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Young Bess

1953·Movie
1h 52min·NR
58
DecentGoodWatch score

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Young Bess fingerprint

Strong craft, striking style, a touch of humor.

Energy

Tense

  • Tension7
  • Adrenaline6
  • Spectacle6

Heart

Romantic and nostalgic

  • Romance7
  • Nostalgia7
  • Wonder7

Humor

Some sharp wit

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay5
  • Situational Comedy2
  • Physical Comedy2

World

History, politics, and a real life story

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout performances

Layered plot that rewards full attention.

  • Acting8
  • Intrigue8
  • Complexity8

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition7

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightParty VibeIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure EscapismThought-Provoking

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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

A Great and Spectacular Drama!

The mother died under the executioner's axe; the daughter rose to become England's greatest monarch -- the brilliant and cunning Queen Elizabeth I. Jean Simmons portrays young Bess in this rich tapestry of a film that traces the tumultuous, danger-fraught years from Elizabeth's birth to her unexpected ascension to the throne at a mere 25. Charles Laughton reprises his Academy Award®-winning* role as her formidable father Henry VIII. Deborah Kerr plays her last stepmother (and Henry's last of six wives), gentle Catherine Parr. And Simmons' then real-life husband, Stewart Granger, adds heroics as Lord Admiral Thomas Seymour. In a resplendent world of adventure, romance and court intrigue, Young Bess reigns.
Historical DramaBiographicalPolitical IntrigueEnglish MonarchyComing-of-Age StoryRomanceCourtly LifePower StrugglesStrong Female Lead

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Young Bess

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Young Bess legally?

Young Bess is included with a subscription to HBO Max in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Young Bess worth watching?

58
DecentGoodWatch score

Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 59/100 (IMDb 6.7). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Young Bess rated?

NRViolence

It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: violence.

How long is Young Bess?

1 h 52 min

Young Bess runs 1 h 52 min.

Is Young Bess based on a true story?

Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.

What language is Young Bess in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch Young Bess?

3FRJPUS

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Young Bess in 3 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does Young Bess use?

We Need a DistractionCain and AbelFace Death with DignityPretty in MinkFaintingBetty and VeronicaFiery RedheadProper LadyChickificationThe GhostLast-Name BasisShown Their Workand 29 more

TV Tropes lists 41 storytelling tropes for Young Bess, including We Need a Distraction, Cain and Abel, Face Death with Dignity.