Edward & Mrs. Simpson (1978): Season 1, Episode 1 - The Little Prince - full transcript
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales performs his official duties well and is loved by those around him and his people. He enjoys entertaining his friends and has an active social life. In his private life he has, since the end of the First World War, shown a preference for having relationships with married women. When his most constant companion, Freda Dudley Ward, is unable to accompany him on his planned safari in East Africa, she suggests Lady Thelma Furness as a suitable companion. They form a close friendship and it is she who introduces the Prince to Wallis Warfield Simpson, an American living in England with her husband Ernest. Over several years, the Simpsons become regular weekend guests and after returning from a lengthy trip abroad, Lady Furness finds that Wallis has replaced her.
[ "God Save the King" plays ]
[ Up-tempo music plays ]
♫ I've danced with a man
who's danced with a girl ♫
♫ Who's danced
with the Prince of Wales ♫
♫ "It was simply grand,"
he said ♫
♫ "Topping band" ♫
♫ And she said,
"Delightful, sir" ♫
♫ Glory, glory, alleluia ♫
♫ I'm the luckiest of females ♫
♫ For I've danced with a man
who's danced with a girl ♫
♫ Who danced
with the Prince of Wales ♫
[ "God Save the King" plays ]
[ Up-tempo music plays ]
[ March plays ]
[ Laughing ] Yes.
Ooh.
Damned hot working in this kit.
Sit down, Joey.
PIERS: Well, there's no time
for that, sir.
EDWARD: Oh.
What's next?
Sergeant's mess
at 20 past 12:00.
10 to 1:00,
visit the men's cookhouse.
Quarter past 1:00, a light lunch
in the officers' mess...
then change
and drive to Tweseldown
for the regimental steeplechase
at half past 3:00.
Excellent.
I'm looking forward to that.
Yes.
I'm sure you are, sir.
But I must remind you that the
King would like you to stop it.
Oh, don't nag, Joey.
I need the exercise.
Very well, sir.
After the steeplechase,
we return here,
where they'll be
beating retreat.
And then dinner
in the officers' mess.
Not a second wasted.
And what time can we get away?
About 11:00, sir.
Not earlier?
I mean, if dinner's once over...
Well, if you leave
immediately after dinner, sir,
it will cause offense.
11:00 sharp, then.
And promise, Joey?
Sir.
[ Indistinct conversations ]
EDWARD: Gentlemen.
At ease, please.
[ Clears throat ]
How are you, Sergeant Major?
Very well.
Thank you, sir.
You still playing rugby football
for the battalion?
Yes, sir.
Thank you, sir.
Ah, but getting a bit past it.
-Well, not you, surely.
-[ Chuckles ]
[ Clicks heels ]
-You'll be Drill Sergeant Owen?
-Yes, sir.
New here, I think.
Just came up from the depot
last month, sir.
Well, they'll be missing you,
I'm sure.
Sir.
-Sergeant Evans.
-Sir.
-Sergeant Boothby.
-BOOTHBY: Sir.
-EDWARD: Sergeant James.
-Sir.
[ Clicks heels ]
Quartermaster Neale.
Sir.
Ah.
My compliments to you,
gentlemen.
Your very good health.
How nice to see old friends.
♫ For he's a jolly good fellow ♫
♫ For he's a jolly good fellow ♫
♫ For he's a jolly good fellow ♫
♫ And so say all of us ♫
♫ And so say all of us ♫
♫ And so say all of us ♫
♫ For he's a jolly good fellow ♫
♫ For he's a jolly good fellow ♫
♫ For he's a jolly good fellow ♫
♫ And so say all of us ♫
-Hip-hip-hip!
-TOGETHER: Hooray!
-SERGEANT MAJOR: Hip-hip-hip!
-TOGETHER: Hooray!
-SERGEANT MAJOR: Hip-hip-hip!
-TOGETHER: Hooray!
[ Man shouting indistinctly ]
[ Men shouting indistinctly ]
[ Crowd cheering ]
[ Indistinct shouting ]
[ Crowd cheering ]
[ Applause ]
WOMAN: Well done.
WOMAN #2: Well done.
[ Applause continues ]
MAN: Bravo!
Bravo!
[ Applause continues ]
EDWARD: Thank you so much, Alan.
Was kind of you.
PIERS:
Back to York House, sir?
EDWARD: Yes. Straight home.
But only to change.
I'll need the car
to go on afterwards.
PIERS: Will you be
needing me, too, sir?
EDWARD:
No, thank you, Joey.
You're not put out, are you?
I'm gonna have
a bit of fun, Joey.
I only thought
you might be tired, sir.
Well, I worry.
We all do...
lest you might be
overdoing things a bit.
After all,
it' s been a very long day.
Gone awfully well.
Yes.
I enjoyed the race.
Didn't lose by much, you know.
Well, His Majesty's
not going to be pleased, sir.
You know their Royal Highnesses
are most anxious to stop you
racing over fences.
Well, that's all very well,
but I must have a bit of fun,
you know.
I do all I can
to please others in public.
-Yes, I know that, sir.
-So I don't see
why my private life should be
rearranged to suit my father.
But it isn't, sir, is it?
I mean, for example, l don't
know where you're going on to.
Sure, you know where I'm going.
Going to the Embassy Club.
And there
I shall meet some old friends,
most of who I admit
probably give the King
a severe heart attack.
Not bad at all.
Yes.
Be any luck, be there by 1:00.
Well played, Joey.
I don't know
what I'd do without you.
[ Mid-tempo music plays ]
[ Indistinct conversations ]
-Thank you, Luigi.
-Hello, sir.
-Had a good day?
-Oh, very good.
Rode a race.
Poor Joey thought I'd fall off,
of course.
[ Laughing ] Really?
Good for you.
How are you?
Fine.
How are the children?
Oh, they're fine.
They send their love.
Freda, can I persuade you
to change your mind
about the trip to East Africa?
Do come.
It'll be such fun.
You can stay with
Edward and Joan Grigg, you know,
and then join me on my safari.
David, we've talked about this
a thousand times.
And I know
and you know that I can't.
Well, yes.
I know.
But wouldn't it be lovely
to go away together?
Yes, it would,
but it's impossible.
Who's in the party tonight?
Only Dickie and Edwina.
They're coming over.
Can you stop them sitting down?
Yes, of course.
I know
you won't want to go alone.
I'm sure Thelma
wouldn't mind tagging along.
Of course, the Palace
isn't gonna like it,
but I daresay that you think
that that's your own affair.
Yes, I certainly do.
