Mary, Queen of Scots 1971 Full Movie fmovies

Mary, Queen of Scots: A Tale of Intrigue and Betrayal

Following the death of her husband Francis II of France in 1560, Mary, Queen of Scots returns to her native land. Though fearless, unselfish, and very beautiful, the young queen faces many challenges. As in neighbouring England, the Protestant faith has been embraced by many of the nobility; in addition, the Catholic Mary has to deal with her Protestant and illegitimate half-brother James Stewart, Lord Moray’s ambition to rule. He suggests that Mary enjoy herself in Scotland, and pass the time with dancing and feasting.

The Royal Matchmaking

Fearing that Mary has ambitions for England’s throne, Elizabeth I of England decides to weaken her claim by sending her favourite, the ambitious Robert Dudley, to woo and marry Mary. Elizabeth promises that Mary will become her heir if she agrees to the marriage. Sly Elizabeth also sends the younger, dashing but weak and spoiled Lord Darnley from a powerful Catholic family. Tempted by the handsome Darnley, Mary impulsively chooses him for marriage. Moray opposes the marriage, but Mary ignores him. She exiles Moray to strengthen her authority. Elizabeth is satisfied that reckless, passionate Mary’s romantic misadventures will keep her busy in Scotland and give England less to worry about.

Betrayal and Tragedy

Soon after the wedding, Darnley throws a childish temper tantrum, complaining that he has no real power and is merely Mary’s king consort. Disillusioned, Mary soon banishes Darnley from her bed and frequently consults with the gentle, soft-spoken Italian musician and courtier David Riccio. Darnley previously had him as a lover and accuses him of fathering Mary’s expected child.

A group of Scottish lords persuade Darnley to help get rid of Riccio, whom they murder in Mary’s presence. To escape, she persuades Darnley that the plotters will turn against him, and they flee to the safety of a castle belonging to Lord Bothwell. He has been an ally of Mary since her arrival in Scotland. After he defeats the plotters, Mary forces a truce between Moray, Darnley and Bothwell. Mary gives birth to a son, James, who is expected to succeed both Mary and the unmarried, childless Elizabeth.

The Fall of a Queen

The peace is short-lived. Darnley still wants power, though by now he is hideously scarred and dying of syphilis (the pox). Mary pities him but finds herself falling in love with the rough but loyal Bothwell. With Moray’s help, they arrange for Darnley to be killed in a gunpowder explosion at his manor; Darnley escapes before the blast but is strangled. Bothwell marries Mary, and their few brief nights together are blissful. But Moray rejoins the Scottish lords and leads a rebellion against Mary. He forces her to abdicate, and she and her husband are driven into exile, Mary to England and Bothwell to Denmark. Mary’s young son James is to be crowned king of Scotland (although Moray will effectively rule as regent) and raised as a Protestant.

The Queen in Captivity

In England, Mary begs Elizabeth for money and an army to regain her throne. Instead, Elizabeth takes her prisoner, keeping her locked away in a remote castle. Elizabeth’s closest advisor, Sir William Cecil, is anxious to get rid of Mary, but Elizabeth fears to set a precedent by putting an anointed monarch to death. She also fears that Mary’s death might spark a rebellion by her Catholic subjects and cause problems with powerful France and Spain. As a result, Mary is doomed to open-ended captivity.

Over time, the once proud queen of Scots succumbs to an empty routine, plotting half-heartedly to escape but growing increasingly used to her seclusion. She occupies herself with a daily schedule of cards, embroidery and gossip, talking vaguely of escape yet sleeping later and later each morning.

The Tragic End

With the help of fellow minister Walsingham, Cecil finds evidence of Mary’s involvement in the conspiracy to assassinate Elizabeth known as the Babington Plot. Finally, Elizabeth confronts Mary, who regains her royal pride and behaves defiantly at their secret meeting. Although Elizabeth offers her mercy if she begs for forgiveness, Mary will not beg for mercy in public. She endures the trial, conviction, and execution. She knows her son James will ultimately succeed to the English throne.

Watch the captivating tale of Mary, Queen of Scots Full Movie fmovies and witness the dramatic twists and turns in her life.