EDWARD the KING • DVD

Starring: Annette Crosbie, Timothy West

Edward the seventh waits nearly 60 years to become King. He wins the devotion of his people, the hearts of beautiful women and the fierce enmity of his mother, Queen Victoria. This sweeping saga covers 70 of the most tumultuous years of Britain at the height of her power. The story begins with the rebellion of a boy pampered beyond endurance, and continues through his mother’s distrust and jealousy, his marriage and scandalous affairs, his most delicate international negotiations and his behind-the-throne carousing. This thirteen part series makes Edward The King an epic for all time.

This is an absolutely wonderful 13 episode series that chronicles the life of the man rightfully called the Peacemaker of the World and named Prince Bertie and King Edward VII. It is a must for every serious student of British History, especially the Victorian and Edwardian eras. It should be available in every library, and the best colleges should give academic credit for viewing it. Among other things, this series gives full appreciation to the phrase "the Eurpoean Family of Nations" through the marriages of Victoria's many children and their in-laws.

It begins with King Edward VII's mother, Queen Victoria, telling his father, Prince Albert, of the coming of their second child. It ends with him Lying in State with his Queen kneeling beside the coffin. Episodes 1-10 (Volumes 1-5) are dominated by Queen Victoria (as was his life), and Episodes 11-13 (Volume 6) deal with the reign of Kind Edward VII. This is an impecible production with a perfect cast drawn from the then current and future elite of the British acting community perfectly protraying their characters placed in remarkable settings that makes one feel that the viewer has been among the privledged in exclusive places during private events throughout. Its release on video tape is eagerly received and long overdue. In summary, to view this series is to experience and better understand these eras of history. The entire series is most highly recommended.