Edward & Mrs. Simpson
|
List Price: Our Price: $11.41 You Save: $3.54 (24%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $8.65 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of Edward & Mrs. Simpson
Movie Review: Almost Perfect Adaption of a Great Royal Story
Summary: 4 Stars
"Edward & Mrs. Simpson" is the best available dramatization of the events leading up to the abdication of King Edward VIII, but it could have been so much better. Part of the problem is that there was so more to the story that could have been told, but wasn't told here. The last few weeks just prior to the fateful event were filled with enormous tension-much more so 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 transpiring; the air was charged; Wallis WAS in fact looking for a way out, she was in danger, and many in England held their breath. And there was the very provocative possibility that while these things were going on Wallis was "two-timing" Edward/David with a handsome young car salesman. At least she was seeing him behind his back. That "fact" probably could not have been added to this British production at the time it was made, as Wallis was still then alive. Still, a more complete picture would have made a gem of a film or series, but it would be an enormous challenge. The story is high drama befitting an opera as much as a mini-series. Nevertheless, this is the best we have and we should be more than happy to have it. Subsequent efforts have been pretty terrible. This is a gem but not a diamond, not quite. The characters of Bertie and Elizabeth are not well drawn and casting for those parts was not very good. But in the final analysis I would say: don't pass this up if you are interested Edward and Mrs. Simpson and the abdication crisis. Grab it while you can get it! The history, as far as it goes, is pretty accurate thank the Lord; the clothes and period details are near perfect and beautiful and worth the price of admission. Two final points should be made: Edward Fox is terrific as the Prince of Wales/King/Duke; and the addition of the A&E "Biography" series program on Wallis is a nice conclusion to the set.Movie Review: The woman he loved
Summary: 4 Stars
The scandal that brought down a King is examined in detail in this 1978 English miniseries. We meet Edward, Prince of Wales (Edward Fox), who eschews royal responsibilities and propriety in favor of a rather hedonistic life style. He'd had a string of affairs before he met Wallis Simpson (Cynthia Harris), a once-divorced, married American woman in 1931. She is shown to be a calculating spider, he the willing fly. When he becomes King and insists upon marrying her, his actions threaten to destroy the monarchy.
Edward Fox is perfectly cast as the spoiled and boyish Prince; it is a pleasure to watch him completely inhabit the character. Cynthia Harris, on the other hand, is never believable as Mrs. Simpson; none of her lines sound spontaneous and her stiff acting weakens the show. The supporting cast, including Peggy Ashcroft as Queen Mary, is wonderful, but the scenes where Edward's advisors endlessly debate the sticky situation are tedious.
Still, it's a fascinating story despite its faults and it's fun to watch the Royals' private lives. 3.5 stars.
Movie Review: splendid
Summary: 4 Stars
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.Movie Review: Mrs. Simpson
Summary: 3 Stars
I gave this an average rating. Actors and sets were
very good. My problem was the wordy and over long discussions
between the prince and his ministers. Prince Edward was a
playboy. That was well known. Wallis Simpson was a 40ish Cinderella
who wanted to climb socially. She and the prince played in
the high society playground. And they did it with gusto!
I think more script time on the couple and a lot less
of hand wringing decisions would have been more interesting.
Movie Review: Movie Masturbation or... Beating a Dead Horse (so to speak).
Summary: 2 Stars
How many times can you repeat the same action when the basic premise was as simple as this one was? Over and over and over. Talk about beating a dead horse.
I didn't purchase this disc set to review the histrionics of the romance and abdication. That could have been completely reported with a "screen crawler." Having all the characters repeat and repeat the facts (few as there were) became boring.
I wanted to be entertained with glamourous people dressed in beautiful gowns and dripping with, at least the look of fabulous Cartier Jewels, instead of the "Woolworth Paste Collection." The men's wardrobes were far more elegant and expensive looking than the female actors wore. The Dutchess of Windsor made Coco Chanel world famous because of her vast collection of that particular designers signature collections. Not a Chanel Suit to be seen.
I was disappointed in this mini-series. If you've already purchased it, I hope you enjoy it. If you haven't bought it yet, don't.