Edward the King
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Actor: Annette Crosbie, John Gielgud, Robert Hardy, Timothy WestBrand: Acorn
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Box set, Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 678 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-09-30
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Acorn Media
DVD Reviews of Edward the King
DVD Review: He Created the "Edwardian" Era
Summary: 5 Stars
"Edward The King," a 1975 British television drama about the life of Edward VII of Great Britain, has just been released in a box set, consisting of four DVD's, that comprise the original thirteen episodes of the series. It was originally broadcast in the U.K. as "Edward the Seventh," and was aired in the U.S. on public television stations and major network affiliates in the late 1970s. Evidently, it dates from the great age of British TV series, and like many of them, was made for Britain's ITV, Independent Television; it bears the hallmarks of those classic 1970's series: an all-star cast, tremendous production values - a cast of hundreds if not thousands, richly detailed sets and costumes. It won an Emmy for Outstanding Costume Design and three BAFTA Awards, including Best Drama Series and Best Actress. The box set boasts several special features; but, unfortunately, does not offer subtitles.
Timothy West (Bleak House) stars as the title character, and does an extraordinary job of taking Edward from young adulthood through old age. Annette Crosbie (Calendar Girls) costars as his remarkable mother, Queen Victoria, and must be said to do an equally remarkable job of taking her character from child-bearing young woman through old age. Other stars include Felicity Kendal (Rosemary & Thyme - The Complete Series), Robert Hardy (All Creatures Great and Small: The Complete Collection), Charles Dance (Bleak House), Michael Holdern, and Sir John Gielgud. Francesca Annis (Reckless), plays Lillie Langtry here, and was, in 1978, to play the well-known courtesan/actress again in her own estimable series, (Lillie).
As you might expect with thirteen episodes, the series also bears that British hallmark of leisurely story-telling; some viewers might prefer to initially skip the first DVD, about Edward's rather miserable childhood, then double back to it. Mind you, Edward's childhood was obviously privileged, in comparison with the rest of his country and his world, still, the poor young child was subject, from the age of seven, to a solitary and grueling educational program dreamed up by his father, Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's consort. (To some of us, indeed, Albert seems overwhelmingly to be the source of some of the least pleasant features of the period that bears his wife's name, the Victorian.)
Victoria was extremely long-lived: the celebration of her Diamond Jubilee (50 years as Queen), is shown in this production, and Edward waited nearly 60 years to become King. During most of that wait, his mother refused to allow him to play any part in the governance of the nation, sentencing him to a life of skirt-chasing, and society pursuits. He reigned for only nine years, from January 22, 1901, to May 6, 1910, continuing his philandering during that time. Nevertheless, his nine year reign was influential, and its period is generally known as the Edwardian. He did his level best to bring peace to Europe during his brief reign, but was, ultimately, unable to sufficiently influence his nephews, the German Kaiser Wilhelm, and the Russian Tsar Nicholas, and, four years after his death, World War I broke out, thereby putting an end to the leisurely luxurious Edwardian life the upper crust had enjoyed. Despite his years of frivolity, he was very popular with his countrymen, and indeed, in Europe, and the Americas. I was once, for whatever the reason, mooching through old "New York Times" microfiche, and came upon a story, published shortly after his death, that remarked that the black ebony earrings, then customarily worn by women in mourning (you certainly see them frequently in "Edward"), had sold out in New York after his death, and were not available at any price.
Anyone who is interested in history, be it British/European/world/political/military or royal, will find this an excellent, truly enjoyable picture of the period in question. It should find its place in many DVD libraries. It has in mine.
Description of Edward the King
"Engrossing and glittering" -- The Washington Post
"Superb performances" -- The New York Times
The award-winning drama about England?s first truly 20th century monarch
Though he waited nearly 60 years to become king and reigned for only nine, Edward VII changed the British monarchy forever. Derided by his mother, Queen Victoria, as frivolous and untrustworthy, Edward was in fact a skillful, determined diplomat who longed to be useful to his country. This classic 13-part British miniseries dramatizes his life from frustrated prince and inveterate philanderer to loving father and respected statesman. Firmly grounded in history, it intimately depicts the palace dynamics that reverberated in Parliament and beyond during the years preceding World War I.
Winner of an Emmy® and multiple BAFTA awards (including best drama series), this deluxe production boasts a star-studded cast, including Timothy West, Annette Crosbie, Robert Hardy, John Gielgud, Felicity Kendal, Charles Dance, and Francesca Annis. With richly detailed sets and costumes, Edward the King recreates England at the height of its empire and a monarchy on the verge of transformation.
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE commentaries for selected episodes by Timothy West, Annette Crosbie, and director John Gorrie; two featurettes; introductions for selected episodes by Robert McNeal; trailers; and photo gallery with commentary by the stars and director.
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