an extra be call upon to play a general in a movie about the russian revolution . however and he be not any ordinary extra . he be serguis alexander and former command general of the russia army who be now be force to relive the same scene and which he suffer professional and personal tragedy in and to satisfy the director who be once a revolutionist in russia and be humiliate by alexander . it can now be the time for this broken man to finally win his penultimate battle . this be one powerful movie with meticulous direction by von sternberg and provide the great irony in alexander character in every way he can . jannings deserve his oscar for the role with a very moving performance play the general at his peak and at his deep valley . powell lend a sinister support a the revenge mind director and brent be perfect in her role with her face and movement show so much expression a jannings love . all around brilliance . rating and 10 .