The first episode of Elizabeth R was shown on 17 February 1971. After the success of The Six Wives of Henry VIII the 成人快手 was quick to produce another lavish colour drama set in the same period. Elizabeth R starred Glenda Jackson as the Tudor queen and proved so popular that a hurried repeat showing was scheduled the week after its first run ended.
Queen Elizabeth's life story was told in six, 90 minute episodes, each by a different writer. Over the course of the series Jackson had to age from teenage princess to elderly queen. She achieved the transformation by shaving her hairline back to the crown to accommodate a succession of wigs, and by wearing a prosthetic nose, which became bonier and thinner as she aged. Interviewed in the Radio Times, Jackson said "developing a character over this enormous width of canvas was a challenge I just couldn't resist".
Elizabeth R was seen around the world, and won several awards, including an Emmy for Jackson. The costumes from the show - designed by Elizabeth Waller, went on tour, due to public demand. Glenda Jackson has since become a politician, but her portrayal of Elizabeth I remains a landmark performance.
Further reading
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Robert Seatter, Head of 成人快手 History, reflects on the series in 2011.
February anniversaries
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Blue Peter 5000th edition
1 February 2018 -
Face to Face
4 February 1959 -
First TV Sports commentary
4 February 1937 -
The Wombles
5 February 1973 -
A Night of Comic Relief
5 February 1988 -
Greenwich Time Signal - the 'pips'
5 February 1924 -
Grange Hill
8 February 1978 -
成人快手 Three is launched
9 February 2003 -
Doomwatch
9 February 1970 -
Bagpuss
12 February 1974 -
The EBU - European Broadcasting Union formed
12 February 1950 -
Potter's Wheel Interlude
16 February 1953 -
Start of Six-Five Special
16 February 1957 -
The Apprentice
16 February 2005 -
Hospital Watch
17 February 1986 -
Elizabeth R
17 February 1971 -
One Man and His Dog
17 February 1976 -
Antiques Roadshow
18 February 1979 -
Tonight launched
18 February 1957 -
Wogan
18 February 1985 -
EastEnders first episode
19 February 1985 -
Open All Hours
20 February 1976 -
First national broadcast of prices for farmers
20 February 1925 -
General Election results televised for the first time
23 February 1950 -
Civilisation
23 February 1969 -
Yes Minister
25 February 1980 -
Mr Benn
25 February 1971