Death of the Romanov Family - Execution in Siberia

WARNING:  THIS CLIP CONTAINS GRAPHIC FOOTAGE AND RECREATED SCENES OF THE ROMANOVS' EXECUTION.  PROCEED WITH CAUTION.

When the Imperial family is awakened during the middle of the night, they are told to get ready to leave the Ipatiev House.  Hopeful that the "White Russian" army - loyal to the Tsar - has "broken through," the family can only hope that rescue is finally possible.

Instead, they are ordered into the cellar.  At about 3:30 in the morning, on the 16th of July, 1918, they learn their fate. 

Three hundred years of Romanov rule ends with their execution.

Note the differences between the scene, as portrayed in the film, and the historical record:

Four servants were executed with the Romanov family.  They were: Dr. Eugene Botkin, Anna Demidova (the family's maid), Ivan Kharitonov (the family's cook) and Alexei Trupp (the family's footman). 

The chief executioner told the family, just before they were shot, that they were to be executed.

Credits

Clip from the 1971 film, Nicholas and Alexandra.  Copyright, Horizon Pictures, all rights reserved.  Clip provided, as fair use, for educational purposes.

Director
Franklin J. Schaffner

Producer    
Sam Spiegel

Screenplay
James Goldman

Based on the book by:
Robert K. Massie

Starring    
Michael Jayston - Tsar Nicholas II
Janet Suzman - Alexandra

Music by:   
Richard Rodney Bennett

Cinematography
Freddie Young

Studio
Horizon Pictures

Distributor
Columbia Pictures

Release date: 
December 30, 1971

Run time:
189 minute