2006
In 1585, Spain's King Philip II, a devout Catholic, plans to invade England and restore Catholicism, while Queen Elizabeth I faces pressure to marry and secure her Protestant reign. Elizabeth finds herself drawn to adventurer Walter Raleigh, but their unspoken affection is complicated by her maid of honor, Bess Throckmorton, who secretly falls in love with Raleigh. Meanwhile, Elizabeth's spymaster, Francis Walsingham, uncovers a Catholic plot to assassinate Elizabeth and replace her with Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, leading to Mary's trial and eventual execution, which deeply distresses Elizabeth. As the Spanish Armada sails for England, Elizabeth rallies her people, and a fierce storm, interpreted as divine intervention, decimates the Spanish fleet, securing England's victory. Elizabeth, having sacrificed personal happiness for her country, visits the dying Walsingham and later Raleigh's family, accepting her role as the Virgin Queen, forever wedded to England.
Save the Cat beat sheet
The film traces political and personal struggles during Elizabeth’s reign and her contest with Spain.
Open full beat sheetElizabeth I is listed as Queen of England. The monarch of England, facing religious and political threats. In the parsed data, Elizabeth I is connected to 47 scenes, 156 dialogue lines, 156 text mentions, first appearing around scene 5.
47 scenes / 156 dialogue linesWalter Raleigh is listed as Explorer/Courtier. A gentleman of Devon and explorer of the New World. In the parsed data, Walter Raleigh is connected to 37 scenes, 112 dialogue lines, 114 text mentions, first appearing around scene 6.
37 scenes / 112 dialogue linesBess Throckmorton is listed as Maid of honour. The Queen's youngest and prettiest maid of honour. In the parsed data, Bess Throckmorton is connected to 33 scenes, 44 dialogue lines, 44 text mentions, first appearing around scene 35.
33 scenes / 44 dialogue linesSir Francis Walsingham is listed as Queen's adviser. The Queen's veteran friend and spymaster. In the parsed data, Sir Francis Walsingham is connected to 26 scenes, 38 dialogue lines, 38 text mentions, first appearing around scene 6.
26 scenes / 38 dialogue linesMary Stuart is listed as Queen of Scots. Elizabeth's cousin, a Catholic claimant to the English throne. In the parsed data, Mary Stuart is connected to 12 scenes, 27 dialogue lines, 33 text mentions, first appearing around scene 14.
12 scenes / 27 dialogue linesSir Christopher Hatton is listed as Courtier. An ambitious courtier and adviser to the Queen. In the parsed data, Sir Christopher Hatton is connected to 10 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 5.
10 scenes / 2 dialogue linesPhilip II is listed as King of Spain. A devout Catholic monarch determined to return Europe to the Catholic faith. In the parsed data, Philip II is connected to 9 scenes, 13 dialogue lines, 14 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
9 scenes / 13 dialogue linesFather Robert Reston is listed as Jesuit priest. A fanatical Jesuit priest working for Philip of Spain. In the parsed data, Father Robert Reston is connected to 7 scenes, 18 dialogue lines, 18 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.
7 scenes / 18 dialogue linesSir Amyas Paulet is listed as Warden of Chartley Hall. The jailer/protector of Mary Stuart. In the parsed data, Sir Amyas Paulet is connected to 5 scenes, 17 dialogue lines, 17 text mentions, first appearing around scene 14.
5 scenes / 17 dialogue linesDr John Dee is listed as Magus. A famous scientist and astrologer. In the parsed data, Dr John Dee is connected to 5 scenes, 12 dialogue lines, 12 text mentions, first appearing around scene 63.
5 scenes / 12 dialogue linesDon Guerau de Spes is listed as Spanish Ambassador. The haughty Spanish Ambassador to England. In the parsed data, Don Guerau de Spes is connected to 5 scenes, 10 dialogue lines, 10 text mentions, first appearing around scene 6.
5 scenes / 10 dialogue linesWilliam Walsingham is listed as Student. Francis Walsingham's younger brother. In the parsed data, William Walsingham is connected to 5 scenes, 8 dialogue lines, 8 text mentions, first appearing around scene 71.
5 scenes / 8 dialogue linesLord Howard is listed as Adviser. A weathered old campaigner and adviser. In the parsed data, Lord Howard is connected to 5 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 4.
5 scenes / 3 dialogue linesPhilip II prays in his chapel and receives a divine message regarding his mission.
Philip IIPhilip announces his mission to his court and the Jesuit priest Reston.
Philip II, Father Robert RestonPhilip basks in the adoration of his people from the balcony.
Philip IIThe royal barge travels on the Thames while Babington and Savage watch.
