In the sixteenth century, Queen Elizabeth I (Dame Judith Anderson) is the ruler of England. Robert Devereux, 3rd Earl of Essex (Charlton Heston) is her lover, best friend, and worst enemy.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Judith AndersonQueen Elizabeth | Queen Elizabeth |
 Charlton HestonLord Essex | Lord Essex |
 Alan WebbSir Francis Bacon | Sir Francis Bacon |
 Harry TownesSir Robert Cecil | Sir Robert Cecil |
| MMichael AllinsonSir Walter Raleigh | Sir Walter Raleigh |
| AAnne RogersPenelope | Penelope |
 Frederick WorlockLord Burghley | Lord Burghley |
 Herb VolandCaptain Armin (as Herbert Voland) | Captain Armin (as Herbert Voland) |
 Dana ElcarCaptain Marvel | Captain Marvel |
 Harvey JasonHerald | Herald |
| DDonald MarlattIrish Courier | Irish Courier |
| GGilchrist StuartPhysician (as Gil Stuart) | Physician (as Gil Stuart) |
 Alan CaillouBurbage | Burbage |
| PPeter ChurchHemmings | Hemmings |