Elizabeth I (TV miniseries)

Elizabeth I is a twopart 2005 British historical drama television miniseries directed by Tom Hooper, written by Nigel Williams, and starring Helen Mirren as Elizabeth I of England. The miniseries covers approximately the lastyears of her nearly 45year reign. Partfocuses on the final years of her relationship with the Earl of Leicester, played by Jeremy Irons. Partfocuses on her subsequent relationship with the Earl of Essex, played by Hugh Dancy.

By 1579, Elizabeth I has reigned for aboutyears and has refused to marry. Her chief advisor Lord Burghley and her spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham plan to have her marry the Duke of Anjou, brother of Henry III of France, to make an alliance against Spain. Elizabeths favourite the Earl of Leicester strongly opposes the match because of his own longstanding affections for her. The Duke of Anjou eventually comes to court Elizabeth, but despite him being to her liking, she is later convinced by Burghley not to marry him because of negative popular opinion towards the match.Over time, Walsingham gathers evidence to prove that Elizabeths Catholic cousin Mary, Queen of Scots is plotting to have her killed. Elizabeth is reluctant to have Mary executed because of the war it would likely ignite between England and Spain. During a secret meeting, Mary gives Elizabeth her word that she does not want her dead. Elizabeth hesitantly gives Leicester command of the English campaign to assist the Dutch against Spain, which fails. Once it is proven that Mary has in fact been conspiring against Elizabeths life, Mary is judged guilty of treason and later executed. ........

Source: Wikipedia