaterina Alekseyevna?

Your mistress. Is it true she is insatiable and refuses no one?

If she refuses no one, make sure of it yourself then.

Torture him with hot iron.

Damn you, I'll sign everything.

Very nice. Untie the Field Marshal.

Be ready to put it down.

Well, the pot-belly turned to be weak.

Bring in Bestuzhev! Now!

Your Highness, it's a girl. A fine and robust baby.

I'm glad it's a girl.

When she is baptized, I'll put the Order of St. Catherine on the white ribbon on her.

I'll ordain two dozen of dresses remade to the sizes from infancy to 5 years of age.

Little girls can be lovely.

Upon recovery from her illness, Elizaveta Petrovna orders a resumption of hostilities against Prussia.

Konigsberg is taken.

All citizens of Eastern Prussia are made to swear allegiance to the Russian Crown,

including the philosopher Immanuel Kant.

Elizaveta’s troops go on to further victories in Zorndorf.

Grigory Orlov takes part, but is wounded in battle.

Ekaterina Alekseyevna suffered a great loss: her daughter died.

She is still in mourning, so please be quiet and polite with her.

Your Excellency, why did the child die?

Such was God’s will.

Did the previous maids of honour die too?

Good God, Liza, no. The Gagarin sisters left to bring up their own children.

The servant is waiting at the southern entrance. Go.

You should address Count Razumovsky as His Grace and not His Excellency.

Why? He is just a Count and not of the royal family.

Liza, because of you they will send us away.

Didn't I teach you? No asking questions, no joking or laughing out loud.

You've always been ashamed of me, Uncle.

Oh, don't talk like this. I love you. I love both of you equally.

Nobody loves me.

Enough, Liza.

So, if you are asked any questions, make your answers short and sweet.

Keep silent if you don't know what to say. And don't hide your talents.

Dancing, graceful gait, and playing music is what they expect of young ladies in waiting.

Godspeed.

Oh Lord...

I won't be able to bear two deaths back to back.

Please, God...

My Lady, there is a letter for you.

Grigory is alive!

Oh, God, thank you, praised be.

Don't move,

Your Highness.

Mademoiselle, let's begin our lesson. This dance is called... - Bourree!

French Bourree. I can dance it, Teacher.

And…

Thank you, enough.

And you?

And…

Wonderful, wonderful! Can you show the palatial gait?

Let me show it?

No need, thank you. Why? I studied the palatial gait.

Mademoiselle Liza, have you happened to study anything else?

Bach's suite? It's a very difficult piece. Who is such a virtuoso?

we used to have only one virtuoso. I don't even know how he'll take to a competitor.

Let's continue. Keep your poise, hands together, a low plie...

You don't know how to begin a conversation, Your Highness? Ask me about something.

About what?

Anything you wish.

Anything?

At all.

Why do you limp?

A donkey kicked me,

and I tore off its ears, so it wouldn’t kick anymore!

Are you serious?

No, I was joking.

It's not my leg.

I was born with one leg, so they sewed up a goatling's leg when I was little, but I grew up, so now it's too short for me.

Is that the way to answer questions?

Such questions - yes.

Should I ask you whence these marks on your face

you are hiding so thoroughly under a thick layer of powder, what would you answer?

I don't know. It's inappropriate to ask a heir to the throne such questions.

You're evading my question out of modesty, Heir.

What I see on your face are the wounds from shrapnel.

Go on playing.

I’ve fallen in love, Katya, and I feel that he likes me too.

Who?!

Who else? His Highness, the heir to the throne.

You are lame and freckled, no one can like you except maybe for a stray dog, and only in case you throw a bone to it.

You're just being jealous. - Don't you dare, Lizaveta!

He fell in love with me! - You're as silly as only you can be. Choose some other object for your fantasies!

Tension between Russia’s allies, including Austria and France, have delayed King Frederick’s capitulation.

The war drags on.

The guard officers still find a chance to make a short visit to Russia.

Grigory will be here soon! I can't live a single day without my beloved.

Katya?

Where is Liza?

No need to answer.

Charge! Hurrah!

Why being so slow?

They should move with the lightning speed!

My General, you should order them to!

Charge! Hurrah!

Faster! Faster!

