parsifalssister After 40 years, Elizabeth R appears more aged than the Gloriana herself, that is, of course, with the exception of the remarkable Glenda Jackson. Ms. Jackson holds court as Elizabeth I and holds court, still, as a magnificent actress. It is she and she alone that propelled me to watch the entire six episodes pausing frequently, to ponder its style, its eloquent speeches, its Shakespearean acting and its colourful, but rather old fashioned costumes.As in many BBC productions one feels as if we are in a small theatre, peering into the faces of the performers rather than in an expansive set, especially in this production that seems to have few sets, and fewer views of anything much outside the chambers of the Queen's court. We get a rare view of Ireland in the final episode, but it was short lived and not sufficient to my mind to feel anything but claustrophobic for most of the series.And as with all fashion, the costumes, both Elizabeth's and most particularly the male courtiers, are out of date and in the case of the tall, but massive Robin Ellis, Duke of Essex, and Elizabeth's second best after her famous Robbie, Robert, Earl of Leichester, nearly farcical. What was a delightful remembrance, however, is the depth and breadth of English drama, be it theatre, television or film. The English excel at developing and cultivating performers (actors) that are unmatched by Hollywood. In this presentation names of some of those long remembered appear in supporting roles to the Queen: Michael Williams as Anjou; Rachel Kempson (Michael Redgrave's wife and the matriarch of the Redgrave family) as Kat Ashley; among others. I salute them one, and all. The story itself may be the closest to history, but with so many showings of Elizabeth I since this production, it is difficult to give this version more applause, except in recognition that it attempted what few adaptations chose to do, that is, recreate a full picture of the Queen of England.

Scaramouche2004 Since cinema and television cameras first started to role, it seems the subject of Elizabeth I, has remained a constant favourite, with filmmakers throughout the generations obsessed with bringing to our screens bigger and better adaptations of this extraordinary life.From Errol Flynn and Bette Davies in The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex in 1939, to 1953's Young Bess starring Jean Simmons and Stewart Granger with more recent adaptations starring Helen Mirren, Cate Blanchett and Anne-Marie Duff.However one performance and one adaptation that quite literally leaves all the above basking in its shade is Glenda Jackson's portrayal of our late Queen in the 1971 BBC mini series Elizabeth R. This Epic Biography spans Elizabeth's entire life from her tumultuous teenage years to her death in 1603 after finally forging her great legacy.Historical accuracy is for once put first and is complimented by great costumes, beautiful locations and expert performances by everyone involved. Even the extras must have been specifically chosen for being the best at their craft.Glenda Jackson becomes the definitive Elizabeth, whilst Ronald Hines and Robert Hardy don tights and ruffs as they portray Lord William Cecil of Burghley and Lord Robert Dudley of Leicester respectively and both with great aplomb.Running at an epic nine hours in it's entirety, it is even easy to break down and digest, as each of the six episodes is in itself a 90 minute movie which can stand alone as a masterpiece.Part One, (The Lions Cub) charts Elizabeth's dangerous journey through betrayal and the constant threats of execution throughout the reigns of her sickly brother King Edward VI and her tyrannical devoutly catholic sister Mary I, as she is forced to act the diplomat to ensure her survival; skills that will undoubtedly come in useful later in her life.Part Two, (The Marriage Game) depicts a newly crowned Elizabeth I, fighting off her advisor's who wish to see her married to an eligible suitor, to not only secure a Tudor heir, but to ensure political alliances overseas. Despite her own personal aversions to marriage, Elizabth is torn between her own demons and the well being of her people and country.Part Three, (Shadow in The Sun) sees Bedchamber diplomacy taken to a new level as Elizabeth is presented with her most eligible suitor yet, a French Duke who is brother to the King of France and will ensure a long and trusted alliance between the countries, but her advisor's are split on the issue, each advising her accordingly to secure their own ends.Part Four, (Horrible Conspiracies) tells an accurate account of the much fabled tale of Elizabeth's relationship with her Cousin Mary Queen of Scots and the plots hatched by her and her conspirators to 'dispose' of Elizabeth in her attempt to sit upon the English throne.Part Five, (The Empire of England) follows Elizabeth into war; a war brought about by Mary's Execution as the mighty Spanish Armada sails towards the English coast to avenge her death, invade the country and remove the 'murderous' Queen once and for all.Part Six, (Sweet Englands Pride) An old and dying Queen is greatly flattered by the attentions of the young, dashing and heroic Earl of Essex. But when Essex shows signs of rebellion and treason, it seems the Queens final hope of personal happiness eludes her once more. Can she save her throne from the ambitious Essex before it's too late.Highly recommended to all those lovers of English/British History and one that comes heartily recommended by me. The best Elizabethan yarn ever.

Harold_Robbins Before the first episode was over I'd forgotten I was watching an actress - I felt as if I was experiencing an audience with a Queen! Glenda Jackson so inhabits the body and soul of Elizabeth I that all other interpretations of the role are diminished and it's impossible to think of anyone else in the role, even Bette Davis in her two films, PRIVATE LIVES OF ELIZABETH & ESSEX and THE VIRGIN QUEEN.While it's perfectly true that production values have come along way since this early Masterpiece Theater effort, the writing and acting are of such high quality that you won't mind; this one certainly helped set the standards for subsequent series and performances.

dirkgambit "Elizabeth R" is an outstanding biography of Elizabeth I of England. The performances by all of the actors, most notably the fantastic performance by Glenda Jackson in the title role, are all exemplary. After reading Alison Weir's excellent and detailed biography of Elizabeth and then watching the series again, I could see how accurate the series was and how much of Elizabeth's life they were able to cover in detail. (I would recommend anyone who has enjoyed watching "Elizabeth R" to read Weir's biography). Also, the series is a good follow up of the (also excellent) series "The Six Wives of Henry VIII". Some actors cross over from one series to the next in the same roles, giving a sense of continuity. Anyone who has an interest in the history of England's monarchy should enjoy this incredible series.