Adapted by Norman Reilly Raine and Æneas McKenzie from Maxwell Anderson's blank-verse play Elizabeth the Queen, the story concerns the tempestuous relationship between the middle-aged Elizabeth (Bette Davis) and the ambitious Essex (Errol Flynn). At one point, the Queen intends to marry Essex and relinquish her throne, until she realizes that his plans for advancement would ultimately prove disastrous for England. When afforded the opportunity to execute Essex for treason, she reluctantly signs his death warrant. Minutes before his final walk to the chopping block, Elizabeth begs Essex to ask for a pardon. But Essex, fully aware that his warlike policies will only resurface if he is permitted to live, refuses to accept the Queen's mercy, and goes off to meet his doom.