A rich tapestry, fusing romance, adventure, and political intrigue. Michael Curtiz's historically inaccurate period drama, which was nominated for five Academy Awards, sets the tumultuous affair between Queen Elizabeth I (Bette Davis) and the second earl of Essex, Edward Devereux (Errol Flynn) against Essex's powerful ambition to assume the throne of England. Having won several battles, Essex's popularity among the people is at its zenith. Fearing the earl's power, Elizabeth sends him on an ill-fated campaign in Ireland. When he and his troops return in defeat, Essex demands to share the throne with the heirless queen, and Elizabeth, at first, intends to marry. Ultimately sensing the marriage would prove disastrous for England, Elizabeth sets in motion a merciless plan to protect her people and preserve her throne. Bitch!

Vincent Price plays a youthful Sir Walter Raleigh. Though a cameo, his brief scenes lend the film a distinguished air. The next time Price would appear together with Bette Davis on screen would be 48 years later in The Whales of August.