FREDA: Yes.
Someday, David,
you're gonna have to find
someone that isn't married...
[Blows]
and strike
into unmapped territory.
Find someone
that isn't ready-trained.
[ Applause ]
Sounds like the Palace again.
Well, I daresay it does.
There's Thelma.
She's just come in.
Now, why don't you go
and join her?
Tell her
that you've got my permission.
Well, I'd like
to dance with you first.
No.
You go and dance with Thelma.
You've got to get in
some practice for East Africa.
EDWARD: Nairobi, Thelma.
Nairobi, sir?
Yes. That's where you'll get
your invitation
to join me on safari.
Duke won't mind your leaving?
Duke will have
his own amusements.
Hmm?
Good.
Like everybody to be happy.
[ Chuckles ]
[ Men chanting
in native language ]
[ Man shouting
in native language ]
[ Men shouting
in native language ]
[ Man shouting
in native language ]
[ Shouting indistinctly ]
[ Chanting continues ]
[ Applause ]
[ Slow music plays,
indistinct conversations ]
Yes, I know.
I know. Yes.
WOMAN: [ Speaks indistinctly ]
Yes.
Yes, yes.
EDWARD:
Beyond all expectations.
What charming ladies.
...watch our complexions
the whole time.
You thought so, too, did you?
What charming children!
Yes. They're
the little bastards, sir.
Oh. You put them in uniform
out here, do you?
[ Laughter ]
[ Elephant trumpets ]
PIERS: Look out.
The bloody thing is coming.
[ Trumpets ]
-Run.
-MAN: Look out!
[ Gunshot ]
[ Gunshot ]
[ Gunshot ]
[ Gunshot ]
[ Trumpets ]
Shall I be Mother?
Uh-huh.
-Okay.
-[ Gunshot ]
[ Group cheering ]
I did it!
Oh!
Is it dead?
[ Trumpeting ]
[ Gunshot ]
[ Group cheering ]
[ Applause ]
[ Laughter ]
Mmm. Mm!
Lovely afternoon.
Anybody for a walk?
What a good idea.
Would you excuse me, gentlemen?
MAN: Of course.
EDWARD:
I promise you, darling,
there are no snakes
in this part of Africa.
-I bet there might.
-Never been seen.
Never been seen.
I don't believe you
for a minute.
Oh!
Ohh!
I have had a marvelous time.
-Pure pleasure.
-Me too.
Oh, yes.
Except all that officialdom.
All those ghastly
government sahibs to cope with.
You poor darling.
Bwanas, darling.
Hmm? What?
I think
they're called "bwanas" here.
Oh, I can just imagine it --
all those stringy wives
and spotty daughters
gauping at you like crocodiles.
Oh, with sheer adoration,
luckily for you.
Or they'd have eaten you up.
You've certainly done your bit
to hold the Empire together.
[ Smooches ]
It's my job.
Still, I think we've earned
our little adventure together,
-don't you?
-Mm-hmm. Yes.
But now the treat's over.
Well, not quite.
I thought that we'd do the last
40 miles together by car.
The rest of them
can pack up and then follow.
Oh, darling!
Oh, yeah.
But Joey would never allow you
to go without an escort.
Oh, yes, he will.
With respect, sir,
are you sure this is prudent?
I don't see why not.
I know the way.
I'm afraid there is no way, sir.
The country between here and Voi
is absolutely trackless.
-All you know is the direction.
-That should be enough.
Well, I should hate you
to lose it, sir.
Well, after all, that can happen
to anyone in the bush.
I mean, you could have
an accident.
The car could break down.
You might fall ill.
Kind of you to worry,
but my mind's made up.
Get in Thelma, darling,
would you?
But at least let me send
a guide with you, sir.
[ Engine turns over,
car door closes ]
I think
I've all the company I need.
Poor Joey.
Awful old woman.
Thelma, darling.
Mm-hmm?
There won't be a chance
to say goodbye properly at Voi.
Here?
Here.
Feeling seedy.
I-I'll have to stop.
Darling, what is it?
Shall I drive?
Know how to?
No. Not really.
Oh.
Well, I'll have to carry on.
[ Grunts ]
Behind time.
Don't want them
mounting a search party.
Ohh.
Sir?
[ Breathes deeply ]
Sir.
David.
David.
David.
David!
[ Groans ]
Please, wake up.
[ Lion roars ]
Oh!
[ Breathes deeply ]
Oh.
Oh, please, God,
make him wake up.
EDWARD: [ Groans ]
Ohh.
Or somebody come!
[ Animal howls ]
[ Animal howls ]
Sir.
Now that you're feeling better,
I'm afraid I have some
rather unpleasant news for you.
Please read this.
Oh, we must get home right away.
The light cruiser Enterprise
is waiting to take you
from Dar es Salaam, sir.
Everything's packed up
and ready to go
the minute that you're fit.
Well played, Joey.
I am fit.
Yes.
A very good journey, indeed.
Thank you, Prime Minister.
You know, from Brindisi on,
Mussolini lent me his own train.
So I hear, sir.
We got home very quickly.
He certainly makes them
run on time.
Mr. Baldwin, how is the King?
I do hope
he'll be glad to see me.
As to that, sir, your mother
asked me to prepare you.
For what?
Well, sir,
not to see His Majesty
when you arrive
at the Palace tonight.
He is too ill
to see anyone at all.
Not even me?
The doctors say he is not
to be disturbed by anybody.
Well, let's wait and see.
I'm sorry to be the one
to tell you this, sir.
Not at all, Mr. Baldwin.
It's very kind of you.
Thank you.
[ Cigarette case opens ]
Prime Minister,
do please remember
that you can always speak to me
about anything.
Thank you, sir.
DAWSON: With respect, sir,
it is essential
that His Majesty
should be totally undisturbed.
EDWARD: But you don't forbid me
to see him.
DAWSON:
I can't do that, sir.
But I will not take
the responsibility.
Lord Dawson,
damn the responsibility!
I'll take it.
Oh, it's you, is it?
Damn you.
What the devil
are you doing here?
[ Chuckles ]
FREDA: The King
is supposed to be dying,
and the Prince
tries on the crown.
The King wakes up and sees him,
and he's so angry
that he recovers --
only for a moment,
if I remember.
What are you talking about?
Shakespeare.
"Henry IV."
Oh. Well, George V
will be as sound as a bell.
God has saved the King.
Still, it's a relief
he's so much better.
It's been quite a scare.
I suppose I'd better pack up
steeplechasing.
That would please him,
wouldn't it?
