Solid performances from Vanessa Redgrave (Elizabeth) and Julia Ormond (Catherine) in this four hour telefilm shot on location in Leningrad. As the British Ambassador to the Court of Russia, Christopher Plummer is suitably suave and refined. As Count Orlov, Mark Frankel is appropriately dashing and romantic. Ernest Day's camerawork produces some marvellous chiaroscuro effects, while Ron Wisman's superb editing makes every frame count. The costumes, location and production design combine to make this a breath-taking spectacle. The only fault is in the pace, which is rather slow.

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