Is A Royal Scandal Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, A Royal Scandal is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 94 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
A Royal Scandal Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1945, A Royal Scandal enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on Catherine the Great falls in love with an army officer who is plotting against her. Under the direction of Otto Preminger, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Tallulah Bankhead, Charles Coburn, Anne Baxter. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, A Royal Scandal offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, A Royal Scandal is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 6.9/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of Comedy, History, Drama, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Cast of A Royal Scandal
- Tallulah Bankhead – Catherine the Great
- Charles Coburn – Nicolai Iiyitch
- Anne Baxter – Anna Jaschikoff
- William Eythe – Alexei Chernoff
- Vincent Price – Marquis de Fleury
Top Highlights
Tallulah BankheadCatherine the Great
Charles CoburnNicolai Iiyitch
Anne BaxterAnna Jaschikoff
William EytheAlexei Chernoff
Vincent PriceMarquis de Fleury
Mischa AuerCaptain Sukov
Sig RumanGeneral Ronsky
Vladimir SokoloffMalakoff
Mikhail RasumnyDrunken General
Paul BaratoffRussian General (uncredited)
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.9/10, and global collection metrics, A Royal Scandal stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1945 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Royal Scandal movie hit or flop?
A Royal Scandal has received mixed reviews with a 6.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is A Royal Scandal worth watching?
A Royal Scandal is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, History, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is A Royal Scandal?
A Royal Scandal is a Comedy, History, Drama movie that Catherine the Great falls in love with an army officer who is plotting against her....
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Critic Reviews
William Eythe is "Lt. Chernoff", an enthusiastic Russian officer determined to warn his Empress that she is in the gravest of danger. Arriving at her palace, he eventually manages to secure an audience but it turns out that Catherine the Great (Tallulah Bankhead) and her shrewd Chancellor "Ilyitch" (Charles Coburn) have already dealt with this potential treachery. The Empress, however, takes a bit of a shine to her gallant young soldier and soon he is soaring through the ranks - much to the chagrin of his fiancée "Anna" (Anne Baxter). As he rises, he begins to think he can make a difference - and is soon treading on toes that could spell his end... The writing is amusing and quick fire, and the efforts from Bankhead and, particularly, Coburn keep this film moving along a-pace. There is plenty of pith in the script, and though it pays but the tiniest of nods to actual history, it does offer us quite an entertaining account of how life might have been when the court was run by a lady who liked the sight of a soldier in a white uniform. Good fun!