8 Historical Scandals Which NEED To Be Made Into Films

Admittedly, there are a number of films which depict the life and untimely death of this famous Scottish monarch. Most recently, Josie Rourke's Mary Queen of Scots (2018) charted the rivalry between the ill-fated queen and her English counterpart, Queen Elizabeth.

The film, which received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, did make reference to the explosive fate of Henry Stuart (aka Lord Darnley), Mary's first husband, this scandalous subplot should have really taken centre-stage.

The pair married in July 1565 and Mary gave birth to their son around a year later. While the couple's child would later become King James VI of Scotland, the monarch who ultimately united the Scottish and English thrones, Mary and Darnley's marriage was undeniably tumultuous. Known for his arrogance and vanity, Darnley was widely disliked.

In 1566, David Rizzio, one of Mary's most treasured courtiers, was murdered by Darnley and his companions. This heinous act, which the pregnant queen was forced to witness, catalysed the downfall of Darnley. In less than a year Darnley was dead too, and his death was as scandalous as it was mysterious.

While it was two barrels of gunpowder which laid to waste the house in which Darnley was staying, it was later revealed that the king-consort had actually been smothered to death. Many assumed that Mary herself had organised his murder in retaliation for the death of Rizzio and due to Darnley's increasing unpopularity.

We need a film which specifically charts the violent, tumultuous, and explosive marriage of Mary and Darnley. While a film might not be able to solve the mystery of who killed Darnley, we would still love to see this Scottish scandal on the big screen.