Edward & Mrs. Simpson

Highly recommended for lovers of history and/or biography. The actors were carefully chosen to resemble the real characters, same goes for the locations. I've read many books regarding the love story between Edward and Mrs. Simpson - this comes very close to what really happened. I do believe Edward fell madly, totally in love with Mrs. Simpson. She returned his love but in a lesser degree. Regardless, theirs was the wedding of the century because how often does a monarch give up his throne for the woman he loves? It's ironic how Prince Charles has followed in the footsteps of his great-uncle, but it looks like he will get to reign with the woman he loves by his side. That's life.

I have long been intrigued by the tale of Edward VIII, the English king who gave up the throne to be with the woman he loved an American divorcée named Wallis Simpson. Imagine my surprise at discovering that not only was there a miniseries about it but that one of my favorite actors (Edward Fox) was playing the famed King himself. The result is a rather grand, if slightly overlong, historical drama.

As in the case of many a historical drama, the cast is fine one. Edward Fox gives one of the finest performances of his career as the famed King Edward VIII from the dashing playboy Prince Of Wales to the man who gives up the throne for the woman he loves. Cynthia Harris gives a nice performance as the woman he loved Wallis Simpson though she does have a tendency to overact. Thankfully both Fox and Harris share a nice chemistry between them that makes them quite convincing as the famed couple.

The supporting cast is fine as well. David Waller gives a fine performance as the Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin who tires to keep the government together in the midsts of the crisis caused by the title characters as does Peggy Ashcroft as the famed Queen Mary. From Nigel Hawthorne as Edward's friend Walter Monkton to Wensley Pithey as Winston Churchill to Charles Keating as Wallis husband Ernest Simpson to Marius Goring and Patrick Troughton as opposition leader Clement Attlee the cast is a fine one and makes this drama well worth seeing.

Things are strong behind the camera as well. The sets by Allan Cameron and the costumes by Jennie Tate perfectly capture the spirit of the 1930's in which this famed story took place. The score and opening song by Ron Grainer also captures the atmosphere of the 1930's as well. Even better, the script by Simon Raven (from the biography Edrward VIII by Frances Donaldson) is a true highlight. With its attention to details and events the script gives a detailed study of a royal romance that doesn't quite end happily. The dialouge in particular makes the production stand out and gives the whole production an epic quality thanks to the wonderful direction of Waris Hussein.

If the miniseries has any fault it is that it seems overlong. At seven fifty minute episodes (or right around six hours) it feels as though it could have been trimmed down at times. There aren't many slow moments in the miniseries but one wonders if those scenes trimmed could have made Edward & Mrs. Simpson slightly shorter.

Despite is length Edward & Mrs. Simpson is a fine drama. From its two leading actors to the supporting cast, production values, direction and writing this is a fine example of the art of the miniseries. For fans of fine historical dramas look no further then Edward & Mrs. Simpson.

I have long wanted to see this series, having only read Royal Feud so far as background. I watched the first half, then as there was a delay in obtaining the second half, I read the book written by the Duchess of Windsor, The Heart has its reasons. Now I have just finished the second half and feel that I have had a well-rounded view of what went on. I did feel (contrary to what previous reviewers have said) that maybe it missed a few things and could perhaps have been longer!

I have always felt instinctively that Wallis Simpson had a raw deal. She has been cast by history as a manipulator, a gold-digger and a not-very-nice kind of woman. Well history is always written by the victors as we have long known - Richard III's story is evidence of that - and there is nothing to really support that. I feel sad that so much power has been wielded by churches over the centuries, (I'm not the first as Henry VIII shows) because without the censure from the Archbishop of Canterbury maybe some other way could have been found. However, this man loved this woman and made a grand gesture, and we hope, lived happily ever after. It was a huge burden to put on one woman's shoulders but she bore it with dignity to the end of her days.

The series was extremely well-done, the acting faultless and the writing most likely very accurate to historical fact. (I did think that some of the furnishings looked a bit shabby). I am British and I remember being told by older family members what a shocking and awful thing Edward/David had done. I don't agree - sometimes you have to do what for you is right, and he did. I admire him for that. Ironically, the late Queen Mother was rumoured to have fancied Edward/David first unsuccessfully; well if she wanted to be queen, then she got her wish. Just shows you should never wish for anything! With the perspective of the 21st century, it's good to see that society has slowly become more accepting and less judgemental. Thoroughly enjoyable to all who enjoy history being brought to life.

If you watch this TV movie you will get a slow, gentle insight into the pre-World War II period. It is beautifully done: the sets, the costuming, the acting all blend to be the late 1930's. It is a touching story, but some of the actual meaning has been left out, leaving us with a one-sided, positive feeling about the lead characters. It was a noble thing for a king to abdicate for his love, no? Well, perhaps, but the truth is that he was forced out without his fighting for the crown. (Lots of anguish, yes, but no fight.) The character of Wallis Simpson was overly simplified to make her appear to be more blameless than she was in reality, less manipulating, and attractive. I don't recall any of the rumors of her German leanings being mentioned, which may be just as well since they have been heavily discounted and are probably not true. Barring this one flaw of not presenting Mrs. Simpson as she has become known to be (and was rumored to be at the time), the movie is excellent. Schedule several days to watch it and don't try to cram it into one session. It takes a little settling time between episodes. (The documentary accompanying the movie must be seen after watching the movie. Don't watch it first!)

The Story of King Edward VIII who abdicated the British Throne so that he could marry the American divorcée Wallis Simpson. The story begins in the period leading up to the death of Edward's father George V and concludes shortly after his abdication.

While it is interesting for its detailed take on both the relationship and the steps that led to the abdication it may not be enough to hold the attention of those without an interest in history or the British Royal family. Most of the story is told through conversations and meetings.

In addition to its portrayals of the title characters it also presents interesting portrayals of Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin and Queen Mary and though less time is devoted to them; George V, George VI and future Prime Ministers Winston Churchill and Clement Atlee.

The series is buoyed by a superb performance by Edward Fox as Edward, but I found Cynthia Harris's performance as Wallis Simpson somewhat less inspiring. There are no obvious flaws to point out, and my apathy might also have come from how the character was written. There is also as to expected from a drama of this sort a good supporting cast highlighted by Peggy Ashcroft and Nigel Hawthorne.

Amongst family and friends Edward who was born Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David was known as David and this is how he is referred to throughout the series.

This was a seven part British television mini-series, so if you are interested its almost 6 hours in length and 2 DVD's.

The series won an Emmy for Outstanding Limited Series in addition to a number of BAFTA awards.