Edward VII.

Long before "Margaret Meldrew", Annette Crosbie was quite an accomplished actress and she shows that off well here as Queen Victoria - the matriarch of a family of 9 children with her Consort Prince Albert (Robert Hardy). Their heir was "Bertie" (Charles Sturridge and Timothy West span his 68 year lifetime) and this lengthy, detailed and stylish 13-parter traces the life (and plentiful loves) of this Prince through from boyhood until the end of his 10-year reign as King and Emperor when the British Empire was still pretty much at it's zenith. The first few episodes focus more on his temperamental mother; of her relationship with her husband; her indifferent relationship with her "ugly" children and the politics of the time - her favouritism of Lord Melbourne over Sir Robert Peel; expansionism of the Empire and the addressing of the many social privations of many of her subjects. As the chronology progresses, we are introduced to the decent, but somewhat wayward young man whom, from the outset, instinctively rebels against the constrictions of his parents causing arguments and conceivably, even, the premature death of his father. His affairs de coeur cause his mother, his wife Princess Alexandra (Helen Ryan), and frequently the government no end of hassle as he bulldozes his way through life waiting - for 60 years - to ascend to the throne. Once there, however, he proves to be a popular, considered individual with an adeptness on a particularly tricky international stage that proves useful in preventing conflict between the great powers of the time. It's got an excellent cast supporting along the way - Richard Vernon, a very young Charles Dance, Francesca Annis, Felicity Kendal, André Morell, Jane Lapotaire, Michael Hordern and Sir John Gielgud and the writing gives ample opportunity for the them to create characterful performances and the attention to the detail of costumes is first class. West comes into his own as the King, his performance as the rakish but intelligent man evolves well, demonstrating the frustrations of someone who has waited a very long time for his job to become vacant. Of course, virtually all of it is speculation, but what this series offers is a plausible critique of life at the top of the British Empire and also of a vulnerable, flawed collection of human beings who were at the apex of every ruling family in Europe by the end of the 19th century. Well worth sitting through; makes for a great binge-watch!

Timothy West was excellent in the role of a king who had a short but very successful reign. The man was King Edward VII, formerly the playboy Prince of Wales, who became the grandfather of Europe. He was a sophisticated man who enjoyed wine, women and a good cigar. West gives him that gravitas that he must have nurtured offstage until the death of his mother Queen Victoria, when he was 61. Monarchy seemed to fit him like a glove and so it seems with West. Although his domineering mother kept him off centre stage as Prince of Wales, he did blossom as king. Victoria, as a charming monarch with a cold determination, is played superbly by a Annette Crosbie and the Princess of Wales/Queen Alexandra is Helen Ryan, who had a copyright on roles as the elegant consort representing the best of Edwardian England. There are excellent actors appearing in the movie: Michael Hordern (Willam Gladstone), John Gielgud (Benjamin Disraeli), Felicity Kendall (the Princess Royal), Charles Dance (Prince Edward), Francesca Annis (Lilly Langtry), etc. I was greatly impressed with this series. Movies like this fine one are a great way to stimulate interest in history. It is one of many home-grown, British television shows that have done just that for me.

I remember watching this series when it first came out and really enjoyed it very much. Annette Crosbie was absolutely wonderful as Queen Victoria. It was truly sad to lose her when she had to die in the series. I also remember Helen Ryan being wonderful as Princess and later Queen Alexandra. Of course Timothy West did a fine job as Prince Albert Edward and later King Edward VII. I must admit I felt that Robert Hardy was sadly miscast as Prince Albert. Felicity Kendal was great as the Princess Royal and Empress Frederick. Francesca Annis was lovely as Lillie Langtry. It really was sad when the series inevitably had to end as it grew on you with every episode. It has rarely been repeated which is truly a sad endictment of television today. It should be as it is very good indeed.

This 4-disc set contains all 13, 50-minute episodes from the British TV miniseries "Edward the King" which was first aired back in 1975.

This TV presentation covers the period of time in history just after Queen Victoria dies (1901) and Edward (Victoria's eldest son) ascends the throne, reigning for only 9 years (until his death at age 69 from cancer).

Unfortunately, I found this costume/period production to be much too stuffy and dry. It was a lot like watching a very stodgy stage play.

And, as a result - My attention tended to wander far too much while watching this soap opera about the royals.

The very finest of British actors in a splendid production. I recommend everybody with interest in quality to buy this video. A historical drama which is intense and accurate. Anette Crossbies and John Gielgud performances are beyond Oscar quality.