Cinema: The New Pictures: Nov. 13, 1939

The Private Lives of Elizabeth andEssex (Warner Bros.) demonstrates the wear & tear on royal nerves when an aging, amorous Queen falls in love with a vain, personable young nobleman whose head she must cut off if she wants to keep her throne. It also demonstrates that Cinemactor Errol Flynn is prettier than Cinemactress Bette Davis, but not such a good actor.

When the Earl of Essex returns from sinking the Spanish fleet, spitfiery, red-wigged Elizabeth rewards him with a majestic slap in front of the delighted court. It seems he should have brought back the Spanish bullion ships intact. In...

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