Monday Morning Maybe

Add your email and we'll match picks to the services you stream at home.

Poster for The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex

The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex

Seen it?

1939 | 106 min | Drama, History, Romance

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (80% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention, though it had a lukewarm 6.4 out of 10 from audiences and soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics and history buffs. If you loved Elizabeth, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 46 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1939: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

This period drama frames the tumultuous affair between Queen Elizabeth I and the man who would be King of England.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    80% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesBelow par

    6.4 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Nominated for 5 Oscars.

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 26K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

More like this

Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks

Cast & crew

Directed by Michael Curtiz

  • Bette DavisQueen Elizabeth
  • Errol FlynnThe Earl of Essex
  • Olivia de HavillandLady Penelope Gray
  • Donald CrispFrancis Bacon
  • Alan HaleThe Prince of Tyrone
  • Vincent PriceSir Walter Raleigh
  • Henry StephensonLord Burghley
  • Henry DaniellSir Robert Cecil
  • James StephensonSir Thomas Egerton
  • Nanette FabrayMistress Margaret Radcliffe