Glenda Jackson had the better role, one suited to her. I had forgotten how beautiful she is. She would have played an excellent Mary.

They're too very different actresses.
Glenda is a very technical actress. Most people tend to admire her diction, how she says her lines or her voice projection, rather than her ability to actually inhabit a character.
Vanessa on the other hand, although technically very skilled too, she is far more emotionally connected and instinctive. Her acting is less perfect and more visceral.
Personally, I think Vanessa is, bar Maggie Smith, the greatest actress in England today. But each to his own.

Glenda ran circles around Vanessa.
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DC Can Suck It

''As a Catholic with Scottish heritage (my grandmother was a Hunter)''
Kudos for knowing that Hunters (Clann an t-Sealgair) are Scottish as the English name throws people off. Actually the Hunters are technically a Scottish family of Norman origin, being originally Venators; Scandinavians who used to frolic freely in the woods of Normandy acting all French.
Formerly KingAngantyr

Vanessa wasn't much cop when it came to projecting her voice to the assembled lords and clansmen. I thought one might holler back, 'Speak up, wee dearie!'

Don't confuse the actresses with the roles. As a Catholic with Scottish heritage (my grandmother was a Hunter), as far as who's queen, I pick Maryqueen of all the earth-second only to the Virgin Mary, mother of God.
Just call me Queen of the May.

Glenda over Vanessa, with respect to the latter.
Elizabeth over Mary.

Glenda Jackson is the better actress, no offense to Redgrave.
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Redgrave did run for office back in the 70s whens ehwas with the Workers Revolutionary Party or whatever it was.
Both are great actressesI think Redgrave is perhaps the better actress of the two, BUT Elizabeth was a much more commanding figure here while Mary came off kinda wimpy, so I think Glenda kinda outshines Vanessa here

I find it interesting that Glenda Jackson quit acting for politics, but wasn't known for being political, while Vanessa is always politically outspoken, but doesn't run for office.
Curious.
Carpe Noctem

Glenda Jackson left the profession to enter politics. Vanessa Redgrave is political, but has remained in the profession, and for my money, is the greatest actress in the world today. I saw her onstage in Long Day's Journey into Night and she was incandescent!

I think Glenda made a fabulous Elizabeth. Loved her in this.

Sorry luvs, but Vanessa is part of an acting dynasty so she gets my vote.

It wasnt written like that, thats the types of woman they were.
Elizabeth and balls, Mary was just out for fun and love. Still a scottish treasure tho! lol

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I cant decide; they are both are fantastic actresses who put in great performances as their respective Queens. However I enjoyed 'Elizabeth R' slightly more than 'Mary, Queen of Scots' but I still loved Vanessa Redgraves performance as Mary.
Noli me tangere; for Caesar's I am

I'm afraid Glenda gets my vote. She made a fabulous Elizabeth.