The action begins during the last days of Mary Stuart's life, at Fotheringay Castle. Mortimer, nephew of the jailer who is in love with Mary, and also a convert to Catholicism, is determined to save the Queen of Scots. The Earl of Leicester, a favorite of Elizabeth but also in love with Mary, arranges a meeting between the two women. Elizabeth, jealous of Mary's beauty and influence, humiliates her. Mary retorts as a worthy queen, which finally provokes Elizabeth's wrath and leads to Mary's condemnation.
—Guy Bellinger