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Young Bess

Released May 29, 1953 1h 52m History Drama List
Reviews 53% Audience Score 100+ Ratings
When Anne Boleyn (Elaine Stewart) is executed for infidelity, her daughter Elizabeth (Jean Simmons) is sent into exile by King Henry VIII (Charles Laughton). Elizabeth grows into a spirited young woman. Eventually, she is summoned back to London to meet Henry's latest bride, Catherine Parr (Deborah Kerr). She also meets Admiral Thomas Seymour (Stewart Granger) and becomes instantly enamored. Unfortunately for her, the machinations of politics prove far more potent than love. Read More Read Less

Critics Reviews

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Clyde Gilmour Maclean's Magazine Simmons as England's first Elizabeth, Granger as the dashing admiral she girlishly adored, Laughton in a brief repeat of his 1933 impersonation of Henry VIII, all at their best in a handsome Technicolor slice of semi-history. Nov 14, 2019 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Nicely mounted but fictionalized account of royal intrigues, in which Charles Laughton reprised his role of King Henry VIII (after winning Oscar for it back in 1933). Rated: B- Aug 17, 2012 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Steve D Simmons is award worthy but what they did to history should have getten the writers sent to the tower. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 06/26/23 Full Review Audience Member The film contains just enough actual history to maintain a patina of truth but it's really more a star vehicle for Jean Simmons, she's very good, and on that level it's very successful. Laughton gets to chew the high grade ham repeating his Oscar winning role of Henry the VIII. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member Amazing performance by Jean Simmons! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review Audience Member Court intrigue and wonderful costumes can't save this well intended film from melodramatic tedium. Jean Simmons gives a ridiculous performance as Queen Elizabeth I. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review ashley h Young Bess is an exceptional film. It is about the life of Queen Elizabeth I before she becomes queen of England. Jean Simmons and Stewart Granger give incredible performances. The screenplay is well written. George Sidney did a great job directing this movie. I enjoyed watching this movie because of the drama. Young Bess is a must see. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member good but not complete.ly historically accurate bio-pic Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Young Bess

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Movie Info

Synopsis When Anne Boleyn (Elaine Stewart) is executed for infidelity, her daughter Elizabeth (Jean Simmons) is sent into exile by King Henry VIII (Charles Laughton). Elizabeth grows into a spirited young woman. Eventually, she is summoned back to London to meet Henry's latest bride, Catherine Parr (Deborah Kerr). She also meets Admiral Thomas Seymour (Stewart Granger) and becomes instantly enamored. Unfortunately for her, the machinations of politics prove far more potent than love.
Director
George Sidney
Producer
Sidney Franklin
Screenwriter
Jan Lustig, Arthur Wimperis
Distributor
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Production Co
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Genre
History, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 29, 1953, Original
Release Date (DVD)
Nov 10, 2010
Runtime
1h 52m