Episodes
Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
01 | The King's Matter | 20161208 | 20210617/18 (BBC7) | Stanley Baldwin and Cosmo Lang are determined that Edward VIII will not turn back the clock and impose his will on the governance of England by marrying the American divorcee Wallis Simpson. If Edward and Mrs Simpson were to have their way, the Church of England would suffer disestablishment and the national government would collapse. In essence, this is the story of two men determined to persuade the King from a marriage they feel is not only unsuitable - but also wrong. Starring Jim Broadbent, Hugh Ross and Anthony Calf. Christopher Lee's exploration of Edward VIII's abdication crisis. Stanley Baldwin - Jim Broadbent Cosmo Lang - Hugh Ross Lord Beaverbrook - Mark Straker Chaplain - Michael Jayston Mary - Kika Markham The concluding episode is told from the point of view of Wallis Simpson, as imagined from the memoirs of those based with her in the south of France at that time. A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2016. Stanley Baldwin and Cosmo Lang vie to persuade Edward VIII not to abdicate. |
02 | The Crisis Of Wallis Simpson | 20161209 | 20210618/19 (BBC7) | Wallis Simpson's view of the abdication crisis as imagined from memoirs of those involved between December 4th and December 12th 1936 and based with her in the south of France at that time. With a clearer mind, having fled to France to escape the publicity and press intrusion surrounding her impending marriage to Edward VIII, Wallis tries to persuade the King not to abdicate and convince him they can continue their relationship without the need to marry. Nicola Baldwin's take on Edward VIII's abdication crisis. Wallis Simpson - Frances Barber Kitty Rogers - Jane McKenna Herman Rogers - Mark Straker Lord Brownlow - Richard Dillane Goddard - David Collings George Ladbrook - Ben Crowe Inspector - Richard Atlee A Pier production for Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2016. Wallis Simpson's view of the abdication crisis from a safe haven in the south of France. |