I’ve mentioned this one a few times as having a highly romanticized plot and very pretty, generically historical costumes. Mary Queen of Scots (1971) starring Vanessa Redgrave does stand as one of the more complete tellings of the tragic queen’s story, even if the details play fast and loose with actual history. Margaret Furse received her final Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design with this film, and the costumes, like the script, give a basic historical silhouette while messing around with the details.
Read all of this in-depth review of Mary, Queen of Scots (1971) here!
Don’t want to wait next time? Pledge a small amount each month on Patreon to keep our site running, and in return, you’ll get access to subscriber-only content like this.
The costumes look 1580s to my eyes! They were over the top in that decade with huge puffy sleeves, farthingales and ruffs!
I am an artist, musician and writer, so I love looking at the stills of your movies for inspiration. Next time you do a “man candy” page, can you do Anthony Calf? (Great Expectations 1989, Lorna Doone 2000, Pride and Prejudice 1995, Anna 1997, Man Who Knew Infiniti, Madness of King George, etc.)
I’m not going to lie, that image of Dames Glenda and Vanessa is absolutely delightful (You can almost HEAR Dame Vanessa whispering “It’s my character’s name on the poster, Glen” over Dame Glenda’s radiant “It’s my movie, you’re just in it!” energy).
Also, having finally read the full article, I can only apologise for my ignorance of ELIZABETU R actually preceding MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS – my mistake, my apologies to all relevant parties.
…
Also, I still think we’re about due a Black Comedy take on Mary, Queen of Scots (As a change of pace from all this Swooning Romantic Tragedy).