Joan Collins as Beth Throckmorton in 'The Virgin Queen' Designed by Mary Wills

Three-piece steel grey wool period suit. The fitted bodice has slashed funnel sleeves exposing built in purple satin under sleeves, narrow cap sleeve detail at shoulder, wide lapel, and frog closures with self fronts and silver button at front that also has hook and eyes at waist (Bias label inscribed "A-744- J#17 J. Collins"); ivory dickey with neck ruffle and mother of pearl button front closure; matching grey full skirt with train (Western Costume label inscribed "Lauren Hutton" [also worn by Ms. Hutton in "Zorro, The Gay Blade"] sewn over a bias label inscribed "Double A-744- J#32 J. Collins"); matching floor-length skirt with train and black and light grey striped period hat (Bias label inscribed "A-774 J. Collins").

"Hollywood and History," Edward Maeder, Thames and Hudson, 1987, pg. 24 (exh. Photo). Picturegoer Film Annual 1955-57, Robert Ottaway, Odhams Press Limited. 1957, pg. 17 (photo).

It would have been an interesting concept to see Joan Collins (circa 1985) going up against Bette Davis in this film. But in 1955, Joan Collins was just another “kittenish starlet” who is in love with the same man, Walter Raleigh. Her stunning beauty is in stark contrast to the manipulations done to Bette Davis as Elizabeth I and of course, Joan wins the man. The star has always worked consistently being recognized more for her beauty than her acting skill. She would later become a Hollywood legend by portraying Alexis Carrington in “Dynasty.”

Mary Wills costumes for the film were carefully reproduced, putting the charter of Joan Collins into softer and more feminine clothing. The riding suit is actually worn in two different scenes in the film. This was not only due to budget, but due to the fact that the characters of her stature would wear the same garment over and over, changing accessories