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Mary of Scotland Overview:

Mary of Scotland (1936) was a Black-and-white - Drama Film directed by John Ford and Leslie Goodwins (uncredited) and produced by Pandro S. Berman.

SYNOPSIS

Hepburn plays Mary Stuart, the Queen of Scotland who refuses to renounce her claim to the throne of England, supported by March as Bothwell, her adviser and lover. One of director Ford's few costume dramas (based on a play by Maxwell Anderson), this concentrates on a complicated intrigue and deceit rather than on the romantic melodrama. While the story is familiar and has been told a number of times, Ford's direction, shadowy cinematography, and impressive art direction all make this memorable. Hepburn, by the way, is descended from the Bothwell family. Mary was later played by Vanessa Redgrave and Kathy Burke, among others.

(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).

Mary of Scotland BlogHub Articles:

MARY OF SCOTLAND ( 1936 )

By Crystal Kalyana on Aug 1, 2015 From In The Good Old Days Of Classic Hollywood

KATHARINE HEPBURN MONTH MARY OF SCOTLAND ( 1936 ) Katharine Hepburn month is now here, and as a bonus, I’m kicking things off. For my nine essays, I’ve decided to take a glimpse into Katharine Hepburn’s career as a dramatic actress by focusing on her roles that really showcased her... Read full article

Mary of Scotland (John Ford, 1936)

By Judy on May 9, 2015 From Movie Classics

This is my contribution to the Great Katharine Hepburn Blogathon, organised by Margaret Perry. Please do visit and take a look at the other posts! Katharine Hepburn in one of the amazing costumes created by Walter Plunkett On paper, it ought to have been so good. A great director, John Ford, a grea... Read full article

Mary of Scotland (1936)

on Sep 17, 2014 From Journeys in Classic Film

It’s always a bad idea for me to watch a Tudor drama.  My rampant love and overabundance of knowledge has the tendency to color my perspective of any Hollywood attempt to cash in on the story of Henry the VIII and his descendants (or acquaintances, or really anyone who strolled through the ti... Read full article

Joan Crawford in “Mary of Scotland” on OTR

By Aurora on Jan 3, 2014 From How Sweet It Was

Greetings from Hollywood, Ladies And Gentleman…… Lux Radio Theater presents… “Mary Of Scotland” Starring: Joan Crawford, Franchot Tone and Judith Anderson Original Air Date: May 10, 1937 Episode Number: 132 This is fantastic!  Enjoy. Related... Read full article

Mary of Scotland (1936)

By Beatrice on Sep 4, 2013 From Flickers in Time

Mary of Scotland Directed by John Ford and Leslie Godwins (uncredited) Written by Dudley Nichols from the play by Maxwell Anderson 1936/USA RKO Radio Pictures First viewing For some reason I just couldn’t get into this film despite its fine production values. Katharine Hepburn plays Mary, he... Read full article

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Mary of Scotland Quotes:

Bothwell: Someday you'll meet a man who won't take no for an answer.
Mary Beaton: And...?
Bothwell: And I'll be the godfather.
Bothwell: Dark or bright, I'll always follow your star, Mary.
Bothwell: [to Mary] You're the Queen of Scotland, and you've let the woman in you take your senses!
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Mary of Scotland Facts
E.E. Clive is listed in casting records for the role of Burghley, but that role was played by Lionel Pape
According to Hepburn biographer Alvin H. Marill, the actress turned down an offer from Max Reinhardt to play Viola in "Twelfth Night" at the Hollywood Bowl in order to meet her obligation for "Mary of Scotland".
John Ford lost interest in this film early on. He didn't think the story was very strong, and didn't like the blank verse dialog. The film did not do well at the box office and Ford seldom mentioned it in conversation. Later, during filming of Stagecoach, Ford harassed several actors, notably John Wayne, about their performances. As he began with Thomas Mitchell, who played Doc Boone, Mitchell reportedly said, "Just remember, I saw 'Mary of Scotland'". Ford left him alone for the remainder of the shoot.
According to A. Scott Berg's memoir "Kate Remembered", Katharine Hepburn was already chosen for Mary but they had trouble casting Elizabeth. At one point Hepburn, who had by then been nicknamed "Katharine of Arrogance", suggested that she play both roles. Supporting player John Carradine asked, "But if you played both queens, how would you know which one to upstage?" She was not amused at the time but roared with laughter when retelling the story years later.
Ginger Rogers, posing as British actress "Lady Ainsley" in hopes of landing the role of Queen Elizabeth, tested with an unsuspecting 'Katherine Hepburn'. During the test, Hepburn who also wanted the role, became aware of the lavish subterfuge created by Mel Berns, RKO's head of makeup, who with Leland Hayward, plotted to dupe director John Ford into offering the coveted role to Rogers. Archived film of the silent test caught Hepburn kicking Rogers in the shins. Instead, the role went to Florence Eldridge. Hepburn got even with Rogers by pouring water on her new fur coat saying "If it is real mink, it won't shrink."
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