Certainly would.
Oh.
Look at that house over there.
Just caught a glimpse.
Oh, David.
It's enchanting!
It is.
It's a little close to Windsor
maybe, but it's very pretty.
By Jove, I like it awfully.
[ Humming ]
Good God.
What on earth's that?
It's the Little Prince!
Stop the car, mummy.
Why are you dressed like that?
I'm practicing
for the parade tomorrow.
Here.
Do you want to try it on, Angie?
-Oh. All right.
-Take your hat off, then.
There. Didn't your sister
come with you?
No.
I can't see a thing.
-[ Laughs ]
-It's terribly heavy.
I'll tell you what.
You take this inside.
I'm sure
Osborne will give you a drink.
-All right.
-All right?
Careful, David.
Mad dogs and Englishmen.
EDWARD: Yes.
It's getting rather hot.
You've done wonders.
It was clever of us both
to find this place.
Come and see
what I've done over here.
You know, I'm so happy here.
-THELMA: [ Squealing ]
-EDWARD: Thelma!
Careful!
They think I'm crazy!
-Oh!
-There we go!
Aah! Aah!
If you're not careful,
something's going to get broken.
They're unbreakable!
It says so!
I didn't mean the records.
EDWARD: Ah!
[ Both gasp ]
Wedgwood...I think.
Well, it's entirely
Thelma's fault.
She began the whole thing.
Oh. I won't have
anybody blaming Thelma.
You two led her on.
Oh, Elizabeth, you're so right!
-Just look at how sweet you are.
-THELMA: Oh.
Butter wouldn't melt, would it?
Do you know, you'd never believe
what a lazy girl she was
before she married.
She never used to get up at all
if she could possibly help it,
unless, of course,
there was a race meeting on.
Ah, but I wasn't sleeping.
I was reading.
Improving my mind.
-THELMA: Ah.
-ELIZABETH: [ Chuckles ]
THELMA: Ah.
[ Both chuckle ]
[ Indistinct conversations ]
I'll just squeeze this one dry,
Wallis,
and then I'll make some more.
[ American accent ]
We'll send up some smoke signals
if we get desperate.
[ Laughter ]
You've got a party.
I didn't realize.
Quite a crowd.
Well, look,
I won't stay if you don't mind.
-I'm not in the mood.
-No crowds, darling.
No party.
Just a few friends.
Oh, and a new person
of Consuelo's.
Oh.
Will I like
this new person of Consuelo's?
I think she's rather fun.
Come and see.
I adore you.
THELMA:
You know everyone, sir.
Um, except for, uh...
...Mrs. Ernest Simpson.
Wallis Simpson, sir.
How do you do, Mrs. Simpson?
Wallace.
A boy's name, surely.
Oh.
No, no, sir.
It's W-A-L-L-I-S.
W-A-L-L-I-S.
Oh, yes.
It's short for Bessie Wallis,
Consuelo says.
It's the Bessie part
I'd like to forget, sir.
Oh? Why?
England's Good Queen Bess, what?
Oh, no, no.
It's the habit
of double names --
a silly American habit.
Oh.
What's so silly about it?
Well, if you don't think
Bessie Wallis is silly, sir,
pity a poor friend of mine
whose mother's name was Rosebud
and whose father's name
was Edwin.
The result -- Budwin.
[ Laughter ]
Yes.
That's pretty ghastly.
Wallis.
[ Chuckles ]
[ Ringing ]
Yes. Of course.
Freda, darling,
how are you today?
How are the children?
We're all well.
Happy Christmas, and God bless
you for the New Year, David.
[ Chuckles ]
Wonder how many New Years it is
since you first wished me that.
[ Chuckles ]
More than either of us
cares to remember, I expect.
[ Chuckles ]
Be telling, wouldn't it?
Darling, um, I'm sending over
the -- the presents
I got for the children...
Did I ever tell you
how I first met him?
Oh, no, Thelma.
Please tell.
It was at the Leicester Fair
of all places.
He was pinning a blue ribbon
on a cow.
WALLIS: [ Chuckles ]
He saw me watching.
Well, he knew who I was,
of course.
Of course.
And he came straight over to me
and asked me to dine with him
when I was next in London.
WALLIS: Mm.
So I said, quite untruthfully,
that I'd be there
the following week.
And he named the day.
8:00, St. James's Palace.
-Just like that.
-Oh.
Well, then, of course,
I had to go up especially,
and Duke wanted to know why.
He was a bit winded
when I told him.
What was said at dinner?
Nothing much.
Except he asked
if we could meet again.
A question
expecting the answer "yes."
And getting it.
In every sense.
[ Laughs ]
Well, it was a bit
of a walkover, I'm afraid.
And yet...
besides adoring his looks
and the rest of it,
I felt so sorry for him.
WALLIS: Oh?
You know -- being brought up
to be a prince and not a person.
And all the time
desperately needing
to know that people
liked him for himself.
Well, I thought at least one
other lady had been reassuring.
Mm. [ Scoffs ]
You mean Freda Dudley Ward.
His old flame.
He met her during the war
in an air raid.
She took shelter in someone's
house when the warning went,
and there he was,
dancing in the cellar.
They, uh...danced their way out
together, you might say.
[ Laughs ]
And they still take a turn
'round the floor...
from time to time.
Quite often, one hears.
She must have very tough roots
in him.
Or he in her.
[ Blows ]
She has a great hold on him.
It's partly habit.
Oh,
and a very good habit, too.
She's fearfully attractive,
and everybody adores her.
And she's helping him
to organize clubs and things
-for the poor.
-Mm. Feathers Clubs.
From the Prince of Wales'
feathers -- for the unemployed.
Oh.
So you know all about it.
No. Not really.
Ernest was talking about it
the other day.
He said something about, oh,
the Prince was making a speech
at the Albert Hall,
and it was going to be recorded
for broadcast
sometime later this week,
I think.
Oh.
I must listen to it.
Hm.
Oh, I'm not really in
on that side of him.
Freda Dudley Ward
is queen there.
Ah.
But he is far more interested
in you.
I've watched him
when you're with him.
When you talk to him,
he wears a...
giving look.
Oh, he certainly listens
to my suggestions.
I got him to have a Christmas
tree at the fort last year --
the first time.
[ Scoffs ] You can do
much better than that, my dear.
You can get him to have me
and Ernest to Belvedere
for the first time.
You want to be invited
to the fort?
Yes.
To the fort.
Why, I've known him
over two years,
and we've never been invited
to the fort.
Oh. Well.
I'm sure I can arrange it.
