I'm not rating it so low because it was bad; I just can't remember all the details. "Elizabeth R" was one of the first miniseries on WGBH-TV's "Masterpiece Theatre" in 1971 (the other was, if I remember right, "The Six Wives of Henry VIII"--appropriate that, really). I was 10 years old, watching on an incredibly small black-and-white portable TV, but I knew what I wanted--those costumes. I wanted those incredibly lush, ornamented, heavy, hot, corseted gowns that Elizabeth wore as queen. Since then, I have always been attracted to 'period' films, historical re-enactments, and Shakespeare (but that's a whole 'nother topic).
The costume designer on "Elizabeth R" was Janet Arnold, one of the first well-known clothing historians and researchers. Her research and publications changed the way historical costumes have been treated in movies since then. If you have any question about the truth of my statement, rent "Shakespeare in Love" and pay attention to the garb. It holds for fantasy movies as well--Peter Jackson knew very well that "The Lord of the Rings" would succeed or fail based on how real he could make Middle-Earth.
About Elizabeth I: There are many movies about her, and many great actresses have played her--from Bette Davis, to Glenda Jackson (here), to Dame Judi Dench (SiL), to Helen Mirren, in 2006's Showtime entry, "Elizabeth." Depending on the era in which the movie was made, some events are highlighted, others downplayed. Just watching any of these films is a treat.
I don't know if there are added features about the costumes in the DVD package of "Elizabeth R;" it's on my short list of films to get. I hope it holds up to scrutiny after all these years; it made a lasting impression on me when I first saw it.
The costume designer on "Elizabeth R" was Janet Arnold, one of the first well-known clothing historians and researchers. Her research and publications changed the way historical costumes have been treated in movies since then. If you have any question about the truth of my statement, rent "Shakespeare in Love" and pay attention to the garb. It holds for fantasy movies as well--Peter Jackson knew very well that "The Lord of the Rings" would succeed or fail based on how real he could make Middle-Earth.
About Elizabeth I: There are many movies about her, and many great actresses have played her--from Bette Davis, to Glenda Jackson (here), to Dame Judi Dench (SiL), to Helen Mirren, in 2006's Showtime entry, "Elizabeth." Depending on the era in which the movie was made, some events are highlighted, others downplayed. Just watching any of these films is a treat.
I don't know if there are added features about the costumes in the DVD package of "Elizabeth R;" it's on my short list of films to get. I hope it holds up to scrutiny after all these years; it made a lasting impression on me when I first saw it.