The Patriot (1928 film)

The Patriot is an American biographical film on Emperor (Czar/Tsar) Paul I of Russia. The film was latter remade in 1938 under the same name.

Plot
In 18th-Century Russia, the Czar, Paul, is surrounded by murderous plots and trusts only Count Pahlen. Pahlen wishes to protect his friend, the mad king, but because of the horror of the king's acts, he feels that he must remove him from the throne. Stefan, whipped by the czar for not having the correct number of buttons on his gaiters, joins with the count in the plot. The crown prince is horrified by their plans and warns his father, who, having no love for his son, places him under arrest for his foolish accusations. Pahlen uses his mistress, the Countess Ostermann, to lure the czar into the bedroom, where she tells the czar of the plot. The czar summons Pahlen, who reassures him of his loyalty. Later that night the count and Stefan enter his bedroom, and presently the czar is dead. But moments later Stefan turns a pistol on Pahlen. As the count lies dying on the floor, the countess appears and embraces Pahlen as he says, "I have been a bad friend and lover—but I have been a Patriot."

Production
The film was produced by Paramount Pictures.

Cast

 * Emil Jannings as Czar Paul I
 * Florence Vidor as Countess Ostermann
 * Lewis Stone as Count Pahlen
 * Vera Voronina as Mademoiselle Lapoukhine
 * Neil Hamilton as Crown Prince Alexander
 * Harry Cording as Stefan
 * Tullio Carminati and Carmencita Johnson appear uncredited in this movie.

Crew

 * Director: Ernst Lubitsch

Reception
text