New Nicholas & Alexandra Video - Mini Series? Part I

Thanks for the vote of confidence Larry!

I've been reading a lot lately and decided to go back and retrace some of our footsteps on this particular forum topic...now 23 pages long! The size and complexity of this is beyond me as there is just so much to include. Right now I've paired down my focus to events from 1895 up to Alexei's birth while ignoring, just for the moment, the Russo-Japanese War. Here are a few ideas for upcoming scenes I had based on our prior discussion but was wondering if anyone could assist with developing...

1) An easy way to introduce a couple of new characters would be to show an Imperial Ball. We can also shed some light on Alexandra's poor reputation in certain circles by having women giggling and whispering among themselves about her poor taste in clothing, awkward dancing and atrocious French accent.

2) Ann (Kalafrana) at some point I'll be asking for your guidance in bringing to life that flamboyant scene involving a younger Felix Yussupov. He'll obviously be featured more prominently later on but I got a kick out of your idea of a scene where the (roughly) sixteen year old Felix (circa 1903), encouraged by his brother Nikolai, attends a party/ball dressed as a girl. Maybe include somewhere his brother and a woman helping him get into dress while remarking that "mother always wanted a little girl...".

3) The sudden death of GD George in 1899 and it's rather traumatic effects on his immediate family. Nicholas getting the news and telling his mother who broke down in tears. Then his funeral where MF being helped along by daughter Xenia and grieving hard runs out of the church before anyone has even had the time to pay final respects, place flowers on his tomb, etc. She sits sobbing in her carriage gripping tightly Georgy's hat. Perhaps we'll need a flashback sequence to introduce Nicholas & George playing together as younger boys as a better way to introduce him and explain his importance to Nicholas.

I've come up with some scenes dealing with Olga's birth, and a factory workers strike in 1895. Also a discussion between the Tsar, Witte, and foreign minister Count Mikhail Nikolayevich (1898/99) setting up the Hague Conference. One last scene I want to do, and a rather controversial one, involves GD Sergei Alexandrovich handing to Nicholas a copy of "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion" in what I believe was 1903. Just two years before his assassination...

All this sounds good.

Ann

[April 30, 1895. Yaroslavl Textile Factory.]

The following words appear on the screen as another scene begins: April 30, 1895. Yaroslavl Textile Factory.

Scene begins with many men chattering about and standing around a few select individuals sitting at a table. They are on strike factory workers holding a late night meeting to discuss how to effectively petition their employers as to their unsuitable working conditions.

Worker 1: OK people lets calm down...everyone...listen up!

Discussion among workers quiets down as most listen intently...

Worker 1: Now, we need to come away from this meeting speaking clearly and in one voice.
Worker 2: I still don't know what our goal is...are we talking about pay, are we talking about reforms, or are we talking about safer working conditions?
Crowd shouting: EVERYTHING! Yeah!
Worker 3: One thing at a time...one thing at a time (quieting down the crowd again). It's the working environment that we should be focusing on. Without that there really isn't another conversation to be had...
Worker 4: I agree...the owners think we are sloppy workers. That we can easily be replaced...they have no idea!
Worker 5: These machines are old and out of date. It's all about money. We need to force them to pay for new equipment, or we need better compensation to risk ourselves in here...
Worker 4 (holding up left hand): You see this. This was my wedding finger. Last year at this time I still had it. Lucky for me I am right handed!
Worker 5: Vasily was nearly killed last week when the sleeve of his shirt got caught in the mill. I told him not to wear the long sleeves, but these things, you know, they happen...
Worker 6: Boris, Ivan, Pavel, the list goes on. Good men and good workers, injured, out of work for weeks or months at a time. There is no compensation. Who will take care of their families while they cannot work?
Worker 4: Remember Yuri? He was arrested and imprisoned last week. When you have one arm and your employer believes you lost it because you were stupid they throw you out onto the street. He cannot find work. His wife and four children begin to starve so he starts stealing...(looks and nods from the crowd)...eventually he gets caught!
Worker 1: There is no way we can continue like this. They believe they own us...like the Tsar himself is watching our every move!
Worker 2: Yes, but we must be cautious. It's important to be firm but if anyone knew that we were meeting like this...

