First of two parts. Dramatic re-creations and comments from historians are used to tell the engrossing story of an impoverished German princess who would become empress of Russia. In 1744, young Sophia (Emily Bruni) and her mother are summoned to the Russian court by Empress Elizabeth with the intention that the youngster marry Peter III, the Empress's nephew and chosen successor. Included: Catherine's study of politics and her romance with war hero Grigory Orloff.