February 8, 1987. will mark the 400th anniversary of the execution of Mary. Queen of Scots, that romantic. ill-fated woman who might have reigned in three kingdoms but instead spent much of her life a close prisoner and died under the headsman's axe. The best cinematic depiction of Mary Stuart's troubled life and death, and the subject of this column's inaugural feature, is Hal B. Wallis' Mary Queen of Scots (Universal Pictures, 1971 (UK); dir. Charles Jarrott). Though Mary's brief rule in Scotland was marked by rebellion and civil strife there is only a small amount of military conflict presented in this film. Regardless, the gamer and historian will find plenty of interest. The political and personal intrigues between Mary (Vanessa Redgrave), Elisabeth  of England (Glenda Jackson), and the chief Scottish lords form the main thrust of the plot. There are inevitable liberties taken with fact, but in the main historical authenticity is well served, even to the point of using documented quotes in some stretches of dialogue. The screenplay is dramatic and clever, providing heroes and villains and accentuating the ultimate power struggle between Elisabeth and Mary. The acting performances are tremendous throughout, and spotlight some of Britain's finest actors Trevor Howard as the cunning William Cecil, Elizabeth's chief ministers Patrick McGoohan in the role of James Stewart, Mary's treacherous half-brothers Nigel Davenport as the daring Earl of Bothwell, Timothy Dalton as the weak and dissolute Lord Darnley, Mary's second husbands and Ian Holm as David Rizzio, the Pope's secret envoy and early victim of courtly betrayal. Painters and modellers can feast their eyes on the lavish costumes and sets, all of which are splendidly recreated. (Much of the movie was shot at actual locations, such as Hermitage Castle on the Scottish Border.) The score, by noted film composer John Barry, is a suitable mixture of Renaissance music and modern orchestral themes as somber and foreboding as the Scottish countryside. Mary, Queen of Scots is one of a number of period costume dramas (The Lion in Winter, Anne of the Thousand Days, and Barry Lyndon are several that come to mind) that, while not primarily concerned with wars and battles, are nonetheless of great value to miniatures gamers. The history and personalities shown in these films can do much to stimulate interest of military aspects, and a good movie brings a bygone age to life in a way no book can. The political and religious struggles depicted in MQOS offer many choice scenarios on which to base Late Renaissance campaign games. For this reason, and on its own merits as a powerful story well told, Mary, Queen of Scots is very highly recommended. Where To Find It Unfortunately, MQOS is not available on videotape as of this writing. All one can do for now is keep a sharp eye on late night TV and independent station listings. It's a damned shame this fine film is not shown more frequently. (I myself do not even own a copy, and I would very much appreciate hearing from anyone who has a tape of a broadcast they are willing to sell or swap for.) Back to MWAN # 25 Table of Contents Back to MWAN List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 1987 Hal Thinglum This article appears in MagWeb.com (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other articles from military history and related magazines are available at http://www.magweb.com