The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex main backdrop
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The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex

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6.3/10 • 86

1939-11-111h 46m

DramaHistoryRomance

Elizabeth I's love for the Earl of Essex threatens to destroy her kingdom.

This period drama frames the tumultuous affair between Queen Elizabeth I and the man who would be King of England.

Directors
Michael Curtiz
Editors
Owen Marks

Top Billed Cast

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  1. Bette Davis

    Bette Davis

    Queen Elizabeth

  2. Errol Flynn

    Errol Flynn

    The Earl of Essex

  3. Olivia de Havilland

    Olivia de Havilland

    Lady Penelope Gray

  4. Donald Crisp

    Donald Crisp

    Francis Bacon

  5. Alan Hale

    Alan Hale

    The Prince of Tyrone

  6. Vincent Price

    Vincent Price

    Sir Walter Raleigh

  7. Henry Stephenson

    Henry Stephenson

    Lord Burghley

  8. Henry Daniell

    Henry Daniell

    Sir Robert Cecil

  9. James Stephenson

    James Stephenson

    Sir Thomas Egerton

Reviews1

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CinemaSerf Avatar

CinemaSerf

Jun 22, 2022

8/10

Bette Davis; Errol Flynn some swash, buckle and a rousing Korngold score - what more could you want? This is a sumptuous costume drama based on the real life story of an elderly Queen Elizabeth's infatuation with the much younger and more reckless Earl of Essex. There is an engaging chemistry between them - though the script does rather drag at times; and the usual suspects in support - including Olivia de Havilland; Henry Stephenson, Henry Daniell & Donald Crisp keep the whole thing moving along nicely. This is also the first film in which I actually recall Vincent Price having a more substantial part in, too. Lots of theatrical licence taken with the actual turn of events, but hey - it is all good fun...

Media

  • The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex poster
  • The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex poster
  • The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex poster
  • The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex poster
  • The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex poster
  • The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex poster
  • The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex poster

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
--
Revenue
--
Keywords
queenqueen elizabeth itudorearl16th centurybritish monarchy