ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE
Written by
William Nicholson & Michael Hirst
5th July 2006
(Dialogue printed in brackets to be translated and spoken
in Spanish or German as appropriate, and sub-titled.)
EXT. TITLE SEQUENCE P 1
Painted images of the Elizabethan age -
CAPTION
A world divided by religious
hatred.
The new Protestant faith is
spreading.
Bodies burned on a pyre - men writhing under torture - a
momentary half-recognisable face, gaunt and staring -
FATHER ROBERT RESTON.
CAPTION
The most powerful ruler in
Christendom, Philip of Spain, has
sworn to return all Europe to the
Catholic faith.
Images of rival monarchs Philip and Elizabeth in court
paintings: stiff, formal, imperious.
CAPTION
Only England stands in his way: a
weak impoverished nation ruled by
a woman.
Finally images of God in judgement, as if speaking to his
chosen servant.
CAPTION
Philip prepares to obey the will
2 of his God.
INT. PRIVATE CHAPEL, ESCORIAL PALACE, SPAIN - DAY 2
Bn ascetic-looking man dressed in black kneels in a small
plain chapel, in virtual darkness. PHILIP II, King of Spain
bows his head low, abasing himself before his God.
T
S/I CAPTION:
scorial Palace, Spain, 1585.
Now, slowly, he raises his head. His eyes open, and we see
there the glow of a new certainty. God has spoken to him.
PHILIP
(I hear. I obey. My Lord and my
1
God.)
May 1 Blue Draft--p.2
INT. HALLWAY/SALON, ESCORIAL PALACE - DAY
3 3
Philip walks rapidly down a long corridor that opens out
into a broader hallway, moving from the darkness of the
chapel into ever brighter light and more visible glory. On
his face the far shining gaze of a man who now knows his
mission. Silent servants press themselves to the walls as
he goes by. Through the hallway to a grand salon. COURTIERS
fall silent and bow as he passes. So into the grandest
salon of all, where his magnificent court is gathered;
among them his 12-year-old daughter, the INFANTA. As he
enters, all kneel.
His eyes scan his ministers and courtiers, all kneeling,
heads bowed before him. His gaze falls on one who wears the
plain black robes of a Jesuit priest: Robert Reston, the
face we glimpsed in the opening montage. He speaks to all.
PHILIP
(God has made his will known to
me. The time for our great
enterprise has come.)
The Jesuit looks up and his eyes too show a powerful but
disciplined satisfaction. He murmurs softly to himself.
RESTON
At last.
Cathedral bells ring out. The cheers of a crowd are heard
through the open windows.
The king passes out onto the salon's first-floor balcony.
EXT. BALCONY, ESCORIAL PALACE - DAY
4 4
Hot sunlight. Philip stands gazing across the plaza at the
great cathedral on the far side, as the bells ring out and
the CROWD in the plaza below wave their hats and cheer. The
Infanta is by his side. His MINISTERS cluster behind him.
Lining the crowd on either side of the plaza stand columns
of ARMED SOLDIERS: a formidable reminder of the king's
power.
Philip does nothing, but his presence intoxicates the
crowd. As their cries swell, wave upon wave, the king's
eyes glow and he breathes in deeply, feeding on his
people's adoration.
EXT. THAMES - DAY
5 5
A ripple of light on the water. A blur of approaching
colour.
May 1 Blue Draft--p.3
The ROYAL BARGE is gliding towards us, slowly taking shape:
its hull gaily painted, its canopy adorned with colourful
fabrics, its banks of oars rising and falling, casting
bright shards of shining water in the sunlight.
P
eople passing on the river bank point and wave, smiling,
cheering. They see the Queen now. They call out.
Two young men walking arm-in-arm stare more intently than
any; but they do not cheer or wave. There's something
chilling in the way they track the distant figure of the
Queen.
They are BABINGTON and SAVAGE.
Over this an insistent voice:
HOWARD (V.O.)
Why do you go among the people,
majesty? I tell you plainly, you
will be murdered! Every Catholic
in England is a potential
assassin!
4
INT. PRIVY CHAMBER, WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
6 6
An agitated group is gathered in this room where the
business of state is transacted. We catch glimpses of the
Queen in their midst, preparing to leave, as her ministers
try to persuade her of the seriousness of the situation:
SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON, 30s, an ambitious courtier; LORD
HOWARD, 50s, a weathered old campaigner; and standing back
from the rest, watching from the side lines, SIR FRANCIS
WALSINGHAM, the Queen's veteran friend and adviser.
HATTON
Be warned by the atrocities in
France! God-fearing Christians
murdered by Papist cut-throats
inflamed by hatred of the truth!
HOWARD
We know the Catholics take their
orders from Spain. The Spanish
speak openly of Mary Stuart as
Queen of England in waiting.
ELIZABETH
(sharply)
Mary Stuart is a Queen cast out
by her own ungrateful nation.
HATTON
With respect, majesty - a
Catholic Queen. Your loyal
Protestant supporters don't
understand why Mary Stuart lives
under our protection, at our
expense - very considerable
expense -
ELIZABETH
Mary Stuart is my cousin. She is
our guest. And she is under our
control.
HOWARD
But while she lives, majesty, she
is a beacon that draws our
enemies' eyes and hopes.
ELIZABETH
While she lives?
HATTON
She is the poison at the heart of
England. The poison must be cut
out.
4A
ELIZABETH
You'd have me make a martyr of
her. What is her crime?
EXT. THAMES - DAY
7 7
The Londoners on the river bank cheer and wave as the royal
barge goes by.
HOWARD (V.O.)
Treachery, ma'am. All Catholics
are traitors! Their loyalty is to
the Pope of Rome.
ELIZABETH (V.O.)
How many Catholics are there in
England, sir?
HOWARD (V.O.)
Immense numbers, majesty!
HATTON (V.O.)
We believe half the nation clings
to the old superstitions.
5
INT. PRIVY CHAMBER, WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
8 8
ELIZABETH
What would you have me do? `Cut
out' half the people of England?
HOWARD
We must act, majesty. Our
inaction is taken to be weakness.
ELIZABETH
If any of my people break the
law, they will be punished. Until
that day, I wish them to be let
them alone.
HATTON
Until the day they rise in
rebellion! Majesty, we have
proven reason to fear every
Catholic in the land -
ELIZABETH
Fear creates fear, sir. I will
not punish my people for their
beliefs. Only for their deeds.
am assured that the people of
England love their Queen. My
constant endeavour is to earn
that love.
EXT. ROYAL BARGE, THAMES - DAY
9 9
Londoners on the river banks wave and cheer. Elizabeth,
seated on the royal barge, sees them with satisfaction. She
gives an occasional slight inclination of her head in
acknowledgement.
Elizabeth sits with her favourite seated beside her, her
youngest and prettiest maid of honour, BESS THROCKMORTON.
Walsingham sits facing them, looking sourly at the cheering
spectators.
WALSINGHAM
The people are agitated.
ELIZABETH
What people?
5A
WALSINGHAM
Your bishops are preaching that
God is showing his displeasure-
the Queen being still unmarried -
some are saying infertile -
ELIZABETH
What nonsense!
WALSINGHAM
Dangerous nonsense. Mary Stuart
has a son -
ELIZABETH
Why does everyone torment me with
Mary Stuart?
Pink Revision May 18- p.6
ELIZABETH(cont'd)
It's not her fault that she's
next in line to the throne.
(to Bess)
Don't hide your face.
She leans over to brush a stray lock of hair from Bess's
face.
WALSINGHAM
So long as you have no issue.
Elizabeth looks back at Wsalsingham.
WALSINGHAM
Produce an heir and there'll be
no more talk of Mary Stuart.
ELIZABETH
Isn't it customary to obtain a
husband before producing an heir?
(to Bess)
We shall have to look out a
husband for you soon, Bess.
BESS
Not too soon, my lady.
WALSINGHAM
There are husbands to be had.
ELIZABETH
(to Bess)
Don't you want to be married?
BESS
I'll want the marriage if I want
the man.
WALSINGHAM
Austria. France. Sweden.
ELIZABETH
Why stop there? Turkey has a
Sultan. China has an Emperor.
(to Bess)
What sort of man do you want?
WALSINGHAM
I confine myself to the possible.
BESS
An honest man. With friendly
eyes.
May 1 Blue Draft7
ELIZABETH
(to Walsingham)
That's where you and I differ,
Walsingham. I find the impossible
far more interesting.
(to Bess)
And good legs. You'll want good
legs.
BESS
And sweet breath.
ELIZABETH
So that you can kiss him without
choking.
(to Walsingham)
There must be any amount of
princes in undiscovered lands
across the sea. Find me an honest
one of those.
9A 9A
INT. ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL - DAY
The royal party enters the Cathedral. Elizabeth and
Walsingham advance into the wide empty nave, followed by
the Queen's ladies and the guards. Bess is now back in her
place among the ladies.
E
LIZABETH
Ship builders are being recruited
in Spanish ports at double wages.
The sea wall at Dover is
cracking. There's no money to
rebuild our defences. I don't
need advisers to tell me my
business.
WALSINGHAM
They care for your safety,
majesty. The threats to your
person are real.
ELIZABETH
And they know very well that if I
fall, they all come tumbling down
after me.
She goes on to the steps at the foot of the altar, and
kneels to pray. As she kneels she holds out one hand behind
her, not looking round. Bess steps forward, and taking her
hand, kneels and prays with her.
Double Pink revision 18 July - p.8
ELIZABETH
Let's pray, Bess. May we have
wisdom not to fear shadows in the
night, and courage when the day
of danger truly dawns.
ON ELIZABETH as she prays.
OMITTED
10 10
Double Pink revision 18 July - p.9
EXT THE TYGER, ENGLISH CHANNEL - DAY
11 11
Raleigh is standing on the prow of a war-ship as it cuts
through the water toward the white cliffs of Dover. The
ship and its sailors have been at sea for many months, and
it shows.
Raleigh shouts to his Sailing-Master.
RALEIGH
Let England know we're back, Mr
Calley.
CALLEY
Master Gunner, run out starboard
and tie-off. A broadside from the
bow.
MASTER GUNNER
Run out and prime. From the bow
number one gun, on my word -
discharge! Two -- Three-- Four.
Canon fire echoes over the distant white cliffs.
INT. QUEEN'S PRIVATE QUARTERS - NIGHT
13 13
ON ELIZABETH - Imperfectly reflected in a mirror in the
soft candlelight. Her ladies are putting her clothes away.
E
Bess begins the process of stripping away her make-up.
lizabeth studies her true face as it comes into view.
ELIZABETH
Lines round my mouth. Where did
they come from?
BESS
Smile lines, my lady.
ELIZABETH
Smile lines? When do I smile?
With that she smiles, and sees Bess's answering reflected
smile.
ELIZABETH
Now you have smile lines too.
N
May 1 Blue Draft - p.10
Her smile fades. She gazes at her now naked face,
vulnerable in the mirror.
INT. QUEEN'S BEDCHAMBER - NIGHT
13A 13A
The royal bed, immense and ornate. Elizabeth lies here
small, awake, and alone.
PHILIP
`Elizabeth! The angels weep for
you, Elizabeth! Why do you close
your ears to the voice of your
loving God?'
EXT. FOREST, SPAIN - DAY
13B 13B
Foresters at work felling great trees, working
rhythmically, in pairs. From all round echoes the same
sound, of axe on timber.
PHILIP (V.O.)
`Elizabeth! You are leading the
souls of your people to Hell!
Turn back! Marry me, and save
England!'I spoke to her just as I
speak to you now.
ow we see the royal carriage riding through mature forest,
accompanied by a mounted entourage.
IN THE CARRIAGE - The king, Philip II, the Infanta and
Father Robert Reston.
PHILIP
But she did not listen. She made
me a speech about the virtues of
virginity. Me! Virginity! She has
brought this on herself.
P
hilip surveys the scene through the carriage window with a
shudder.
PHILIP
Every tree that falls hurts me. I
lose a part of myself. I am
cursed with sensitivity. I feel
too much.
We don't yet know what the felling of the trees portends.
But Reston does. To him, it's a glorious sight.
RESTON
Your majesty has a merciful soul.
May 1 Blue Draft - p.11
PHILIP
I sacrifice my country's forests
to save the souls of a lost
nation. That is true mercy.
England is lost to darkness,
Father. I bring light.
WIDE NOW - We see the carriage and the royal party crest a
hill, and there is revealed an awesome sight: the forest
has been felled as far as the eye can see. Great piles of
cut timber dot the ravaged landscape. Everywhere men are at
work lopping branches from felled trees. Wagon teams haul
immense trunks away. Fires burn stacks of lopped branches,
and the smoke rises up into the empty sky.
I
N THE CARRIAGE - On Reston's face as he stares at the
fires. He speaks half to himself, out of the depths of his
own fanatical certainty.
RESTON
The light of purifying fire.
He turns and fixes the king with his intent gaze.
RESTON
My time has come, majesty.
(Beat)
Send me home.
EXT. CHARTLEY HALL- DAY
13C 13C
Establishing wide shot of chartley Hall.
EXT. CHARTLEY HALL, GARDEN - DAY
14 14
A small yapping Skye terrier is barking at a LAUNDRESS, who
is handing over a letter, folded small, to a sharp-faced
middle-aged French lady's maid, ANNETTE. The laundress
curtseys and leaves.
INT. MARY STUART'S QUARTERS, CHARTLEY HALL - DAY
15 15
The terrier scampers ahead of Annette to its mistress, MARY
STUART, who sits embroidering a pink satin petticoat. She
is a handsome but bitter woman in her mid-thirties. Round
her stands her small retinue of three ladies and a
chaplain.
MARY
This is so pretty I'm inclined to
send it as a present to my dear
cousin Elizabeth.
She holds up the delicate work to show her ladies.
May 1 Blue Draft - p.12
MARY (CONT'D)
It is an intimate garment, of
course. But even Elizabeth must
have the occasional intimate
moment.
Annette reaches her mistress and kneels before her, holding
out the letter.
ANNETTE
My Queen.
Mary lays down her needlework and takes the letter from her
and reads it for herself.
MARY
Our friends write to give us
hope.
ANNETTE
(low)
Soon England's true believers
will rise up against the bastard
usurper Elizabeth, and slit her
throat, and throw her down to
hell.
MARY
That's enough, Annette.
(But she loves it.)
Slit her throat? Please.
ANNETTE
And when the bastard usurper is
dead, my lady will be queen.
The chaplain gives a sharp cough of warning.
The Warden of Chartley Hall, SIR AMYAS PAULET, enters the
room. He is soberly dressed, but has charming manners, and
is clearly susceptible to his handsome ward. Mary turns to
him at once with a teasing smile.
MARY
Here's my noble jailer, come to
smack my hand.
She holds out one hand to be smacked. The other hand holds
the letter out of sight.
MARY
Have I sinned again, sir?
PAULET
No, no, my lady. Unless beauty is
counted a sin.
DoubleGoldenrod - 25 July -p.13
PAULET(cont'd)
(Kissing her hand)
I come to pay my respects.
MARY
Oh, you jailer. I don't trust
you.
PAULET
Not jailer, my lady, please.
Warden. Protector. Friend. You
are the Queen's guest.
Mary signs to her ladies. One of them brings her the
embroidery, discreetly receiving in exchange the hidden
letter.
MARY
See how I pass my time in my
lonely prison.
PAULET
Charming, ma'am. Distractingly
charming.
She holds the intimate garment against her body. Paulet
seems to be too fascinated by it to notice he is being
duped.
MARY
Such a pretty undergarment. But
for whose eyes?
DoubleGoldenrod - 25 July -p.14
INT. ARMOURER'S SHOP, LONDON - DAY
17 17
A pistol is being loaded: a fiddly process involving a
powder horn, wadding, and an iron ball the size of a
hazelnut.
ARMOURER (O.O.V.)
So what's it for, my young
friend? Not for shooting rabbits,
I'm guessing.
SAVAGE
We live in dangerous times.
ARMOURER
We do indeed.
Savage moves close as if to study the loading process. We
see the two of them talking from outside the window.
SAVAGE
(very low)
The conspiracy gains strength.
Tell our master one of the circle
has already gained access to the
court.
The Armourer nods. He hands the pistol to Savage. Savage
takes it and leaves.
Immediately after, a man enters and walks up behind the now
seated Armourer. The Armourer turns round.
RESTON
I ask for your forgiveness.
Moving with speed, he seizes the Armourer's head, twists it
to one side, and snaps his neck.
Reston walks quietly out of the store.
EXT. WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
18 18
A crowd of eager SPECTATORS and WOULD-BE COURTIERS has
gathered, held back by a line of guards, all hoping to
attract the attention of the Queen when she appears. This
is the route from the Presence Chamber to the Chapel Royal.
