The Emperor's Candlesticks (1937) DVD

The Emperor's Candlesticks (1937)

• Director
  • George Fitzmaurice
• Writers
  • Baroness Emmuska Orczy(book)
  • Harold Goldman
  • Monckton Hoffe
• Stars
  • William Powell
  • Luise Rainer
  • Robert Young

  Baroness Orczy, author of The Scarlet Pimpernel, came up with the story upon which The Emperor's Candlesticks was based. As in Pimpernel, the theme is international intrigue, but this time the setting is pre-World War One Europe and Russia rather than Revolutionary France. William Powell and Luise Rainer are spies working for opposing empires (Russian and Austrian) who travel undetected amidst the Nobility while plotting their plots. As they waltz about various ballrooms dressed to the nines, they fall in love--resulting in wavering loyalties for both. Emperor's Candlesticks is stronger on decor than on plot, with the talented Luise Rainer once more ill-used by Hollywood.