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Summary: THE WOMAN WHO WOULD BE QUEEN...
Review: This Masterpiece Theatre, six play series of the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England is magnificent. Written by six different playwrights, they are uniformly excellent. Glenda Jackson reigns supreme in the role of Elizabeth I.While the production values are not high, that is because these plays were part of a televised series for which there were budgetary constraints. The shift from indoor sets to outdoor scenes is awkward, as it entails a switch from tape to film. The stage makeup is noticeable, as the lighting is harsh and glaring. Although the sets are a stark and dreary backdrop, the costumes are sumptuous and gorgeous. More important, the acting is. at all times, superlative. Elizabeth I is played to perfection by Glenda Jackson. She has set the standard by which all others who seek to reprise this role will be judged, and she is the linchpin around which the entire six play series revolves. She begins the series playing Elizabeth as the young woman who would be queen, waiting upon the whims of her sister, the Queen Mary, and trying to survive the political intrigues and plots which surround her and threaten her very existence. The threat dissipates upon Mary's death, though it never disappears, and she becomes Queen of her beloved England. As the series progresses, one sees her mature and resist the overtures and attentions of would be husbands, preferring, instead, to be married to England. One sees the development of her political and diplomatic acumen, as she sublimates her personal desires to become the greatest monarch, male or female, England has ever known, The Virgin Queen. Each one of the plays has its own unique story to tell about Elizabeth and is a first rate drama that seques seamlessly into the next. The supporting cast is superb. All in all, this series provides a fully absorbing, historically accurate drama. It is through Ms. Jackson's insightful and commanding performance that one is able to understand why Elizabeth I was responsible for ushering in England's golden age.
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Summary: Jackson is the definitive Elizabeth
Review: The costumes, cast and set are fabulous - this is the best of the bunch, even stacked up against the newest entries. No wonder GJ got elected to Parliament! She should be Queen!
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Summary: That's 3 Materpiece Theatre Classics on DVD
Review: Well back when I reviewed I, Claudius and The Six Wives of Henry VIII, I stated Elizabeth R should be next, and here it comes. 30 years young and I anticipate a great copy when it arrives in October. For those of you haven't seen it in a while, it practically takes place not long after Henry ends. Several actors from Henry reprise their roles in this series (I'll leave it you to spot them all, quiz later). I beleive the BBC used the same sets as well. The extra features sound extremely worth while as well. Now, let's see I, Claudius, Henry and Elizabeth are now on DVD to live forever. What should they release next? YOU make the call :-).
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Summary: Astounding in its Scope
Review: Don't be put off by the typical BBC production values, this mini-series is astounding in its scope. If you don't know much about Queen Elizabeth before watching this series, spend an hour reading brief sketches on her father Henry VIII and mother Ann Boleyn. Also, be sure to read about Elizabeth's younger brother Edward and older sister Mary, both of whom preceeded her as England's King and Queen, respectively. You may have to look hard for a copy of the series, or ask your library to find it for you, but it will be a wonderful 9 hours of viewing.
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Summary: The series I have been waiting for.
Review: For fans of the Elizabethian era, of history, or of just plain great drama and acting, this is a must-have. Glenda Jackson is amazing as Elizabeth, from the beginning of her reign as a young woman to its end as the elderly "Virgin Queen". My copy, taped from the old Masterpiece Theater TV show, has been one of the first things (after the kids!) I would grab in case of a fire. What a joy to have this outstanding work available on DVD!
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Summary: Great drama of Elizabeth I's reign
Review: "Elizabeth R" is a great masterpiece detailing Elizabeth I as an authoratarian ruler of England, greatly shaping its culture, reigning as a popular ruler. People who try to control are naive because they think she is weak due to the fact she is a woman, something that they are sorely mistaken about. Glenda Jackson takes charge of the lead role as the Virgin Queen the same way that Derek Jacobi takes charge of Claudius in "I, Claudius," the series that shares, with "Elizabeth R", the title of greatest drama in "Masterpiece Theatre" history. Jackson plays a hard queen who has a great sense of duty to England and wants to change it, but for the better. Naturally, she runs into her share of adversaries and wanna-be puppeters. The queen triumphs in the end in a big way, and Jackson and the brilliant writing help the series to be a tour-de-force. The DVD looks to be promising, certainly more promising than the "I, Claudius" DVD.
