Teenaged Elizabeth falls for Thomas Seymour (Stewart Granger), a fun-loving leader of the English fleet. Thomas is always at odds with his humorless and foreboding brother, Ned (Guy Rolfe), who seeks to rule England by acting as regent for Henry's successor, adorable child king Edward VI (Rex Thompson). Ned's hottie wife Ann (Kathleen Byron) is equally unpleasant. Rarely seen is the future Queen Mary, and in fact the film skips over her tumultuous reign to concentrate on the romantic triangle between Elizabeth, Thomas, and Thomas' lovely wife Catherine (Deborah Kerr). Catherine is the wealthy widow of Henry VIII, and Elizabeth is an heir to the throne, but in this presentation of historical fiction, that has nothing to do with good-guy Thomas' interest in them both.
How others will see it. Elizabeth's relationship with her sister Mary is ignored, and her relationship with Edward is simplified into that of an innocent confidante. In the battle of the Seymours, Thomas is the dashing hero, and Ned is a scowling Machiavellian politician. Thomas, who corrupted his office by shaking down pirates for bribes, merely drinks with them here, and is such a great admiral that he wins every battle despite the odds. Elizabeth looks like a movie star, and it's not Edward G. Robinson. Catherine's pregnancy and childbirth are omitted entirely. For those who know their English history, the film provides ample excuse to roll one's eyes.
But most viewers will care little about the historical accuracy of Young Bess. They will simply enjoy the show. Simmons is comely and likeable, and stepmother Kerr provides additional eye candy and viewer interest. Laughton is ideally cast as the mercurial Henry VIII. Laughton, of course, won the Best Actor Oscar as the same character in The Private Life of Henry VIII (1933).
How I felt about it. Nonetheless, Granger's character is difficult to take at face value. He has an innocent swagger about him, yet his actions appear motivated by self-interest. He cultivates the affection of the isolated Elizabeth, despite the differences in their ages and station. He marries the king's widow (but not for money or position!), yet encourages Elizabeth to live with them, although she is not related to either. The real purpose of her presence there is to be seduced by Granger, and it is so transparent that even the cuckolded Kerr can see it, and sends Simmons away.
The characters are dubious, with the possible exception of Henry VIII. But it is easy to enjoy the film, particularly if it is regarded as a comedy instead of an historical drama. In this light, Simmons' puppy love for Granger is almost as entertaining as Granger's pretense of being her father figure.