Edward & Mrs. Simpson

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.

I thoroughly enjoy British history. This movie is a fine and accurate adaptation of the life of King Edward VIII who fell helplessly in love with Wallis Warfield Simpson. The actors are top-notch, the location scenes feel authentic, and the music is very enjoyable.

The movie opens with the (then) Prince Edward going on an African Safari, accompanied by one of his (married) lovers. Soon after, he meets up with Wallis and the rest, as they say, truly is history.

This is a rather long movie, but I have enjoyed it many, many times.

While we enjoy watching this interesting and historical movie, our enjoyment is somewhat tempered by our relationship to the film. My wife and I were extras in the Kenya segment of the film and had the opportunity and misfortune to see Edward Fox, a second-rate actor who should get down on his knees every morning to thank whatever powers that be that his brother gave him his breakout chance in film, behave as the spoiled and undeserving brat he is. He treated everyone around him as though he was the only true human in the area. At one point he reduced one young woman to tears when she was a (very) few seconds late running to hold a mirror for him to check that his face and makeup were up to his high standards. This young woman was making a tiny fraction of Mr. Fox's salary but she was worth twenty of him. In contrast, the fine actress Cherie Lunghi, who was not on camera at the time, asked the extras if they would like some tea. It was only when she stood up for her section of the shoot that we realized that she was ,in fact, a cast member, and hundreds of times more gracious than Mr. Fox.

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.

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!)