Mary, Queen of Scots (1971)

User Rating:

7.6/10   

Director:

Charles Jarrott

Writer:

John Hale (original screenplay)

Release Date:

29 March 1972 (Sweden)

Genre:

Drama | History

Tagline:

They Used Every Passion In Their Incredible Duel!

Plot:

Mary Stuart, who was named Queen of Scotland when she was only six days old, is the last Roman Catholic ruler of Scotland...

Plot Keywords:

Queen | Scotland | England | Torture | Marriage Of Convenience

Awards:

Nominated for 5 Oscars. Another 3 wins & 5 nominations

Cast

Vanessa Redgrave	...	Mary, Queen of Scots
Glenda Jackson	...	Queen Elizabeth
Patrick McGoohan	...	James Stuart
Timothy Dalton	...	Henry - Lord Darnley
Nigel Davenport	...	Lord Bothwell
Trevor Howard	...	William Cecil
Daniel Massey	...	Robert Dudley
Ian Holm	...	David Riccio
Andrew Keir	...	Ruthven
Tom Fleming	...	Father Ballard
Katherine Kath	...	Catherine De Medici
Beth Harris	...	Mary Seton
Frances White	...	Mary Fleming
Bruce Purchase	...	Morton
Brian Coburn	...	Huntly

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for some violence.

Runtime:

128 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.20 : 1

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) | Mono (35 mm prints)

Certification:

UK:A (original rating) | UK:PG | Australia:PG | Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15 | USA:GP (original rating) | USA:PG-13 (re-rating) (1998)

Filming Locations:

Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland, England, UK

Company:

Universal Pictures

Trivia:

Vanessa Redgrave had to learn the title song "Vivre et Mourir" phonetically because she could not speak French.

Goofs:

Incorrectly regarded as goofs: In the film, Queen Elizabeth I of England travels to the north of England to meet Queen Mary of Scotland. In recorded history, this meeting never took place - the two queens never met in their lifetimes. However, it is stated in the film that the meeting is secret, and never mentioned even to Elizabeth's closest advisors. This explains how such a meeting could take place, but not be recorded historically.

Quotes:

Mary, Queen of Scots: [Mary is blindfolded, she kneels and stretches out her arms] Into your hands, O lord, I place my spirit.
[the axe goes high up and comes down, there is a slicing sound. The shot changes to Elizabeth, distressed]

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: Prince of Space (#9.16)" (1997)

Outstanding Acting!

Vanessa Redgrave portrays an excellent Queen of Scots in this film; Mary Stuart's frivolity, passion for life, religious devotion, and emotion-stirring conscience is perfectly captured by this talented actress. Similarly, the vanity, arrogance, and evil self-assuredness of the weakling Henry Lord Darnley shone through in Timothy Dalton's words and actions. But, without desecrating the skills displayed by Dalton and Redgrave, I was riveted by the scenes in the English Court. Glenda Jackson, as Elizabeth of England, has completely captured the hearts and imaginations of the audience as the best actress to ever play the Virgin Queen, and as I watched her manipulate her Catholic enemies and rise above the snares of danger that her fellow Queen blindly stumbled into, I was amazed at her complete understanding of the role. In my opinion, Elizabeth can be no easy character to portray, but Jackson clearly demonstrates a clear knowledge of the complicated workings of this Queen's mind. Also wonderfully brought to life are the struggles for approval amongst her leading ministers, William Cecil (played by Trevor Howard) and Robert Dudley (Daniel Massey). Cecil's endless determination to lead the Queen in best interests of the nation are admirable, and Dudley's endless devotion (though sometimes portrayed as ambition and avarice) is touching. Unfortunately, the script seems to rush through the complicated and fascinating tale of the Queen of Scots' harrowing 7 years on her Scotch throne. All in all, I recommend this movie to anyone interested in Mary, or, even if your tastes run more to Elizabeth than her impulsive cousin, I believe you will be more than satisfied.