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Poster for Mary, Queen of Scots

Mary, Queen of Scots

Seen it?

1971 | 128 min | Drama, History

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It drew serious awards attention, though it had 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 history buffs. If you loved I Swear, start here.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 8 min.
What might put you off
Made in 1971: an older pace and style.

Mary Stuart, who was named Queen of Scotland when she was only six days old, is the last Roman Catholic ruler of Scotland. She is imprisoned at the age of 23 by her cousin Elizabeth Tudor, the English Queen and her arch adversary. Nineteen years later the life of Mary is to be ended on the scaffold and with her execution the last threat to Elizabeth's throne has been removed. The two Queens with their contrasting personalities make a dramatic counterpoint to history.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsSolid

    67% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsStrong

    Nominated for 5 Oscars and 4 Golden Globes.

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

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

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 53K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Charles Jarrott

  • Vanessa RedgraveMary, Queen of Scots
  • Glenda JacksonQueen Elizabeth
  • Patrick McGoohanJames Stuart
  • Timothy DaltonHenry, Lord Darnley
  • Nigel DavenportLord Bothwell
  • Trevor HowardWilliam Cecil
  • Daniel MasseyRobert Dudley
  • Ian HolmDavid Riccio
  • Andrew KeirRuthven
  • Tom FlemingFather Ballard