Mary of Scotland
Mary of Scotland
Mary Stuart returns to Scotland to rule as queen, to the chagrin of Elizabeth I of England who finds her a dangerous rival. There is much ado over whom Mary shall marry. To her later regret, she picks effete Lord Darnley over the strong but unpopular Earl of Bothwell. A palace coup leads to civil war and house arrest for Mary. She escapes and flees to England, where a worse fate awaits her.
Mister Arn reviewedJuly 20, 2025
“Mary of Scotland”, directed by John Ford and starring Katharine Hepburn, is a historical drama centered on the life of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots. The film leans heavily into tragic romance, trading historical complexity for grand speeches and noble suffering. Its slow pacing and formal dialogue give it a drawn-out, almost theatrical feel. While it isn’t among Ford’s strongest efforts, it may still hold interest for Hepburn fans or those curious about his early ventures into prestige drama.