Mary, Queen of Scots (1971 film)

Mary, Queen of Scots is a 1971 British Universal Pictures biographical film based on the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, written by John Hale and directed by Charles Jarrott. Leading an allstar cast are Vanessa Redgrave as the titular character and Glenda Jackson as Elizabeth I. Jackson had previously played the part of Elizabeth in the BBC TV drama Elizabeth R, screened in February and March 1971, the first episode of which was also written by Hale.

Following the death of her husband Francis II of France, Mary, Queen of Scots Vanessa Redgrave returns to her native land. Though fearless, unselfish, and very beautiful, the young queen faces many challenges. As in neighbouring England, the Protestant faith has been embraced by many nobles of Scotland in addition, the Catholic Mary has to deal with her halfbrother James Stewart, Lord Morays Patrick McGoohan ambitions for rule. He suggests that Mary enjoy herself in Scotland, and pass the time with dancing and feasting. Moray wants to rule Scotland while the lovely but inexperienced Mary becomes a figurehead.Fearing that Mary has ambitions for Englands throne, Elizabeth I of England Glenda Jackson decides to weaken her claim by sending her favourite, the ambitious Robert Dudley Daniel Massey, to woo and marry Mary. She promises that Mary will become her heir if she agrees to the marriage. Sly Elizabeth also sends the younger, dashing but weak and spoiled Lord Darnley Timothy Dalton, from a powerful Catholic family. Tempted by the handsome Darnley, Mary impulsively chooses him for marriage. Lord Moray, a Protestant, opposes the marriage, but Mary ignores him. She even exiles Moray to strengthen her own authority. Elizabeth is satisfied that reckless, passionate Marys romantic misadventures will keep her busy in Scotland and give shrewd, practical Elizabeth less to worry about. ........

Source: Wikipedia