Bette Davis' second interpretation of the role of Elizabeth I, and considered by many critics to be even better than her first essay in The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex. Richard Todd plays Sir Walter Raleigh, and Joan Collins gives a spirited performance as the lady-in-waiting with whom he falls in love. The film was originally conceived as a Todd-Collins starring vehicle, but once Davis committed to the project, her role was beefed up considerably, and she shaved back her hairline to add both imperiousness and authenticity to the role. She actually shot all of her scenes in 12 days, but her presence in the film is so considerable that you'd swear that she's there throughout. Only the penny-cheap sets - certainly not up to Fox's usual high standards - detract from the finished film and give it an unsettling low budget sheen.


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