Edward and Mrs. Simpson

This production, in my view, is one of the glories of Masterpiece Theater. The acting is excellent, from the leads to the extras. The story is fascinating, especially if you like peeking at the lives of royalty and the upper crust. Every pound Thames Television put into the show is visible; the settings are authentic or look it; the costumes appear bespoke, as they say; and everyone's manners are immaculate, even if what they do isn't.

It's the story of the affair between Edward, Prince of Wales, later Edward VIII, and Wallis Warfield Simpson, an American twice-married divorcee. It starts just before he meets her and ends shortly after he abdicates the British throne to marry "the woman I love." He became the Duke of Windsor and she his Duchess. It was probably the biggest story of its time. The program runs for six 60 minute installments. Because of the style, the acting and the story of these two people, who are so self-indulgent and so obtuse (on his part) and so calculating and brittle (on her part), it never seems boring.

Edward, played by Edward Fox, is a man of great charm and handsome appearance, a man girls swoon over and men wish to be like. He's also privileged, unselfconsciously selfish and not really too bright. He's a man who seems most comfortable with older women, women who can cosset and coo over him. His mistresses have all been older and married. Edward Fox, a fine actor, is wonderful in the part. (For those who might not recognize his name, he was the Jackal in The Day of the Jackal). Wallis, played by Cynthia Harris, is a woman who can seem hard and even scheming, but who also has some vulnerability about her that makes her at least somewhat sympathetic.

Among the fine cast is Nigel Hawthorne as Walter Monckton, one of Edward's loyal but realistic counsellors; Cherie Lunghi as Lady Thelma Furness, a mistress Edward casts off by simply telling his switchboard not to accept anymore of her calls; David Waller as Stanley Baldwin, the shrewd prime minister; and Jessie Mathews as Wallis' Aunt Bessie Merryman, all pink and plump and powdered...and keen-eyed. (Mathews in the Thirties was the toast of the London stage, singing and dancing in a number of musicals. She introduced Rodgers and Hart's "Dancing on the Ceiling.")

If you like Masterpiece Theater or similar shows, I think you'll like this program very much. The DVD picture is very good. Unfortunately, there is only one extra, A&E's Biography of Wallis Simpson. Not even any cast bios.

"The King of England and the woman for whom he gave up a throne" has nearly passed into legend, as has the much re-recorded abdication speech give by Edward VIII in which he explained in his own voice (kings by tradition had no right to express personal opinions in public) that all he wanted was to be with the woman he loved. Whether or not she was a scheming Lady Macbeth who wanted to be a queen will never really be known, but it makes an interesting challenge for an actress who plays the part of the American, twice-divorced Mrs. Simpson.

I was delighted to learn that A&E has restored the 1978 mini-series, "Edward & Mrs. Simpson" in a boxed set of two DVDs (AAE 71753). In seven episodes of 50 minutes each, it tells the tale of how Edward (Edward Fox) first runs into Wallis Simpson (Cynthia Harris), becomes obsessed with her, drives all of the higher-ups in the British government half mad seeking ways to satisfy their master and at the same time stopping a marriage which could not constitutionally exist.

As scripted, Simpson is no sympathetic character but a woman used to getting what she wants, even if it is the next King of England. Unhappily, Edward (who is called David throughout the series) is shown to be a spoiled brat who often puts his pleasures before his duties; and by the time one might really feel sorry for him, some can only say, "What did you expect?" and "You got what you thoroughly deserved."

As fine as Fox and Harris are as actors, there is none of that special "chemistry" needed to convince us that these two were (or at least that he was) so madly obsessed with each other. And while there is much talk about how fascinating Wallis was to all who met her, the viewer hardly sees anything matching that description.

But what a pleasure it is to see consummate actors do their stuff, especially supported by such British stars as Nigel Hawthorne, Peggy Ashcroft (as the outraged Queen Mary), John Shrapnel, David Waller (as the long-suffering Prime Minister, Stanley Baldwin), Patricia Hodge (from the Rumpole series), and too many others to mention here.

A final irony is found in the bonus feature, "Wallis Simpson" from A&E's Biography series, when we are told that Simpson was carrying on another affair all through her stalking of Edward! It would be interesting to know how this would have changed the script if this information were known back then.

In sum, although I think that just under six hours is far too long to carry this story and keep things sparking (150 minutes would have been about right), I can still recommend this set for the acting, the period décor, and the discussions it is bound to stimulate among the viewers.

This review refers to "Edward & Mrs. Simpson" 2 DVD set(A&E)

Well if there was ever a story of true romance, this is it.If it wasn't a true story, you would think it would make a great romance novel. King Edward VIII of England, just shortly before his coronation gives a radio address on Dec 11, 1936 saying farewell, and tells the country that loves him, he is abdicating. The reason, a woman. Mrs. Wallis Simpson, a twice divorced outgoing American who held the heart of Edward captive.

Edward felt a strong duty to his country. But his love for Mrs. Simpson was so deep, he gave up his throne, so she could be HIS Queen, when his country would not recognize his love, his wife, as their Queen. What sort of woman could make a man give up a nation for her? This British mini-series gives an in-depth look at this Royal soap. Edward, Mrs. Simpson, the romance, and the turbulence it caused the between the politicians who begged Edward to consider his choice(they didn't want to lose him), his family,his country and finally the decision.

It's a 7 part series that begins as Prince Edwards, quite the man about town, is introduced to Wallis Simpson, by his then girlfriend. Although still married to Mr. Simpson, Wallis is portrayed to be a woman who knows what she wants, and knows how to get it. Edward is smitten, and can hardly be a minute without her. Even if at first, it means having Mr. Simpson in tow as well. The Simpsons finally divorce, and Edward and Wallis become inseparable, causing quite the commotion among the Royals and their inner circle.

This fabulous production gives you an up close and personal look at the events.The private and public moments that follow Edward, Wallis and those loyal to Edward. I was drawn into the story and the characters. The cast was simply magnificent in their performances. Edward Fox as Edward made you feel everything he was feeling. He was very much a Royal. There couldn't have been a better Wallis than Cynthia Harris. She portrayed the American intruder into the Royal lives fabulously. At first you may think she is a schemer, maybe even a gold digger, but by the end she will have you on her side. Other great talents include Nigel Hawthorne, Peggy Ascroft and Cheri Lunghi.

The DVD presentation is very nice. Clear picture and vibrant colors in all the period costumes. Features include scene selection, and the "Wallis Simpson Episode" From A&E's Biography series(sans commercials), which was most informative and included a look at their lives together, for the years after the abdication. There was a slight glitch in the last episode, and I missed the first 5 minutes of it. The DVD just seemed to skip over it. I didn't see any others mention this, so it could be just my copy(I tried it several times). Each disc is in it's own keep case and come in an outter slip case as well.

You may also enjoy:Edward the King
or:Edward the Seventh

A wonderful addition to your Royals collection!
Enjoy....Laurie

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