The Virgin Queen [PG]

On the throne of England sits an aging Queen Elizabeth I who becomes deeply attracted to Walter Raleigh, a newcomer at Court who plans to ask Her Majesty for three ships to sail to the New World and bring back to his Queen treasures the likes of which have never been seen. At first Elizabeth denies Walter his ships, but appoints him her Captain of the Guard and then later, knights him. But there is a hidden viper in the bouquet of flowers that is Walter to Her Majesty: his secret romance and marriage to one of Elizabeth’s Ladies in Waiting. 

A beautiful period drama that recreates a most exciting and fascinating era in English history, The Virgin Queen is a very good film that promises grandiose portions of everything from performances, to dialogue, to costumes, makeup, and music. It’s a very, very grand film. 

On the throne of England sits an aging Queen Elizabeth I who becomes deeply attracted to Walter Raleigh, a newcomer at Court who plans to ask Her Majesty for three ships to sail to the New World and bring back to his Queen treasures the likes of which have never been seen. At first Elizabeth denies Walter his ships, but appoints him her Captain of the Guard and then later, knights him. But there is a hidden viper in the bouquet of flowers that is Walter to Her Majesty: his secret romance and marriage to one of Elizabeth’s Ladies in Waiting. 

Although running a mere 88 minutes long, The Virgin Queen is not without its shining qualities. Beginning with a breathtaking and swashbuckling swordfight within the first ten minutes, the film only escalates, delighting its audiences with the brilliant and grandiose language of the day, stunning period costumes and makeup, and beautiful performances from the cast. 

Bette Davis dons the crown as Queen Elizabeth I and she fills the shoes and the ruff very, very well. She delivers another scene-stealing performance with her perfect elocution, her astounding resonance, and her immortal presence. Bette Davis: undisputed ultimate diva of the screen was born to play this role of ultimate authority and wisdom, but a monarch who was also woman and yearning to be loved as such. It’s actually quite beautiful and heartbreaking when you think about it. 

Starring Richard Todd, Joan Collins, Jay Robinson, Dan O’Herlihy, and Robert Douglas, The Virgin Queen is a marvellous period drama that’s filled with swashbuckling swordplay, beautiful period costumes, and marvellous, marvellous performances. It’s a captivating piece of cinema.