May 1 Blue Draft - p.15
Every Sunday the Queen processes here, and crowds gather to
see her. Two of Walsingham's men, AGENTS 1 and 2, mingle in
the crowd: faces we'll see again.
Tom Babington stands unobtrusively at the back of the
crowd. He carries a bag which may or may not contain a gun.
A
bustle of activity, a ripple of anticipation - `She's
coming!' - and the palace doors open.
BABINGTON'S POV: the crowd, the wall of BODYGUARDS, the
cluster of COURTIERS and LADIES, and in their midst,
Elizabeth, almost completely masked as she passes by.
Alongside the Queen, among her maids-of-honour, is Bess
Throckmorton; behind her, Walsingham.
The people cheer, call out to the Queen, reach to touch
her, fall to their knees.
CROWD
God bless your majesty - God love
you! - See her sweet face!
Others in the crowd are shouting more militant sentiments.
CROWD
Hang the Papists! - Look out for
traitors, Elizabeth! Mary Stuart
is the whore of Rome!
Babington moves forward, easing his way to the front of the
crowd. Nearby there stands another young man who is
watching, not cheering: RAMSAY.
A WOMAN WTH A BABY pushes her way almost to the Queen,
holding her baby before her.
WOMAN WITH BABY
Your blessing, majesty. My little
one, your blessing.
BABINGTON'S POV- The Queen stopping to bless the little
baby, smiling, putting out her hand to touch the baby's
head. The mother bobs a curtsey. The Queen moves on, with
her entourage.
A sudden scuffle in the crowd. Babington turns to look.
A CLOAK SWEEPS THROUGH FRAME - dropping down to the ground -
revealing as it passes the handsome smiling face of
Raleigh, directly in R
the path of the Queen.
ALEIGH
A puddle in the way, majesty.
Elizabeth signs to the guards to stay calm. She stares at
Raleigh, then she looks down at the cloak. No sign of any
puddles. Bess Throckmorton watches, suppressing a smile.
E
May 1 Blue Draft - p.16
Elizabeth looks back up, meets Raleigh's eyes with a cool
appraising gaze. Then she walks on over the cloak, shaking
her head.
ELIZABETH
A puddle...
The guards take up their positions once more. Bess throws
Raleigh a quick smile as she follows the royal party. His
answering shrug says: I tried. He picks up the cloak, and
stands gazing after the Queen.
lizabeth goes into the chapel, and the doors close behind
her.
ROYAL SERVANT
The Queen is at her prayers!
INT. CHAPEL ROYAL - DAY
18A 18A
The Queen at her prayers, her mind elsewhere; privately
amused.
ELIZABETH
A puddle...
18B 18B
EXT. WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
Raleigh puts an arm round Calley.
RALEIGH
She spoke to me. You have to give
me that.
CALLEY
Oh, I do. The Queen spoke to you.
One word - but she spoke.
RALEIGH
Two words.
CALLEY
You're made. A dukedom at the
very least.
RALEIGH
Did you see the girl behind her?
I've been at sea too long.
INT. GREAT HALL, WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
19 19
The Great Hall is crowded with competing factions. A group
of Spaniards, led by their Ambassador, DON GUERAU DE SPES,
stand watching everyone else with haughty disdain.
W
Yellow Revision May 22--p.17
An architect waits to present details of a building
project. Petitioners wait vainly, in the hope of catching
the Queen's eye. Howard and Hatton are in attendance.
Walsingham stands by the Queen's side, briefing her in a
low murmur for her ears only.
ALSINGHAM
Thousands are dying every day of
famine in Ireland. Another
rebellion is a distinct
possibility.
A courtier is holding a portrait which he shows to the
Queen.
COURTIER
Francis of Valois, majesty.
HATTON
Brother to the king of France,
majesty.
WALSINGHAM
France is in religious turmoil.
It would be unwise to engage with
their instability.
ELIZABETH
(to Lord Howard)
You have the plans for the new
docks?
HOWARD
Here, majesty.
Howard beckons the Architect forward to show his model.
Elizabeth studies it. Walsingham murmurs on.
WALSINGHAM
We still need to keep France out
of the arms of Spain.
ELIZABETH
Let me think on it.
(to Howard)
What if enemy ships should sail
up the Thames? Can the docks be
closed?
HOWARD
Not closed, majesty. But the gun
positions here, and here, have
full command of the channel.
The courtier displays a second portrait.
COURTIER
King Erik of Sweden, majesty.
Yellow Revision May 22--p.17A
ELIZABETH
What again?
WALSINGHAM
Still madly in love with you.
ELIZABETH
Still mad, you mean. (Looking
around). Where's Bess?
The courtier presents a third portrait.
COURTIER
Ivan, Tsar of all the Russias,
known as "The Terrible."
Walsingham merely shakes his head.
Buff revision 6th June- p.18
INT. ANTECHAMBER, WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
20 20
Bess Throckmorton is late. She comes running through the
crowd of lesser petitioners who wait in the hope of gaining
access to the Queen. She passes Calley, the two native
Americans, and a group of sailors holding large hampers.
Raleigh is trying to persuade the doorkeeper to let him
past.
DOORKEEPER
You'll have to see the Lord
Chamberlain, sir.
He indicates a portly man surrounded by petitioners, beyond
the open doors to the inner rooms.
RALEIGH
How am I to see him if you won't
let me through?
DOORKEEPER
You must wait for him to come
out, sir.
RALEIGH
And when will he come out?
DOORKEEPER
There's no way of knowing that,
sir.
The doorkeeper stands aside for Bess. She recognises
Raleigh, and throws him a smile before rushing past.
RALEIGH
(as if to Calley)
I had less trouble than this
boarding a Spanish ship!
Everything is easier when you can
kill people.
INT. GREAT HALL, WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
21 21
Bess curtseys before Elizabeth; who shakes her head at her.
ELIZABETH
Late again, Bess.
BESS
I beg your majesty's forgiveness.
ELIZABETH
Given. Once.
Buff revision 6th June- p.18A
BESS
The puddle man is outside,
majesty.
E
(
Yellow Revision May 22-- p.19
Elizabeth takes Bess's arm and turns with her to the
portraits.
ELIZABETH
My suitors.
The Courtier has a fourth portrait.
COURTIER
The Archduke Charles of Austria,
majesty.
HATTON
The younger brother of Maximilian
II, the Holy Roman Emperor.
WALSINGHAM
A cousin of Philip II of Spain.
BESS
He's rather sweet.
ELIZABETH
More your age than mine, Bess.
How old is he?
HATTON
Young... I believe, majesty. An
Austrian alliance would keep
France quiet.
WALSINGHAM
And it would put Philip on a
leash.
Elizabeth looks across at the Spaniards.
ELIZABETH
I become almost enthusiastic.
to Hatton)
Send for him.
(to Bess)
Where is he, then?
Bess understands. She bobs and hurries to the door.
ELIZABETH
(to Walsingham)
How much longer do you think I
can play this game?
WALSINGHAM
Virginity is an asset that holds
its value well.
LIZABETH
Diplomatically speaking.
Yellow Revision May 22 - p.19A
Raleigh now enters with Calley, the native Americans and
court servants carrying hampers.
R
Yellow Revision May 22 - p.20
One of the Spaniards recognises him and murmurs to the
Ambassador; who speaks angrily to the Queen.
DON GUERAU
Majesty, this man is a notorious
pirate.
ELIZABETH
Indeed?
Don Guerau points to the hampers.
DON GUERAU
Spanish treasure, stolen from
Spanish ships. You will see.
R
aleigh kneels before the Queen. Elizabeth gestures for him
to rise.
ELIZABETH
Well, sir. Who are you?
RALEIGH
Walter Raleigh, your majesty.
ELIZABETH
Ah, yes. Raleigh. I've heard of
your voyage. What's your rank?
RALEIGH
A gentleman of Devon.
ELIZABETH
What do you want?
RALEIGH
The honour to be in the presence
of my Queen, whose radiant beauty
is the boast and glory of the
English people.
ELIZABETH
Yes, well, here you are.
ALEIGH
I'm just returned from the New
World, majesty. I have claimed
the fertile coast in your name,
and called it Virginia, in honour
of our Virgin Queen.
Elizabeth raises her eyebrows.
ELIZABETH
Virginia? And if I marry? Will
you change the name to Conjugia?
A royal joke. Her entourage laughs dutifully.
(
Yellow Revision May 22 -p.21
RALEIGH
I ask for your gracious
permission, majesty, to return to
the New World with your royal
warrant, to found a colony under
the laws and protections of
England.
E
lizabeth's eye has fallen on the native Americans.
ELIZABETH
Who are they?
RALEIGH
Americans, majesty. They long to
be your newest subjects.
He beckons Calley to lead Wanchese and Manteo forward.
ELIZABETH
Have they no ruler of their own?
RALEIGH
None to match England's Queen.
Elizabeth gazes at the natives. She holds out her hand.
Unaware that he's meant to kiss the Queen's hand, Manteo,
takes it and shakes it. A gasp from the watching courtiers.
But Elizabeth accepts the courtesy.
ELIZABETH
These gentlemen are welcome. See
that they're treated well.
Calley hurries them away before worse happens.
RALEIGH
I also come bearing gifts for
your majesty, from the New World.
He beckons to the servants to bring the baskets. Don Guerau
steps forward.
DON GUERAU
The fruits of piracy, majesty.
The true property of the realm of
Spain.
ELIZABETH
Let's see, shall we?
to Raleigh)
What do you bring me?
RALEIGH
Mud, and leaves.
R
May 1 Blue Draft - p.22
Members of the court share suppressed smiles.
ELIZABETH
(amused)
Mud and leaves?
aleigh throws open the first basket. Don Guerau peers
inside suspiciously. It does indeed seem to be filled with
mud.
Raleigh takes out a potato beneath the Ambassador's nose.
RALEIGH
Patata, majesty. You eat it. Very
nourishing.
He beckons forward the second basket, which is full of
leaves. Again Don Guerau tracks his every move. He takes
out a tobacco leaf. R
ALEIGH
Tobacco. You breathe its smoke.
Very stimulating.
Now Don Guerau realises he's being laughed at on all sides.
He draws himself up with angry pride, wrinkling his nose.
DON GUERAU
Forgive me, majesty, I find the
air has become stale. I am
sensitive to the smell of open
sewers.
A glare at Raleigh, a bow for the Queen, and Don Guerau
leads his Spaniards out.
ELIZABETH
(to Raleigh)
Continue.
With a broad smile, Raleigh gestures forward the third
basket. This one really is full of gold. He takes out a
gold coin and presents it to Elizabeth.
RALEIGH
Gold. You spend it. Very
satisfying.
Elizabeth examines the fat gold coin, with its image of
Philip of Spain. She tries not to smile.
RALEIGH
Courtesy of a Spanish ship, that
found itself unable to complete
its journey.
Elizabeth drops the gold coin back into the basket.
Green Revision May 25 - p.23
ELIZABETH
The fruits of piracy after all,
it seems.
RALEIGH
Philip of Spain is no friend of
England, majesty. The more gold I
take from him, the safer you will
be.
ELIZABETH
Well, well. A political pirate. A
logic-chopping pirate.
RALEIGH
And your majesty's most loyal
subject.
She gives him a long look.
ELIZABETH
But not my best dressed.
W (Beat)
elcome home, Mr Raleigh.
She turns her attention back to Hatton and the portraits.
Raleigh bows and withdraws, followed by his men. Walsingham
follows.
INT. HALLWAY, WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
22 22
Raleigh comes out into the hallway with Calley by his side.
RALEIGH
What did you think of her?
CALLEY
Terrifying.
RALEIGH
But magnificent.
He moves on.
Raleigh's eyes fall on Don Guerau, the Spanish Ambassador,
passing near with his fellow Spaniards and a few English
courtiers and ministers, including Hatton. Don Guerau
stares at him.
The doors to the privy chamber open and the Queen's ladies
come swishing out in a tight chattering group, Bess beside
her friend MARGARET.
May 1 Blue Draft - p.24
MARGARET
`Mud and leaves'! I nearly died!
B
ESS
`Patata! You eat it!'
They giggle as they go by.
MARGARET
She liked him. I could tell.
BESS
Well, wouldn't you?
They see Raleigh now, and the chatter ceases. The ladies
come to a stop and curtsey. Raleigh gives a bow, his eyes
singling out Bess.
RALEIGH
I'm glad to have the opportunity
to thank you. Without your help,
I'd still be in outer darkness.
BESS
I did very little, sir. You'd
already caught the Queen's eye.
RALEIGH
Then I thank you for the very
little.
The ladies go on their way and the laughing chatter
resumes, with many a backward glance at the handsome
Raleigh. No one pays attention to a figure in the shadows,
another of Walsingham's men, AGENT 3.
23 23
EXT. WOOD - DUSK
Young Savage stands alone among trees, shivering, white-
faced, half-mumbling, half-singing an endless prayer. He
holds a pistol with which he means to kill himself. But he
can't do it. S
AVAGE
(singing)
Salve regina, mater
misericordiae, vita dulcedo et
spes nostra salve...
In a clearing nearby three men sit round a fire. They are
young Catholic fanatics - Babington, Ramsay, and FRANCIS
THROCKMORTON. A fourth man stands before them, his back to
us, watching Savage. At first we don't see who he is.
May 1 Blue Draft - p.25
RESTON (O.O.V.)
His weakness endangers us all. He
can't go on with us. And we can't
leave him behind.
Now the man turns and looks intently at Babington, and we
see he is Robert Reston; no longer in the clothes of a
priest.
RESTON
Who will help him?
Babington rises. Reston nods his approval. Babington goes
off through the trees. Reston and the others follow a
little behind.
SAVAGE
(
singing)
Ad te clamamus, exsulaes filii
Evae. Ad te suspiramus gementes
et flentes in hac lacrimarum
valle -
He sings on as Babington approaches him, seeming no longer
to know what's happening. Babington takes the pistol from
his hand.
BABINGTON
Make your peace with God.
Savage stares, and suddenly realises what Babington means
to do. Terror overwhelms him.
SAVAGE
No, Tom! Don't kill me! I don't
want to die!
Now he's blubbering with fear. Babington is shaken by this,
and can't shoot.
Reston begins to pray aloud.
RESTON
Si ambulam in medio umbrae
mortis, non timebo mala -
The others join in with the words of the well-known psalm.
Babington too joins in, now weeping.
RESTON AND OTHERS
Quoniam tu mecum es, Domine.
Virga tua et baculus tuus, ipsa
me consolata sunt -
B
ANG! Savage falls dead.
H
May 1 Blue Draft - p.26
INT. WALSINGHAM'S HOUSE - EVENING
24 24
Walsingham enters his private home, and gives his hat and
cloak to his servant.
SERVANT
Visitor waiting, sir.
Walsingham frowns. He climbs the stairs to the door of his
study. There, pacing nervously, is his younger brother
WILLIAM, a middle-aged student. Walsingham's scowl
disappears. He opens his arms wide.
WALSINGHAM
William!
WILLIAM
Hello, Francis.
They embrace. Then Walsingham pushes him back to take a
good look at him.
WALSINGHAM
You look terrible. Don't they
feed you in Paris? How are your
studies? Learned the secrets of
the universe yet?
WILLIAM
Not yet.
WALSINGHAM
These are dangerous times to be
questioning the ways of God. You
must take care of yourself.
WILLIAM
My needs are simple.
WALSINGHAM
You'll dine with us? You'll lodge
with us?
is daughter MARY appears at the top of the next flight.
MARY WALSINGHAM
William!
She comes tumbling down and into his arms. She's an eager
innocent 20-year-old, much loved by her father.
WILLIAM
Look at you! All grown up.
URSULA, Walsingham's wife, appears as Mary leads William up
the stairs.
M
May 1 Blue Draft - p.27
URSULA
William. This is a pleasure.
WILLIAM
I've been away too long, ma'am.
MARY WALSINGHAM
You come with me, William.
ary and William go on into the family's living rooms.
Ursula meets her husband's eyes.
U
RSULA
He's not still a student, is he?
INT. LIVING ROOM, WALSINGHAM'S HOUSE - NIGHT
26 26
William is by the fire, listening to Mary playing the
virginal and singing. Walsingham and Ursula are by the
dinner table.
URSULA
Have you spoken to the Queen?
WALSINGHAM
I speak to her daily.
URSULA
You know what I mean. You've done
enough. No man could do more.
WALSINGHAM
I can't leave court yet. The
Queen needs me.
URSULA
So you're to die in harness like
a pack horse, are you? And for
what?
(calling)
Mary! William!