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Summary: Definitive
Review: Most people choose actors or popstars as their idols. I however, worship Elizabeth the First. Her times, her personality, her strength and the challenges she faced have captivated and enthralled me for years. Having read copious amounts about this woman and arriving to my own conclusions as to the kind of person she was and the true nature of events at that time, any dramatization has me concerned that justice will be done to this hero of mine. Unlike the recent Elizabeth with Cate Blanchett, (a nice movie, but so historically innaccurate as to be irrelevant and laughable) this BBC dramatization is about as close to the truth as you're ever going to get. Peppered throughout with lines historically quoted by the protagonists, very few liberties are taken. In the case of a few scenes where it is possible to debate whether something happened exactly the way it is portrayed, it is a well researched and educated speculation inserted merely to help clarify the flow of events. The performances from just about all the characters involved are superb, with naturally special note going to Glenda Jackson. It is important to remember that Elizabeth was a fiercly intelligent, political creature and a surviour too. She was nothing like the hesitating, insecure waif played by Cate Blanchett, and Ms Jackson captures her very effectively. There have been mentions in some of these reviews about budget restraints. Did anyone look at the costumes? I think these critics are referring to the lack of gloss in this production, but this only serves to make it more realistic. And the costumes are, almost to the last detail, what is known to have been worn. If anyone wants a true introduction to Elizabeth, or wants to know what it most likely was like, then go no further. This version, in my opinion will very likely never be surpassed and there will never be a better Elizabeth than Glenda Jackson. All future productions I feel will be compared with this, and that is just as it should be. I'd give it 6 stars if it was possible.
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Summary: An excellent biography
Review: This biography of Queen Elizabeth I, a made for TV miniseries, is composed of six 90-minute shows, each on its own tape. Episode 1 is The Lion's Cub, which documents Princess Elizabeth's early life, surviving the machinations of the royal court, her imprisonment under Queen Mary, and her final ascension to the throne. Episode 2 is The Marriage Game, which documents Elizabeth's contemplation of marriage, and her interaction with her royal favorite, Lord Robert Dudley. Episode 3 is The Shadow in the Sun, which covers the Queen's foreign policy and her contemplated marriage to the French Duc d'Alencon. Episode 4 is Horrible Conspiracies, which documents the plots and intrigues surrounding Elizabeth and her imprisoned cousin, Mary Queen of Scots. Episode 5 is The Enterprise of England, covering England's war with Spain and the Armada. And finally, episode 6, Sweet England's Pride, covers the rise and fall of the Earl of Essex, and Queen Elizabeth's own death. This miniseries is an excellent biography of Queen Elizabeth I, being remarkably close to the historical record. The quality of the production is not too high, but the wonderful acting by Glenda Jackson, et al, make the series well worth seeing. In reference to family viewing, there are some disturbing scenes (e.g. one where Princess Elizabeth's dress is being ripped off of her, off camera, by an amorous suitor in Episode 1), and two very brief scenes of nudity (both male and female) in Episode 3. Overall, though, this series is very family friendly. So, this is a great series, and is something anyone interested in Queen Elizabeth I should see.
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Summary: Classic British Drama
Review: A classic British drama in it's own right,this series follows the equally entertaining "The Six Wives of Henry the VIII". Directed in a similar style,with six different authors writing each of the 1.5 hour plays,this series whilst using many of the same actors and locations, remains refreshing throughout. Glenda Jackson (now a British MP) presents a superb representation of Elizabeth , from a teenage princess, through her golden years as Gloriana ,and onto her autumn years. If you enjoyed the Henry VIII series,you'll no doubt be buying this anyway,but to anyone who hasn't had the pleasure, if you like historical drama,or are in anyway interested in one of the most glorious periods in English history,I can heartily recommend this classic as an essential purchase.
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Summary: Excellent Elizabeth!
Review: I first saw this show on PBS several years ago and loved it then. I could'nt wait to buy it when it came out on video. I have been reading about Elizabeth for many years, and this set of videos is very true to form as far as how she lived her life,what she said, and what she did. Not only are these videos entertaining, but they would be a welcome addition to anyone who enjoys reading about English history. Glenda Jackson is superb, and her supporting cast does a fine job as well.
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