Young Bess

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Young Bess is a 1953 film about the early career of Queen Elizabeth I of England, focusing primarily on her romance with Thomas Seymour, uncle of King Edward VI.

Jean Simmons stars as Princess Elizabeth, Stewart Granger is Thomas Seymour, Deborah Kerr plays Catherine Parr, Charles Laughton is Henry VIII, Guy Rolfe plays Protector Somerset, Kathleen Byron plays the Duchess of Somerset, Rex Thompson plays Edward VI, Elaine Stewart plays Anne Boleyn, Dawn Adams plays Catherine Howard, Lumsden Hare plays Archbishop Cranmer, and Lester Matthews plays Sir William Paget.

The film follows the life of Elizabeth the First, dealing firstly with the distant relationship she has with her father, and later with the love she feels for Thomas Seymore.

Seymore, played by Stewart Granger, is clearly very fond of Bess, however his marriage to Katherine prevents a relationship forming. Thomas' brother Ned, a royal advisor and ruler until Bess' younger brother Michael is old enough to become king, also stands in the way of their relationship.

Simmons gives a remarkable performance, particularly in the latter scenes of the film. Standing before the court room, she passionatly argues for the release of Thomas from the tower. Though unsuccessful, Elizabeth demonstrates her strength, courage and her undying love for Tom.

Jean Simmons gives a powerful performance and shows Bess' transistion from girl, to woman, to queen, exceptionally.

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