There was a time, not very long ago, when we lived in an enchanted world of elegant palaces and grand parties. The year was ninteen hundred and sixteen and my son Nicholas was the Czar of Imperial Russia. We were celebrating the 300th anniversary of our family's rule. And, that night, no star burned brighter than that of our sweet Anastasia, my youngest granddaughter. She begged me not to return to Paris, so I had a very special gift made for her, to make the seperation easier for both of us.
Dowager Empress Marie
But we would never be together in Paris, for a dark shadow had descended upon the house of the Romanovs. His name was Rasputin. We thought he was a holy man, but he was a fraud, power-mad and dangerous.
Dowager Empress Marie
So many lives were destroyed that night. What had always been was now gone for ever. And my Anastasia, my beloved grandchild, I never saw her again.
Dowager Empress Marie
That's it, Dimitri. Game over. Our last kopeck gone to this flea-infested theatre and still no girl to pretend to be Anastasia.
Vladimir
We'll find her, Vlad. She's here somewhere, right under our noses. Don't forget, one look at this jewellery box and the Empress will think we've brought the real Anastasia.
Dimitri
Dimitri, do you really think I'm royalty?
Anastasia
You know I do.
Dimitri
Then stop bossing me around!
Anastasia
I think you broke my nose.
Dimitri
Men are such babies.
Anastasia
Well, nobody gets near the Dowager Empress without convincing Sophie first.
Dimitri
Oh no, not me... nope! No... nobody ever told me I had to prove I was the Grand Duchess!
Anastasia
Look, I...
Dimitri
Show up, yes. Look nice, fine. But lie?
Anastasia
You don't know it's a lie. What if it's true?
Dimitri