Suddenly a division of local soldiers burst through the doors. Some of the workers scatter but others resist dispersing and a fight breaks out. One soldier is hit by a small stray medal object and suddenly shots rings out. Spurred on by fear and confusion other soldiers begin firing indiscriminately into the pockets of protesters scurrying about. Several men fall even as they try to escape the premises.

The scene shifts to the following afternoon and Tsar Nicholas is seated, puffing on a cigarette while reading a report handed to him from one of his ministers...

Minister: In summary, your majesty, it appears obvious that these striking workers were also plotting some sort of retribution against their employers. We feel they may also have been infiltrated by socialist radicals...once these men became aggressive and refused to cooperate there was really very little choice the soldiers had...
Nicholas: How many dead did you say?
Minister: Thirteen sir, a few more injured.
Nicholas: And the soldiers are alright?
Minister: With only minor injuries sir.
Nicholas (pausing momentarily and nodding his head): I am very satisfied with the way the troops behaved during these factory uprisings. I have no desire to see blood shed but we really must put a stop to this sort of thing.
Minister (nodding his head): Your majesty...will there be anything else for now?
Nicholas: No, thank you Oleg (name?).

The minister exits the room as Nicholas gets up from his desk and moves toward the window...fiddling with his mustache while in thought. The scene fades out...

[Alexandra:]

OK here is the scene I thought of for the birth of Olga Nikolaevna in November of 1895...

We cut to Alexandra laying in bed a perspiring while her husband sits next to her holding her hand. She's in quite a bit of pain as we near the end of a protracted and exhausting pregnancy. A few doctors and medical staff are coming in and out of the room. They wait anxiously in preparation for the Empress to begin labor...

Alexandra: It's exhausting...how do other mothers manage to do this? And multiple times at that!
Nicholas: Did you know we have an opportunity to make history my dear? There hasn't been a male heir born directly to a reigning Tsar in more than a century.
Alexandra (slight grin): Hard to think about providing you with a beautiful baby boy when you're in this kind of pain...and those doctors are hanging around us vultures.
Nicholas: It will be over soon enough darling...you should know how excited we all are! My mother waiting outside can barely contain herself. She's playing the role of sentry. Making sure no one other than me...and maybe a few of those doctors...can distract you now.
Alexandra (breathing heavily): Nicky!
Nicholas: Is it time?
Alexandra (shouting): Yes...doctor!
Nicholas: Doctor (name?)!

The doctors approach Alexandra now in labor. The scene quickly cuts away to a group of artillerymen in Kronstadt and St. Petersburg receiving word of the birth of baby girl. The cannon begins to fire amid a growing crowd filing into the streets in anticipation. They count off the rounds...

Man #1: 86...87...88
Woman: That's only 87, you're getting ahead of yourself, slow down!
Man #1: Fine, fine...so it's 87...88...89...
Various men & women: 99...100...101!
Woman: 101...that is all?
Man #2 (excitedly): It's a girl!
Man #3 (unenthusiastically): Yes, it's a girl...
Woman: A grand duchess. Very well. Though not exactly cause for national celebration.
Man #2: They are still quite young. There will be plenty of time to produce an heir...

Combination of smiles & frowns mixed together with shrugging shoulders and quiet conversation. All helping to express the overall mood of mild disappointment from the assembled crowd as they disperse.

Flashforward a few days later. Alexandra is sitting in the nursery holding the baby and being visited by several family members and close friends. The Tsar, Dowager Empress, and sister Ella are closest to her as she sits and holds her newborn child...

