Editing Lady Jane (1986 film) (section)

== Plot ==
The death of [[Henry VIII]] of England throws his kingdom into chaos as his successor, [[Edward VI of England]], is both under-age and in poor health. Anticipating the young king's imminent death from [[tuberculosis]] and anxious to keep England true to the Protestant [[Reformation]] by keeping the Catholic [[Mary I of England|Princess Mary]] from the throne, [[John Dudley, 1st Duke of Northumberland]], [[Lord President of the Council]] and second only to the king in power, hatches a plan to marry his second son, [[Lord Guildford Dudley|Lord Guildford]], to [[Lady Jane Grey]], and have the royal physician keep the young king Edward VI alive—albeit in excruciating pain—long enough to get him to name Jane his heir.

Jane is unhappy with the proposed marriage, and is forced into it through [[corporal punishment]] by her parents. At first, Jane and Guildford treat their union as a [[marriage of convenience]], but later fall deeply in love.

After King Edward VI dies, Jane is placed on the throne. She is troubled by the questionable legality of her accession, but after consulting with Guildford, turns the tables on John Dudley and the others who thought to use her as a puppet.

After only nine days, however, Queen Jane's council abandon her because of her designs for reforming the country. The council then supports Mary, who at first imprisons Jane and Guildford.

Consumed with guilt, Jane's father, the [[Henry Grey, Duke of Suffolk|Duke of Suffolk]], raises a rebellion to restore her to the throne, presumably in concert with [[Wyatt's rebellion|Thomas Wyatt's rebellion]]. When the rebellion fails, Queen Mary I offers to spare Jane's life if she renounces her Protestant faith. When she refuses, Jane, her father and Guildford are executed.