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

(1939)Directed by Michael Curtiz106 minDrama, History, Romance
“Elizabeth I's love for the Earl of Essex threatens to destroy her kingdom.”

Queen Elizabeth (Bette Davis) rules England and is no longer young, and the man she loves is Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex (Errol Flynn), a favorite who wants more than her affection. Michael Curtiz sets their quarrels and reconciliations among the courtiers of her household, including Lady Penelope Gray (Olivia de Havilland), who watches from close by. The film is staged in Technicolor, so every gown and jeweled collar on Davis is a heavy, saturated weight.

Bette Davisas Queen Elizabeth
Errol Flynnas The Earl of Essex
Olivia de Havillandas Lady Penelope Gray
Donald Crispas Francis Bacon
Alan Haleas The Prince of Tyrone
Vincent Priceas Sir Walter Raleigh
Henry Stephensonas Lord Burghley
Henry Daniellas Sir Robert Cecil
James Stephensonas Sir Thomas Egerton
Nanette Fabrayas Mistress Margaret Radcliffe
Ralph Forbesas Lord Knollys
Robert Warwickas Lord Mountjoy
Leo G. Carrollas Sir Edward Coke
GBGuy Bellisas Lord Charles Howard (uncredited)
JDJacob Danceas Essex's Soldier (uncredited)
Forrester Harveyas Bit Part (uncredited)
Holmes Herbertas Majordomo (uncredited)
I. Stanford Jolleyas Spectator Outside Whitehall Palace (uncredited)
Doris Lloydas Handmaiden (uncredited)
John Suttonas Capt. Armand of the Queen's Guard (uncredited)
Rosella Towneas Lady of the Court (uncredited)
Maris Wrixonas Lady of the Court (uncredited)