WALSINGHAM
These are difficult times-
URSULA
It's always difficult times.
Mary joins them, her arm in William's. Walsingham seizes
the opportunity to change the subject.
WALSINGHAM
William, come and tell us all the
new ideas in the University. Will
the great breach in the church
ever be healed?
May 1 Blue Draft - p.28
WILLIAM
I doubt it, brother. Compromise
is out of fashion. On both sides
they say there can only be one
truth, and one God.
URSULA
Sit, sit.
MARY
H
ere by me, William.
WALSINGHAM
What do they say in Paris of the
Pope's call for holy war?
WILLIAM
Many welcome it.
URSULA
I don't understand why we must
all hate each other.
WILLIAM
Truth will always hate falsehood,
ma'am.
MARY
Why do we have to talk about war?
Tell us your nice news, William.
Are you married yet?
WILLIAM
(smiling)
Not yet.
MARY
Then we must find you a nice
sensible English wife.
WILLIAM
No, no. I won't be staying long.
I must go back to my studies.
WALSINGHAM
Not too soon, I hope. Every man
deserves a rest.
URSULA
Listen to him! When did you last
rest, I'd like to know?
(to William)
He won't listen to me. Not a
thought for his health. You tell
him, he's your brother. He'll die
at his desk, out of sheer
selfishness.
E
Green Revision May 25 - p.29
Walsingham shares a rueful smile with William that says,
`Women, eh?'. They take their seats for dinner.
2
INT. GREAT HALL, WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
7 27
Elizabeth sits sumptuously gowned and jewelled at an
ornately-dressed dining table, surrounded by her ladies,
Bess among them; Walsingham discreetly in the background.
They're listening to a young Austrian make a formal speech
of love. The AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR stands to one side,
mouthing the words to prompt him.
The ARCHDUKE CHARLES is still a boy: sixteen years old,
slight, pale, trembling with shyness. He struggles through
his rehearsed speech.
ARCHDUKE CHARLES
Your majesty's beauty is dazzling
to my eyes. Your learning is
famed throughout Europe. I see
before me perfection in human
form. Oh, Elizabeth! How blessed
am I to stand in your fabled
presence, warmed by your
greatness as by the rays of the
sun. Oh Elizabeth! To speak your
name is to hear celestial music.
May that sweet sound guide me
through my life to come -
Elizabeth! Elizabeth! I have
travelled here, to this
illustrious court, in the hope
that our two great nations might
be joined in love. But now that I
am bathed in the radiance of your
glory, I am overwhelmed. I am
conquered. I die. Only your love,
great Elizabeth, can restore me
to life.
C
ourtiers exchange smiles at his efforts. The Spaniards
sneer openly. But Elizabeth takes the charade with due
gravity.
LIZABETH
Your highness does me great
honour. Shall we eat our dinner?
It should prove almost as
restorative as my love.
Raleigh enters the Great Hall, trailed by Calley, as the
dinner gets under way. They join the much larger group who
simply stand and watch. Royal meals are in part a spectacle
for the court. A JESTER moves from group to group, playing
pranks on the guests.
Green Revision May 25 - p.29A
Raleigh is now dressed in court fashion, and looks very
well; as the glances of several court ladies show. He
catches Bess's eye and they share a smile.
COURT LADY
So tell me, Mr Raleigh, in your
sea battles - how do you sink an
enemy ship? You shoot holes in
its sides, I suppose.
(
May 1 Blue Draft - p.30
RALEIGH
No, ma'am. A sunk ship is of no
value. The object is to capture
and command.
COURT LADY
And how do you do that?
RALEIGH
Surprise. Speed. Irresistible
violence.
Calley, listening, rolls his eyes.
Elizabeth, at the table with the Archduke by her side,
glances towards Raleigh, and sees him flirting with the
court ladies. Then back to the young Archduke, who has
hardly touched his food.
ELIZABETH
I think you're not as accustomed
as I am to eating in public. I
have a secret.
lowering her voice)
I pretend there's a pane of glass
- eine Glasscheibe - between me
and them.
S
he moves one hand before her face, indicating an imaginary
pane of glass. As she looks, she sees Bess staring at
someone - follows her gaze - and is amused to find that the
object of her attention is also Raleigh.
ELIZABETH
They can see me, but they can't
hear me, or touch me. You should
try it.
She beckons to Bess.
ELIZABETH
Bess.
Bess comes forward.
ELIZABETH
(low)
He interests me. Talk to him.
BESS
Him, my lady?
ELIZABETH
Him.
Bess turns and looks across towards Raleigh, as he flirts
with the court ladies.
Green Revision May 25 - p.31
Elizabeth turns back to her guest.
ELIZABETH
His highness is tired after his
journey.
The young Archduke, frozen with shyness, sits staring
before him, trembling as he frames a proper reply.
ARCHDUKE CHARLES
No man can be tired in the
presence of so lovely a Queen.
E
lizabeth speaks so only he can hear, in German.
ELIZABETH
(You play the game very well, my
young friend. But don't you
sometimes feel an overwhelming
desire to say what you're really
thinking?)
The Archduke's eyes open very wide. He glances at
Elizabeth, and sees on her face a conspiratorial smile.
ARCHDUKE CHARLES
(I daren't even think what I'm
really thinking.)
ELIZABETH
(You're thinking, perhaps, that
you would far rather be home.)
ARCHDUKE CHARLES
(You're very wise, madame.)
He's grateful to her, and his shy face shows it.
Raleigh is still being entertained by the court ladies.
COURT LADY
I adore the natives you brought
back with you. I don't suppose
you could get one for me? They're
not dangerous, are they?
RALEIGH
That depends what you propose to
do with them.
COURT LADY
I'd dress him up in mulberry-
coloured silk and have him walk
behind me, carrying my cloak.
Green Revision May 25 - p.31A
Bess has now approached Raleigh.
BESS
The pirate is not too bored by
the vanities of the court, I
hope.
RALEIGH
A simple sailor, dazzled by the
bright lights.
Bess draws him away from the court ladies.
BESS
If you can bring yourself to
leave the dazzle of the bright
lights for a moment -
May 1 Blue Draft - p.32
RALEIGH
D
rawn away by the brightest light
of all.
BESS
That can only mean the Queen.
RALEIGH
I don't presume to raise my eyes
so high.
They both look at the Queen. She's watching Raleigh. He
bows.
BESS
It seems you've presumed after
all.
RALEIGH
It seems you're determined to
think the worst of me.
BESS
Tell me what it is you really
want.
RALEIGH
What every man wants. Money.
Fame. Love.
BESS
In that order?
RALEIGH
Each leads to the next. The money
will buy and equip ships for a
return voyage to the New World.
The success of my infant colony
there will make me famous. The
fame will bring me love.
BESS
It seems rather a long way round.
RALEIGH
There are benefits along the way.
It is something, after all, to
take a blank on the map and build
there a shining city.
BESS
Which you will no doubt name
after yourself.
May 1 Blue Draft - p.33
RALEIGH
(smiling)
No doubt. B
ESS
Well, then. I am answered.
RALEIGH
May I ask a question in return?
BESS
Of course.
RALEIGH
How am I to win the Queen's
favour?
BESS
Why should I tell you that, sir?
RALEIGH
I've little enough to offer, I
know. But whatever I have to give
- ask, and it's yours.
Bess thinks for a moment.
BESS
My advice to you is, say what you
mean to say as plainly as
possible. All men flatter the
Queen in the hope of advancement.
Pay her the compliment of truth.
She gives him her hand. He kisses it.
RALEIGH
I don't even know your name.
BESS
Elizabeth Throckmorton.
RALEIGH
A second Elizabeth.
BESS
Everyone calls me Bess.
S
he goes back to the Queen, as Elizabeth is rising to
leave. She speaks to the company.
ELIZABETH
His highness the Archduke informs
me that my charms overwhelm him.
He will retire to his private
quarters to rest.
34
This causes much amusement. Don Guerau sneers openly. The
Archduke rises. All rise. The Archduke bows solemnly to the
Queen, and leaves with his entourage. Elizabeth beckons to
Walsingham, and speaks low to him.
ELIZABETH
He's a sweet boy. I don't want
him hurt by your schemes.
INT. QUEEN'S PRIVATE QUARTERS - DAY
28 28
Bess is reading to Elizabeth. Elizabeth watching her, her
mind elsewhere.
ELIZABETH
I suspect him of being a
professional charmer. Am I right?
BESS
He is certainly charming, my
lady.
ELIZABETH
There are duller professions. And
what is it he hopes to gain by
his charms?
BESS
He hopes for glory in his New
World. He dreams of building a
shining city.
ELIZABETH
Which I'm to pay for, no doubt.
(Beat)
You like him, don't you?
BESS
It's refreshing to meet a man who
looks to a world beyond the
court.
ELIZABETH
So it is. We shall let him come
again.
INT. MARY STUART'S QUARTERS, CHARTLEY HALL - DAY
29 29
Mary Stuart holds her pet dog in her arms, listening to
Annette, who kneels before her.
May 1 Blue Draft - p. 35
MARY
Dismissed? On whose orders?
She looks up at the laundress, who stands red-eyed and
snuffling, with a guard by her side.
MARY
Do stop snivelling.
ANNETTE
The Warden, my lady.
MARY
The Warden? My Warden?
As she speaks, Sir Amyas Paulet enters. Mary's voice
becomes seductive.
MARY
What have you done now, you bad
man? Sent away my laundress? How
am I to have clean clothes? Or do
you want me to go about naked?
Paulet smiles at the notion of Mary naked.
PAULET
That was not my motive, ma'am.
Much though -
(Thinking better of it)
Your laundress was found to be
carrying letters in her washing.
Not her job, I think.
MARY
How am I to send my intimate
letters?
PAULET
Through me.
MARY
And you will read them.
PAULET
With respectful admiration.
MARY
Am I to have no privacy?
PAULET
No.
Beneath the charm, steel.
MARY
You disappoint me, sir.
May 1 Blue Draft - p. 36
PAULET
The Queen orders these measures
for your protection.
MARY
The Queen! Am I not a Queen too?
What if I wish to write a love
letter? Is Elizabeth to be sent a
copy? Is she so starved of lovers
that she must feed on mine?
PAULET
The Queen grieved when your
husband died, ma'am. As she
grieved when your second husband
died. And the third. If there is
a possibility of a fourth -
MARY
Tormentor! Is that Elizabeth's
order too? That you torment and
mock me?
She turns to go, but stops before leaving the room: bitter,
haughty, not deigning to look back.
MARY
They say she's a beautiful woman.
Is she so very beautiful?
PAULET
I don't presume to comment on the
Queen's person.
MARY
She's called the virgin queen.
Why is that, sir? Can it be that
no man will have her?
Mary changes mood again, thinking it more politic to keep
the Warden under her spell. She waves Annette and the
laundress away.
MARY
My friend, forgive me. You are my
friend, are you not?
PAULET
I am your servant, ma'am, and
your admirer.
MARY
I shall send no more letters. I
shall stay here quietly, in my
prison. With you.
May 1 Blue Draft - p. 37
OMITTED
30 30
INT. ANTECHAMBER, WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
31 31
The same crowd of petitioners wait in vain for access to
the Queen. The same door keeper. Raleigh enters, and this
time the door keeper bows, and ushers him through the open
doors.
Over this we hear Raleigh's voice telling of his
adventures:
RALEIGH (V.O.)
It begins with a journey. You
must cross an ocean.
INT. QUEEN'S PRIVATE QUARTERS - DAY
32 32
Elizabeth listens attentively, her eyes looking far away
into the distance, as Raleigh tells of his adventures.
RALEIGH
Can you imagine - can you feel -
what it is to cross an ocean? For
weeks you see nothing but the
horizon. All round you. Perfect,
and empty. Your ship is small -
tiny - a speck in such immensity.
INT. PRIVY CHAMBER, WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
33 33
Walsingham is talking to Elizabeth about matters of state.
We are on her face, and we can see that she hears nothing
of what he tells her. Her mind is all on Raleigh's voice.
RALEIGH (V.O.)
You live with fear, in the grip
of fear - fear of storms, fear of
sickness on board, fear of the
immensity. What if you never
escape? How can you escape?
There's nowhere to go. So you
must drive your fear down, deep
into your belly, and study your
charts, and watch your compass,
and pray for a fair wind - and
hope.
INT. PRIVY CHAMBER, WHITEHALL PALACE - NIGHT
33A 33A
Now Elizabeth is with Raleigh again, listening as he goes
on speaking to her, now directly.
3
May 1 Blue Draft - p. 38
RALEIGH
Pure naked fragile hope, when all
your senses scream at you, Lost!
Lost! Imagine it. Day after day,
staring west, the rising sun on
your back, the setting sun in
your eyes, hoping, hoping -
Sir Christopher Hatton enters.
HATTON
Majesty, the Archduke and the
court are waiting.
ELIZABETH
(sharply)
Let them wait!
(to Raleigh)
Go on, Mr Raleigh. You were
hoping.
Hatton bows and leaves, frowning.
RALEIGH
At first it's no more than a haze
on the horizon, the ghost of a
haze, the pure line corrupted.
But clouds do that, and storms.
So you watch, you watch.
4 34
INT. QUEEN'S PRIVATE QUARTERS, WHITEHALL PALACE - NIGHT
Elizabeth dances with Raleigh. As they dance, his voice
continues over; and Elizabeth seems to be listening to him.
RALEIGH (V.O.)
Then it's a smudge, a shadow on
the far water. For a day, for
another day, the stain slowly
spreads along the horizon, and
takes form - until on the third
day you let yourself believe. You
dare to whisper the word - land!
The music ends, and the dance finishes.
Elizabeth is seated now - it's later in time. Raleigh is
speaking intently to her, and she is captivated.
RALEIGH
Land. Life. Resurrection. The
true adventure. Coming out of the
vast unknown, out of the
immensity, into safe harbour at
last. That - that - is the New
World.
B
May 1 Blue Draft - p. 39
A short silence. Elizabeth is absorbing what he has told
her.
ELIZABETH (V.O.)
The Queen does not have a private
life.
INT PRESENCE CHAMBER, WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
35 35
Elizabeth is on the throne. The Archduke Charles and his
entourage face her. The court fills the room. Elizabeth
makes her formal response to the young Archduke.
ELIZABETH
The Queen lives for her people.
You will therefore forgive me,
sir, if after much thought and
prayer I decline your offer of
marriage.
The Archduke, barely able to conceal his relief, turns to
the Austrian ambassador.
ARCHDUKE CHARLES
(Can I go home now?)
Elizabeth inclines her head, trying not to smile.
ELIZABETH
(Go home, my friend. Don't be in
a hurry to grow old. Youth is so
very precious.)
Elizabeth rises and takes the Archduke's arm as they start
to leave the chamber. Bess, in her wake, finds an
opportunity to speak softly to Raleigh.
BESS
Well? Are you satisfied with the
Queen's favour?
RALEIGH
She listened as if she understood
me.
ESS
Then I shall expect some
gratitude. R
ALEIGH
What do you want?
Their eyes meet, both aware of the current of mutual
attraction.
R
May 1 Blue Draft - p. 40
BESS
I expect I'll think of something.
Bess hurries after the Queen. The Austrian entourage is
just leaving as the Queen turns.
ELIZABETH
Mr. Raleigh.
INT QUEEN'S PRIVATE QUARTERS - DAY
35A 35A
Elizabeth and Raleigh walk together around the perimeter
hallway, dwarfed by vast murals.
ELIZABETH
I like your immensities. Your
ocean is an image of eternity, I
think. Such great spaces make us
small. Do we discover the New
World, Mr Raleigh, or does the
New World discover us?
RALEIGH
You speak like a true explorer.
ELIZABETH
I like you, Mr Raleigh.
RALEIGH
And I like you.
She stops and turns to meet Raleigh's eyes. She's not used
to such direct replies. Bess is watching them.
ELIZABETH
You know, of course, that when I
like a man, I reward him.
ALEIGH
I have heard that.
ELIZABETH
And what have you to say about
it? R
ALEIGH
Reward my mission, majesty, not
me.
ELIZABETH
Is the mission not the man?
RALEIGH
Leave me free to like you in
return. That can be my reward.
41-43
ELIZABETH
Go on.
RALEIGH
I think it must be hard for so
great a Queen to know the simple
pleasure of being liked for
herself.
Elizabeth stares. This is a little too close to the truth.
ELIZABETH
Now you become dull.
35B 35B
EXT. WINDSOR GREAT PARK - DAY
Horses racing, hoofs pounding over the grass, manes flying -
Two riders hurtle between the trees, down a woodland ride,
neck and neck-
Elizabeth and Raleigh are racing against each other, faces
glowing, laughing, abandoned to the breakneck speed of the
moment.
