The Last Command
The Last Command

The Last Command

1928Movie88 minEnglish

A former Imperial Russian general and cousin of the Czar ends up in Hollywood as an extra in a movie directed by a former revolutionary.

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Insights

IMDb7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Director: Josef von SternbergGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

A once-great Russian stage actor, Grand Duke Sergius Alexander, flees the Revolution and finds himself in Hollywood, working as an extra. He is forced to relive his past glories and tragic fall from grace through flashbacks, portraying his struggles with fame, love, and political upheaval. Ultimately, he grapples with his diminished status and the poignant contrast between his former life and his present reality.

Critical Reception

The Last Command was met with significant critical acclaim upon its release, praised for its powerful performances, innovative storytelling, and emotional depth. It is widely regarded as a masterpiece of the silent film era and a poignant commentary on the human cost of revolution and the fleeting nature of fame.

What Reviewers Say

  • Emil Jannings delivers a tour-de-force performance as the fallen aristocrat.
  • Josef von Sternberg's direction is masterful, blending epic scope with intimate character study.
  • A poignant and enduring exploration of loss, identity, and the tragic ironies of fate.

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Awards & Accolades

Emil Jannings won the first Academy Award for Best Actor for his roles in both 'The Last Command' and 'The Way of All Flesh'.

Fun Fact

Josef von Sternberg reportedly spent weeks researching the life of a White Russian émigré in Hollywood to ensure the authenticity of the film's portrayal.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Emil Jannings is masterful in this depiction of an elderly gentleman selected by an Hollywood director (William Powell) to play the part of a Russian general in a film. When he arrives on set, his colleagues tease him about a medal he is we...