The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex
The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex

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

6.3 (98) 1h 46m 1939DramaHistoryRomance

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

Status

Released

Original Language

EN

Budget

Revenue

Release Date

November 11, 1939

Popularity

1

Director

Michael Curtiz

Writer

Æneas MacKenzie

Writer

Norman Reilly Raine

Where to Watch

Cast

Gallery

Reviews

CinemaSerf

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...

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