It's 1561. Mary Stuart (Katharine Hepburn) returns to Scotland to reclaim her throne after the death of her husband King of France. It's a costume drama directed by legendary director John Ford and based on a play. This Mary Stuart is very different from other versions of the historical character. In the first scene, Hepburn is playing her almost as an eager novice. She's giddy. Also she's not putting in any accents. This Mary Stuart wants people to worship as they please. She is very much the hero of this movie and the tragic victim of history. It all feels a little wrong and manufactured. The filmmaking is top level. The production is tops as well. It may be worthwhile to simply complete the John Ford catalogue. I just can't get over this portrayal of Mary Stuart. It's not really Mary Stuart. It's Katharine Hepburn doing Katharine Hepburn.
Review of Mary of Scotland
