Watch Mary of Scotland

Mary of Scotland, a historical drama film from 1936 directed by John Ford, stars Katharine Hepburn as Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland. The movie is set in the sixteenth century in Scotland, at a time when the country was in turmoil due to a religious conflict between the Protestants and the Catholics. Mary, a devout Catholic, returns from France to Scotland to reclaim her throne after the death of her husband, Francis II. However, her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I of England, played by Florence Eldridge, is hesitant to recognize her as the rightful queen because of her Catholicism, and fears that Mary may become a threat to her own reign.

Fredric March plays the Earl of Bothwell, a Scottish nobleman who is loyal to Mary and eventually becomes her lover. Bothwell tries to help Mary in her attempts to gain support from the Scottish people, but faces opposition from the Protestant lords who are against her rule due to her Catholicism.

Throughout the movie, Mary struggles to maintain her throne and her faith while facing political and religious challenges. She is often caught in between two opposing factions, the Catholic and Protestant camps, and finds herself at the mercy of Queen Elizabeth I.

The movie presents a powerful portrayal of the two queens, who are depicted as strong, independent women in a male-dominated world. The two actresses, Hepburn and Eldridge, deliver powerful performances that add depth and nuance to their characters.

Hepburn’s depiction of Mary is particularly noteworthy, as she portrays the queen as a complex and multi-layered character with a fierce determination to maintain her authority and her faith in the face of adversity. Her portrayal is both commanding and touching, and Hepburn’s performance is considered one of the best of her career.

The movie also features stunning cinematography and impressive production design that capture the richness and splendor of sixteenth-century Scotland. The costumes and sets are elaborate and detailed, creating a visually stunning portrayal of the historical period.

Mary of Scotland is a powerful historical drama that explores the themes of power, religion, and loyalty. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in history or in the powerful performances of the two legendary actresses, Hepburn and Eldridge.

Mary of Scotland is a 1936 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.