Oh, Thelma.
You are a dear.
It will brighten up
my dreary life.
Oh, but I thought you and Ernest
were very contented.
Contentment
is for domestic animals.
Human beings
need more excitement.
At least Wallis Simpson does.
The fort
isn't all that exciting.
It will be to me
after Bryanston Court.
Hm.
EDWARD: Now we cannot hope
to influence directly the trend
of international affairs.
But close at hand
is a domestic problem...
...vast and baffling
if looked at in the mass,
yet easier to help when broken
up into individual pieces.
Yes.
That's very right.
Shh!
Your turn later, mummy.
I'm thinking now of each member
of the unemployed population
as a single
separate personality
beset by depression...
laboring under a sense
of frustration and futility.
[ Radio clicks ]
Not interested?
Very.
In the singer
rather than the song.
Singers like their songs
to be appreciated.
I know I do.
Oh, I'll appreciate this one.
I'll study it
in one of the papers.
And you should, too,
before the weekend.
Before the weekend?
We're invited to Fort Belvedere
by the Prince for the weekend.
THELMA: Oh, Wallis!
How lovely it is
to see you and Ernest here!
How very kind of
His Royal Highness to invite us.
Oh.
Hello, Ernest.
Good evening, Wallis.
Good evening, sir.
-Do come in.
-Yes, come in.
Come on.
We have a lovely fire.
EDWARD:
Good evening, Ernest.
Do come in, won't you?
THELMA: Oh.
Now...
as this is Wallis and Ernest's
first visit to the fort,
I think I should explain
the house rules.
There's only one --
that you must enjoy yourselves
at all times.
Now you stay up as late as you
like and do just as you please.
-Right, sir?
-Absolutely!
I only ask my friends
to the fort.
It's my retreat
from public life.
And that's the way I like it.
Sounds lovely,
doesn't it, Ernest?
Certainly does.
Ah.
Luncheon seems to be ready.
Will you bring our guests in,
Thelma?
Bring your drinks with you.
THELMA:
Now, look, I must warn you.
His Royal Highness has a running
battle with the undergrowth
and has dedicated himself
to winning it.
Ernest,
you'll be enlisted to help.
Just wait and see.
[ Laughs ]
[ Indistinct conversations ]
Now, Wallis, you're over there.
WALLIS: Thank you.
Oh, what a beautiful room!
We'll put Ernest opposite you.
Oysters.
EDWARD:
You fond of oysters, Wallis?
Oh, yes.
I love them.
They remind me of home.
Actually, they're from His Royal
Highness' personal oyster beds.
One of the advantages
of being the Duke of Cornwall.
Do help yourselves.
ERNEST: Thank you.
Thank you.
Thelma, have we invited people
over for dinner this evening?
-THELMA: No, sir.
-EDWARD: Good.
THELMA: But I have an idea.
Why don't we show my cine film
of our African safari?
Oh, Thelma, not again.
ERNEST:
Well, we haven't seen it, sir.
EDWARD: Have you not, Ernest?
Oh, really?
I'm surprised to hear that.
The film, you know,
is at least four years old,
and Thelma's been dining out on
her safari stories since then.
THELMA: Sir!
You're joking about one
of the most amazing
and terrifying experiences
of my life.
In what way, Thelma?
My first night under canvas,
I was scared to death.
I kept imagining all sorts
of dreadful things happening.
And one night, it did.
A wild beast actually found
its way into my tent.
-A wild beast in your tent.
-THELMA: Mm-hmm.
Why, I do hope
you were looking your best.
-Oh.
-EDWARD: [ Laughs ]
Wallis, you're teasing,
but I was petrified.
Why, I turned on my torch,
and there was a hyena with one
of my shoes in its mouth.
But, Thelma, I don't think
hyenas ever attack people.
Not if they're alive.
And Thelma certainly was that.
Legend has it
her voice was heard in Nairobi.
THELMA: I didn't know until
later that they were scavengers.
And all the brute wanted
was a bit of shoe leather.
ERNEST: [ Laughs ]
But, sir, you have to admit
my film is quite unique.
Ernest, I have a sequence
of a little native boy
being clawed by a lion.
Well, that's unfortunate.
THELMA: Mm.
It was.
But I kept right on filming.
And, fortunately, another boy
ran up and speared the lion.
It's quite remarkable.
I'm sure you'll think so, too.
After the film, we can roll up
the carpet and dance.
3/4 time, sir?
3/4 time?
It's a joke we have.
Our very first night
out together
was at the Hotel Splendide,
and we danced all night
to their Viennese orchestra.
That 3/4 time.
Very romantic, Thelma.
It does sound like fun.
Good.
That's tonight.
What about after lunch, sir?
Well, this afternoon,
I've got my work cut out
clearing more undergrowth.
Could I suggest
that you might perhaps like
to lend a hand, Ernest?
That was a suggestion,
not an order.
You might prefer
a round of golf.
Thank you.
ERNEST: Thank you, Thelma,
but I prefer the suggestion.
Good.
And I'll come along
for moral support.
EDWARD:
Be delighted if you would.
Mustard, Wallis?
Why, thank you, Thelma, dear.
[ "Happy Birthday to You"
plays ]
[ Indistinct conversations ]
Oh.
EDWARD: How nice.
Darling, where are the candles?
The cake wasn't big enough
to hold them all.
[ Laughter ]
Anyway, candles
are for children.
And for the childish,
Thelma, dear.
Wallis may be growing older,
but none of us would ever know.
-WOMAN: Oh, hear, hear!
-Well said.
May I have the honor
of the next dance?
Of course, sir.
But the honor is all mine.
[ Laughter ]
EDWARD: Oh-ho!
A rebel in our midst.
Now, Angie, if you're gonna be
presented this season,
you'll have to curtsy properly.
My mother's very hot on it.
Now show me.
Not bad.
-ANGIE: Thank you, sir.
-EDWARD: But not good.
You'll never be
debutante of the year.
Primrose Salt will do it
a darned sight better than that.
Now try it again.
I'm not sure I want to be
a debutante at all.
EDWARD: Yes, you do.
Now come on.
Try it again.
-That's better!
-[ Laughs ]
[ Smooches ]
Much better!
Very good.
Guess who's there this weekend.
Freda Dudley Ward,
his good habit.
Oh.
Sometimes I'm not so sure.
Consider his position.
Well, it's a very fine position.
The finest position
in the world, perhaps.
Thelma, a man must have
companionship for his leisure,
and from what you say, well,
she's not only a good companion,
but also an attractive one.
