Nicholas and Alexandra facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nicholas and Alexandra |
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Original theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Franklin J. Schaffner |
| Produced by | Sam Spiegel |
| Screenplay by | James Goldman |
| Starring |
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| Music by | Richard Rodney Bennett |
| Cinematography | Freddie Young |
| Editing by | Ernest Walter |
| Studio | Horizon Pictures |
| Distributed by | Columbia Pictures |
| Release date(s) | 13 December 1971 |
| Running time | 188 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Budget | ~$9 million |
| Money made | $7 million (rentals) |
Nicholas and Alexandra is a 1971 biographical movie. It tells the true story of the last monarch (king or emperor) of Russia, Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, and his wife, Tsarina Alexandra.
The movie is based on a book called Nicholas and Alexandra by Robert K. Massie. It was directed by Franklin J. Schaffner. The film shows their lives during a time of big changes in Russia, leading up to the Russian Revolution.
The movie won two Academy Awards (also known as the Oscars). It won for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, which means the best design for the movie's sets and scenery. It also won for Best Costume Design, for the amazing clothes worn by the actors. The film was also nominated for several other important awards, including Best Actress for Janet Suzman, who played Alexandra, and Best Picture.
Contents
Meet the Main Characters
This movie features many actors playing important historical figures. Here are some of the main characters you'll see:
- Michael Jayston plays Tsar Nicholas II. He was the Emperor of Russia.
- Janet Suzman plays Empress Alexandra. She was Nicholas's wife and the Empress.
- Roderic Noble plays Tsarevich Alexei. He was Nicholas and Alexandra's only son and heir.
- Laurence Olivier plays Count Witte. He was an important Russian statesman.
- Tom Baker plays Grigori Rasputin. He was a mystic who became close to the royal family.
- John McEnery plays Alexander Kerensky. He was a key figure in the Russian government during the revolution.
- Michael Bryant plays Lenin. He was a leader of the Bolsheviks and a major figure in the Russian Revolution.
The Story of the Last Tsar
The movie shows the lives of Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra from 1904 to 1918. Their reign was a difficult time for Russia. The country faced many challenges, including poverty and a desire for more freedom among its people.
Family Life and Challenges
Nicholas and Alexandra had five children: four daughters (Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia) and one son, Alexei. Their son Alexei had hemophilia, a serious medical condition where blood doesn't clot properly. This caused great worry for the royal family.
The Tsarina Alexandra became very close to a man named Grigori Rasputin. He was a self-proclaimed holy man who claimed he could help Alexei with his illness. This friendship caused a lot of controversy and made many people distrust the royal family.
Russia in Turmoil
The early 20th century was a time of great change and unrest in Russia. The country was involved in World War I, which put a huge strain on its resources and people. Many Russians were unhappy with how the government was run and how the war was going.
The movie shows the growing tension and protests across Russia. People wanted better living conditions and more say in their government. These events eventually led to the Russian Revolution in 1917.
The End of an Era
The revolution meant the end of the Romanov dynasty, which had ruled Russia for centuries. Tsar Nicholas II and his family were forced to give up their power. The film shows their final days as they were held captive. Their story is a sad but important part of Russian history, marking the end of the imperial era.
Cast List
Here is a list of the main actors and the characters they played in the movie:
- Michael Jayston as Tsar Nicholas II
- Janet Suzman as Empress Alexandra
- Roderic Noble as Tsarevich Alexei
- Ania Marson as Grand Duchess Olga
- Lynne Frederick as Grand Duchess Tatiana
- Candace Glendenning as Grand Duchess Maria
- Fiona Fullerton as Grand Duchess Anastasia
- Laurence Olivier as Count Witte
- Harry Andrews as Grand Duke Nicholas
- Irene Worth as Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna
- Tom Baker as Grigori Rasputin
- Jack Hawkins as Count Fredericks
- Timothy West as Dr. Botkin
- Jean-Claude Drouot as Mr. Gilliard
- John Hallam as Nagorny
- Guy Rolfe as Dr. Fedorov
- John Wood as Colonel Kobylinsky
- Eric Porter as Pyotr Stolypin
- Michael Redgrave as Sergei Sazanov
- Maurice Denham as Vladimir Kokovtsov
- Ralph Truman as Rodzianko
- Gordon Gostelow as Guchkov
- John McEnery as Alexander Kerensky
- Michael Bryant as Lenin
- Brian Cox as Trotsky
- James Hazeldine as Stalin
- Steven Berkoff as Pankratov
- Ian Holm as Commissar Yakovlev
- Alan Webb as Yurovsky
- Roy Dotrice as General Alexeiev
- Richard Warwick as Grand Duke Dmitri Pavlovich of Russia
- Alexander Knox as American Ambassador
- Curd Jürgens as German Consul
- Julian Glover as Georgy Gapon
See also
In Spanish: Nicolás y Alejandra para niños
