The Testament: Screenplay About the Life of Alexei Nicholaevich

[Pravoslavnaya]

Dear Mr. Glaeser:  

1.  Having Dr. Botkin say that in his opinion the Tsarevich most likely would not make it to the age of accession is a clever and economical truncation of history - though perhaps a bit more blunt than what Dr. Feodorov actually said when he put it to Nicholas.  

2.  The shell scene is potentially quite endearing.  How old is Alexei at this point and why does this particular incident make a good bridge from Point A (undefined here) and point B - Rodzianko reading Nicholas' initial abdication statement?  Is there symbolism in that shell?

3.  "Dmitri told me this might happen", says our dear Tsarevich in that last scene,  for which I thank you.  Historically, wasn't Dmitri in exile and out of favor with N+A at that point due to his having been involved with Rasputin's murder -- thus not a candidate for any Regency?  When would the Grand Duke have had the opportunity to discuss this possibility with the Tsarevich?  How close is he to the Imperial Family in your screenplay?

[anna]

2.  The shell scene is potentially quite endearing.  How old is Alexei at this point and why does this particular incident make a good bridge from Point A (undefined here) and point B - Rodzianko reading Nicholas' initial abdication statement?  Is there symbolism in that shell?

That's a good point, symbolism in the shell crossed my mind too.
Shell-- Russia/the Palace,
Snail--The Tsar/the upper class,
Ocean--Common people/Duma/Revolution/War.

After telling Alexei about the abdication of his father, does Gilliard remember/is he making a remark about the state of mind of Alexei- is he blaming his father, changing his attitude, feeling depressed or does he accept the situation implicitly?

Anna