The Last Command

film by Sternberg [1928]

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July 16, 2026

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The Last Command is a 1928 American silent film directed by Josef von Sternberg. The film stars Emil Jannings, who won the first Academy Award for Best Actor for his performances in this film and The Way of All Flesh.12

Jannings portrays Grand Duke Sergius Alexander, a once-powerful Russian general who flees to Hollywood after the Russian Revolution. Reduced to poverty, he finds work as an extra and is forced to play bit parts in war films, often directed by a sadistic former subordinate. The film explores themes of fallen grandeur and the harsh realities of the film industry. Jannings's portrayal of a proud man enduring humiliation is a hallmark of his acclaimed performances.21

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Emil Jannings
…an embittered family man, and The Last Command (1928), in which he was an exiled Russian general reduced to playing bit parts in war films. (During the early years of the awards, actors could be nominated for multiple performances.) With the advent of sound in American cinema, Jannings was forced…
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…an embittered family man, and The Last Command (1928), in which he was an exiled Russian general reduced to playing bit parts in war films. (During the early years of the awards, actors could be nominated for multiple performances.) With the advent of sound in American cinema, Jannings was forced…
Read More