Raleigh is winning now, first by a head, then by a length.
At the end of the ride he slows his horse to a walk.
RALEIGH
Mine!
Elizabeth shakes her head, unable to speak.
ELIZABETH
(out of breath)
You have - the stronger horse.
Y RALEIGH
ours carries the lighter load.
ELIZABETH
The Queen does not give way to
others.
Raleigh stops his horse. Elizabeth rides on up to him and
then past him. Raleigh secretly spurs his horse. The horse
springs forward, ahead of her.
RALEIGH
Whoa! Whoa!
(at Elizabeth, reigning
in the horse)
Forgive me, majesty. My horse
doesn't know his place yet
Elizabeth looks at him, amused, intrigued.
43A
ELIZABETH
Have you ever known your place,
Mr. Raleigh?
She urges her horse forward, forcing Raleigh to catch up.
ELIZABETH (CONT'D)
I'm surprised you're not married
yet.
RALEIGH
I'm a sailor, majesty.
ELIZABETH
And can sailors not be lovers?
RALEIGH
(with a smile)
Must lovers be husbands?
ELIZABETH
Ah, I see. You like love better
than marriage. That I understand.
RALEIGH
Your majesty is not eager to be
married?
ELIZABETH
When I marry, I marry for my
country.
(looking at Raleigh)
When I love, I love for myself.
(pause)
You have had many loves, I think.
RALEIGH
(with a smile)
Some...
ELIZABETH
You've yet to meet your equal?
Raleigh hesitates. She understands him.
RALEIGH
I would want someone who knows me
as I am.
Now it is Elizabeth who hesitates. He understands her as
well.
ELIZABETH
You want a friend, not just an
equal. You want someone to share
your joy when you're happy.
Double Blue - july 8 - p.43B
ELIZABETH(cont'd)
Someone to cry with when you're
sad. Someone to talk to when
there's nothing to say. Someone
to find by your side when you
wake in the night. Someone who
remembers what you once were,
when you've grown old.
She turns to him with a smile.
ELIZABETH (CONT'D)
Ah yes. I know all about it.
There. I'm rested now.
She turns her horse around in the direction from which they
came. Raleigh follows.
ELIZABETH (CONT'D)
We can be something to each
other, I hope, Mr. Raleigh.
She spurs her horse, and suddenly she's racing away, back
across the park to the distant band of mounted courtiers
and Queen's ladies, including Bess. Raleigh spurs his horse
to follow, also fast, but this time careful to keep a
distance behind.
As they near the courtiers, Raleigh splits off. Bess
watches as Elizabeth turns and looks after him as he rides
3
away.
6 36
INT. BESS'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Bess creeps out of her bedroom, pulling on a cloak.
INT. WHITEHALL PALACE - NIGHT
37 37
Bess makes her way down the dark palace corridor, stepping
over sleeping courtiers as she goes. Margaret watches her
from the shadows.
EXT. LONDON ALLEY - NIGHT
38 38
Cloaked and hooded, Bess passes quietly down an alley,
stepping over more sleeping forms. London's homeless.
She finds a door, checks a note she holds, glances round to
be sure no one sees her, knocks and enters.
INT LONDON HOUSE - NIGHT
39 39
A man closes the door behind his visitor. Bess shakes off
her hood. It's George Throckmorton, one of the
conspirators. They embrace.
Double Blue - july 8 - p.43C
BESS
George! What's wrong? Is your
father alright?
THROCKMORTON
He's old. He won't live long now.
Thank you for coming, dear Bess.
BESS
I was worried. You must send me
no more letters. You know what
would happen if I was caught.
THROCKMORTON
I need your help.
BESS
Do you need more money?
THROCKMORTON
My father is a tired old man. We
don't want to hide like this
anymore. We both want to get back
to court.
BESS
You are known Papists.
THROCKMORTON
The Queen loves you. Speak to
her.
BESS
I cannot betray the Queen.
THROCKMORTON
You are not betraying her. My
father and I will embrace the new
faith.
Bess is suspicious and starts to leave.
BESS
Don't put me in danger like this.
THROCKMORTON
Cousin Bess, we've known each
other all our lives. I would do
nothing to harm you.
BESS
I'm sorry.
THROCKMORTON
If they catch us, they will kill
us. Our lives are in your hands.
E
Double Blue - july 8 - p.43D
INT. HALLWAY, WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
40 40
A group of the Queen's ladies make their way down the
hallway, Bess among them. The others are gossiping in low
whispers as they go. Bess is silent with anxiety.
Then she looks ahead, and her face fills with fear.
Walsingham is coming down the hallway towards them. The
ladies curtsey. He nods, and throws a glance at Bess. The
ladies move on.
Bess looks back. Walsingham is also looking back, and seems
to be watching her.
INT. PRIVY CHAMBER, WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
41 41
Bess hurries ahead of the others through the Privy Chamber
to the Queen's private quarters.
42 B 42
INT. QUEEN'S PRIVATE QUARTERS - DAY
ess passes ladies organising the Queen's wardrobe. She
finds the Queen laughing with Raleigh - not alone, but
unusually informal.
LIZABETH
Don't tease me, Mr Raleigh.
There's nothing I'd like to do
more.
RALEIGH
So why don't you?
ELIZABETH
Alright, then. I will.
He blinks: caught by surprise.
ELIZABETH
See! You lie! You don't want me
on your ship at all.
(turning towards Bess)
You're a liar!
Elizabeth now takes in Bess.
O
Green revision May 25 -p.44
ELIZABETH
Would you like to go to sea,
Bess?
BESS
Majesty?
RALEIGH
I'm afraid that's not possible.
Women bring bad luck on board
ship.
ELIZABETH
Oh, do they?
RALEIGH
Lock up a hundred men in a space
smaller than this room, for
months at a time - Men have
needs. A beautiful woman like you
would drive us all mad.
ELIZABETH
(amused)
Men have needs?
nce again Elizabeth meets Raleigh's eyes. Then she breaks
away, feeling the contact is dangerous.
ELIZABETH
Then let them stay on land and
see to their needs.
(to Bess)
Mr Raleigh is eager to sail away
to his infant colony, Bess. We
must persuade him to stay a
little longer, mustn't we?
INT. HALLWAY, WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
42A 42A
Raleigh is leaving. Walsingham has been waiting for him. He
falls into step beside him.
WALSINGHAM
Mr Raleigh. A word of advice. The
Queen chooses to show you favour.
You naturally wish to take
advantage of that.
(Beat)
Don't ask for too much.
RALEIGH
You think all I want is money.
WALSINGHAM
I hope all you want is money.
Buff Revision 6th June - p.44A
RALEIGH
You think I'm a cynical
adventurer, with little breeding
and less education. You're wrong.
I'm a cynical adventurer with
little breeding and an excellent
education.
WALSINGHAM
I begin to see why the Queen
likes you.
INT/EXT. LONDON HOUSE - NIGHT
43 43
A soft knock on the door. Francis Throckmorton goes to the
window and looks out.
THROCKMORTON'S POV - In the street outside, a woman with
her head covered.
He unbolts the door. T
HROCKMORTON
Bess?
Two men burst in and seize him. They are Agents 4 and 5.
Beyond, the woman - not Bess - is hurrying away.
Throckmorton struggles. A single sharp blow, and he folds
to the ground.
45
REPOSITIONED AS SCENE 35B
44 44
46-49
OMITTED
44A-B 44A-B
INT. QUEEN'S PRIVATE QUARTERS - DAY
45 45
Multiple images of Elizabeth, naked. Strange misty
refracted glimpses of her face, her body.
A bath of steaming hot water has been placed in the Queen's
private quarters, and screened by mirrors. The Queen is in
the bath, being washed by her ladies.
B
ess Throckmorton has the job of holding the Queen's hair
out of the water as she's washed. She strokes the soft
tresses as she holds them, unaware that Elizabeth can see
her in the mirror.
Then she looks up and catches Elizabeth's eyes, and stops
in confusion.
ELIZABETH
No, don't stop. I like it.
Bess returns to her gentle caresses, and Elizabeth to her
thoughts.
ELIZABETH
Is it true, Bess? That I've never
known the simple pleasure of
being liked for myself?
BESS
I hope you believe that I like
you for yourself, my lady.
ELIZABETH
Is anybody ever liked just for
themselves? Are you? I doubt it.
Men like you because you're
pretty. And because you have the
ear of the Queen.
E
May 1 Blue Draft - p. 50
BESS
No doubt, my lady.
ELIZABETH
Him too. He likes you because he
wants my favour. You do realise
that?
BESS
Yes, my lady.
ELIZABETH
And the other thing too, of
course. But all men want that.
Male desire confers no
B distinction.
ess strokes Elizabeth's hair in silence. Then she sees
Elizabeth gazing at her in the mirror.
LIZABETH
I envy you, Bess. You're free to
have - what I can't have. You're
my adventurer. Don't be afraid.
It's all over so soon.
46 46
INT. TORTURE ROOM - DAY
A man who looks like a shop assistant sits grabbing a quick
lunch. He's the TORTURER. Nearby on a blood-stained bench
lies a huddled half-naked figure, trembling uncontrollably.
It's Francis Throckmorton. He's neither manacled nor
guarded. His body is so broken it's not necessary.
Walsingham enters. The torturer jumps to his feet.
Walsingham goes to Throckmorton. He gazes at him, shaking
his head. He's getting too old for this dirty business.
WALSINGHAM
Still nothing to tell me, Mr
Throckmorton?
Throckmorton struggles to lift his head.
T
HROCKMORTON
My soul will go free soon.
WALSINGHAM
I know about the Enterprise. I
need names. But if you won't help
me, perhaps your father will.
He signs to the torturer. The torturer goes into an
adjoining cell.
orchid revisions 28 June - p. 51
WALSINGHAM
He's been questioned, as you
have. I do have to know, you see.
The torturer and a guard enter, dragging between them the
broken but living body of OLD THROCKMORTON.
THROCKMORTON
No!
Old Throckmorton looks up, eyes blank with suffering.
THROCKMORTON
Enough! You want a name, I'll
give you a name.
WALSINGHAM
Well?
Walsingham comes close to hear. Throckmorton chokes out
something we don't hear, but the torturer hears, and his
eyes open wide.
INCORPORATED INTO SCENE 46B
46A 46A
orchid revisions 28 June - p. 52
INT. HALLWAY, WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
46B 46B
Elizabeth passes down a hallway at a brisk pace, Hatton by
her side, her ladies hurrying behind her.
HATTON
Another letter has come from Mary
Stuart, majesty. Asking to meet
you.
ELIZABETH
Filled with declarations of love?
HATTON
As always.
ELIZABETH
If she wants my love, let her
deserve it. Refused.
INT. QUEEN'S PRIVATE QUARTERS, WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
47 47
Elizabeth enters her private quarters, now moving with
regal dignity once more, but the flush on her cheeks gives
her away. Her ladies follow.
There stands Raleigh, waiting for her.
ELIZABETH
Mr Raleigh. I've kept you
waiting.
RALEIGH
You have more important concerns
than me.
ELIZABETH
There is always other business.
But I have been waiting too.
Walsingham enters.
WALSINGHAM
Majesty.
Elizabeth turns on him with a frown of irritation.
ELIZABETH
Yes, Walsingham?
WALSINGHAM
The traitor has talked, majesty.
The traitor Throckmorton.
orchid revisions 28 June - p. 52A
A flash of fear in Bess's eyes.
ELIZABETH
(to Raleigh)
Forgive me, sir. As you see, my
time is not my own.
Elizabeth moves away so that Walsingham can talk to her in
confidence. She listens to his murmured words, and anger
shows on her face.
E
May 1 Blue Draft 28 June - p. 53
EXT. TORTURE ROOM - DAY
48 48
The torturer, now off duty, is standing in the open doorway
to empty his bladder. He's unlacing his britches, when he
hears footsteps approaching behind.
T
ORTURER
Harry?
The torturer begins to piss, with evident pleasure.
TORTURER
You'll never guess what I heard -
A knife at his throat. A quick slash.
The killer, Agent 3, waits one more moment, to be sure the
job is done. The torturer slumps, still standing, against
the wall.
Agent 3 slips away.
On the flag stones, blood trickles down to mingle with the
urine.
INT. WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
49 49
Now there are guards everywhere. The whole palace is on
heightened alert.
lizabeth sweeps out of the Privy Chamber into the Great
Hall, accompanied by the Spanish Ambassador on one side and
Walsingham on the other. Her entourage scuttles behind.
ELIZABETH
What do you know of the
Enterprise of England,
Ambassador?
DON GUERAU
The Enterprise...? Forgive me,
your majesty...
ELIZABETH
It's a plan for the invasion of
my country. Two armies landing on
the coasts of Sussex and -
WALSINGHAM
Norfolk.
ELIZABETH
And Norfolk. Mary Stuart is to be
set free, and placed on the
English throne.
May 1 Blue Draft 28 June - p. 54
ELIZABETH(cont'd)
I am to be assassinated. Does any
of this sound familiar?
DON GUERAU
I know nothing of any invasion
plans.
ELIZABETH
I refer to this plan as the
Enterprise of England. It should
more accurately be called `la
Empresa di Inglaterra', because
it's a Spanish plan. The plan of
your king, my one-time brother-in-
law, Philip II, to attack my
country.
The Ambassador decides the best form of defence is attack.
D
ON GUERAU
Attack? It is my country that is
under attack! Your so-called
pirates attack our merchant ships
daily! Do you think we don't know
where their orders come from? The
whole world knows that pirates
sail up the Thames all the way to
the royal bed!
ELIZABETH
(exploding)
You will leave my presence, sir!
Go back to Spain! Tell Philip
that I don't fear him, or his
priests, or his armies. Tell him
if he wants to shake his little
fist at us, we're ready to give
him such a bite he'll wish he'd
kept his hands in his pockets.
Don Guerau sees no point in further pretence. He speaks
with pride and contempt.
DON GUERAU
You see a leaf fall, and you
think you know which way the wind
blows. But a wind is coming,
madam, that will sweep away your
pride.
H
e bows and turns to go. Elizabeth's words blaze after him.
ELIZABETH
I too can command the wind, sir.
I have a hurricane in me that
will strip Spain bare, if you
dare to try me!
May 1 Blue Draft 28 June - p. 55
Shivering with rage she turns round, and there's Raleigh.
Her fury overflows onto him.
ELIZABETH
What are you staring at? Lower
your eyes! I am the Queen!
She sweeps past him without a further glance.
ON RALEIGH - Watching Elizabeth go. A shake of his head.
Enough.
EXT. SHIPYARD, SPAIN - DAY
50 50
Immense stacks of cut timber as far as the eye can see.
Skeletons of new ships, big ships, rising in the great
yard. Hundreds of ship-builders at work.
T
his is what the forests were felled for: a brand-new fleet
is being built.
Tiny figures in the wide scene: the royal party appears.
Philip has come to see progress for himself. As he and his
entourage tour the construction site, one of his ministers
briefs him on the latest developments in England.
SPANISH MINISTER
(It can't be denied that we've
lost the advantage of surprise. A
large part of our plans has come
into their hands.)
PHILIP
(The Jesuit is still at liberty?)
SPANISH MINISTER
(We understand so, majesty.)
PHILIP
(He knows his business. We've
lost nothing.)
The workmen kneel to Philip as he passes.
PHILIP
(Tell the carpenters to go on
working. No one is to stop for
me. The fleet must be ready to
sail in a month.)
SPANISH MINISTER
(Impossible, majesty!)
PHILIP
(If this is God's work, God will
make it possible.)
C
May 1 Blue Draft 28 June - p. 56
SPANISH MINISTER
(
Only a miracle -)
PHILIP
(A miracle, then. Let it be
done!)
INT. CAPTAIN'S CABIN, TYGER - DAY
51 51
LOSE ON pen and paper - a letter being written in haste.
Raleigh at a ship's table littered with charts. He's
writing a letter to the Queen.
Calley enters.
CALLEY
Visitor for you, sir.
EXT. DECK, TYGER - DAY
51A 51A
The Tyger is in dock. Raleigh emerges from his cabin to
find Bess waiting for him.
RALEIGH
The Queen has sent you to me.
BESS
Yes -
RALEIGH
Tell the Queen that I will
trouble her no more. As soon as
my ship's repairs are complete I
will ask permission to sail.
BESS
The Queen asks me to assure you -
RALEIGH
I need no assurances. I'm no
courtier and never have been.
I've lost my appetite for playing
games that it seems I'm too
stupid to understand.
BESS
That is unfair -
RALEIGH
You call me unfair!
BESS
Let me speak!
