Rasputin And The Empress

The year after the all-star Grand Hotel; brothers John and Lionel Barrymore teamed again in Rasputin and the Empress. Joining them in a sumptuous and stirring tale about the often-called Mad Monk who held a powerful -- perhaps hypnotic -- sway over World War I-era Russian royalty was the third member of the American stage's Royal Family: Ethel Barrymore; making this the lone feature with all three thespian siblings. Intercut with footage from the actual era; the film burns with intrigue; betrayal; rivalry and the renowned trio's talents. Lionel has the plum role of Rasputin; seething with ambition and rage. "I will be Russia!" he proclaims. History shows he would not. But this movie shows he would not be forgotten.

• drama