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Royalty

Around the world, people have a fascination for those born into privilege. And at the top of the heap are those born into royalty, groomed from a young age to take on the responsibilities, and perks, of leadership. From Queen Cleopatra to King Henry VIII to the current Queen of England, filmmakers, like their audiences, have taken a keen interest in what makes these people tick, always trying to expose something of their private lives and challenges, and perhaps even making them seem as human as the rest of us. Pictured: Queen Bette in 'The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex'.

The Private Lives Of Elizabeth And Essex (1939)

7.2/10
Director: Michael Curtiz
Starring: Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland, Errol Flynn, Donald Crisp, Alan Hale, Vincent...

A colourful and elaborate costume drama featuring fine performances from Bette Davis as an aging Queen Elizabeth I, and Errol Flynn as her flamboyant... Read more

Fire Over England (1937)

6.7/10
Director: William Howard
Starring: Leslie Banks, Laurence Olivier, Fiora Robson, Vivien Leigh, Raymond Massey

Superb British historical drama as Elizabethan England is under attack by the Spanish Armada. Flora Robson is magnificent as Queen Elizabeth, who send... Read more

Queen Christina (1933)

7.8/10
Director: Rouben Mamoulian
Starring: Greta Garbo, John Gilbert, Ian Keith, Lewis Stone, C Aubrey Smith, Elizabeth You...

One of Garbo's finest performances is as the 17th century Swedish queen, fiercely devoted to her country and prepared to wear men's clothing if it mea... Read more

The Private Life Of Henry VIII (1933)

7.2/10
Director: Alexander Korda
Starring: Charles Laughton, Elsa Lanchester, Merle Oberon

Charles Laughton is brilliant as the British monarch, set amid the indulgent atmosphere of the 16th century. Politics, statesmanship and international... Read more