The film’s considerable expense and opulent style don't ultimately coalesce into a satisfying experience. Yul Brynner portrays "Bounine," a former military leader who has spent years misleading investors with the claim that he located the last living descendant of Czar Nicholas II. He finds “Anna,” played by Ingrid Bergman, a fragile and disturbed young woman, intending to present her as the Empress’s granddaughter through careful preparation, training, and expensive clothing. If successful in convincing the Dowager Empress, this deception would trigger the release of £10 million from the Bank of England. Bergman delivers a compelling performance as the initially confused girl with no memory of her past; her portrayal becomes increasingly believable as the narrative unfolds and her character gains definition, regardless of its authenticity. Helen Hayes is also effective, supported by Martita Hunt’s memorable depiction of “Baroness von Livenbaum,” portraying an imperious woman who maintains a cynical outlook while secretly yearning for hope. Brynner's performance, however, falls short; he doesn’t convincingly embody the manipulative schemer and his character lacks development until a rather anticlimactic ending, despite any basis in historical fact. At the time of production, speculation existed regarding the survival of one of the Grand Duchesses, and the film attempts to leverage these captivating rumors with its vibrant visual style. Unfortunately, the dialogue feels verbose, and there’s a notable absence of chemistry among the actors, resulting in a disappointing, fragmented, and slow-paced historical drama.

Source on TMDB