May 1 Blue Draft 28 June - p. 57
Raleigh is taken aback by Bess's sudden anger.
BESS
The Queen shouts at you once, and
you sulk like a child. I thought
you more of a man than that. And
I thought you a better friend to
the Queen. Her every move is
watched by a hundred eyes.
Assassins plot to kill her.
Enemies prepare to overwhelm her
country. And you say she's
playing games?
Raleigh is watching her as she speaks, and he's impressed.
Anger suits her.
RALEIGH
Very well. What is my Queen's
command?
BESS
Go to her, sir. As her friend.
52 52
INT. QUEEN'S PRIVATE QUARTERS - DAY
Elizabeth is pacing, disturbed, Raleigh's letter open in
her hand.
The doors open. Raleigh enters. Elizabeth waits for the
servants to close the doors behind him. Holds up the
letter.
ELIZABETH
You ask permission to go.
RALEIGH
Yes, majesty.
ELIZABETH
You plan to return to the New
World. To your colony. For two,
or three, or four years.
RALEIGH
If your majesty grants me your
royal warrant.
ELIZABETH
That is a long time.
RALEIGH
There's nothing left for me to do
here. At sea I know what I'm to
do, I know the risks, I know the
rewards. Here -
May 1 Blue Draft 28 June - p. 58
A shrug. What can he do?
ELIZABETH
But you're quite wrong. You are
needed here. I have decided to
appoint you Captain of my
personal guard.
RALEIGH
Captain of your - !
ELIZABETH
Kneel.
He kneels. She taps him on the shoulder with one hand.
ELIZABETH
Rise, Sir Walter Raleigh.
He rises, but keeps his eyes on the ground.
ELIZABETH
Well? You may express your
gratitude.
RALEIGH
This is too great an honour.
ELIZABETH
If it's such an honour, why are
you staring at your boots?
RALEIGH
You know why.
He raises his eyes, but he still doesn't look at her.
ELIZABETH
Now you stare at the wall. Am I
so old and hideous that you can't
even look me in the face?
He turns now, and looks her in the face.
RALEIGH
Why do you talk like a fool when
you're anything but a fool?
This stops her in her tracks. For a moment she can't trust
herself to speak. Then:
ELIZABETH
My friend, forgive me. I'm a vain
and foolish woman. At court it's
all a game. I like to be admired.
I require it. I grow accustomed
to it. But it's all - nothing.
B
5
May 1 Blue Draft 28 June - p. 59
ELIZABETH(cont'd)
You come here as if from another
world, and I - You have real
adventures, you go where the maps
end. I would follow you there if
I could, believe me.
Raleigh looks long into her eyes. If anything, he admires
and loves her all the more now.
ELIZABETH
The storm clouds are gathering,
my friend. Please don't leave me
now.
EXT. GALLOWS - DAY
53 53
CLOSE ON Throckmorton as the noose is tightened round his
neck. His face is ravaged by the tortures he's endured, but
he holds his head high, ready for death. Round him an
unseen crowd bays for blood.
CROWD (O.S.)
Hang! Hang! Hang!
RESTON (V.O.)
Lord have mercy on the soul of
your servant, who gives his life
for your eternal truth...
INT. SECRET ROOM - DAY
4 54
A candle-lit cellar, where Reston and the conspirators pray
for the condemned man, heads bowed.
abington bursts in.
BABINGTON
Francis is about to die! We must
act! R
ESTON
He enters heaven as a soldier
returns home victorious from war.
BABINGTON
Why don't we strike? What's he
dying for? Is this part of your
plan?
Reston puts his hands on Babington's shoulders and gently
but irresistibly forces him down to pray with them.
RESTON
Lord, be with us as the end
approaches.
May 1 Blue Draft 28 June - p. 60
RESTON(cont'd)
We will not fail in our duty. We
look beyond death, to eternity.
EXT. GALLOWS - DAY
55 55
Throckmorton drops. His body flails. His neck breaks. A
roar of bloodlust from the crowd.
(RENUMBERED- SEE SCENE 51A)
55A 55A
INT. PRIVATE CHAPEL - NIGHT
55B 55B
Bess is on her knees before the simple altar, her head
bowed in prayer.
Raleigh enters through the rear doors. He stands in
silence, watching her as she prays. He hears her sigh.
He takes a step towards her. She hears, startled. Turns and
sees him.
BESS
Oh! It's you!
RALEIGH
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to
disturb you.
BESS
My prayer's done.
She rises to her feet.
RALEIGH
Something has distressed you.
BESS
And I thought I prayed in
silence.
RALEIGH
So you did.
She turns away, unable to look him in the eyes.
BESS
A man was hanged today. A Papist.
I knew him well. He was my
cousin. He died because I gave
information. I gave information
to prove my loyalty. Because I
was afraid.
May 1 Blue Draft 28 June - p. 61
RALEIGH
That's necessity. That's the
world we live in.
BESS
He told me he wanted to change.
Become part of the new England. I
was afraid that he was lying to
me. But what if - what if it was
true?
He sees the horror in her eyes, at the thought that she has
sent an innocent man to his death. Tears rise to her eyes.
BESS
What if I was his last hope? What
if I was the one person he
thought he could trust?
RALEIGH
If you knew him well, you will
have sensed the truth.
BESS
I thought so.
RALEIGH
He was hoping to use you. You did
what you had to do.
She can no longer hold back the tears.
RALEIGH
There, now.
He wipes away a tear from her cheek. In desperate need of
comfort, she throws herself into his arms. He holds her
close as she sobs.
RALEIGH
We're all mortal, Bess. We do
what we can.
He strokes her cheek. She meets his eyes, filled with
gratitude. She takes the hand that touches her face and
moves it to her lips. She kisses it, still holding his
eyes. He draws her back into his arms, and they kiss.
Suddenly they're kissing eagerly, greedily, their long pent-
up passion released at last.
OMITTED
56 56
A
C
May 1 Blue Draft 28 June - p. 62
EXT. CHARTLEY HALL - DAY
57 57
A brewer's wagon, pulled by two dray horses and carrying
beer barrels, crosses the ancient bridge over the moat and
pulls up by the gates.
The brewer, a big ugly man called BURTON, looks down at the
GUARDS. Beside him, taking care not to draw attention to
himself, sits Ramsay.
BURTON
Morning. Another filthy day on
God's stinking earth.
GUARD
Morning to you.
It's a familiar ritual. The guards search the wagon.
INT. CELLAR, CHARTLEY HALL - DAY
58 58
Burton, standing outside, rolls the barrels through a trap
door and down a chute into the cellar, where they are
caught by the CELLARMAN, and stacked. Another GUARD stands
and watches. B
URTON
Last cask!
The cellarman takes it, then closes the trap door. The
guard watches as the cellarman empties the beer barrels
into open vats; leaving the bungs on one side. The barrels
are then thrown on a fire.
ELLARMAN
Nothing but beer. Satisfied?
INT. CELLAR, CHARTLEY HALL - DAY
59 59
CLOSE ON the bungs, unnoticed on a side shelf.
A FEMALE HAND picks up one of the bungs. Fingers probe. A
cavity opens. Inside, tightly folded pages.
INT. HALLWAY, CHARTLEY HALL - DAY
60 60
nnette, Mary Stuart's maid, walks calmly up to the GUARD
outside the doors to her mistress's apartments. She nods at
him, and he unlocks the doors, letting her through.
O
May 1 Blue Draft 28 June - p. 63
INT. MARY STUART'S QUARTERS, CHARTLEY HALL - DAY
61 61
nce inside, Annette abandons her calm manner, and hurries
through the apartment.
ANNETTE
Madame! Madame!
Mary Stuart comes to meet her. Annette removes the crumpled
papers from her undergarments. Mary crosses herself, takes
the letter to a lamp, and devours it with eager eyes.
MARY
(to herself)
The gentlemen are ready. It will
be soon now.
ANNETTE
Blessed Mother of God pray for
us!
MARY
Bring me pen and paper, Annette.
They wait on my reply. Hurry,
now, hurry!
62 62
EXT. RIVER/DEE'S HOUSE - DUSK
The moon seen through a sextant.
A strange figure stands on the flat roof of a riverside
house, studying the night sky. He's tall, with a long
pointed beard and a skullcap: the famous magus DR JOHN DEE.
A hiss and splash from the night river. He turns to look.
Out of the mists and shadows comes the lights of an
approaching barge.
ON THE ROYAL BARGE - Elizabeth and Walsingham, wrapped
against night chill, being rowed up river. Over this, lines
led from the next scene:
ELIZABETH (V.O.)
W
ell, Dr Dee. Here I am again,
back to consult the wisdom of
your charts.
INT. DEE'S HOUSE - DUSK
63 63
The finest library in England. The greatest array of
scientific instruments. Part study, part laboratory, part
magician's lair, Dr Dee's house is crammed with the
evidence of his wide-ranging curiosity.
May 1 Blue Draft 28 June - p. 64
The magus sits at a table before an astrological chart,
while Elizabeth and Walsingham look on.
DEE
The alignment of the planets is
most unusual this year. Mars is
due to take the ascendant three
days after the anniversary of
your birth - your majesty was
born on September 7th - and I see
that twelve days before the
anniversary of your birth -
He transfers his attention to a different, astronomical
chart.
DEE
- there will be a full moon - the
moon which -
He moves back to the astrological chart.
DEE
- governs the fortunes of all
princes of the female gender.
ELIZABETH
Princes of the female gender.
DEE
I mean to say, a prince who is
also a woman.
ELIZABETH
Yes, Dr Dee. I am following you.
So what does it all mean?
D
EE
It means the rise of a great
empire, majesty. And it means
convulsions, also. The fall of an
empire.
Elizabeth listens, a faraway look in her eyes. She knows
nothing of the planets, but she feels it deep within
herself: her moment of destiny is near.
ELIZABETH
Which empire is to rise, and
which is to fall?
DEE
That I can't say. Astrology is,
as yet, more an art than a
science.
May 1 Blue Draft 28 June - p. 65
Walsingham has been idly examining the scientific
instruments. He speaks now as if his question is casual.
WALSINGHAM
Nothing more, Dr Dee? No more
specific calamities that we can
guard against?
ELIZABETH
He means, Will I be assassinated?
WALSINGHAM
Queens are mortal.
Dr Dee smiles as he gently contradicts him.
DEE
Elizabeth is mortal. The Queen
will never die.
ELIZABETH
You see, Francis? This is a
mystery.
(to Dee)
He has no patience with
mysteries. W
ALSINGHAM
What I don't know, I can't use.
DEE
And yet mysteries have power.
Have you not learned that?
ELIZABETH
Francis. Leave us for a moment.
Walsingham leaves. Elizabeth turns to Dr Dee. Now for a
short private moment the Queen becomes a woman.
ELIZABETH
And the private life of this
prince of the female gender, Dr
Dee? What do the stars foretell
there? Or is this too a mystery?
DEE
These are matters of state,
majesty.
ELIZABETH
Do the stars not foretell matters
of state?
DEE
For such a prediction, I must
look in a different chart.
May 1 Blue Draft 28 June - p. 66
He means her face. He murmurs to himself as he studies her
features, reading her character.
DEE
Wonderful... Out of such
suffering, to have forged such
strength... You will need all
your strength in days to come...
And love... So much love...
But as he looks, he finds something more that disturbs him.
DEE
But you doubt yourself, my
child... I've not seen fear in
your face before.
ELIZABETH
Have I reason to fear?
DEE
Something has weakened you...
There is danger, yes... Your
strength lies in your spirit.
Nothing else matters. There are
hard days coming. You must trust
the power of your spirit.
Elizabeth is shaken by these words. Dee turns to look out
once more at the night sky.
DEE
But I'm no prophet. I see no more
than the shadows of ghosts.
ELIZABETH
An art, not a science. I
understand.
EXT. THAMES - DUSK
64 64
The royal barge returns down the night river. Elizabeth
sits in silence, gazing into the darkness, deep in her own
thoughts.
INT. RALEIGH'S HOUSE - DUSK
65 65
Raleigh and Bess make love.
INT. QUEEN'S PRIVATE QUARTERS - NIGHT
66 66
Elizabeth stands before a long mirror, alone in her
dressing chamber, illuminated by lamp light.
May 1 Blue Draft 28 June - p. 67
She wears a plain shift. She loosens the ties of her shift
and lets it fall to the floor, leaving her naked.
She gazes at her own naked body in the mirror.
INT. SECRET ROOM - NIGHT
67 R 67
eston sits at the table, writing by candle light. Burton
the brewer enters. Reston leaps to his feet, very tense.
RESTON
You have it?
Burton hands him the letter. Reston opens it and reads it
at speed. Then he hands it to a man we don't see.
RESTON
What do you think? There must be
clear and valid authority.
He gazes at the unseen man, waiting on his verdict.
WILLIAM (O.O.V.)
No. It won't do.
Reston nods agreement. He returns to the table and dashes
off a letter, muttering as he does so.
RESTON
We wait on a direct order.
He completes the note and gives it to Burton.
RESTON
One more journey, my friend. Then
-
(fiercely)
consummatum est! It is finished.
INT. BESS'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
67A 67A
Bess lies restlessly asleep. Suddenly she gives a start and
wakes. She stifles a scream with her hands. On the far side
of the room, sitting watching her in silence, is
Walsingham.
BESS
Please! I'm innocent! I've always
been a loyal servant of the
Queen. I'd never betray the
Queen, never -
WALSINGHAM
But you have, my dear. And you
do. We both know that.
E
D
May 1 Blue Draft 28 June - p. 68
Bess knows he means her affair with Raleigh. Now she's too
terrified to speak.
Walsingham rises.
WALSINGHAM
Keep me informed, and all will be
well. I don't like surprises.
He leaves.
INT. QUEEN'S PRIVATE QUARTERS, WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
68 68
DANCING MASTER
Jump!
The dancing master is instructing Bess in the dance called
La Volta, watched by the Queen, her ladies and courtiers. A
trio of musicians plays a jaunty tune.
ANCING MASTER
(to Bess)
When I push like this, my lady,
give a jump into the air.
ELIZABETH
Let him throw you round, Bess.
You can trust him.
The dancing master spins Bess round and lifts her up into
the air. Her feet fly out as she spins. It's a bold, even
risqué dance, and the onlookers laugh to see it.
DANCING MASTER
And round - and round - and round
- and down!
He lowers Bess to the ground. She loves it. As the spinning
begins again, Raleigh enters.
LIZABETH
L
a Volta, Mr Raleigh. The jump. I
require all my ladies to learn
it. You see how fearless Bess is.
Raleigh watches Bess dance.
RALEIGH
You like your ladies to jump at
your command?
ELIZABETH
Sometimes. Do you think that
wrong?
S
May 1 Blue Draft 28 June - p. 69
RALEIGH
No, no. You're the Queen. You are
to be obeyed.
ELIZABETH
To tell you the truth, Mr
Raleigh, there are times when I'm
tired of being always in control.
RALEIGH
Nonsense.
ELIZABETH
What?
RALEIGH
You don't mean a word of it. You
eat and drink control.
ELIZABETH
Do you say so?
The exercise ends. All clap.
ELIZABETH
Bess, you must try a dance with
Mr Raleigh. He's eager to show us
his skill.
RALEIGH
No skill at all, majesty. I don't
know the steps.
ELIZABETH
Oh, it's very simple.
he goes to Bess to demonstrate, holding her by the waist.
ELIZABETH
You stand like this, with your
hands firmly clasped here - and
when she jumps, on the eighth
step, you swing her round - once,
twice, three times - and you're
back to the beginning. What could
be simpler?
DANCING MASTER
Your majesty knows the dance
better than I.
ELIZABETH
So come, Mr Raleigh. Take your
position. I am to be obeyed.
RALEIGH
As your majesty wishes.
M
May 1 Blue Draft 28 June - p. 70
Raleigh takes his place with Bess.
ELIZABETH
Hold her tight. I don't want her
dropped.
(
to the musicians)
Play!
The dance begins again. Bess jumps, and Raleigh swings her
round and round, finding the knack after an awkward start.
Elizabeth watches, smiling, nodding to the beat. She can
see the faces of the dancers; and so long as she controls
the intimacy between them, she's excited by it.
Walsingham enters and stands by her side, watching.
ELIZABETH
(low)
Leave her alone, Walsingham. I
want both of them left alone.
69 69
SCENE RENUMBERED- SEE SCENE 67A
70 70
INT. MARY STUART'S QUARTERS, CHARTLEY HALL - DAY
Mary Stuart is praying, but under cover of her bible, she
is writing a secret letter. Sir Amyas Paulet enters, with
three men. Mary closes the letter in her bible.
ARY
Am I a danger to England even
when I pray?
