Thursday, November 09, 2006

What's on tonight?

Catherine the Great, part 1 of 2

Canal 33 - Thursday, November 9, 2006, 22:15 p.m.

Canal 33 - Friday, November 10, 2006, 01:43 a.m.

The life of one of Russia's most brilliant rulers, Catherine The Great, is the subject of this thrilling two-part drama documentary, made by award-winning documentary producers, Brook Lapping.

This is the story of a 15-year-old girl from a small German backwater who was sent to marry the heir to the Russian throne. Locked in a grim and loveless marriage, Catherine became fluent in Russian, changed her religion and educated herself – whilst simultaneously learning to deal with the intrigue and treachery of the Russian court.

When her chance came, she seized power in a daring coup and became Empress, as her unpopular husband was secretly murdered. In a glorious reign spanning 34 years Catherine strove to modernise Russia with new ideas on health and education, but she also waged numerous wars in a ruthless quest for expansion. At her side, her lover, Prince Potemkin became co-ruler, during their obsessive and tempestuous affair.

Using Catherine's intimate memoirs and personal letters, actress Emily Bruni brings to life one of history's most powerful and passionate women.

Duration: 55 mins.
Released: 2006

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