Even though other actresses have played Queen Elizabeth more than once, Bette Davis stands out as one of the most memorable because of her power not only as Queen Elizabeth but as a Hollywood legend who has stood the test of time. She did not have the opportunity to repeat her role opposite Errol Flynn in "The Sea Wolf". That went to Flora Robson who had played the role in "Fire Over England" two years before Bette made her debut as the Virgin Queen. Glenda Jackson received much acclaim for playing Elizabeth in the BBC miniseries and in "Mary Queen of Scots", and other actresses have played the role multiple times as well. Returning to this role, Davis adds new dimensions to make the character even more memorable than she was before.
This film focuses on her relationship with Sir Walter Raleigh, play by Richard Todd, and his desire to obtain three ships to visit the new world. She falls in love with him and blocks every attempt of him to leave England, and when she finds out that he has wed one of her ladies-in-waiting (Joan Collins) she is even more livid. There is also jealousy in her court from the other men towards Raleigh and that leads to more political intrigue.
Technically excellent with terrific color photography, great outdoor action sequences and aided by the use of widescreen, this historical epic is a little slow in spots and doesn't really go into thorough detail concerning some of the people surrounding the queen. Davis, a lot younger when she first played the part, takes command here and is at the perfect age, even altering her hairline to look more realistic. Collins and Todd are also very good, and fans of the two leading ladies will be searching out the scene where Davis allegedly kicked Collins. The direction by Henry koster and the musical score also superb.
This film focuses on her relationship with Sir Walter Raleigh, play by Richard Todd, and his desire to obtain three ships to visit the new world. She falls in love with him and blocks every attempt of him to leave England, and when she finds out that he has wed one of her ladies-in-waiting (Joan Collins) she is even more livid. There is also jealousy in her court from the other men towards Raleigh and that leads to more political intrigue.
Technically excellent with terrific color photography, great outdoor action sequences and aided by the use of widescreen, this historical epic is a little slow in spots and doesn't really go into thorough detail concerning some of the people surrounding the queen. Davis, a lot younger when she first played the part, takes command here and is at the perfect age, even altering her hairline to look more realistic. Collins and Todd are also very good, and fans of the two leading ladies will be searching out the scene where Davis allegedly kicked Collins. The direction by Henry koster and the musical score also superb.