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106 min 1939 IMDb 6.3

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The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex

Drama, History, Romance

🎬 Critics Choice Nominee
Director Michael Curtiz
Status Released
Release Date 1939-11-11

Storyline

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

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

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CinemaSerf ★ 8.0

"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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