Very bad! Try once more!

Faster, faster, faster!

Faster, faster, faster!

Your Highness, let's do it together!

Let us!

Charge! Hurrah!

Hurrah!

Hurrah! Victory, my Field Marshal!

You're so beautiful, my General.

What would you like, Your Highness?

Hush… Be quiet. My wife is asleep.

Your wife?

Go and buy some flowers.

What flowers, Your Highness?

The most beautiful ones.

How many of them?

As many as you can find.

Gentlemen, let's not forget whose name our regiment bears!

We do remember, and we are proud of it!

To the Izmailovsky Guards regiment of Her Majesty

Lets get it rolling, gentlemen.

To the Staff Captain Orlov,

the hero of Zorndorf!

Welcome back, Grigory.

Thank you, Colonel. Thank you, gentlemen,

I'm happy to serve with you and especially happy to fight together with you.

Only why do you toast me when the war is not yet over.

To the victory of Russian arms!

To the victory! Death to Prussia! Death to Frederick!

And now, gentlemen, I offer to change our location: -And?

Let us go and visit the actresses!

I'm all for it. Will you excuse me.

I love you so much, Ekaterina Alexeyevna, I can't live without you!

Grigory, I want to have your child!

Do you want a son or a daughter, Your Highness?

I want a son. I want him to grow up as brave as you.

And as bright as you, my star.

Her Highness Grand Princess Ekaterina Alekseyevna

is having a liaison with the officer of Izmailovsky regiment, Grigory Orlov.

Not interesting. What else?

His Highness Grand Prince Pyotr Fyodorovich

is having a liaison with the lady in waiting, Elizaveta Vorontsova.

Now that sounds interesting. Any proof?

It's all in the record log.

Can there be a mistake?

We interrogated the duty man. He saw everything with his own eyes.

This is some snub.

What happens if Elizaveta Vorontsova has a child?

Ekaterina's children can be registered as Pyotr's, the children of the lady in waiting remain bastards, am I right?

Yes, Your Majesty.

No!

They would be great grandchildren of Peter the Great.

I have been waiting for 20 years for him to father a child.

Grand Prince Pyotr Fyodorovich petitioned the Synod about a divorce.

He dared to, even without my permission.

What will be your orders, Your Majesty?

Nothing for now.

You will be surprised but I agree that he remarries.

On one condition:

Pyotr Fyodorovich can get married only if Vorontsova gets pregnant by him.

Summon Pyotr Fyodorovich without delay.

As for that officer... Send him back to the regiment and let him fight.

Grigory Orlov has just returned.

He took part in the Zorndorf Battle, was wounded thrice.

He's entitled to an extended leave. But I can take that rogue to...

Do it on the quiet. Find some pretext. But he should leave Petersburg this very day.

Your Majesty...

I forbid Ekaterina to leave the palace.

As you wish.

My darling, my love Ekaterina Alekseyevna.

Again we are not fated to be together.

I was ordered to join the regiment in Konigsberg tomorrow.

Well, tell me about that Vorontsova.

Is she good in bed? What are her special tricks and secrets?

I do not intend to talk about Elizaveta Romanovna with whomever it is in her absence.

And your questions, Auntie,

I won't answer even if your order to send me in the dungeon and even if they twist my arms there on the rack and burn me with hot iron.

So it is serious. Very well, then.

I will order the doctor to examine your Vorontsova.

After that I will decide what to do with you two.

Don't you dare, Auntie.

What if you father similar children?

Get out! Out of my sight!

Out! Someone take him away!

I have hated you, I still hate you and wait for your death.

It won't be long in coming. You will die, and I will leap for joy.

When I become the Emperor, I'll have all your portraits burned,

and the coffin with your ugly fat body I will send to Frederick for him to make fun of it!

You, wretched woman, your time is over, your life is over!

Oh Great and Holy Mikhail,

Archangel of God, have mercy and protect

the servant of God Grigory from all enemies visible and invisible.

Deliver me from all temptation of the demons...

Oh Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of the eternal Father...

Thou hast said, "Without me you can do nothing."

In faith I embrace Thy words, Oh Lord, and bow before Thy goodness.

Get him.

God is All-merciful, God will send death upon my ruthless aunt.