This film is the original and 1998's "Elizabeth" is the remake. Except that this is a grand Hollywood Technicolor extravaganza, while "Elizabeth" is a dark, subtle film. Still, both are worthy tellings of two of history's most famous doomed lovers.
It is 1596 and Elizabeth (Bette Davis) is the aging queen of England. Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex (Errol Flynn) is the dashing young general whose military ability is only surpassed by his great ambition and thirst for power. And they just happen to be madly, tumultuously in love with each other. The intrigues are many, as are the misunderstandings, and their time together is filled with heated arguments and ardent declarations of mutual desire. In the end, too much pride and ambition on both sides will lead to the most selfless thing Essex has ever done: giving his life for the good of his country.
"Elizabeth and Essex" is no "Gone With the Wind" or "Wizard of Oz". Heck, it doesn't even rank up there with "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington", "Ninotchka", "Wuthering Heights", "Beau Geste", "Love Affair", "Dark Victory", or "Goodbye, Mr. Chips". What a year 1939 was, to give this film such stiff competition!
The film takes great historical license, as do virtually all forays into that magical quasi-reality of Hollywood. I am no expert on Elizabethan history, but at least this film preserves the 32-year age difference between Elizabeth and Essex that its 1998 counterpart does not. That brings a rather interesting dynamic to the leading performances. They have virtually no chemistry, but then again, what would the handsome young Essex be doing with a woman almost three times his age, even a queen?
I must praise the acting by both leads, with Davis' coiled, tight, tense portrayal well offset by the easy charm of Errol Flynn (who is truly startlingly handsome here, at his peak). The supporting cast is also full of Classic Hollywood stars, including Donald Crisp, Vincent Price, Olivia de Havilland, and Alan Hale.
I must also comment on the costumes, which were really the stars of the entire film. I want every single outfit in this film. They are stunningly beautiful, fit for royalty. The music is a grandiose Korngold score, while the directing by Michael Curtiz is as good as expected from such a master. Yet the film is too over the top and melodramatic, the dialogue never subtle or thought provoking, and the pace just a bit too slow to be a truly great film.
Overall, an enjoyable look at Hollywood drama featuring fine performances by some of the most superb, well-known actors of the era...and some fabulous costumes.