P
AULET
As always, ma'am, my concern is
for your safety.
MARY
I pray for my cousin Elizabeth.
Do you think she prays for me?
INT. SECRET ROOM - DAY
71 71
Mary's latest letter is now in Reston's hand. Babington and
Ramsay sit staring at Reston. This time the Jesuit is
pleased. He reads the letter aloud to the unseen man.
RESTON
`If our forces are in readiness,
both within and without the
realm, then your Queen commands
you to set the gentlemen to
work.'
May 1 Blue Draft 28 June - p. 71
RESTON(cont'd)
(with quiet steely
satisfaction)
I think we have it.
He hands the letter over. For the first time we see who it
is: William, now revealed as one of the conspirators.
William reads the letter for himself.
WILLIAM
(nodding agreement)
This is the spark that will set
England ablaze.
Reston takes out pistols, and hands one to Ramsay, one to
Babington. R
ESTON
We've been patient long enough.
Let God's work begin.
INT. STUDY, WALSINGHAM'S HOUSE - NIGHT
72 72
Walsingham is at work at his desk. A knock on the door.
Walsingham does not look up from his papers.
William enters, wrapped in a cloak, one hand concealed.
WILLIAM
It's me. William.
WALSINGHAM
(still not looking up)
Where have you been? We haven't
seen you for days.
WILLIAM
I met up with some old friends.
WALSINGHAM
From Paris, no doubt.
WILLIAM
Yes.
WALSINGHAM
And now you've come back.
He looks up at last.
WALSINGHAM
Do you know, I can still remember
the day you were born?
He smiles, but there's sadness in his eyes.
May 1 Blue Draft 28 June - p. 72
WALSINGHAM
I was eleven years old. And you,
this helpless bundle. I looked at
you in your crib, with your
little wrinkled face, and I loved
you from the first. I vowed then
to look after you. I watched you
grow up with your head in the
clouds, always a dreamer. I
couldn't follow you there. And
now I've failed you, haven't I?
Forgive me if I haven't loved you
enough.
Clink. Something falls from William's hand to the floor.
His face has gone grey.
WALSINGHAM
Did you really think I didn't
know?
On the floor - a dagger.
William opens his mouth to answer, but no sound comes out.
Walsingham raps twice on his desk. The door opens, and
Agents 4 and 5 enter.
WALSINGHAM
Was it for money? At least tell
me you got a good price.
W
illiam shakes his head.
WALSINGHAM
What then? What would you murder
your own brother for?
WILLIAM
(whisper)
Eternal life.
Walsingham stares at him. A great sadness building.
WALSINGHAM
Eternal life. The bribe no man
can refuse.
OMITTED (INCORPORATED INTO SCENE 71)
73 73
EXT. WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
74 74
CLOSE ON Elizabeth, surrounded by courtiers and bodyguards,
as she processes from the Presence Chamber to the Chapel
Royal. As before, the way is lined with eager supplicants.
May 1 Blue Draft 28 June - p. 73
CLOSE ON Babington and Ramsay, forcing their way through
the crowd to the front line.
Elizabeth disappears from view into the Chapel.
ROYAL SERVANT
The Queen is at her prayers!
T
he chapel doors begin to close.
BABINGTON
Now!
Ramsay hurls himself forward, shouting -
RAMSAY
God for Mary! England's true
Queen!
The guards run to seize him, opening up a momentary space -
Babington sprints through it for the closing chapel doors -
INT. CHAPEL ROYAL - DAY
75 75
Babington bursts into the chapel, sees a line of ladies
kneeling, masking the figure in front of the altar - he
pulls out a pistol -
BABINGTON
Elizabeth!
Elizabeth turns and rises to confront the assassin's gun.
Babington stares at her, hypnotised by her fearlessness.
Then he pulls the trigger.
Bang!
Elizabeth still stares at him. She's unhurt.
Babington lets out a cry of anguish, and crumples to the
ground. Elizabeth stares on into space, frozen by the
moment, magnificent.
INT. MARY STUART'S QUARTERS, CHARTLEY HALL - DAY
76 76
Mary paces impatiently in her room, trailed by her little
dog. She hears the sound of bells. Joy floods her features.
Pounding feet. She turns to see Sir Amyas Paulet hurrying
towards her, through a gate in the wall.
MARY
You bring news?
May 1 Blue Draft 28 June - p. 74
PAULET
The Queen has been attacked -
MARY
Yes?
PAULET
The assassin seized -
MARY
Yes?
PAULET
The Queen unharmed -
MARY
Unharmed?
PAULET
And you, ma'am, are under arrest.
He has led up to this deliberately, and now stands smiling
at her utter confusion. The man who looked like a fool has
been playing his own game all along.
MARY
Me? What has any of this to do
with me?
Paulet makes a sign. Burton the brewer comes through the
gate: Walsingham's man after all.
P
AULET
That's the trouble with intrigue,
isn't it? With so many secrets,
you can never quite tell who's on
who's side, until the game ends.
He takes the hollow bung out of one pocket and admires it.
PAULET
My own invention. Theatrical, but
effective. My master has every
letter you've written.
MARY
Your master?
PAULET
Walsingham.
Now she knows it's over. She begins to weep.
MARY
Traitors. I'm surrounded by
traitors. Who am I to trust?
May 1 Blue Draft 28 June - p. 75
She picks up her little dog, weeping bitterly.
MARY
Only my little one...
INT. PRISON - DAY
77 77
Walsingham has a lamp in his hand. He moves slowly along a
passage, bowed down by a sense of failure.
He directs the light of his lamp through cell bars onto a
face. The Jesuit. Reston looks back, unafraid.
WALSINGHAM
Ready to die, I see, Jesuit.
RESTON
I have done what I was sent to
do.
WALSINGHAM
Why was the gun not loaded?
Reston doesn't answer. Walsingham gazes at him a moment
longer. Then he moves the lamp along. There, shackled and
white-faced, sit Babington and Ramsay. Walsingham studies
their faces.
Walsingham carries his lamp down the passage and shines it
into the next cell. Here lies a man in chains, huddled on
the floor. He looks up as the light falls on him. William.
Walsingham looks down on the pitiful sight.
W
ALSINGHAM
What was the Jesuit sent to do?
WILLIAM
To kill the Queen. You know it.
You know everything.
WALSINGHAM
Not quite everything.
WILLIAM
I've told you all I know. Go
ahead and kill me. Take what's
left of me. I don't care any
more. All my life you've had
everything and I've had nothing.
So finish it. There's a better
world waiting for me. We'll all
be judged in the end, brother.
Even you.
Walsingham gazes down on this pitiful show of pride.
orchid revision 28 June -p. 76
WALSINGHAM
You're no martyr. You weren't
even much of a murderer. Go back
to France. Back to your dreams.
Never let me hear of you again.
Walsingham turns away. As he goes we see what he won't show
William: that the hurt of the betrayal is almost more than
he can bear.
He goes back up the passage. As he passes Reston, the
Jesuit calls out softly.
RESTON
Send me home.
INT. ESCORIAL PALACE, SPAIN - DAY
78 P 78
hilip sits listening intently, staring into space, the
Infanta by his side. Don Guerau de Spes is briefing him.
DON GUERAU
(They have letters in Mary
Stuart's own hand. All England
cries out for her death.)
Philip nods as he listens. All goes to plan. He turns to
the Infanta.
PHILIP
(My dearest, how would you like
to be Queen of England?)
orchid revision 28 June -p. 77
INT. QUEEN'S PRIVATE QUARTERS, WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
79 79
Elizabeth sits deep in thought, Bess by her side. Shadows
all round.
ELIZABETH
They say she's taller than me.
Her hair is chestnut in colour.
Her eyes are hazel. They say
she's beautiful. But people lie.
They say I am beautiful.
A dismissive shrug. Clearly she does not think herself
beautiful.
BESS
She plotted to kill you.
ELIZABETH
Yes, it's true. I've read her
letters. I too was a prisoner
once. I've feared for my life.
I've done terrible things - just
to live.
BESS
So do we all.
ELIZABETH
I can be merciful. But she
protests her innocence, and that
is a lie. Why will she not admit
she has wronged me?
BESS
She'll go on lying til you cut
out her traitor's heart.
Elizabeth stares at her in surprise.
ELIZABETH
You used to be gentler, Bess.
BESS
I used to be quieter, majesty.
INT. GREAT HALL, FOTHERINGAY CASTLE - DAY
80 80
Mary Stuart sits before her accusers in the Great Hall of
this sombre castle, her new prison. She wears black, but
she is proud, composed, and beautiful. She is faced by a
commission of lords, appointed to try her.
W
orchid revision 28 June -p. 77A
MARY
Who are you to sit in judgement
on me? By what authority do you
condemn a Queen? God alone has
made me what I am. He is my only
judge. Raise your law above God's
law, and what law remains? In
your vanity and ignorance you set
loose the monster of misrule. You
know neither who you are nor what
you do. But I know who I am. I
die as I have lived - trusting in
the mercy of my God - a Queen.
8
1 81
INT. PRIVY CHAMBER, WHITEHALL PALACE - NIGHT
Elizabeth raging at Walsingham.
ELIZABETH
Must die? Mary Stuart must die?
Where is it written? Who dares to
give orders to the Queen?
ALSINGHAM
Majesty, this is no time for
mercy -
ELIZABETH
Don't preach at me, old man. Look
at you! You can hardly stand. Go
home to your wife. Go home to
your bed.
WALSINGHAM
The law must have its way.
orchid revisions 28 june - p.78
ELIZABETH
The law is for common men, not
for princes.
Walsingham sees there's no point in persisting. He bows and
withdraws.
INT. HALLWAY, WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
82 82
Raleigh comes hurrying towards the Queen's quarters. Bess
sees him approaching and comes out to meet him. They speak
low, not wanting the ever-present guards to hear them.
BESS
Thank God you've come. I've never
seen her so distressed. She's
been alone in her rooms since
morning. She'll see no one.
RALEIGH
Has she asked for me?
BESS
No. But she needs you. I know she
does.
Raleigh takes Bess's B
hand in his, discreetly.
ESS
Go to her.
orchid revisions 28 june - p.79
INT. QUEEN'S PRIVATE QUARTERS, WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
83 83
Elizabeth sits alone, deep in thought.
Raleigh enters, and comes before her. She doesn't look
round, but she knows it's him.
RALEIGH
My Queen.
ELIZABETH
My friend.
Still she doesn't turn to him.
ELIZABETH (CONT'D)
Did Bess bid you come? Have you
too come to tell me I must murder
a Queen?
RALEIGH
No. You don't need me to instruct
you in your duty.
ELIZABETH
My duty? Was it my father's duty
to murder my mother? I would be
loath to die so bloody a death.
RALEIGH
Since when were you so afraid?
Now she looks at him.
ELIZABETH
Yes, I am afraid. I am always
afraid.
Raleigh looks back at her in silence for a long moment.
Then -
RALEIGH
You fear your soul will be
touched. Royalty is close to
immortality. Kill a Queen - and
queens are mortal.
ELIZABETH
You understand me well.
RALEIGH
We mortals have many weaknesses.
We feel too much. Hurt too much.
And all too soon, we die. But we
do have the chance of love.
8
orchid revisions 28 june - p.79A
Elizabeth closes her eyes.
ELIZABETH
Do we? Do we really?
She nods, her eyes still closed.
ELIZABETH (CONT'D)
I owe England my life. Don't ask
for my soul.
INT. MARY'S QUARTERS, FOTHERINGAY CASTLE - NIGHT
4 84
Mary Stuart at supper, feeding titbits from the table to
her little dog.
Sir Amyas Paulet enters. Mary sees at once from his face
that he brings grave news.
E
O
T
may 1 blue draft 28 June - p. 80
MARY
Your face tells me. It's decided.
PAULET
Tomorrow morning. At eight.
Annette, her maid, bursts into wailing sobs. Mary herself
goes very still. She's starting to carry out her final
strategy.
MARY
Please don't cry.
INT. GREAT HALL, FOTHERINGAY CASTLE - DAY
85 85
The great timbered hall of the castle has been specially
prepared for the execution. A stage has been constructed in
the centre, and around the stage are chairs upon which
DIGNITARIES and MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT are already sitting.
The block dominates the stage. Beside it, the hooded
EXECUTIONER with his axe. The DEAN OF PETERBOROUGH in his
clerical robes.
T
here are more chairs in the body of the hall, occupied by
members of the public. They are all waiting for the
performance to begin.
Mary enters.
he people crane their necks to see her. She doesn't
disappoint. She is wearing a black velvet gown, her
luxurious auburn hair tied in a bunch. Her LADIES,
following her in procession, show signs of weeping and
distress, but Mary herself glides to the platform with a
regal bearing.
n her face there is a look that is almost ecstatic.
INT. QUEEN'S PRIVATE QUARTERS, WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
86 86
lizabeth, alone. She knows what's happening. She can't
rest or be at peace. She tries to sit, then paces, becoming
more and more agitated.
INT. GREAT HALL, FOTHERINGAY CASTLE - DAY
87 87
As Mary mounts the stage, the executioner kneels.
EXECUTIONER
Forgiveness, your grace.
N
may 1 blue draft 28 June - p. 81
MARY
I forgive you with all my heart,
for now, I hope, you will make an
end of all my troubles.
She stands, smiling still, and holds out her arms to let
her ladies disrobe her.
INT. PRIVY CHAMBER, WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
88 88
ow deeply distressed, Elizabeth suddenly bursts out of the
Privy Chamber into the great Presence Chamber, tears
welling into her eyes. Bess close behind her.
She hardly notices the people around her, until she sees
Raleigh.
ELIZABETH
I want it stopped!
89 89
INT. GREAT HALL, FOTHERINGAY CASTLE - DAY
Mary's black dress falls to the ground, revealing
underneath a petticoat of dark red silk - the colour of
martyrdom. There is a collective gasp from the spectators.
INT. GREAT HALL, WHITEHALL - DAY
90 90
Elizabeth is hysterical, shouting in Raleigh's restraining
arms.
ELIZABETH
No! It must be stopped!
INT. GREAT HALL, FOTHERINGAY CASTLE - DAY
91 91
Mary kneels, puts her head on the block.
M
ARY
Into your hands, O Lord, I
commend my spirit.
She stretches out her arms as a signal. The axe comes down.
INT. GREAT HALL, WHITEHALL - DAY
92 92
Elizabeth cries out, as if the axe has fallen on her neck.
Then she sinks sobbing to the ground, supported by both
Raleigh and Bess; and for a moment, the three are united in
a single embrace.
P
may 1 blue draft 28 June - p. 82
EXECUTIONER (V.O.)
God save the Queen!
INT. GREAT HALL, FOTHERINGAY CASTLE - DAY
93 93
ON THE FACES of the awed spectators. We see, FOREGROUND,
the scarlet-clad torso of the executed Mary. A gasp of
horror from the spectators. The dead woman's skirts are
moving.
Out from under her skirts creeps her little dog. The dog
looks round, not understanding, and whimpers softly.
Annette takes the dog into her arms.
INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER, ESCORIAL PALACE - DAY
95 T 95
he sound of cheering crowds outside in the plaza calling
out the one Spanish word: `War! War! War!'.
hilip enters from the balcony, walking briskly, holding
the Infanta by the hand. He comes to a stop before his
assembled ministers. His eyes shine.
PHILIP
(A sweet and Christian lady lies
martyred, slain by a- Godless-
childless- BASTARD! Blood must
pay for blood! We have just and
holy cause! I call the legions of
Christ to war! Elizabeth! Blood-
soaked virgin Elizabeth! You will
pay with your country- your
throne- and your life!)
INT. HALLWAY, WHITEHALL PALACE - NIGHT
96 96
ON WALSINGHAM - As he walks through the palace.
WALSINGHAM (V.O.)
Forgive me. In my weakness and my
vanity, I have failed you.
INT. PRIVY CHAMBER, WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
97 97
Walsingham on his knees before Elizabeth, abasing himself
in shame. Elizabeth is in control once more.
E
LIZABETH
How have you failed me? What am I
to forgive you for?
may 1 blue draft 28 June - p. 83
WALSINGHAM
Philip of Spain is a God-fearing
man. He cannot make war without
just cause. He sent the Jesuit to
kill a Queen. But not you.
ELIZABETH
Not me!
WALSINGHAM
The Jesuit's mission was to draw
Mary Stuart into the murder plot.
He knew I was reading her every
letter. He waited until she wrote
the words that sealed her guilt.
Now Elizabeth gets it.
ELIZABETH
(slowly)
And I ordered her execution. I
murdered God's anointed Queen.
And now God's most dutiful son
makes holy war to punish me.
WALSINGHAM
Forgive me, majesty. Let me go.
