Elizabeth R

Synopsis

This historical mini-series documents the reign of Elizabeth I with each episode focusing on one dramatic period in the lengthy reign of the Virgin Queen, including her ascension to the throne, her various marital intrigues, her problems with her cousin Mary, Queen of Scots, and the threatened invasion of the Spanish Armada.

First Air Date: 1971-02-17

Last Air Date: 1971-03-24

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 6

Networks: BBC Two

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

Glenda Jackson as Queen Elizabeth I
Ronald Hines as William Cecil
Angela Thorne as Lettice Knollys
Robert Hardy as Robert Dudley
John Shrapnel as Earl of Sussex
Stephen Murray as Walsingham
Vivian Pickles as Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots
Rachel Kempson as Kat Ashley
Robin Ellis as Robert Devereaux
Peter Jeffrey as King Philip II of Spain

Seasons

Season 1 (1971)

No overview available for this season.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: The Lion's Cub (1971-02-17)

A young Elizabeth lives in dangerous times, leading the Protestant rebellion against her Catholic half-sister Mary, and challenging her claim to the throne.
Ep. 2: The Marriage Game (1971-02-24)

The unmarried young Queen is encouraged to find a suitable husband so that she can produce an heir, but she finds that very few suitors interest her.
Ep. 3: Shadow in the Sun (1971-03-03)

Elizabeth meets an interesting suitor, the Duke of Anjou, much to the Puritans' disapproval. Now Elizabeth must decide whether to follow her head or her heart.
Ep. 4: Horrible Conspiracies (1971-03-10)

Queen Elizabeth finds her position increasingly threatened by Mary, Queen of Scots and her loyal supporters. Will Elizabeth have to execute Mary in order to remain Queen?
Ep. 5: The Enterprise of England (1971-03-17)

With the threat of war against Spain suddenly imminent, Elizabeth must place her faith in the strength of the Navy, led by Sir Francis Drake.
Ep. 6: Sweet England's Pride (1971-03-24)

An elderly Queen Elizabeth instructs the Earl of Essex to quell the threat of an Irish uprising, but will she have to deal with a rebellion of her own?