Who has a tremendous hold
over him.
He always goes to see her.
And no one
has ever quite got him away.
-Really?
-But she's married.
And it's time Prince Charming
found his own wife.
Prince Charming
is traditionally a bachelor.
Yeah, but he has to get married
in the last act.
When the time draws near
for him to be king,
he has to find a girl
of suitable age and rank.
[ Sighs ]
But our prince shows no sign
of being interested
in that idea.
He only likes women
who are married already,
like Freda Dudley Ward.
And Thelma Furness.
Yes, but Freda started it all.
Don't you see?
She got him
into the habit of married women.
She provided him
with a ready-made family.
All the comforts of marriage.
[ Scoffs ]
And none of the duties.
Why should you care?
It means you're more likely
to keep him --
or, rather, your share in him.
THELMA:
The king must have a son.
He's not king yet.
He must find a proper wife
for the future king of England.
Not much room
for the likes of you
in this new life
you prescribe for him.
Well, of course not.
When he's king,
he must give up the likes of me.
[ Laughs ]
You've become very British
in some ways, Thelma.
I myself
remain in heart American.
I should never bow myself out
so respectfully.
And nor shall I...
until it's necessary.
After all, it's not
as if I can marry him myself.
Why not?
You could always get a divorce
from Duke with his record.
Wallis Simpson.
Future kings of England
do not marry divorced women.
You mean they never have.
Oh, you still have a lot
to learn about the British.
Now...
nine of hearts.
Three of hearts.
And Minoru wins again!
And Angie wins...
Yes.
How much this time?
Oh, good gracious.
10 shillings.
Well, come on, then.
Pay up.
Well, I don't carry money,
Angie.
But you shall have it tomorrow,
darling.
Well, then I'll bet you
double or quits,
I'll beat you next time we play.
Angie's become a perfect miser.
She never does anything now
except for money.
Oh, that's not true!
-Time for bed, isn't it?
-FREDA: Yes, it is.
Yes, it's time.
-Come on.
-Come along, Angie.
Otherwise, you'll have the most
dreadful bags under your eyes,
like me.
Then when you're presented
at court,
Primrose Salt,
who never stays up late,
will wipe you
clean off the floor.
[ Indistinct conversation ]
Thank you very much.
Good game, darling?
Yes.
Won by 5 and 3.
I was a bit lucky, though.
Ah. Good.
Thank you.
EDWARD: Thank you.
So, what are the plans
for the week?
Ah.
I'm not sure.
I've had a letter from Gloria
in California,
and she wants me to join her.
I feel I ought to go.
You wouldn't mind, would you?
-For how long?
-Five or six weeks.
Oh, I don't want to leave you,
but I do want to see Gloria.
Well, darling,
you must decide for yourself.
I shall miss you very much,
of course, but...
[ Lighter clicks ]
...if you want to go...
You're sure you don't mind?
No.
Good.
[ Engine turns over ]
[ Indistinct conversations ]
I'm ready.
I'm ready to go.
-Excited?
-Mm, but sad.
Leaving David.
Now, Wallis, is there anything
that I can get you
from California?
No, thank you.
My tastes are now very European.
Oh, Thelma, the little man
is gonna be so lonely
when you're gone.
Yes. But distance makes
the heart grow fonder.
[ Chuckles ]
And he's gonna be very busy
these next few weeks with tours.
Oh. Including a real horror
in Wales.
Oh.
Do look after him for me
while I'm away, Wallis.
See he doesn't get
into any mischief.
Since you ask me,
I'll do my best.
I'm sure that more could be done
to give these people hope.
You've done all you can, sir.
Not enough.
Smiles and sympathy.
It's not enough.
PERCY: You've had
a long and arduous day, sir.
And a depressing one.
What can I do to help them?
Your presence here
cheered them greatly, sir.
Ah, but what can I do
to help them?
We're coming into Brecon now,
sir.
Sir, we're coming
to the schoolchildren.
[ Children cheering ]
Oh, right.
[ Cheering continues ]
MAN: Hooray!
Narrow squeak.
Hope you don't mind my using you
as an alarm clock, Sir Percy.
Sound the bell again
at the next village, would you?
Even if it's only a pair
of cottages.
Well, it has been lovely.
Thank you both.
I've stayed far too long.
I must be going now.
Car will be waiting
to take me home,
and I'm dining alone tonight.
Oh. Well, then why not stay here
and have potluck with us, sir?
Well, are you sure?
Will that be all right?
Of course.
You're most welcome.
Let me get you another drink.
Oh, Ernest.
Could someone tell Ladbroke?
Certainly, sir.
I'll just be a moment, dear.
You heard from Thelma?
No, sir.
Letters aren't in her line.
[ Liquid pouring ]
No, I've had a cable or two,
but she's pretty vague
about what she's doing.
Thelma is a vague creature.
Perhaps she'll be more specific
when she discovers whether she's
on the East or the West Coast.
[ Laughs ]
Well, chin-chin.
Happy days.
And to you, sir.
And to all of us.
I hope...Thelma
is having happy days in America.
EDWARD: Yes.
Whichever coast she's on.
[ Laughs ]
Well, really, Duke.
I don't see
how you can be so stuffy.
No, I didn't.
And even if I did,
I think it ill becomes you
to complain with your recent
entries in the form book.
Uh, Duke, I have to go.
There's somebody coming.
Yes, yes.
But tell me tomorrow, sweetie.
Goodbye.
Mmmm.
[ Smooches ]
[ Chuckles ]
Oh, I hope you missed me a
little more than that, darling.
Well, here I am -- home again.
So I see.
I hear the Aly Khan
has been very attentive to you.
Oh, surely not jealous, darling?
No.
I simply hope that
after the lavish entertainment
of life at sea,
you won't be bored at the fort.
Would you like
to come down for the weekend?
Yes. Of course.
That would be lovely.
Friday then?
Teatime?
Thelma, darling,
how wonderful to see you again.
But you look
dreadfully under the weather.
I have a horrible cold.
But it isn't that, Wallis.
Oh, we don't want to be
disturbed for any reason.
If the phone rings, say I'm out.
Very good, ma'am.
Thelma, darling, what is it?
Oh.
Wallis, I had to come.
WALLIS: Well --
The Prince looked in
at lunchtime today
and was very peculiar.
Can you tell me anything?
What do you mean by "peculiar"?
Well, he seems to have heard
some story about the Aly Khan.
Oh, that was newspaper gossip.
None of us
paid any attention to it.
I assure you, Thelma, dear,
-the little man loves you.
