Errol Flynn Movie Recommendation #2

The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex (1939; in color) - 1 hr 46 mins

Queen Elizabeth (Bette Davis) is in love with the daring and impulsive Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex (Errol Flynn). However, his love for power and impetuous exploits at the expense of England makes Queen Elizabeth's role, amid current and impending conflicts, very difficult. And as his popularity with the people and love for power grows, Elizabeth struggles with whether it is possible to be both a woman and a Queen.

A film that deals with questions of motives and power, The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex tells a captivating, multidimensional story. While not wholly accurate in its retelling of history, the film’s story and overall quality more than make up for that deficit. Davis proves herself as the lonely and troubled Queen. Flynn also shines in a role quite different from his earlier period dramas and swashbucklers. He is not the quintessential hero, or in this case, “knight in shining armor.” As the viewer, you find yourself trying to reconcile the hero - the Earl of Essex - with the man with questionable intentions - Robert Devereux. Flynn portrays this conflict both subtly and, at the same time, forcefully. His co-star Davis would eventually admit that Flynn proved himself to be a true actor despite her earlier claims and frustrations during filming. See below for how to access this classic.

Availability: Youtube, Amazon video, Googleplay, and DVD.

• Purchase DVD: https://www.amazon.com/Private-Lives-Elizabeth-Essex/dp/B0007OY2O4/ref=asc_df_B0007OY2O4/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312150467994&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17483911184724547506&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003962&hvtargid=pla-569835542578&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=62195418895&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312150467994&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17483911184724547506&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003962&hvtargid=pla-569835542578