The Queen’s Ring

Originally Aired: December 28, 1953 Suspense #532, "The Queen's Ring," starring James Mason and Pamela Mason, presents the turbulent relationship between Queen Elizabeth and the ambitious Lord Essex. Fresh from his military triumphs in Spain, Essex is summoned by the aging queen, who wavers between passionate affection for her handsome lord and suspicion of his treasonous ambitions. Before dispatching him to quell rebellion in Ireland, Elizabeth gives Essex a ring—a token that promises to spare his life should he betray her, if only he returns it to remind her of their love. Meanwhile, Mary Howard, lady in waiting to the queen, harbors her own desires for Essex's affections. In Ireland, Essex achieves military success but makes a fateful decision. Rather than securing unconditional surrender as Elizabeth commanded, he negotiates truce with the Irish chief Sean of Lamore on one dangerous condition: allegiance to Essex himself, not to the queen. With this rebel army at his command, Essex contemplates the unthinkable—marching on London to seize Elizabeth's throne. His companion Roger warns him of the treachery, but Essex places his faith in the queen's ring to preserve his life.