-[ Telephone rings ]
Why, he was just lost
without you when you were gone.
-So nothing has changed?
-[ Door opens ]
Excuse me, ma'am.
Telephone.
I told you, I was out.
It's His Royal Highness, madam.
[ Door closes ]
Yes, I think so.
Thelma's here now.
Yes.
Of course.
I understand.
Thank you.
Bye-bye.
Wallis?
Yes, Thelma.
Wallis, uh...
the Prince looked in, um...
When he looked in, he asked me
if I would go to the fort
this weekend.
And I wondered if you and Ernest
would care to come.
It might help.
Of course, darling.
We'll be there.
You can count on us.
Now here we are.
Yes.
I think
those will do very nicely.
ANGIE:
Oh, they're lovely, Mummy.
It's the least we can do for her
after the dreadful time your
poor sister's had in hospital.
Let's see now -- Sphere, Stage,
Horse & Hound, and Tatler.
I say!
-Mummy, listen to this.
-FREDA: Mm?
About the beastly
Thelma Furness.
She's, in fact,
rather a charming woman, Angie.
Well, it says here she had
dinner five times with Aly Khan
on her way back from America.
Is that charming, Mummy?
Don't be so judging.
ANGIE: It says Aly Khan
canceled all his appointments
to get on the same boat...
and then asked her to dinner
five nights running.
I think that the Little Prince
will be rather cross
with Thelma Furness.
FREDA:
I daresay he might be.
Well, good.
Now he'll spend more time
with us.
Haven't you noticed anything?
No. What?
Well, I didn't think about it
at all during Pempie's illness,
but it's more than three weeks
since he's telephoned us.
Well, that's not like him.
Ring and see what's the matter.
Good morning.
This is Mrs. Dudley Ward.
Is His Royal Highness in?
Oh.
Well, I'll try again later.
Thank you.
Thank you, Osborne.
EDWARD:
Yes, they've done very well,
but I don't think I want
to bring them out
of the greenhouses just yet.
-It's a little bit cold.
-Ah. Thank you, Osborne.
-Ah, Thelma. There you are!
-Thelma, there you are.
We were just in the garden,
weren't we, sir?
-Hello.
-Hello, Thelma.
-Hello, sir.
-WALLIS: Do sit down, Thelma.
-Yes, sit down.
-WALLIS: I told His Majesty
to change his shoes and socks.
It's very wet outside.
I warned him he might get
a cold, like yours, Thelma.
Yes.
There's a lot of it about.
Tea?
I know -- with milk only.
I'm getting very accustomed
to your English teatime.
And you, sir.
A cup of tea with milk.
And I know
you'd like some sugar,
but you can't have it
because it's bad for you.
No!
Naughty boy.
Excuse me.
Martha, could I speak
to His Royal Highness?
Orders not to put me through.
Thank you, Martha.
[ Up-tempo music plays ]
♫ I've danced with a man
who's danced with a girl ♫
♫ Who's danced
with the Prince of Wales ♫
♫ "It was simply grand,"
he said ♫
♫ "Topping band" ♫
♫ And she said,
"Delightful, sir" ♫
♫ Glory, glory, alleluia ♫
♫ I'm the luckiest of females ♫
♫ For I've danced with a man
who's danced with a girl ♫
♫ Who danced
with the Prince of Wales ♫
[ "God Save the King" plays ]
[ Up-tempo music plays ]
[ March plays ]
[ Laughing ] Yes.
Ooh.
Damned hot working in this kit.
Sit down, Joey.
PIERS: Well, there's no time
for that, sir.
EDWARD: Oh.
What's next?
Sergeant's mess
at 20 past 12:00.
10 to 1:00,
visit the men's cookhouse.
Quarter past 1:00, a light lunch
in the officers' mess...
then change
and drive to Tweseldown
for the regimental steeplechase
at half past 3:00.
Excellent.
I'm looking forward to that.
Yes.
I'm sure you are, sir.
But I must remind you that the
King would like you to stop it.
Oh, don't nag, Joey.
I need the exercise.
Very well, sir.
After the steeplechase,
we return here,
where they'll be
beating retreat.
And then dinner
in the officers' mess.
Not a second wasted.
And what time can we get away?
About 11:00, sir.
Not earlier?
I mean, if dinner's once over...
Well, if you leave
immediately after dinner, sir,
it will cause offense.
11:00 sharp, then.
And promise, Joey?
Sir.
[ Indistinct conversations ]
EDWARD: Gentlemen.
At ease, please.
[ Clears throat ]
How are you, Sergeant Major?
Very well.
Thank you, sir.
You still playing rugby football
for the battalion?
Yes, sir.
Thank you, sir.
Ah, but getting a bit past it.
-Well, not you, surely.
-[ Chuckles ]
[ Clicks heels ]
-You'll be Drill Sergeant Owen?
-Yes, sir.
New here, I think.
Just came up from the depot
last month, sir.
Well, they'll be missing you,
I'm sure.
Sir.
-Sergeant Evans.
-Sir.
-Sergeant Boothby.
-BOOTHBY: Sir.
-EDWARD: Sergeant James.
-Sir.
[ Clicks heels ]
Quartermaster Neale.
Sir.
Ah.
My compliments to you,
gentlemen.
Your very good health.
How nice to see old friends.
♫ For he's a jolly good fellow ♫
♫ For he's a jolly good fellow ♫
♫ For he's a jolly good fellow ♫
♫ And so say all of us ♫
♫ And so say all of us ♫
♫ And so say all of us ♫
♫ For he's a jolly good fellow ♫
♫ For he's a jolly good fellow ♫
♫ For he's a jolly good fellow ♫
♫ And so say all of us ♫
-Hip-hip-hip!
-TOGETHER: Hooray!
-SERGEANT MAJOR: Hip-hip-hip!
-TOGETHER: Hooray!
-SERGEANT MAJOR: Hip-hip-hip!
-TOGETHER: Hooray!
[ Man shouting indistinctly ]
[ Men shouting indistinctly ]
[ Crowd cheering ]
[ Indistinct shouting ]
[ Crowd cheering ]
[ Applause ]
WOMAN: Well done.
WOMAN #2: Well done.
[ Applause continues ]
MAN: Bravo!
Bravo!
[ Applause continues ]
EDWARD: Thank you so much, Alan.
Was kind of you.
PIERS:
Back to York House, sir?
EDWARD: Yes. Straight home.
But only to change.
I'll need the car
to go on afterwards.
PIERS: Will you be
needing me, too, sir?