Xenia Alexandrovna: Such a splendid, huge little girl!
Alexander Mihailovich: Looks like a perfect little playmate for baby Irina!
Olga Alexandrovna (smiling/sarcasm): Olga, such a lovely name too your majesties, whatever made the two of you decide to call her...
Xenia (putting her hand over her sister's mouth and interrupting): Ahem...Nicky does this mean I should be expecting your next daughter to be named Xenia?
Nicholas (chuckling): It's boys from here on out...
Vasily Alexandrovich Dolgorukov: Your majesties I must say it's rare to see a newborn with such a full head of hair.
Alexandra (amusingly): One of the nanny's said that a head covered with hair is a definite token of a little girl's future happiness.
Grand Duke George Alexandrovich: She is indeed a beautiful child your Empress. You've done very well!
Maria Feodorovna: Georgy did you hear the doctors weighed her in at ten pounds? They had to remove the poor thing with forceps!
Alexandra: It's all in the past now.
Nicholas: Yes, we are officially a family!
Alexandra (smiling while caressing the forehead and cheeks of her sleeping baby): You can imagine our intense happiness, now that we have such a precious little one to care for and look after.

Scene cuts away...

[Nicholas:]

Next scene has me jumping ahead a little. It's a discussion between Nicholas, Minister Sergei Witte, and Count Mikhail Nikolayevich Muravyov. They are discussing the Hague Convention that was proposed in August of 1898 and then held in May, 1899. The results of the convention were viewed by most as either modestly successful or slight disappointing as less was agreed upon than initially hoped for. Still the Hague created the first real framework for the discussion of the rules of war and it led to Tsar Nicholas being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.

Nicholas: Dmitry, please show in the foreign minister.
Servant (Dmitry?): Yes your majesty.
Muravyov: Good afternoon your imperial majesty!
Nicholas (receives and shakes Muravyov's hand): And to you...Muravyov you are of course familiar with Minister Sergei Witte...?
Muravyov: Indeed I am (walks over and shakes Witte's hand).
Nicholas: I hope you don't mind but I've asked the minister to join in our discussion.
Muravyov (sounding hesitant and appearing mildly displeased): No I do not mind sir.
Nicholas: Very well...what do you have for me Mr. Foreign Minister?
Muravyov (speaking while placing several pages of a report onto the Tsar's desk): I feel the Hague Convention is an important first step in strengthening our diplomatic ties with the rest of Europe and the industrialized world. Myself and diplomat Martens will of course be attending...
Witte (interrupting): Allow me to interrupt for a moment Mikhail...
Muravyov: Yes...?
Witte: The main goal of the convention must be to specifically address laws of war and the perpetuation of war crimes between nations that is long overdue.
Muravyov: That goes without saying Witte but I believe it is in the best interest of the Tsar's Empire to make it abundantly clear to the rest of the world that it is in fact Russia who is initiating these talks.
Witte: We hope this shall be but the first of many conventions however. It's about encouraging peaceful unity between empires in settling disputes, not taking credit and accepting medals.
Muravyov: I'm quite certain that his majesty is perfectly aware of the implications of...
Nicholas (interrupting): Gentleman I enjoy lively discussion between intellectual statesmen, but lets get ahold of ourselves for a moment...the convention is scheduled for the end of August and a plan needs to be put in place. Much is expected. What's currently on the table Muravyov?
Muravyov: Yes sir...we seek to create peaceful settlement of disputes through a binding international court. This would require compulsory arbitration and the overall goal of worldwide disarmament.
Witte: As you are aware your majesty I have issues with the practicality of such a convention but in this I do agree with the foreign minister. We are reaching the turn of the century and any number of new tools of mass destruction are being created, and will be implemented.
Nicholas: Then it is of the utmost importance, even if only as a symbolic gesture, that I appeal to the rulers of the world a universal peace.
Witte: All of Europe must be united and peaceful. Europe will not be spending great sums on the rivalry between the various countries...it will not represent an armed camp, as it does now. Europe is deteriorating under the weight of mutual enmity and international wars. Soon the other nations of America and Japan may be treating Europe not with genuine respect, but the kind of respect due an aging beauty.

Flashforward to Muravyov's first meeting with Tsar Nicholas just days after the conference concluded in May, 1899. Maravyov reads aloud the agreed upon terms as the Tsar listens intently from his desk, puffing on his usual cigarette.

