Russia's Lost Princesses

[Kimberly]

Helen Rappaport's book is being turned into a two part documentary coming soon ( I guess in England, not really sure). I will post a link to the production company. I was alerted to this yeaterday because I read tributes to one of the cameramen who died in a cycling accident whilst out in Russia. I am sure somebody did say that there would be interior views of the Govenors House in Tobolsk and lots of footage of various interiors and exteriors. I will post a link and then post as I find more info about this.
http://www.silverriver.tv/in-production/russias-lost-princesses-romanovs/

[amelia]

Thank you Kimberly. That is fantastic. Even if it is a British production we will eventually seeit here.

Amelia
(Eva McDonald)

[Greg_D]

Its on this evening on BBC2....looking forward to it !

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04fljyk

It should be generally available (worldwide i guess) to watch afterwards on BBC iplayer for around a week or so

[edubs31]

On tonight? Wow! That happened fast.

I'm wondering if it will ever actually reach American airwaves, but in addition to the iplayer option I'm guessing there's a decent chance it will turn up on DVD or Netflix at some point, yes?

[Kimberly]

Oh my good gracious! I didn't realise that it was on tonight.....I will be glued to my seat.

[TimM]

Perhaps it will show up on History.  And perhaps Madonna will become a nun.

[Maria Sisi]

How exciting!

But what a terrible time to be American, I doubt American airwaves will ever see it. I hope someone puts it on youtube or it somehow gets a possible DVD release.

My first thought when I saw the title was Olga Alexandrovna would not be pleased with the Princess label. It reminds me of that story where a little girl asked her if she was a Princess and she said, "No I'm a Grand Duchess."

[Greg_D]

Very Good !

Its just finished on TV.......a well-balanced informative documentary with some eminent Historians contributing, and great photos and original locations........
Try and catch it if you can !
Second part next week .......

[Kimberly]

I agree Greg. It was a really lovely documentary, lots of film footage and photographs. A well balanced, informative and highly enjoyable hour. I hope everyone manages to see it.

[Petrushka]

I haven't contributed for ages but watching this made me feel compelled to do so. Personally I thought there was an awful lot of sensationalist nonsense especially the tired rubbish about Rasputin's 'closeness' to the girls. I expected better of some of the contributors than to be associated with it. If they are going to insinuate things then either do it openly or not at all. I felt it was dirty and cheap. Again it was also a big Alexandra bashing, her illnesses (real or perceived) left everyone else on eggshells, she manipulated the girls to keep them close etc etc. it was the same tired old stuff. Yes the pics were beautiful but I really didn't like it all. Wish there wasn't so much need to sexualise the girls. Finally those awful 'Russian' voice overs for the girls letters......
Rant over
Love to you all

[Greg_D]

well of course any programme is going to elicit differing opinions from its viewers......

 Personally I found the 'general' depiction of Alexandra to be pretty accurate from what I have read about her......basically someone not really suited to be a Russian Empress , wanting a quiet life, but a very strong and dominant personality within the family.

There seems to be a lot of sugary sentiment regarding Nicholas and Alexandra, and while I have great sympathy for them and have been fascinated by them for years, I am quite able to see their faults as well as their strengths

I dont think it sensationalised the Rasputin side but clearly, for the population of Russia, not knowing why Rasputin was admitted to the palace (and hearing of his reputation) would jump to certain conclusions about their unpopular Empress.

I believe it had the right balance of information for both the newbie and people like us who have a previous interest.

[Petrushka]

You're right about the sugar coating, I accept that I really do but I found nothing new in the whole Alexandra was a poor Empress. Worse was the clear view she was a poor mum. Despite their many, many faults, my reading has always led me to believe N&A were great parents, over protective, but that isn't surprising. But still that need to take four beautiful and hopefully unsullied girls and ramp up their sexualisation is distasteful and just gutter press stuff. I am hoping next week won't just be a laboured revisit of the 'were they raped in captivity theory. '

Just don't see the need.

[Kimberly]

Sorry petrushka but I am with Greg on this. I I didn't get the feeling that the girls sexuality was " ramped up " at all.
As for Alexandra, we'll those regular missives from the girls enquiring about her health were as pathetic as they were sad.

[Maria Sisi]

As for Alexandra, we'll those regular missives from the girls enquiring about her health were as pathetic as they were sad.

I have heard about these but have never actually read one of them. Are they really as bad and cringe worthy as one might imagine?


@Greg D

The sugary sentiment regarding Nicholas, Alexandra and their once in a millennium romance is definitely nothing new. It has for the most part overshadowed their faults as rulers and everything else regarding them for a while now. Not sure if it started with Robert Massie's book but it definitely has prevailed for quite a while now. The majority of bios and documentaries I have seen made in the last 20 years since the fall of the USSR definitely do.

[Greg_D]

Yes you do have a point Petrushka I thought it was a bit harsh re the poor mum insinuation........still , looking forward to the second installment next week