Anastasia

Plot Summary

Based on the historical legend of Czar Nicholas and his family. As a young princess in Russia, Anastasia leads a happy childhood surrounded by her loving royal family, her heirloom Faberge egg collection and her protective little birds - Cyril, Miska and Dimitri. She secretly ventures outside the palace walls to bring food to hungry peasant children and to visit a local hospital where she meets and falls in love with Alexander Tchaikovsky, a young, wounded soldier. When her father finds out about the trips outside the castle, he gives her his Eagle Medal of Honor as a reward for her generosity. Meanwhile, her parents have allowed the evil Rasputin in the palace in hopes that he will cure their son, Alexis, who suffers from hemophilia. Instead, Rasputin sells information about the royal family, which leads to their downfall. When the Bolsheviks revolt, Anastasia's family is imprisoned and sentenced to execution. Although her family is shot, the bullet meant for Anastasia hits and is deflected by her Eagle Medal. She escapes with Alexander, who is waiting to save her. They travel to his Uncle in the countryside to live a simple humble life. Her courage and strength make Anastasia a moving and original heroine. Children will learn the value of giving to those less fortunate and to choosing love over riches.