Elizabeth hardly hears him any more. She realises the end
game is upon her.
ELIZABETH
Yes... Go...
Walsingham leaves. Elizabeth never even looks at him. She's
looking into the distance, preparing herself for what must
now come.
INT. LISBON CATHEDRAL - DAY
98 98
The great Standard of the Armada, bearing the image of the
Virgin, is carried into the cathedral.
Philip follows, leading a column of Spain's noblest
GRANDEES and PRINCES of the church.
The ARCHBISHOP sprinkles holy water onto the Standard, and
makes the sign of the Cross over it.
ARCHBISHOP
Exurge, domine et vindica causam
tuam. Amen.
Philip kneels to kiss the blessed Standard - which is then
thrust aloft again, into the vast spaces of the Cathedral.
may 1 blue draft 28 June - p. 84
And at once there is a great outpouring of emotion, the
congregation applauding, many weeping at the sight.
9
INT. QUEEN'S PRIVATE QUARTERS - NIGHT
9 99
Elizabeth is alone, pacing slowly, reading a book - the
Consolation of Philosophy, by Boethius. She reads, pauses,
looks into the far distance; then reads and walks again.
ELIZABETH (V.O.)
`Think you that there is any
certainty in the affairs of
mankind, when you know that one
swift hour can destroy the
greatest among us?'
She turns, and there is Raleigh. She holds up her book.
ELIZABETH
Boethius.
RALEIGH
The Consolation of Philosophy.
ELIZABETH
Thank you for coming at this late
hour.
She closes her book and puts it away.
ELIZABETH
We're at war. Who knows when
we'll meet again. If we'll meet
again.
RALEIGH
May the Lord God preserve
England's Queen.
ELIZABETH
The same God in whose name Philip
wages his holy war. Philip is a
righteous man, and righteous men
love to destroy. They burn whole
worlds to make them pure, and
leave behind - ashes.
RALEIGH
He'll not burn England.
ELIZABETH
He may. His Armada is invincible,
they say. If London falls, I
fall. If England is lost, I am
lost.
may 1 blue draft 28 June - p. 85
RALEIGH
Never!
ELIZABETH
Never? It's night. My thoughts
turn dark. Don't you ever think
that one day, perhaps one day
soon, you too will die?
RALEIGH
The closer I come to death, the
more I want to live. The hungrier
I am for life.
His defiant energy breaks Elizabeth's morbid mood.
E
LIZABETH
You're right. We must live while
we can.
RALEIGH
Why be afraid of tomorrow?
Today's all we have, and all we
know.
ELIZABETH
Today. Tonight.
RALEIGH
Now.
They hold each other's eyes.
ELIZABETH
I wish -
But she can't say it.
RALEIGH
I've never known a woman like
you.
ELIZABETH
In some other time, in some other
world, could you have loved me?
RALEIGH
I know only one world. In this
world, I have loved you.
Elizabeth smiles a small smile.
ELIZABETH
Then there's... something you
could do for me - something I've
not known for a very long time -
if you felt so inclined -
may 1 blue draft 28 June - p. 86
Raleigh intuits what she wants. He comes closer as she
speaks. E
LIZABETH
Something not to be spoken of
afterwards - to be forgotten -
but just for now -
She lifts her head to his. She meets his eyes.
ELIZABETH
A kiss?
He takes her in his arms, and they kiss. One kiss to hold
all that might have been, all that they both know can never
be.
When at last they part she turns away from him, head bowed,
eyes still closed, holding on to the sweet moment.
EXT. LISBON HARBOUR - DAY
100 100
CLOSE IMAGES as the Armada standard is carried in
procession to the flagship, and hoisted into position on
the ship's towering prow. Cannons fire a booming salute.
As the standard billows in the breeze, beyond it we see the
forest of masts that make up the great Armada.
101 101
INT. ANTECHAMBER, WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
The palace is galvanised by the invasion threat. Armed men
go by at the double, passing servants hauling out trolleys
bearing valuables, as the court prepares for the worst.
Raleigh and Howard stride fast across the Guard Chamber,
the first of the sequence of great rooms. They are deep in
war talk.
Bess appears ahead, and beckons him to a secluded corner.
R
ALEIGH
Bess, I've been ordered to my
ship -
Bess stops his mouth with one finger.
BESS
I'll be quick. I have something
to tell you. But I ask for
nothing. Is that understood? Your
life is your own. Nothing will
change.
may 1 blue draft 28 June - p. 87
RALEIGH
What is this, Bess?
Two court officials hurry by. Bess lowers her voice.
BESS
I'm -
Her hand touches her waist.
RALEIGH
You're pregnant?
BESS
No one knows. My plans are made.
I shall ask the Queen for
permission to leave court. I
shall live quietly in the country
with - with my child. The Queen
must know nothing.
Raleigh stares at her, stunned. More people are passing.
This is no place for R
displays of strong feeling.
ALEIGH
Where will you go?
BESS
To my mother's house.
RALEIGH
You can't go!
BESS
I'm a ward of the Queen. I can't
court a man without her
permission. I can't marry without
her permission. As for having a
child -
Another official passes by.
RALEIGH
When were you planning to leave?
BESS
As soon as I'm allowed.
Raleigh finds himself caught in an impossible situation.
His internal struggle shows itself in the twists and jerks
of his body.
RALEIGH
Am I not to see you again? What's
to become of the child? Bess -
B
may 1 blue draft 28 June - p. 88
BESS
Hush! We've no choice. You know
it as well as I do.
RALEIGH
All I know is nothing's as it
should be.
BESS
Please listen. You once said to
me, `Whatever I have to give, ask
and it's yours.' Do you remember?
RALEIGH
Of course I remember.
BESS
I ask that you forget me. Go to
your ship. Do your duty. Forget
me.
R
aleigh gazes at her, deeply moved.
RALEIGH
Oh, Bess...
The Queen's ladies come hurrying by. Margaret calls to Bess
as they go.
MARGARET
Bess! We're summoned.
ESS
I'm coming.
(to Raleigh)
Goodbye.
She runs after the ladies.
Raleigh walks slowly after them down the hall. On his face
a new look forms. He knows now what he's going to do.
OMITTED
102 102
EXT. SEA - DAY
103 103
An empty horizon.
Then, on the very line of the horizon, the ghost of a
movement. Far away, too small to make out, something is
coming.
1
may 1 blue draft 28 June - p. 89
INT. ELIZABETH'S BEDCHAMBER, WHITEHALL PALACE - NIGHT
104 104
Elizabeth starts up in bed, calls out in sudden fear.
ELIZABETH
Air! I must have air!
Her servants hurry in, and open the window.
Elizabeth goes to the open window and breathes in deeply.
She looks up at the moon.
RALEIGH (V.O.)
With this ring I thee wed. With
my body I thee worship...
05 105
INT. PRIVATE CHAPEL - NIGHT
Raleigh and Bess are being married in secret by a PRIEST.
The only witness is Bess's fellow maid of honour Margaret.
Raleigh makes his vow tenderly and lovingly, his eyes on
Bess throughout.
RALEIGH
... and with all my worldly goods
H I thee endow.
e places the ring on her left thumb.
RALEIGH
In the name of the father -
He moves the ring to her forefinger -
RALEIGH
And of the Son -
To her index finger -
RALEIGH
And of the Holy Spirit.
And finally onto her ring finger.
RALEIGH
Amen.
INT. MAP ROOM, WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
106 106
A room in which a map of Europe is inlaid in the floor. A
table strewn with maps stands in the centre. Elizabeth is
imperious, back in control.
E
Grey Revisions 22 June -p.90
ELIZABETH
This Spanish Armada is at sea
carrying an army of ten thousand
men.
(indicating on the map)
The Duke of Parma has fifteen
thousand men on the French coast.
WALSINGHAM
They plan to cross the Channel in
barges, under the protection of
the Spanish fleet, and sail up
the Thames.
ELIZABETH
But they don't yet have enough
barges at Calais. We have a
little time.
WALSINGHAM
(surprised)
That is so.
ELIZABETH
Our forces defend the Thames
entrance at Tilbury. How many
men?
HATTON
We have three, possibly four
thousand, majesty.
WALSINGHAM
If the Spanish fleet reaches
Calais in strength, the combined
armies will be beyond our power
to resist.
LIZABETH
Therefore, the Spanish fleet must
not reach Calais.
HOWARD
Majesty, this vast Armada will
surely smash through our naval
defences. We must be prepared for
the worst.
INT. WHITEHALL PALACE - DAY
107 E 107
lizabeth walks briskly through the great public rooms back
to her quarters, with Walsingham by her side and her
entourage following behind.
E
May 1 Blue Draft -p.91
WALSINGHAM
How did you know about the
numbers of the Dutch barges,
majesty? I don't recall supplying
you with that information.
ELIZABETH
You may observe, Walsingham, that
I don't see my way with only one
eye. Nor do I hop along on only
one leg. Why then would I rely on
only one source of information?
She sweeps into her quarters. Her ladies, waiting there,
jump up in haste. She scans them.
LIZABETH
Where's Bess?
Her eyes coem to rest on Margaret. She sees that Margaret
knows something.
ELIZABETH
Where is she?
EXT. THE LIZARD, CORNWALL - DUSK
108 108
We are on the very tip of England.
A watch-tower has been built, and next to it a large beacon
of wood. A YOUNG MAN is minding the watch.
He stares out to sea, catching sight of something. Over the
rim of the world has appeared the long line of the Spanish
fleet, like a floating wall, black and menacing.
H
e runs down the steps from the tower. He lights a bundle
of sticks and thrusts them again and again into the beacon.
The beacon catches fire. As the flames rise into the sky,
so a second beacon erupts into flame on the next headland.
And then a third on the next, a fourth on the next, a
fifth, disappearing around the coastline.
INT. WHITEHALL PALACE - DUSK
109 109
Doors burst open and Elizabeth comes storming out, barely
containing a powerful rage.
ELIZABETH
Bess! Bess Throckmorton!
Bess comes running from the far end.
May 1 Blue Draft -p.92
BESS
Here, my lady!
ELIZABETH
Tell me! Is it true? Are you
married? Are you with child? Are
you WITH CHILD?
Bess stands before her with her head bowed.
BESS
Yes, my lady.
Elizabeth falls on her with uncontrolled rage, striking out
at her, beating her about the head, shrieking out the words
that so inflame and wound her. Bess takes the blows in
silence.
ELIZABETH
You traitress! You dare to have
secrets from me! I am your Queen!
You ask my permission before you
rut - before you marry - before
you breed! My bitches wear my
collars! Do you hear me? How dare
you be with child!
Walsingham comes hobbling up.
WALSINGHAM
Majesty, please! Dignity - mercy -
But Elizabeth is too far gone. She turns on him, eyes
blazing.
ELIZABETH
This is no time for mercy! That's
what you said to me. I don't
forget. But you showed mercy,
Walsingham! Go to your traitor
brother, and leave me to my
business!
W
alsingham turns white. Elizabeth is back berating Bess.
ELIZABETH
Is it his child? Tell me! Say it!
Is the child his? Tell me! Say
it! Is it his?
Bess responds to the Queen's hysteria with dignity.
BESS
Yes, my lady. It is - my
husband's child.
Her gaze reaches beyond the Queen. Elizabeth turns.
F
May 1 Blue Draft -p.93
Raleigh has come up to them unnoticed. He has seen and
heard all. He speaks to Elizabeth quietly, sadly.
RALEIGH
This is not the Queen I love and
serve.
Elizabeth stares at him. He meets her eyes. His gaze is so
unflinching that slowly the madness drains out of her. When
she speaks next, she is her proud self again.
ELIZABETH
This gentleman has seduced a lady
under my care. This lady has
married without my consent. These
are offences punishable by law.
(to Walsingham)
Arrest him.
OMITTED
110 110
EXT. ENGLISH COAST - DUSK
111 111
rom way up high we see beacon after warning beacon
bursting into flame, the light from them describing the
contours of England.
As they rush on, they suddenly divide, some continuing
along the coast, others racing inland.
RENUMBERED- SEE SCENE 112B
112 112
112A 112A
INT. DEE'S HOUSE - DUSK
Dr Dee watches as Elizabeth prowls his cluttered rooms,
releasing the tension that has swelled to bursting point
within her.
ELIZABETH
The fall of an empire, you told
me. Did you mean the English
empire? Because by God, England
will not fall while I am Queen!
If that's your prophecy, sir,
prophesy again!
DEE
You want me to tell your majesty
only what your majesty chooses to
hear?
E
May 1 Blue Draft -p.94
ELIZABETH
I will not be a toy of the fates!
Have I not faced an assassin's
bullet and lived?
She turns to Dr Dee and sees his quizzical gaze on her, and
she lets her rage pass.
E
LIZABETH
Just tell me there's no
certainty. The shadows of ghosts,
you said. Any outcome is
possible. Give me hope.
DEE
The forces that shape the world
are greater than all of us,
majesty. How can I promise you
that they'll conspire in your
favour, even though you are the
Queen? But this much I know. When
the storm breaks, each man acts
in accordance with his own
nature. Some are dumb with
terror. Some flee. Some hide. And
some spread their wings like
eagles and soar on the wind.
Elizabeth understands. She draws herself up, finding now
the self-belief she needs for the battle to come.
ELIZABETH
You're a wise man, Dr Dee.
DEE
And you, madam, are a very great
lady.
INT. WHITEHALL PALACE - NIGHT
112B 112B
lizabeth stares out of the window, watches as the last
beacon is kindled not far away, and bursts into flame.
Behind her stand her ministers: Hatton, Howard, and
Walsingham.
S
he turns to face the others. All littleness has dropped
away. She sees only her nation's hour of destiny, and her
own duty.
ELIZABETH
My lords, I can offer you no
words of comfort.
DoubleGoldenrod - 25 July -p.95
ELIZABETH(cont'd)
If this Armada succeeds there
will be no more freedom in our
land, and England will be no
more. We cannot be defeated.
EXT. SEA - DAY
113 113
The unending line of Spanish ships advances over the water.
Still far away, but scary in power and reach.
RALEIGH
What news? Is the fleet at sea?
SERVANT
Yes, sir. May God preserve them.
INT. TOWER OF LONDON - DAY
114 114
Raleigh lies awake and fully dressed on the bed in his
prison room. The room is furnished for a gentleman, but the
walls are thick and the windows barred.
The door opens, and a servant brings in a tray of food.
Raleigh sits up.
RALEIGH
What news?
SERVANT
The Spanish are off Portland.
RALEIGH
And the fleet?
SERVANT
Still at Plymouth, joined by
Drake and all the rest.
RALEIGH
(bitter)
All but me.
EXT. ENGLISH CHANNEL - DAY
115 115
The white cliffs of England, seen from the Channel.
INTO FRAME sweeps a SPANISH ENSIGN, streaming from a mast.
And another, and another. Mast after mast, straining sails,
shivering ropes, and the FLAGS of the enemy - flying from
the top-gallants of a hundred ships - so near to England
now that they seem to have been planted already on
England's white cliffs.
DoubleGoldenrod - 25 July -p.95A
INT. ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL - DAY
116 116
The Queen, Sir Christopher Hatton, Walsingham and her
entourage, all now heavily armed, enter the great vaulted
nave of St Paul's. As they make their way towards the
altar, Elizabeth issues commands.
E
LIZABETH
The bells are to ring in every
church in the land.
Hatton bows to show he has received the order.
ELIZABETH
Labourers are to leave the fields
and take up arms. The harvest
must wait.
May 1 Blue Draft- p.96
Hatton bows and leaves. Elizabeth continues up the nave,
now followed only by Walsingham. She turns to him with
another order.
ELIZABETH
Release all prisoners. England is
their country too.
She moves forward again. Walsingham follows, waiting,
knowing there's more. Elizabeth turns to him one last time.
ELIZABETH
Release Raleigh. He is
forgiven... As I too pray to be
forgiven...
Walsingham leaves. Elizabeth goes forward to stand before
the altar alone.
ELIZABETH
Leave me. All of you.
The remainder of her entourage bow and withdraw. Elizabeth
goes on down the nave to the altar, and there, at the foot
of the steps, sinks to her knees. She does not bow her
head.
ON ELIZABETH - Alone in the great space, staring at her God
P
as at an equal.
AN UP to the blazing coloured light of the stained glass
window -
117 117
INT. ESCORIAL PALACE - DAY
DOWN from high windows to see monks praying for the success
of the Armada. Their chant has a driving war-like rhythm,
that carries over the following scenes.
INT. ESCORIAL PALACE, SPAIN - DAY
118 118
SPEED TRACK down a palace corridor, urged on by the beat of
the chant, into Philip's cell.
