"Nine Days a Queen" is the story of how Jane Grey became, briefly, the queen of England. Considering she was not in line to become queen upon the death of her cousin, Edward VI, the film focuses on how a small group of greedy men maneuvered to make her queen in place of the rightful heir, Mary Tudor.

The film begins with the death of Henry VIII and his supposed curse on anyone who would try to make anyone other than his daughter Mary if his son, Edward die without issue. This is almost certainly fictional. It then follows Edward during his six year rule...one where he was essentially held prisoner and governing was done by courtiers. And, not wanting to lose this power, they conspire to make the young Jane queen upon Edward's death...as she was 16 or 17 and was rather weak. But her reign is short and the people of England supported Mary's claim to the throne.

This is a very nice looking film. It's in black & white because color film stock wasn't readily available in Britain when it was made in 1936. The costumes, acting and sets are very nice. My only concern is that such a historical drama will be seen as pretty dull stuff when seen today, though it sure kept my interest.

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