Fire Over England

A rare example of a film that succeeds superbly both as a swashbuckler and as historical drama. Michael Ingolby (Olivier) is a young British naval officer whose father is burned to death for heresy by the Spanish Inquisition. He seeks revenge and finds his opportunity in the court of the tempestuous Queen Elizabeth I (a scene-stealing Robson). Elizabeth knows she is surrounded by traitors in league with her archenemy, Philip of Spain (Massey), who plans to invade England. Thus, when Michael offers to infiltrate Philip's court and learn the details of the invasion, Elizabeth seizes the chance. The queen is also romantically inclined toward the handsome officer, and ...