Films about Mary Tudor
“Mary, Queen of Scots”, 1971
Director: Charles Jarrott
Both films primarily focus on Mary Stuart, who was Queen of Scotland and a cousin to Elizabeth I. However, they include portrayals of Mary Tudor to various extents, particularly in how her reign and actions impacted the broader political landscape of Britain and its relationship with neighboring Scotland. These interactions are crucial in understanding the tensions and rivalry between Mary Stuart and Elizabeth I, though they are not the main focus of either film.
Starring: Vanessa Redgrave, Glenda Jackson, Patrick McGoohan, Timothy Dalton, Nigel Davenport, Trevor Howard, Daniel Massey, Ian Holm, Andrew Keir, Tom Fleming;
Production year: 1971;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 128 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Mary, Queen of Scots” on the website imdb.com
“The Tudors”, 2007
Director: Ciaran Donnelly, Jeremy Podeswa, Dearbhla Walsh, Steve Shill
This is actually a TV series, not a film, but it's worth mentioning for those interested in Mary Tudor. The series covers the reign of her father, Henry VIII, and the ensuing aftermath, including Mary's struggle to secure her position and her reign as queen. Mary Tudor is a recurring character throughout the series, portrayed with emphasis on her turbulent path to and during the throne.
Starring: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Henry Cavill, James Frain, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Natalie Dormer, Sam Neill, Jeremy Northam, Anthony Brophy, Sarah Bolger, Guy Carleton;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: drama, melodrama, war, history;
Age: 18+;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “The Tudors” on the website imdb.com
While there are many more films and series set during the Tudor period, these entries provide some of the more notable mentions of Mary Tudor, even if sometimes as part of a broader narrative. True biopics that focus solely on Mary's life and reign are surprisingly scarce, considering her dramatic and historically significant life story.
In sum, films about Mary Tudor plunge audiences into the tumultuous and controversial reign of a queen often overshadowed by her relatives and successors, yet whose life was marked by its own unique struggles and triumphs. While the screen adaptations vary in their historical accuracy and interpretive leanings, they collectively shed light on the complexities of a ruler navigating the treacherous waters of religious reform, political intrigue, and personal turmoil. These cinematic endeavors, albeit different in tone and perspective, invite a reevaluation of Mary's legacy, transforming her from a mere footnote characterised by her moniker “Bloody Mary” into a multifaceted figure shaped by her time. Through gripping narratives and compelling performances, films about Mary Tudor not only entertain but also educate, enriching our understanding of a period rife with change, and the undeniable imprint of a queen whose reign, albeit brief, left an indelible mark on English history.
