YOUNG BESS

'''Young Bess''' is a 1953 biographical film made by MGM about the early career of Queen Elizabeth I of England, focusing primarily on her romance with Thomas Seymour, uncle of King Edward VI.
The film starred Jean Simmons and Stewart Granger. It was directed by George Sidney and produced by Sidney Franklin, from a screenplay by Jan Lustig and Arthur Wimperis based on the novel by Margaret Irwin.

Contents

Plot

Cast

External links

Plot

The film follows the early life of Elizabeth (Jean Simmons), dealing firstly with her distant relationship with her father, Henry VIII (Charles Laughton). When Henry executes her mother Anne Boleyn (Elaine Stewart), Elizabeth's position becomes precarious. She also has to get along with her father's later wives, particularly Catherine Howard (Dawn Addams) and Catherine Parr (Deborah Kerr).
Later, she falls in love with Thomas Seymour (Stewart Granger), but is very wary of his ill-fated ambitions. Seymour is clearly very fond of Bess, but his marriage to Catherine Parr (after Henry's death) precludes a stronger relationship. Thomas' brother Edward, a royal advisor and Lord Protector until Bess' younger brother Edward (Rex Thompson) is old enough to become king, also stands in their way.
Simmons gives a remarkable performance, particularly in the latter scenes of the film. Standing before the court room, she argues passionately for the release of Thomas from the Tower of London. Though unsuccessful, Elizabeth demonstrates her strength, courage and her undying love for Tom. She shows Bess' transition from girl to woman to queen.

Cast

★ Jean Simmons as Princess Elizabeth

★ Stewart Granger as Thomas Seymour

★ Deborah Kerr as Catherine Parr

★ Charles Laughton as Henry VIII

★ Guy Rolfe as Edward Seymour

★ Kathleen Byron as the Duchess of Somerset

★ Rex Thompson as Edward VI

★ Elaine Stewart as Anne Boleyn

★ Dawn Addams as Catherine Howard

★ Lumsden Hare as Archbishop Thomas Cranmer

★ Lester Matthews as Sir William Paget

External links

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