Elizabeth I, Lord HowardElizabeth's advisers urge her to take action against Mary Stuart and Catholics.
Elizabeth I, Sir Francis Walsingham, Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord HowardElizabeth reviews suitors with her advisers while Raleigh arrives with gifts from the New World.
Elizabeth I, Sir Francis Walsingham, Bess Throckmorton, Walter Raleigh, Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord HowardRaleigh interacts with court ladies and Bess after his audience with the Queen.
Bess Throckmorton, Walter Raleigh, Sir Christopher Hatton, Don Guerau de SpesRobert Reston and his conspirators execute a fearful young man named Savage.
Father Robert RestonWalsingham reunites with his brother William and discusses the state of the world.
Sir Francis WalsinghamThe Walsingham family discusses the religious divide and the pressures of Francis's work.
Sir Francis WalsinghamElizabeth entertains the young Archduke Charles of Austria.
Elizabeth I, Sir Francis Walsingham, Bess Throckmorton, Walter Raleigh, Sir Christopher Hatton, Don Guerau de SpesElizabeth and Bess discuss Raleigh's intentions.
Elizabeth I, Bess ThrockmortonMary Stuart confronts Sir Amyas Paulet about her restricted privacy.
Mary Stuart, Sir Amyas PauletPaulet confronts Mary Stuart about her secret letters and mocks her status as a Queen.
Mary Stuart, Sir Amyas PauletRaleigh is granted access to the Queen.
Walter RaleighElizabeth listens to Raleigh describe the experience of crossing the ocean.
Elizabeth I, Walter RaleighWalsingham tries to discuss state matters, but Elizabeth is distracted by Raleigh's voice.
Elizabeth I, Sir Francis WalsinghamElizabeth listens to Raleigh; Hatton interrupts to announce the court is waiting.
Elizabeth I, Walter Raleigh, Sir Christopher HattonElizabeth and Raleigh dance and discuss the New World.
Elizabeth I, Walter RaleighElizabeth rejects the Archduke's marriage proposal.
Elizabeth I, Bess Throckmorton, Walter RaleighElizabeth and Raleigh discuss the nature of reward and being liked.
Elizabeth I, Bess Throckmorton, Walter RaleighElizabeth and Raleigh race horses and discuss love and marriage.
Elizabeth I, Bess Throckmorton, Walter RaleighBess sneaks out of the palace.
Bess ThrockmortonBess moves through the palace.
Bess ThrockmortonBess travels through London to a secret meeting.
Bess ThrockmortonBess meets George Throckmorton.
Bess ThrockmortonBess encounters Walsingham.
Sir Francis Walsingham, Bess ThrockmortonBess hurries to the Queen's quarters.
Bess ThrockmortonElizabeth and Raleigh discuss Bess and the sea.
Elizabeth I, Bess Throckmorton, Walter RaleighWalsingham warns Raleigh.
Sir Francis Walsingham, Walter RaleighThrockmorton is arrested.
Elizabeth is bathed by her ladies and discusses being liked.
Elizabeth I, Bess ThrockmortonWalsingham interrogates Throckmorton.
Sir Francis WalsinghamHatton informs Elizabeth of another letter from Mary Stuart.
Elizabeth I, Mary Stuart, Sir Christopher HattonWalsingham informs Elizabeth that Throckmorton has talked.
Elizabeth I, Sir Francis Walsingham, Bess Throckmorton, Walter RaleighWalsingham informs Elizabeth that the traitor Throckmorton has talked.
Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth I, Bess Throckmorton, Walter RaleighThe torturer is killed by an assassin.
Elizabeth confronts the Spanish Ambassador about the Enterprise of England.
Elizabeth I, Don Guerau de Spes, Sir Francis Walsingham, Walter RaleighPhilip II inspects the construction of his new fleet.
Philip IIRaleigh writes a letter to the Queen.
Walter RaleighBess visits Raleigh on his ship.
Walter Raleigh, Bess ThrockmortonElizabeth appoints Raleigh Captain of her personal guard.
Elizabeth I, Walter RaleighThrockmorton is executed.
Reston and conspirators pray for Throckmorton.
Father Robert RestonThrockmorton is hanged.
Raleigh comforts Bess after the execution.
Bess Throckmorton, Walter RaleighA brewer's wagon arrives at Chartley Hall.
Beer barrels are delivered to the cellar.
A hidden message is found in a barrel bung.
Annette enters Mary Stuart's apartments.
Elizabeth and Raleigh dance while Bess watches; Elizabeth controls the interaction.
Elizabeth I, Bess Throckmorton, Walter Raleigh, Sir Christopher HattonMary Stuart receives the secret message.
