Russia at the dawn of the 18th century - a vast, chilling mysterious land, almost medieval. A country led by a man whose curious, questing spirit is eager to learn all that is new. A monarch who brings his feudal country into the modern world.

The power plays, love affairs and international intrigues and brought to life by a stellar cast, featuring Oscar winners Maximilian Schell, Vanessa Redgrave and Laurence Olivier.

Peter The Great - A shrewd Czar and a visionary. Statesman, Sailor and ship builder. Military leader. A husband and a father. A man who dared to dream the impossible dream...and succeeded.



This is the story of Peter I, Tsar of Russia from 1682, and the constant struggle between him, his sister Sophia and the Streltsy, an important Russian military corp. The story depicts the efforts of Peter in transforming Russia in an "all European" country, importing scientists, costumes, technology and military tactics.


Directed by
Marvin J. Chomsky
Lawrence Schiller

Writing credits
Edward Anhalt
Robert K. Massie (book)

Cast (in credits order)
Maximilian Schell .... Peter the Great
Vanessa Redgrave .... Sophia
Omar Sharif .... Prince Feodor Romodanovsky
Trevor Howard .... Sir Isaac Newton
Laurence Olivier .... King William III of Orange
Helmut Griem .... Alexander Menshikov
Jan Niklas .... Young Peter the Great
Elke Sommer .... Charlotte

Country:USA
Language:English
Release Date:2 February 1986 (USA)
Filming Locations:Moscow, Russia
Runtime:Germany: 360 min
Sound Mix:Mono
Color:Color