TRACK IN to the flame of a single candle: its bright heart
seems to be the source of the pounding chant.
EXT. ENGLISH CHANNEL - DAY
119 119
The chant powers on.
SHIPS' BOWS slice the water, racing towards us.
DoubleGoldenrod - 25 July -p.97
INT. PHILIP'S CELL - DAY
120 120
ON PHILIP as the chant drives on, murmuring his own prayer.
PHILIP
Tu es Deus qui facis mirabilia
solus. Notam fecisti in gentibus
virtutem tuam...
INT. TOWER OF LONDON - DAY
120A 120A
CLOSE ON RALEIGH - A Royal Official has just handed him a
letter. He reads it and then looks up.
RALEIGH
Tell the Queen I will join my
ship.
EXT. ENGLISH CAMP, TILBURY - DAY
121 121
The chant continues -
TRACKING THROUGH English troops to the Queen's tent -
121A 121A
EXT PLYMOUTH HARBOUR - DAY
The English fleet sets sail and leaves Plymouth harbour.
INT. QUEEN'S TENT, TILBURY - DAY
122 122
The Queen's advisers mill round Elizabeth. Walsingham is
seated in the background.
ELIZABETH
Are our ships at sea? Has the
fleet left Plymouth? That can't
be so hard to know.
ADMIRAL WINTER enters, out of breath, clutching the latest
reports.
ADMIRAL WINTER
The enemy has been engaged,
majesty.
He reads as he speaks. The news is not so good after all.
ADMIRAL WINTER
A brave action. Two ships lost.
ELIZABETH
With what gain?
DoubleGoldenrod - 25 July -p.97A
HATTON
The enemy continues to advance.
EXT. ENGLISH CHANNEL - DAY
123 123
FOREGROUND - Floating wreckage, and the bodies of English
sailors. Beyond, the long line of the Spanish fleet,
advancing, firing. The Spanish ships are monsters, much
taller than the English ships.
I
Double Pink revision 18 July- p.98
INT. ADMIRAL'S CABIN, ARK ROYAL - DAY
124 124
Lord Howard bent over a mass of charts with his commanders
round him: HAWKINS, DRAKE, FROBISHER and Raleigh. The boom
of Spanish cannon shakes the air. Flashes of fire light the
faces of the English officers.
DRAKE
We must attack! What choice do we
have?
HOWARD
We're decisively outgunned,
Drake. We are losing too many
ships. We must defend the coast.
DRAKE
(studying the chart of
the Armada's progress)
There has to be a way of getting
inside this crescent formation.
RALEIGH
Our ships may be smaller but
they're nimbler. We should use
the strengths we've got.
HOWARD
I tell you, we're out-gunned. Do
you want to lose the whole fleet?
RALEIGH
Break their formation and we have
a chance.
HOWARD
We can't get near them.
INT. QUEEN'S TENT, TILBURY - DAY
125 125
Elizabeth among her advisers. An air of mounting panic.
WALSINGHAM
The Spanish are barely a day
away, majesty.
HATTON
t would be wise to withdraw to
safer ground.
Grey Revision 22 June - p.99
WALSINGHAM
I beg you to appreciate the
gravity of the situation,
majesty. There is very little
time.
Elizabeth turns on him, calm and defiant.
ELIZABETH
Then we must act.
EXT. ENGLISH CAMP, TILBURY - DAY
126 126
A low distant beat as we TRACK THROUGH the English camp.
The soldiers are a citizen army, no hardened professionals.
We pass a troop busy sharpening their pikes; an older
soldier in quiet prayer; a band sharing drinks; a youth
rubbing down a horse.
Now they hear the distant beat approaching. One by one they
look up, surprised, uncertain.
Now they hear it loud and clear: the beat of an army on the
march.
CLOSE ON tramping feet. An advancing force. Horses' hooves
beating the ground.
O
N THE SOLDIERS' FACES - Staring, half afraid, half
expectant - then filled with a surge of sudden hope -
SOLDIERS' POV - English flags rising over the low brow of
the hill.
EXT. HILL ABOVE THE ENGLISH CAMP - DAY
127 127
In the midst of the advancing array of banners and flags,
riding a white horse, dressed in silver armour, holding a
silver staff - Elizabeth - transformed into a goddess of
war.
The thousands of gaping soldiers sink awe-struck to their
knees.
ON ELIZABETH as she surveys her rag-tag army. The army lets
out a cheer.
The Queen cries out to ore) army, her voice echoing in the
(m her
chill air.
ELIZABETH
My loving people! We see the
sails of the enemy approaching.
We hear the Spanish guns over the
water.
T
Goldenrod revision 1 June - p.100
ELIZABETH(cont'd)
Soon now we will meet them face
to face. In that encounter,
England lives, or England dies. I
am resolved in the midst and heat
of the battle to live or die
amongst you all!
A cheer from the men.
ELIZABETH
While we stand together no
invader shall pass. Let them come
with all the armies of Hell, they
will not pass.
The crowd gives another mighty cheer.
ELIZABETH
So let us sound the advance and
go forward, together, you and I.
I myself will be your general,
judge and rewarder of every one
of your virtues in the field.
When this day of battle is ended,
we meet again in heaven, or on
the field of victory.
he greatest shout of all.
SOLDIERS
Aye!
INT. DEE'S HOUSE - DUSK
128 128
Dr Dee studies his charts.
129 129
INT. PHILIP'S CELL - DUSK
Philip sits staring at the flame of the candle. The whole
world waits.
EXT. ARK ROYAL - DUSK
130 130
A ship's lamp sways in the window. A sailor notes the
movement.
DoubleGreen Revision - 22 July - p.101
SAILOR
Wind change!
High in the rigging above, a sail flaps and bellies in a
new direction.
The sound of a rising storm.
INT. QUEEN'S TENT, TILBURY - DUSK
131 131
Elizabeth looks around her as the tent shudders in the
rising wind.
EXT. SPANISH SHIP - DUSK
132 132
The vast Armada is being buffeted by the storm, but still
it comes on. The sea is in turmoil, lightning streaks
across the darkening sky.
SPANISH OFFICER
(Drop Anchor!)
2ND OFFICER
(Our orders are to stay in
formation.)
SPANISH OFFICER
(If we don't drop anchor, we'll
be smashed on the rocks!)
133 133
EXT SPANISH SHIP - DUSK
Spanish sailors furl the sails, haul in ropes. An anchor
crashes into the sea.
EXT. ARK ROYAL - DUSK
134 134
Raleigh and Drake hurry along the deck in the whipping wind
and spray. Drake is watching the Spanish fleet, and
shouting above the noise of the storm.
DRAKE
They've dropped anchor. These
Spanish monsters can't handle our
English seas.
RALEIGH
We have the wind in our favour.
Do we go?
DRAKE
We go.
DoubleYellow - 22 July- p.101A
Drake embraces Raleigh. Action at last.
DRAKE (CONT'D)
God speed, my friend. And don't
forget to jump.
1
INT QUEEN TENT, TILBURY - DUSK
35 135
The tent is full of commotion, soldiers and ministers come
in and out.
DoubleGreen- 22 July- p.102
ADMIRAL WINTER
Under whose orders is he acting?
HATTON
He was told not to risk any more
ships of the fleet.
Elizabeth is distant from the general hubbub.
EXT THE TYGER - DUSK
136 136
Raleigh at the helm of the Tyger gazing intently ahead.
Before him, the might of the Spanish Armada. Behind him,
men move down the ship with barrels, pouring pitch over the
decks. Calley lights a torch and hands it to Raleigh.
137 137
EXT. SPANISH SHIP - DUSK
Spanish sailors watch in horror as the spreading flames of
the fire-ships move inexorably toward them.
EXT. SPANISH SHIP - DUSK
138 138
A Spanish officer reacts to the danger and shouts commands.
SPANISH OFFICER
(Raise anchor! Quickly! No - cut
the ropes! Cut the ropes!)
Ropes are slashed by flailing axes and cut away from the
capstan.
INT PHILIP'S CELL - DUSK
139 139
Philip stares in horror at the flickering candle. The far-
off sound of the storm wind.
OMITTED
140 140
INT. QUEEN'S TENT, TILBURY - DUSK
140A 140A
Elizabeth's entourage look at the maps stretched out on the
tables. Hatton enters.
WALSINGHAM
How many Spanish ships are
burning?
Hatton murmurs a figure.
May 1 Blue Draft - p.103
WALSINGHAM
Not enough.
ON ELIZABETH- Staring out, as if to sea.
ELIZABETH
One empire will rise, and one
will fall...
EXT THE TYGER - DUSK
141 141
Raleigh on the prow of the Tyger as it sails towards the
Spanish fleet. He holds a flaming torch, and calmly surveys
his target. He lights the fuses on the prow and tosses the
torch behind him. The pitch on the deck bursts into flame.
He runs to the side of the ship and scales down the
rigging.
1
EXT. SPANISH SHIP - DUSK
42 142
Chaos and panic amongst the Spanish sailors as the fire-
ship approaches. Men wildly fire off their muskets and the
cannons boom.
EXT. TYGER - DUSK
143 143
Cannonballs crash into the side of the flaming Tyger.
Certain now of the ship's course, Raleigh finally leaps
into the water. As seen from underwater, Raleigh swims away
from the ship.
EXT TYGER - DUSK
144 144
The prelaid fuses amongst the Tyger's cannons ignite, as
the Tyger smashes into the side of the Spanish ship. From
beneath, we see the hulls collide.
EXT SPANISH SHIP - DUSK
145 145
The Tyger's cannons explode causing devastation on the
Spanish deck. Sailors run for cover. A horse rears and
jumps over the side.
EXT ENGLISH CHANNEL - DUSK
146 146
From underneath, men leap into the water. A horse swims
past, lit from flames above.
DoubleGoldenrod - 25 July -p.103A
EXT ROOFTOP, JOHN DEE'S HOUSE - NIGHT
146A 146A
John Dee stands on his roof, looking at the sky through a
sextant.
EXT. ADMIRAL'S CABIN, ARK ROYAL - DUSK
146B 146B
Raleigh, singed and wet from his exploits, is with Drake in
the cabin.
RALEIGH
How many ships are burning?
DRAKE
Four.
RALEIGH
Not enough.
He turns his face towards the coast of England. He speaks
as if to her, a quiet heart-felt prayer.
RALEIGH (CONT'D)
May God be with us all tonight.
May 1 Blue Draft - p.104
INT PHILIP'S CELL - DUSK
147 147
The candle flickers. A clap of thunder, and the candle goes
out.
EXT HILL ABOVE THE ENGLISH CAMP
147A 147A
Elizabeth looks out to sea. The wind roars, the clouds
race, the lightning flashes.
EXT ENGLISH CHANNEL - DUSK
148 148
Images of the beginning of the destruction of the Armada:
Philip's portrait is covered by water inside a sinking
cabin; a Madonna statue floats; a Spanish battle flag burst
into flame.
OMITTED
149 149
RENUMBERED- SEE SCENE 147A
150 150
EXT. ENGLISH CHANNEL - NIGHT
151 151
Raging waves, black sea. The howl of the storm, the rending
of breaking timbers, the screams of drowning men. Somewhere
out there, tiny in the vast seascape, the Armada is being
smashed into oblivion.
EXT HILL ABOVE THE ENGLISH CAMP- NIGHT
152 152
Elizabeth stands there drinking in the tempest, the wind
lashing her clothes and hair, but she loves it, lives it,
breathes it. This is her storm - her victory.
INT. CHAPEL, ESCORIAL PALACE - DAY
153 153
The space that echoed before to the chants of war is silent
now.
Philip and the Infanta come down the nave. Philip's face is
set, expressionless.
Philip reaches the steps at the foot of the altar. He goes
down on his knees. Then he drops further down, to abase
himself on the hard stone floor. The cardinals turn their
backs to him.
T
he Infanta remains standing beside him, impassive, staring
at nothing. She throws down her Elizabeth doll.
May 1 Blue Draft - p.105
A low sob from Philip.
EXT HILL ABOVE THE ENGLISH CAMP- NIGHT
153A 153A
Elizabeth triumphant in the roaring wind.
EXT ENGLISH COAST - DAY
154 154
From inside a cave looking out to sea, a scene of
devastation. Dead Spanish sailors have been washed up
amongst planks, barrels and a torn Spanish ensign.
A long scream of pain -
OMITTED
155 155
INT. BESS THROCKMORTON'S BEDROOM - DAY
156 156
CLOSE ON BESS - Screaming in pain. A final spasm passes
through her. She sinks back.
The cry of a new-born child. She hears, and her exhausted
face lights up with a radiant smile.
INT. WALSINGHAM'S BEDROOM, LONDON - DAY
157 157
Walsingham lies in bed, his eyes closed. His wife Ursula
and daughter Mary in the background. He's dying.
E
lizabeth has come to him. She looks down on him with deep
concern.
ELIZABETH
Francis. My old friend.
EXT. PARIS STREET - DAY
158 158
An anonymous man - Agent 3 - walks down a shabby Paris
street. Stops before a small anonymous house. Knocks.
INT. PARIS HOUSE - DAY
159 159
The anonymous man is let into the house by a figure we
don't yet see. He looks round the room. A fire burning in
the grate. English books on the table. A half-eaten meal.
AGENT 3
I come from your brother.
Now we see who he speaks to: William.
May 1 Blue Draft - p.106
WILLIAM
What does he want?
AGENT 3
He asks your forgiveness.
WILLIAM
My forgiveness?
On William: he stares. Then he understands. Fear brings
sudden tears to his eyes.
A gasp. Walsingham's man has plunged a knife into his
heart.
INT. WALSINGHAM'S BEDROOM, LONDON - DAY
160 160
Walsingham speaks to his Queen with difficulty.
WALSINGHAM
I have served your majesty - in
all things...
ELIZABETH
I know it, old friend. Don't
leave me now.
Walsingham's eyes open. A weak smile.
WALSINGHAM
Y
ou don't need me any more.
Permission - to go -
Elizabeth looks tenderly down on him, shaking her head.
ELIZABETH
You always did do as you pleased,
whether I wanted it or not. I've
no doubt you'll do as you please
now.
He lets his eyes close. She stoops down and kisses his
cheek.
INT. RALEIGH'S HOUSE - DAY
161 161
We see Raleigh from behind. He's holding something, and
dancing slowly about, and crooning a low song, in the
oddest way.
Beyond him, half-glimpsed, an inner room, where Bess is
resting on a bed.
R
107
Now in his solitary dance Raleigh turns, and we see he's
holding a new-born BABY BOY. He kisses the baby's little
bald head, and sings his wordless song.
Footsteps outside. The door opens, and a royal servant
enters, followed by other servants and guards.
OYAL SERVANT
Her majesty the Queen!
Elizabeth enters, in formal style. She stands and takes in
the scene - Raleigh holding his baby son - the room beyond -
Bess rises at once and comes through to make her curtsey to
the Queen. Elizabeth seems not to see her.
A regal wave at the servants and guards. They withdraw.
Elizabeth stalks round the room. No reason to suppose her
displeasure has passed.
ELIZABETH
When was the birth?
RALEIGH
F
our nights ago.
ELIZABETH
The mother is well?
RALEIGH
Thank God.
Now Elizabeth turns to Bess, and their eyes meet. The Queen
puts out her hand and touches Bess lightly on one cheek. A
silent forgiveness.
ELIZABETH
And the child?
RALEIGH
My son is well.
Now for the first time she looks at the baby.
ELIZABETH
Your Elizabeth has a child. You
must be proud.
RALEIGH
Yes.
Elizabeth moves away, unable to bear seeing the baby.
E
E
R
108
ELIZABETH
And fulfilled?
RALEIGH
As any man can be.
Elizabeth looks at him in silence for a long moment.
ELIZABETH
And do you still dream of your
shining city, your New World?
ALEIGH
More than ever.
She turns to go. But before she reaches the door, she
stops.
LIZABETH
I'd like to give your son my
blessing.
RALEIGH
I would be honoured.
Elizabeth takes the baby in her arms. She holds him
carefully. She finds herself more moved than she had
expected. She bends her head over him, and turns her back
on Raleigh.
Raleigh watches and waits. And waits.
ON ELIZABETH: her cheek pressed to the baby's head. Her
eyes closed.
LIZABETH (V.O.)
I am called the Virgin Queen. And
yet I have many children... You
are all my children. There is no
jewel, be it never so rich a
prize, which I put before this
jewel: I mean, your love. I want
no more wars. England is enough
for me. I want no lordship over
your souls. Only a free people
can love.
(Beat)
And in your love - is my life.
END TITLES
| Elizabeth: The Golden Age
Writers : William Nicholson Michael Hirst
Genres : Drama
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