Main Cast: Jean Simmons, Stewart Granger, Deborah Kerr, Charles Laughton, Kay Walsh
Release Year: 1953
Country: US
Run Time: 112 minutes
Plot
This costume drama was based on the historical fiction of Margaret Irwin, which embellishes the facts of the early years of England's eventual Queen Elizabeth I. It's told in flashback style, starting with the horrible day when King Henry VIII (Charles Laughton) sends away the future queen, young Bess (Jean Simmons), and executes her mother, Anne Boleyn (Elaine Stewart). Some years and several wives later, Henry VIII invites Bess to return to the palace to live with Catherine Parr (Deborah Kerr), her new stepmother. When the king dies, Bess' young half-brother, Edward (Rex Thompson), assumes the title of regent. Bess falls in love with the Navy's top admiral, Thomas Seymour (Stewart Granger), but has her brother compel him to marry Catherine. After Catherine dies, Thomas confesses his love to Bess. But his scheming brother Ned (Guy Rolfe) finds out about Thomas' feelings and accuses him of seducing Bess. ~ Michael Betzold, All Movie Guide
Review
Young Bess is a fairly enjoyable "historical" drama. As a typical Hollywood film, of course, historical merely means that it takes place in the past and concerns figures that were actually alive and of some importance. Like many other films of its kind, Bess is much less interested in getting historical facts right, and more concerned with producing a story that would involve the audience, especially if it also could fill the screen with impressive sets and costumes. Certainly, Walter Plunkett's costumes do their job admirably, as does the scenery created by a quartet of art directors. And Charles Rosher Sr.'s cinematography is lovely and, when given a chance, dramatic. Unfortunately, it's Bess' contrived-for-the-screen story that falls a little short. The flashback structure is well handled, but the events that the scenarists have come up with are a little old hat. On the plus side, Bess is played by a luscious, lovely and luminous Jean Simmons, and she's a treat during the very considerable time she is on screen. Also keeping viewers happy is the effortlessly-regal Deborah Kerr and the enjoyable Charles Laughton. Stewart Granger's performance as Simmons' love interest (though eventually wed to Kerr) is unfortunately flat, but the actor certainly looks great. Bess is no great film, but it's a moderately entertaining way to pass a couple of hours. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
Cedric Gibbons - Art Director, Urie McCleary - Art Director, Jack D. Moore - Art Director, Edwin B. Willis - Art Director, Walter Plunkett - Costume Designer, George Rhein - First Assistant Director, George Sidney - Director, Ralph Winters - Editor, Miklos Rozsa - Composer (Music Score), William J. Tuttle - Makeup, Charles Rosher Sr. - Cinematographer, Sidney Franklin - Producer, Arnold A. Gillespie - Special Effects, Warren Newcombe - Special Effects, Arthur Wimperis - Screenwriter, Jan Lustig - Screenwriter, Margaret Irwin - Book Author
Following the execution of her mother, Anne Boleyn (Elaine Stewart), for infidelity, Elizabeth (Jean Simmons) is exiled to Hatfield House by her father, King Henry VIII (Charles Laughton), and is declared illegitimate (thereby losing her place in line for the throne). She is accompanied by her loyal servants, Mr. Parry (Cecil Kellaway) and her governess Mrs. Ashley (Kay Walsh). Over the years, her position rises and falls on the whim of her father.
The child is periodically summoned back to London to become acquainted with Henry's latest spouse. By the time Henry marries his last wife, Catherine Parr (Deborah Kerr), the now-teenage Elizabeth finally rebels against her latest summons. However, the suave, handsome Lord Admiral Thomas Seymour (Stewart Granger) persuades her to change her mind, and Elizabeth and Catherine become good friends. Meanwhile, Henry is impressed and amused by the resolute defiance of his daughter (once again declared legitimate).
When Henry dies, Thomas's scheming brother Ned (Guy Rolfe) takes over as Lord Protector and guardian of King Edward VI (Rex Thompson) during his minority, overriding Henry's wish that Thomas raise the boy. Ned and Thomas do not like each other, and Ned's fear of his brother's ambition grows with each of Thomas's naval triumphs.
By now, Elizabeth realizes she is in love with Thomas. She refuses to believe Mrs. Ashley's warning that he loves someone else until she sees Thomas and Catherine embrace in secret. Ned had blocked Thomas from marrying into the royal family, but Elizabeth graciously persuades her brother to issue a royal decree sanctioning their marriage. As they live in the same household, Thomas grows too close to Elizabeth without even knowing it, until one day, Elizabeth kisses him and declares her love for him. She then wisely moves back to Hatfield. Soon after however, Catherine sickens and dies.
Thomas comes to see Elizabeth. Ned has him arrested and charged with treason. He also accuses Elizabeth of plotting with Thomas to overthrow her brother. She goes to see Edward, but is too late to save Thomas from execution.
The film then shifts forward to 1558. Having survived the perils of her early life, and with Edward deceased and her elder sister Mary dying, Elizabeth is about to become Queen of England.
