 |
The Grand Duke is given his
costume at the wardrobe window along with the dozens of other
extras. |
 |
What do you know about that?"
another extra teases him. "The Czar gave him this beautiful
medal." |
 |
Going back 10 years, we see
the humble extra as the Grand Duke during the Russian Revolution.
Two revolutionaries are before the Grand Duke for passport inspection
posing as actors.
Grand Duke: "Why aren't you
in uniform?"
Revolutionary: "My lungs are weak."
Grand Duke: "Perhaps it is your courage that is weak."
Revolutionary: "It doesn't require courage to send others
to battle and death."
The Grand Duke strikes him and
orders that he be arrested.
|
 |
Natalie: "Aren't you
taking a terrific risk defying the Czar's wishes?"
Grand Duke: "I would take any risk to prevent a needless
sacrifice."
Natalie: "Then why do you continue this stupid war?"
Grand Duke: "We must have victory! Defeat means revolution
- and the collapse of Russia."
Natalie: "You love Russia so much?"
Grand Duke: "I would gladly die tonight if it would help
Russia."
|
 |
With pistol in hand and the
Grand Duke's back turned, Natalie finally has the opportunity
she has been waiting for. |
 |
"From now on you are
my prisoner of war - and my prisoner of love." |
 |
Surrounded by revolutionaries
as he disembarks from the train, the Grand Duke shouts at them,
"People of Russia, you are being led by traitors!" |
 |
Natalie joins the mob and shouts,
"This is the end, Your Imperial Highness! It is our turn
now! Let's hang him in Petrograd for all the world to see!" |
 |
"Don't you understand?
It was the only way I could save your life! I love you!" |
 |
Return to the present --
the director is the revolutionary he struck with a whip and has
imprisoned 10 years earlier. "I've waited ten years for
this moment, Your Imperial Highness. The same coat. The same
uniform. The same man. Only the times have changed." |