Mary StuartElizabeth and Walsingham arrive at Dr Dee's house.
Elizabeth I, Sir Francis Walsingham, Dr John DeeDr Dee reads the stars for Elizabeth.
Elizabeth I, Sir Francis Walsingham, Dr John DeeElizabeth returns by barge.
Elizabeth IRaleigh and Bess make love.
Walter Raleigh, Bess ThrockmortonElizabeth looks at herself in the mirror.
Elizabeth IReston prepares a final order.
Father Robert RestonWalsingham confronts Bess.
Bess Throckmorton, Sir Francis WalsinghamElizabeth watches Bess dance.
Elizabeth I, Bess Throckmorton, Walter RaleighMary Stuart writes a secret letter while Paulet enters to confront her.
Mary Stuart, Sir Amyas PauletReston, Babington, Ramsay, and William plot the assassination of Elizabeth.
Father Robert Reston, William WalsinghamWalsingham confronts his brother William about his betrayal.
Sir Francis Walsingham, William WalsinghamBabington and Ramsay attempt to assassinate Elizabeth as she enters the chapel.
Elizabeth IBabington attempts to shoot Elizabeth, but fails.
Elizabeth IPaulet arrests Mary Stuart for the assassination plot.
Mary Stuart, Sir Amyas Paulet, Sir Francis WalsinghamWalsingham visits the prisoners, including William.
Sir Francis Walsingham, Father Robert Reston, William WalsinghamPhilip II receives news of the plot and plans war.
Philip II, Don Guerau de SpesElizabeth and Bess discuss Mary Stuart.
Elizabeth I, Bess ThrockmortonMary Stuart stands trial before a commission of lords.
Mary StuartElizabeth argues with Walsingham about executing Mary.
Elizabeth I, Sir Francis WalsinghamRaleigh and Bess discuss Elizabeth's distress.
Bess Throckmorton, Walter RaleighRaleigh comforts Elizabeth.
Elizabeth I, Walter RaleighPaulet informs Mary of her execution date.
Mary Stuart, Sir Amyas PauletMary Stuart prepares for her execution.
Mary StuartElizabeth is agitated, knowing the execution is happening.
Elizabeth IMary prepares to be executed.
Mary StuartElizabeth tries to stop the execution.
Elizabeth I, Walter Raleigh, Bess ThrockmortonMary reveals her red petticoat.
Mary StuartElizabeth is hysterical.
Elizabeth I, Walter RaleighWho are you to sit in judgement on me? By what authority do you condemn a Queen? God alone has made me what I am. He is my only judge. Raise your law above God's law, and what law remains? In your vanity and ignorance you set loose the monster of misrule. You know neither who you are nor what you do. But I know who I am. I die as I have lived - trusting in the mercy of my God - a Queen.
I was eleven years old. And you, this helpless bundle. I looked at you in your crib, with your little wrinkled face, and I loved you from the first. I vowed then to look after you. I watched you grow up with your head in the clouds, always a dreamer. I couldn't follow you there. And now I've failed you, haven't I? Forgive me if I haven't loved you enough.
The alignment of the planets is most unusual this year. Mars is due to take the ascendant three days after the anniversary of your birth - your majesty was born on September 7th - and I see that twelve days before the anniversary of your birth - there will be a full moon - the moon which - governs the fortunes of all princes of the female gender.
I am called the Virgin Queen. And yet I have many children... You are all my children. There is no jewel, be it never so rich a prize, which I put before this jewel: I mean, your love. I want no more wars. England is enough for me. I want no lordship over your souls. Only a free people can love. And in your love - is my life.
The Queen shouts at you once, and you sulk like a child. I thought you more of a man than that. And I thought you a better friend to the Queen. Her every move is watched by a hundred eyes. Assassins plot to kill her. Enemies prepare to overwhelm her country. And you say she's playing games?
The Queen shouts at you once, and you sulk like a child. I thought you more of a man than that. And I thought you a better friend to the Queen. Her every move is watched by a hundred eyes. Assassins plot to kill her. Enemies prepare to overwhelm her country. And you say she's playing games?
A sweet and Christian lady lies martyred, slain by a- Godless- childless- BASTARD! Blood must pay for blood! We have just and holy cause! I call the legions of Christ to war! Elizabeth! Blood-soaked virgin Elizabeth! You will pay with your country- your throne- and your life!
A sweet and Christian lady lies martyred, slain by a- Godless- childless- BASTARD! Blood must pay for blood! We have just and holy cause! I call the legions of Christ to war! Elizabeth! Blood-soaked virgin Elizabeth! You will pay with your country- your throne- and your life!
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