EDWARD:
No, thank you, Joey.
You're not put out, are you?
I'm gonna have
a bit of fun, Joey.
I only thought
you might be tired, sir.
Well, I worry.
We all do...
lest you might be
overdoing things a bit.
After all,
it' s been a very long day.
Gone awfully well.
Yes.
I enjoyed the race.
Didn't lose by much, you know.
Well, His Majesty's
not going to be pleased, sir.
You know their Royal Highnesses
are most anxious to stop you
racing over fences.
Well, that's all very well,
but I must have a bit of fun,
you know.
I do all I can
to please others in public.
-Yes, I know that, sir.
-So I don't see
why my private life should be
rearranged to suit my father.
But it isn't, sir, is it?
I mean, for example, l don't
know where you're going on to.
Sure, you know where I'm going.
Going to the Embassy Club.
And there
I shall meet some old friends,
most of who I admit
probably give the King
a severe heart attack.
Not bad at all.
Yes.
Be any luck, be there by 1:00.
Well played, Joey.
I don't know
what I'd do without you.
[ Mid-tempo music plays ]
[ Indistinct conversations ]
-Thank you, Luigi.
-Hello, sir.
-Had a good day?
-Oh, very good.
Rode a race.
Poor Joey thought I'd fall off,
of course.
[ Laughing ] Really?
Good for you.
How are you?
Fine.
How are the children?
Oh, they're fine.
They send their love.
Freda, can I persuade you
to change your mind
about the trip to East Africa?
Do come.
It'll be such fun.
You can stay with
Edward and Joan Grigg, you know,
and then join me on my safari.
David, we've talked about this
a thousand times.
And I know
and you know that I can't.
Well, yes.
I know.
But wouldn't it be lovely
to go away together?
Yes, it would,
but it's impossible.
Who's in the party tonight?
Only Dickie and Edwina.
They're coming over.
Can you stop them sitting down?
Yes, of course.
I know
you won't want to go alone.
I'm sure Thelma
wouldn't mind tagging along.
Of course, the Palace
isn't gonna like it,
but I daresay that you think
that that's your own affair.
Yes, I certainly do.
FREDA: Yes.
Someday, David,
you're gonna have to find
someone that isn't married...
[Blows]
and strike
into unmapped territory.
Find someone
that isn't ready-trained.
[ Applause ]
Sounds like the Palace again.
Well, I daresay it does.
There's Thelma.
She's just come in.
Now, why don't you go
and join her?
Tell her
that you've got my permission.
Well, I'd like
to dance with you first.
No.
You go and dance with Thelma.
You've got to get in
some practice for East Africa.
EDWARD: Nairobi, Thelma.
Nairobi, sir?
Yes. That's where you'll get
your invitation
to join me on safari.
Duke won't mind your leaving?
Duke will have
his own amusements.
Hmm?
Good.
Like everybody to be happy.
[ Chuckles ]
[ Men chanting
in native language ]
[ Man shouting
in native language ]
[ Men shouting
in native language ]
[ Man shouting
in native language ]
[ Shouting indistinctly ]
[ Chanting continues ]
[ Applause ]
[ Slow music plays,
indistinct conversations ]
Yes, I know.
I know. Yes.
WOMAN: [ Speaks indistinctly ]
Yes.
Yes, yes.
EDWARD:
Beyond all expectations.
What charming ladies.
...watch our complexions
the whole time.
You thought so, too, did you?
What charming children!
Yes. They're
the little bastards, sir.
Oh. You put them in uniform
out here, do you?
[ Laughter ]
[ Elephant trumpets ]
PIERS: Look out.
The bloody thing is coming.
[ Trumpets ]
-Run.
-MAN: Look out!
[ Gunshot ]
[ Gunshot ]
[ Gunshot ]
[ Gunshot ]
[ Trumpets ]
Shall I be Mother?
Uh-huh.
-Okay.
-[ Gunshot ]
[ Group cheering ]
I did it!
Oh!
Is it dead?
[ Trumpeting ]
[ Gunshot ]
[ Group cheering ]
[ Applause ]
[ Laughter ]
Mmm. Mm!
Lovely afternoon.
Anybody for a walk?
What a good idea.
Would you excuse me, gentlemen?
MAN: Of course.
EDWARD:
I promise you, darling,
there are no snakes
in this part of Africa.
-I bet there might.
-Never been seen.
Never been seen.
I don't believe you
for a minute.
Oh!
Ohh!
I have had a marvelous time.
-Pure pleasure.
-Me too.
Oh, yes.
Except all that officialdom.
All those ghastly
government sahibs to cope with.
You poor darling.
Bwanas, darling.
Hmm? What?
I think
they're called "bwanas" here.
Oh, I can just imagine it --
all those stringy wives
and spotty daughters
gauping at you like crocodiles.
Oh, with sheer adoration,
luckily for you.
Or they'd have eaten you up.
You've certainly done your bit
to hold the Empire together.
[ Smooches ]
It's my job.
Still, I think we've earned
our little adventure together,
-don't you?
-Mm-hmm. Yes.
But now the treat's over.
Well, not quite.
I thought that we'd do the last
40 miles together by car.
The rest of them
can pack up and then follow.
Oh, darling!
Oh, yeah.
But Joey would never allow you
to go without an escort.
Oh, yes, he will.
With respect, sir,
are you sure this is prudent?
I don't see why not.
I know the way.
I'm afraid there is no way, sir.
The country between here and Voi
is absolutely trackless.
-All you know is the direction.
-That should be enough.
Well, I should hate you
to lose it, sir.
Well, after all, that can happen
to anyone in the bush.
I mean, you could have
an accident.
The car could break down.
You might fall ill.
Kind of you to worry,
but my mind's made up.
Get in Thelma, darling,
would you?
But at least let me send
a guide with you, sir.
[ Engine turns over,
car door closes ]
I think
I've all the company I need.
Poor Joey.
Awful old woman.
Thelma, darling.
Mm-hmm?
There won't be a chance
to say goodbye properly at Voi.
Here?
Here.
Feeling seedy.
I-I'll have to stop.
Darling, what is it?
Shall I drive?
Know how to?
No. Not really.
Oh.
Well, I'll have to carry on.
[ Grunts ]
Behind time.
Don't want them
mounting a search party.
Ohh.
Sir?
[ Breathes deeply ]
Sir.
David.
David.
David.
David!
[ Groans ]
Please, wake up.
[ Lion roars ]
Oh!
[ Breathes deeply ]
Oh.
Oh, please, God,
make him wake up.
