English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh (Richard Todd) wants to lead a seafaring expedition to the New World. But, in order to finance the trip, Raleigh needs to win over the formidable Queen Elizabeth I (Bette Davis). The adventurer turns on the charm, seducing Elizabeth so that she’ll support his mission. The deceptive games are further complicated when Raleigh falls for lady-in-waiting Beth (Joan Collins). The two must hide their love or face the wrath of the virgin queen.
This is the biggest drama of Elizabeth yet paraded. Perhaps that is why Miss Davis wanted to play the Queen again. – NYT
Starring Bette Davis, Richard Todd, Joan Collins, Jay Robinson, Herbert Marshall.