Forbidden love, enduring passion, Cinderella in reverse - Olga: The Last Grand Duchess tells the tale of Olga Ramanov’s journey from the palaces of St. Petersburg to her death in obscurity above a modest barbershop in Toronto.

Daughter of Danish Princess Tsarina Dagmar and Russian Czar Alexander III, sister of Nicholas II, the last Czar, Olga was born into a life of pomp and splendour. Her story is set against the backdrop of an entire century, encompassing two world wars, a revolution, thrilling escapes and two terms of exile.  Rare footage from the Russian archives presents a record of the momentous historical events that shaped the century. The person now in charge of the archives is completely devoted to Olga and the details of her life who is their beloved “Princess who didn’t want to be a princess.”

Contemporary footage, shot during production in Russia, Denmark and Canada, of the palaces and humble homes where Olga lived shows the range of lifestyles she experienced.  Olga’s vibrant paintings, coupled with interviews of people who knew her, create an insider’s sense of this woman’s astonishing character and the lasting impression she made. The numerous newspaper headlines give the film the weight of history – and international, political, explosive history that was played out in one woman’s life of courage and endurance.