This historical mini-series documents the reign of Elizabeth I with each episode focusing on one dramatic period in the lengthy reign of the Virgin Queen, including her ascension to the throne, her various marital intrigues, her problems with her cousin Mary, Queen of Scots, and the threatened invasion of the Spanish Armada.
Writer: John Hale
Air date: 1971-02-17
Runtime: 85 min
Overview: A young Elizabeth lives in dangerous times, leading the Protestant rebellion against her Catholic half-sister Mary, and challenging her claim to the throne.
Writer: Rosemary Anne Sisson
Air date: 1971-02-24
Runtime: 85 min
Overview: The unmarried young Queen is encouraged to find a suitable husband so that she can produce an heir, but she finds that very few suitors interest her.
Writer: Julian Mitchell
Air date: 1971-03-03
Runtime: 85 min
Overview: Elizabeth meets an interesting suitor, the Duke of Anjou, much to the Puritans' disapproval. Now Elizabeth must decide whether to follow her head or her heart.
Writer: Hugh Whitemore
Air date: 1971-03-10
Runtime: 85 min
Overview: Queen Elizabeth finds her position increasingly threatened by Mary, Queen of Scots and her loyal supporters. Will Elizabeth have to execute Mary in order to remain Queen?
Writer: John Prebble
Air date: 1971-03-17
Runtime: 85 min
Overview: With the threat of war against Spain suddenly imminent, Elizabeth must place her faith in the strength of the Navy, led by Sir Francis Drake.
Writer: Ian Rodger
Air date: 1971-03-24
Runtime: 85 min
Overview: An elderly Queen Elizabeth instructs the Earl of Essex to quell the threat of an Irish uprising, but will she have to deal with a rebellion of her own?
