Ivan the Terrible - Pt. 1 & 2 (1944)

Synopsis: Distant Russian history serves as an allegory for the Stalin dictatorship in this epic two-part film biography by renowned Russian director Sergei Eisenstein. Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible) reigned as czar of all Russia in the mid-16th century. The film begins with Ivan's lavish coronation... Distant Russian history serves as an allegory for the Stalin dictatorship in this epic two-part film biography by renowned Russian director Sergei Eisenstein. Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible) reigned as czar of all Russia in the mid-16th century. The film begins with Ivan's lavish coronation ceremony and follows him through a maze of court intrigue as he attempts to control jealous family members eager to topple his regime and willingly sacrifices his own son in order to maintain power. [More]