Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Joely Richardson | ... | Wallis Simpson | |
David Westhead | ... | Ernest Simpson | |
Lisa Kay | ... | Mary Raffray | |
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Helena Michell | ... | Thelma Furness |
Stephen Campbell Moore | ... | Edward | |
Simon Hepworth | ... | Perry Brownlow | |
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Bill Champion | ... | Bertie |
Monica Dolan | ... | Elizabeth | |
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Debora Weston | ... | Kitty Rogers |
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Aleksas Kazanavicius | ... | Herman Rogers |
Clifford Rose | ... | King George V | |
Margaret Tyzack | ... | Queen Mary | |
Miriam Margolyes | ... | Aunt Bessie | |
David Calder | ... | Winston Churchill | |
Richard Johnson | ... | Stanley Baldwin |
In 1936, Edward VIII abdicated in order to marry the woman he loved, Wallis Simpson, a twice-divorced American. These events caused a scandal around the world. Wallis and Edward is an attempt to portray the romantic aspects of the story from Wallis's point of view. The drama follows the beginning of their affair whilst Edward was Prince of Wales and Wallis was still married to Ernest Simpson. Written by Company TV Productions
This story of a ruptured line of monarchs seems like a very touching love story where the woman is portrayed as a sacrificing and sincere partner. However, most historical material speaks of a different Wallis Simpson--one who was eternally ambitious and actually never recovered from her inability to serve as Queen. In fact, in her own words, "You have no idea how hard it is to live out a great romance." They did not have the eternal love-flame of romance and it is believed that tolerance on both their parts was a key element in the marriage. History and reality aside, the movie presented a decent story line on its face. Wallis Simpson was no innocent flower. Edward may or may not have regretted his abdication--even to himself--but he became known more for suspected Nazi sympathizing during World War II than any other cause of noble intention. What is probably the best result of the royal mess is that the many interpretations of the love affair and marriage became a magnet for rich and poor alike.