Muravyov: Section one..."Pacific Settlement of International Disputes" and the creation of the "Permanent Court of Arbitration". Section two..."Laws and Customs of War on Land". Section three..."Adaptation to Maritime Warfare of Principles"...and Section Four...The "Prohibiting Launching of Projectiles and Explosives from Balloons".
Nicholas: It doesn't sound like enough, but it isn't nothing either.
Muravyov: It is a modest triumph to be certain your majesty. We set out to conquer war once and for all and have settled for taking a first important step.
Nicholas (smiling): Well Russia wasn't built in a day.
Muravyov: The mutual distrust among powers was bound to make for difficult negotiations. Most of the great powers...the United States, Britain, Russia, France, China, and Persia, all favored a binding international arbitration. But this was contingent upon a unanimous vote. Not all countries agreed and ultimately vetoed the proposal.
Nicholas: The Kaiser?
Muravyov: Yes sir, I'm afraid Germany did lead the small coalition of dissenters.
Nicholas: Well I suppose one could have seen that coming. My cousin might be stubborn but he's not about to do something foolish. I wouldn't give it to much thought.
Muravyov: Yes your majesty...and let it not put a damper on this victory. The main effect of the convention was to curb the emerging brutal weaponry that could otherwise lay waste to the 20th century. A ban on chemical warfare, hollow point bullets and bombing from the air.
Nicholas: Splendid, the Empress too will be pleased. Nothing pains us more than idea of Russian soldiers needlessly spilling blood.
Muravyov: And it is Russia your majesty who comes away from the Hague Convention looking most splendid in the eyes of the world.

Scene cuts away...

Two minor points here.

I think for the birth scene, we might have Olga A say something like, 'I'm an aunt again!' she was only 13 at the time and would doubtless find being an aunt rather exciting.

I think we need more patronymics, since this is Russia, e.g. 'Allow me to interrupt for a moment, Mikhail Nikolaievich.'

Otherwise I like it!

Ann

This is very good, I like it

Two minor points here.

I think for the birth scene, we might have Olga A say something like, 'I'm an aunt again!' she was only 13 at the time and would doubtless find being an aunt rather exciting.

I think we need more patronymics, since this is Russia, e.g. 'Allow me to interrupt for a moment, Mikhail Nikolaievich.'

Otherwise I like it!

Ann

I appreciate it Ann. I'll go back and touch it up with something else from Olga A. An important character to get into this story since she was, after all, the favorite aunt of OTMAA. I specifically had her compliment N&A on the naming of their new baby since I thought it would be something cute and silly that a thirteen year old might mention.

For the scene I've developed though I'm not sure it makes sense to have her say "I'm an Aunt again!" with too much surprise. Here we are simply showing the family getting their first look at baby ON. Presumably Olga A would already have heard of the birth of the child prior to her visit. I'll come up with something though and run it past y'all :-)

About patronyms...good call! It's funny how in their culture people are referred to either properly or very casual and chummy. For instance someone from outside the family circle would say Maria Nikolaevna or Anastasia Nikolaevna. But someone inside the inner circle might more readily say "Mashka" or "Nastya". It doesn't seem like they'd be referred to as just "Maria" or "Anastasia" the way we more often do so now...

This is very good, I like it

Thanks Tim! There is just so much to consider. The moment I begin developing a scene, two more pop in my head. The more I read, naturally, the more events I consider candidates for inclusion. What makes it all the more difficult is that I'll be creating something based off a couple of specific sources, online references, and my own knowledge...then once I'm finished I'll be reading something else that provides greater insight or a specific quote/diary entry from a character, and I'll be like "DAMN, wish I had included that!" lol.

I rather like Olga A. An interesting person, and one who needs to be coming in and out of the story fairly regularly.

Now, what about brother Mikhail?

I need to have a go at a scene about him!

Ann

Yeah Olga deserves some face time. I also like how opinionated she was. Maybe I/we could work a couple of scenes where she is the narrator. Something drawn from a letter/diary entry to help explain another character/scene.

I could have pretty easily included GD Michael in with the family scene I just did...maybe I could go back and include a line if you think it's worth it?

Otherwise, yes, we need something to ramp him up as a character! We can't possibly have the eventual de facto successor to the throne not mentioned until the events of 1917. Maybe another flashback scene showing Olga's doubts about the preparedness of Nicholas in assuming the throne (circa 1894), as well as MF's apparent preference for younger brother Michael over her eldest son in the event something should happen to her husband would be worth including.

