Edward & Mrs. Simpson (1980)

On the evening of December 11, 1936, England's King Edward VIII formally broadcast his farewell to a nation. Torn between duty and love, he had decided to follow his heart. A powerful fairytale made all the more compelling because it actually happened, EDWARD & MRS. SIMPSON captures the unforgettable romance that develops between the Prince of Wales and an extraordinary American woman named Wallis Simpson. That she is already married and believed to have had previous affairs ruffles more than a few feathers. The scandal heats up when the Prince becomes King and declares his intention to marry his mistress, who has since divorced and become quite available. A critically acclaimed British mini-series from 1978 finally available on DVD, EDWARD & MRS. SIMPSON features seven episodes shot in sumptuous period detail and stars Edward Fox (Gandhi, A Passage to India) and Cynthia Harris (Mad About You, Three Men and a Baby). DVD Features: "Wallis Simpson" Episode From A&E's Award-Winning Series BIOGRAPHY; Interactive Menus; Scene Selection

splendid

I was guided by the customer reviews when I was searching for a treatment of this story that I became interested in and so I selected this production. It is splendid, with sumptuous period detail, fine acting, and the time to tell the story completely. Since this was a television production there are no subtitles to identify places, times or characters so you will have to pay close attention to identify who is who and what their role is. Edward was neither a hero or villain, just a human being who made a decision for himself that a lot of people still find incomprehensible. It's a fascinating story and well told in this production. May 9, 2008

excellent

I have watched it twenty times and will watch it again and again.
Great quality actors.
Mrs Simpson character is wonderful.
Her outfits and her voice are mesmerizing. March 14, 2008

This Movie is So Realistic It's Almost Unreal!

Fabulous series. Uncanny in its realism. The leading characters are represented with such versimilitude that one gets the sensation of actually being there with them. This set was swiftly shipped by an excellent seller, whose communications and business-practice are to be commended. Thanks for enriching our lives with this great offering. March 12, 2008

Edward & Mrs. Simpson

The acting and casting looked good to me but the theme song that played at the beginning and end of each DVD drove me absolutely nuts. I also didn't care for the artifical quality of some of the indoor scenes. In particular, the lighting reminded me too much of what I call "soap opera lighting." I'm not sure if this was supposed to be a play, a movie, or a docu-drama but whatever it was it didn't feel real to me. It felt fake. December 26, 2006

Almost Perfect Adaption of a Great Royal Story

"Edward & Mrs. Simpson" is the best available dramatization of the events leading up to the abdication of Edward VIII. But it could have been better, and there is more of a story to tell than has yet been told. The last few weeks just prior to the fateful event were even more dramatic and tension-filled than this production was able to present. Supporters took to the streets; Stanley Baldwin and the cabinet were in frequent session dealing with the momentous events that were traspiring; the air was charged; Wallis WAS in fact looking for a way out, she was in danger for her life, and England held its breath. Could yet there be a new production that could take all of the best of this and add more of the events "outside of the palace" as it were? Could it even include the fact that Wallis was "two-timing" Edward? That would be increible and transfixing if done accurately. The story is high drama itself, but this as I said is the best we have and we are more than happy to have it. But, but....there is more that could be done with this story. This is a real gem but not a diamond, not quite. But don't pass it up if this topic is of interest. Grab it while you can get it! The history as far as it goes is accurate thank the Lord; the clothes are perfect and beautiful; and Edward Fox is fantastic as HRH. Perhaps this is as good as it will ever get on film. Far preferable to the short and half cooked Anthony Andrews version with a too pretty by half Wallis. All in all, excellent, but......

October 17, 2006

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