The Woman I Love was one of the most controversial films ever made. The Royals hated it, and banned it from being shown in England. When the movie became sought after in The United States, the film was quickly banned from being sold anywhere. Thus, this magnificent true story seemed to disappear from the face of the earth entirely, only to surface nearly a half century later, greatly deteriorated....but deliciously received with exceptional fervor and joy. King Edward VIII was played magnificently by Richard Chamberlain. The make-up artists were brilliant. Richard Chamberlain with his own gorgeous baby face, and the right touches of make-up, truly resembled the handsome King. The royals, who had loved Richard as Dr. Kildare in the early sixties, were greatly disturbed that he would consent to play this controversial role. Their fury made a lasting impression on the tender-hearted actor, who had lived amongst them with such happiness. The charming actor was known to be an intense people pleaser. Thus, he took an instant dislike to this movie, and expressed extreme sorrow for his role in causing the royals, as well as Edward such distress. He claimed he did not know they opposed this movie, or he would never had done it. He also took a very hard nosed attitude toward his acting ability as a result of the controversy. Too bad, because he was dead "wrong." The actor was magnificent in his portrayal of this troubled and rebellious heir to the British throne. He was brilliant as the somber, distressed, and conflicted King, carefully contemplating his abdication of the throne. Richard could hardly have gone wrong. The royals are not particularly a passionate lot, and Edward's somber moods, and bland personality was easily captured by an actor who has portrayed the gamut of emotions in far more passionate and conflicted roles than this. His portrayal was so real, and convincing, you easily forgot this was a movie, and believed yourself, alone in a room, observing the actual King as he overtly displayed his repertoire of emotions.
Faye Dunaway was a most lovely and convincing Wallis Simpson. Richard and Faye starred together in many of his early films, and had wonderful on-screen chemistry, but were most magical together in this dynamic story. It was easy to forgive the handsome and soul-searching King, as characterized by the great Richard Chamberlain. His portrait was kind to the abdicating royal. Edward, was unhappy as a privileged member of the monarchy. He had always wanted to be "like everyone else." His heart was far from his birthright of responsibilities. He hated the pompous ceremonies, costumes, and rituals that accompanied his role as King. He was distraught with the heavy "burden" imposed on him by his order of birth. His innate rebellious heart had been searching for a way out....long before it found love with the commoner Wallis Simpson.
Unfortunately a very enjoyable and well-acted movie has been withheld from the world over differences of opinion between a very honest man, his royal family,and it's subjects. I came out of this with a profound admiration for Edward VIII, as a man who courageously recognized that for himself, it was impossible to carry out the heavy burden of responsibility, and to discharge his duties as King without the help and support of The Woman He Loved. Instead of living a lie, and seething with unhappiness and contempt for his lot in life, he took action, and stayed true to himself, thus changing his life and history in one major step of courage and conviction.
