Edward and Mrs. Simpson
| Edward & Mrs. Simpson | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Written by | |
| Directed by | Waris Hussein |
| Starring | |
| Theme music composer | Ron Grainer |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language(s) | English |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) | Andrew Brown |
| Release | |
| Original network | ITV |
| Original release | 6 November – 20 December 1978 |
Edward & Mrs. Simpson is a seven-part British television series that dramatises the events leading to the 1936 abdication of King Edward VIII of the United Kingdom, who gave up his throne to marry the twice-divorced American Wallis Simpson.
The series, made by Thames Television for ITV, was originally broadcast in 1978. Edward Fox played Edward, and Cynthia Harris portrayed Mrs. Simpson. The series was scripted by Simon Raven, based on Fox's maternal aunt Frances Donaldson's biography of the King, Edward VIII. It was produced by Andrew Brown, overseen by Head of Drama Thames Television Verity Lambert and directed by Waris Hussein. The incidental music was by Ron Grainer.
The series won the 1980 Emmy award for Outstanding Limited Series, and BAFTA Awards in 1979 for Best Actor, Best Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Series or Serial. It has been released on DVD in Region 2 (UK) by Network, and in Region 1 (United States) by A&E.
In 1978, RK Records released an official soundtrack album (UK cat No: RKLP 5003). It had 12 tracks, some composed or arranged by Ron Grainer and all played by his orchestra. The album is considered rare by collectors; and unique in featuring so many 1930s hits in full stereo sound for the first time. The track listing was as follows:
The theme music used for the opening and closing titles was a composite of Herbert Farjeon's 1927 song "I've danced with a man, who's danced with a girl, who's danced with the Prince of Wales" and the opening of the British national anthem "God Save the King." The Farjeon song was inspired by Edna Deane, a well known champion ballroom dancer of the time. The Theme song vocalist was Jenny Wren.
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