Young Bess
1953, English. Directed by George Sidney.
A Great and Spectacular Drama!
The mother died under the executioner's axe; the daughter rose to become England's greatest monarch -- the brilliant and cunning Queen Elizabeth I. Jean Simmons portrays young Bess in this rich tapestry of a film that traces the tumultuous, danger-fraught years from Elizabeth's birth to her unexpected ascension to the throne at a mere 25. Charles Laughton reprises his Academy Award®-winning* role as her formidable father Henry VIII. Deborah Kerr plays her last stepmother (and Henry's last of six wives), gentle Catherine Parr. And Simmons' then real-life husband, Stewart Granger, adds heroics as Lord Admiral Thomas Seymour. In a resplendent world of adventure, romance and court intrigue, Young Bess reigns.
- Runtime
- 1h 52m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- NR
Start now and it ends at ….
Too new to call
Not enough people have rated it yet for a verdict.
Seen it? Give your verdict.
Saved privately on this device.
Where to watch Young Bess
Young Bess is streaming on HBO Max in India.
HBO Max Amazon Channel
HBO MaxAvailability in India as of 4 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- George SidneyDirector
- Jean SimmonsYoung Bess (Queen Elizabeth I)
- Stewart GrangerThomas Seymour
- Deborah KerrCatherine Parr
- Charles LaughtonKing Henry VIII
- Kay WalshMrs. Ashley
- Guy RolfeNed Seymour
- Kathleen ByronAnn Seymour
- Cecil KellawayMr. Parry
- Rex ThompsonPrince Edward / King Edward VI
- Robert ArthurBarnaby
- Leo G. CarrollMr. Mums
- Norma VardenLady Tyrwhitt
Details
- Released
- 29 May 1953
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Arthur Wimperis, Jan Lustig
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
If you liked Young Bess
The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex
1939 · 6.4/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Young Victoria
2009 · 7.2/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Mary of Scotland
1936 · 6.2/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Scarlet Empress
1934 · 6.9/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Queen Christina
1934 · 6.9/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Anna and the King of Siam
1946 · 6.2/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Mrs Brown
1997 · 6.8/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Far from the Madding Crowd
1967 · 6.9/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Queen of the Desert
2015 · 5.8/10
SnoozefestRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Private Life of Henry VIII
1933 · 6.4/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Young Bess: quick answers
Is Young Bess worth watching?
Young Bess doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is Young Bess?
Young Bess runs 112 minutes (1h 52m).
Does Young Bess have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Young Bess. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Young Bess parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
Young Bess is rated NR in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is Young Bess on?
Young Bess is streaming on HBO Max in India. (Checked 4 November 2026.)
What movies are like Young Bess?
If you liked Young Bess, try The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex, The Young Victoria, Mary of Scotland.
Who directed Young Bess?
Young Bess (1953) was directed by George Sidney and stars Jean Simmons, Stewart Granger, Deborah Kerr.