I'll see what you come up with first Ann :-)

[GD Sergei:]

There was a lavish party thrown celebrating the birth of the couple's first daughter Olga. This might be a good scene to do as it is a way to introduce a few more important characters. Afterwards we have the Coronation and Khodynka Tragedy that will be hugely significant events to touch on...and no doubt take some time.

For now I mentioned that I had one more scene in mind for the time being so here it is...jumping ahead again it's a brief exchange between Nicholas and Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich. I'm sure that this is going to come off as rather controversial and I look forward to some feedback...

GD Sergei: Your majesty before we get into the affairs of state there is a book I've brought for you.

He reaches into a satchel and pulls out a copy of "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion" and hands it to Nicholas...

Nicholas (looking at it briefly): That's most provocative subject matter wouldn't you say?
GD Sergei: It's an enlightening read. Your father knew of it but I thought it would be worth presenting to you as it just began publication in Russia.
Nicholas: Yes, Pobedonostsev knew of it as well and mentioned it on occasion.
GD Sergei: I think if you read it you'll find it is at the very least fascinating. At most a definitive polemic on Zionism.
Nicholas: Care to be more specific while I consider whether to read it? 
GD Sergei: It's arranged as a series of articles and scripts. Rumor has it these documents were stolen from a secret Jewish organization bent on world domination.
Nicholas: Did the authors charge any specific groups with this?
GD Sergei: I'll warn you the book is rather vague at times, but in no way is the point unclear. It's important to understand just how deeply involved in our institutions these Jews are.
Nicholas: I've never been terribly comfortable with the presence of so many Yids in our Holy Christian land. You know my father was not either.
GD Sergei: Why I thought it a good time to present you with this sir. It seems obvious that the Jews are disproportionately involved in many of the growing radical liberal movements that threaten the stability of the empire.
Nicholas: Pobedonostsev once said of the Jews that "a third will be converted, a third will emigrate, and the rest will die of hunger." I do not wish them harm, but rather to curb their influence and guard against any trouble...thank you uncle, I'll give it a read.
GD Sergei: My pleasure your majesty. An author and holy man I've been fortunate enough to have made the acquaintance of is currently promoting this copy. His name is Sergei Nilus and his plan is to publish an updated second edition of the book in a year or two.

Scene cuts away to images of brutal pogroms being enacted throughout the empire. Men and women being chased and beaten. Jewish stores set fire to. The police and Cossacks at times joining in on the attacks or providing little security and resistance. 

I'll try to come up with at least one specific scene. Possibly the Odessa massacre where 2,500 were killed, or the incident described in a couple of the books I have read where the murder of a boy (by his father) was pinned on the local Jewish population who subsequently incurred the wrath of the angry antisemitism of the townspeople. Awful, but in my opinion necessary...

Another good chapter.  Hopefully, when it's done,  someone TV people will take a look.  You never know.

As I've been reading more and more I realize my little scene where family comes to visit N&A with baby Olga needs to be revised slightly.

Nicholas's brother GD Georgy never met any of his children. His illness over the last several years of his life confined him to his estate in Georgia where he sought its more comfortable climate and thermal waters. So obviously he wasn't there in person to compliment his older brother and Alexandra on the birth of their child. This could easily enough be changed to GD Michael "Misha" or, better yet, Konstantine Konstantinovich "KR" who I've been itching to work into the story...

I read about George.  The man had a severe lung illness, TB, yet the damned fool smoked and smoked!  Granted they didn't know how bad smoking was for you back then, but still, you have TB that seriously affects your ability to breathe, and you SMOKE!?  Duhhhhhhhh....

Sorry if this sounds bitter, but smoking was a major contributing cause in the deaths of BOTH my parents, so I have no patience for it.

Hi Tim,

I'm with you on the smoking crusade....

About a year ago, I was waiting for a bus, when a teenage boy came up to me and asked for a cigarette.
I looked him straight in the eye and said, "I don't smoke, I'm not that stupid!!".........  Hopefully, his startled look started his brain to thinking???

Larry