EDWARD: [ Groans ]
Ohh.
Or somebody come!
[ Animal howls ]
[ Animal howls ]
Sir.
Now that you're feeling better,
I'm afraid I have some
rather unpleasant news for you.
Please read this.
Oh, we must get home right away.
The light cruiser Enterprise
is waiting to take you
from Dar es Salaam, sir.
Everything's packed up
and ready to go
the minute that you're fit.
Well played, Joey.
I am fit.
Yes.
A very good journey, indeed.
Thank you, Prime Minister.
You know, from Brindisi on,
Mussolini lent me his own train.
So I hear, sir.
We got home very quickly.
He certainly makes them
run on time.
Mr. Baldwin, how is the King?
I do hope
he'll be glad to see me.
As to that, sir, your mother
asked me to prepare you.
For what?
Well, sir,
not to see His Majesty
when you arrive
at the Palace tonight.
He is too ill
to see anyone at all.
Not even me?
The doctors say he is not
to be disturbed by anybody.
Well, let's wait and see.
I'm sorry to be the one
to tell you this, sir.
Not at all, Mr. Baldwin.
It's very kind of you.
Thank you.
[ Cigarette case opens ]
Prime Minister,
do please remember
that you can always speak to me
about anything.
Thank you, sir.
DAWSON: With respect, sir,
it is essential
that His Majesty
should be totally undisturbed.
EDWARD: But you don't forbid me
to see him.
DAWSON:
I can't do that, sir.
But I will not take
the responsibility.
Lord Dawson,
damn the responsibility!
I'll take it.
Oh, it's you, is it?
Damn you.
What the devil
are you doing here?
[ Chuckles ]
FREDA: The King
is supposed to be dying,
and the Prince
tries on the crown.
The King wakes up and sees him,
and he's so angry
that he recovers --
only for a moment,
if I remember.
What are you talking about?
Shakespeare.
"Henry IV."
Oh. Well, George V
will be as sound as a bell.
God has saved the King.
Still, it's a relief
he's so much better.
It's been quite a scare.
I suppose I'd better pack up
steeplechasing.
That would please him,
wouldn't it?
Certainly would.
Oh.
Look at that house over there.
Just caught a glimpse.
Oh, David.
It's enchanting!
It is.
It's a little close to Windsor
maybe, but it's very pretty.
By Jove, I like it awfully.
[ Humming ]
Good God.
What on earth's that?
It's the Little Prince!
Stop the car, mummy.
Why are you dressed like that?
I'm practicing
for the parade tomorrow.
Here.
Do you want to try it on, Angie?
-Oh. All right.
-Take your hat off, then.
There. Didn't your sister
come with you?
No.
I can't see a thing.
-[ Laughs ]
-It's terribly heavy.
I'll tell you what.
You take this inside.
I'm sure
Osborne will give you a drink.
-All right.
-All right?
Careful, David.
Mad dogs and Englishmen.
EDWARD: Yes.
It's getting rather hot.
You've done wonders.
It was clever of us both
to find this place.
Come and see
what I've done over here.
You know, I'm so happy here.
-THELMA: [ Squealing ]
-EDWARD: Thelma!
Careful!
They think I'm crazy!
-Oh!
-There we go!
Aah! Aah!
If you're not careful,
something's going to get broken.
They're unbreakable!
It says so!
I didn't mean the records.
EDWARD: Ah!
[ Both gasp ]
Wedgwood...I think.
Well, it's entirely
Thelma's fault.
She began the whole thing.
Oh. I won't have
anybody blaming Thelma.
You two led her on.
Oh, Elizabeth, you're so right!
-Just look at how sweet you are.
-THELMA: Oh.
Butter wouldn't melt, would it?
Do you know, you'd never believe
what a lazy girl she was
before she married.
She never used to get up at all
if she could possibly help it,
unless, of course,
there was a race meeting on.
Ah, but I wasn't sleeping.
I was reading.
Improving my mind.
-THELMA: Ah.
-ELIZABETH: [ Chuckles ]
THELMA: Ah.
[ Both chuckle ]
[ Indistinct conversations ]
I'll just squeeze this one dry,
Wallis,
and then I'll make some more.
[ American accent ]
We'll send up some smoke signals
if we get desperate.
[ Laughter ]
You've got a party.
I didn't realize.
Quite a crowd.
Well, look,
I won't stay if you don't mind.
-I'm not in the mood.
-No crowds, darling.
No party.
Just a few friends.
Oh, and a new person
of Consuelo's.
Oh.
Will I like
this new person of Consuelo's?
I think she's rather fun.
Come and see.
I adore you.
THELMA:
You know everyone, sir.
Um, except for, uh...
...Mrs. Ernest Simpson.
Wallis Simpson, sir.
How do you do, Mrs. Simpson?
Wallace.
A boy's name, surely.
Oh.
No, no, sir.
It's W-A-L-L-I-S.
W-A-L-L-I-S.
Oh, yes.
It's short for Bessie Wallis,
Consuelo says.
It's the Bessie part
I'd like to forget, sir.
Oh? Why?
England's Good Queen Bess, what?
Oh, no, no.
It's the habit
of double names --
a silly American habit.
Oh.
What's so silly about it?
Well, if you don't think
Bessie Wallis is silly, sir,
pity a poor friend of mine
whose mother's name was Rosebud
and whose father's name
was Edwin.
The result -- Budwin.
[ Laughter ]
Yes.
That's pretty ghastly.
Wallis.
[ Chuckles ]
[ Ringing ]
Yes. Of course.
Freda, darling,
how are you today?
How are the children?
We're all well.
Happy Christmas, and God bless
you for the New Year, David.
[ Chuckles ]
Wonder how many New Years it is
since you first wished me that.
[ Chuckles ]
More than either of us
cares to remember, I expect.
[ Chuckles ]
Be telling, wouldn't it?
Darling, um, I'm sending over
the -- the presents
I got for the children...
Did I ever tell you
how I first met him?
Oh, no, Thelma.
Please tell.
It was at the Leicester Fair
of all places.
He was pinning a blue ribbon
on a cow.
WALLIS: [ Chuckles ]
He saw me watching.
Well, he knew who I was,
of course.
Of course.
And he came straight over to me
and asked me to dine with him
when I was next in London.
WALLIS: Mm.
So I said, quite untruthfully,
that I'd be there
the following week.
And he named the day.
8:00, St. James's Palace.
-Just like that.
-Oh.
Well, then, of course,
I had to go up especially,
and Duke wanted to know why.
He was a bit winded
when I told him.
What was said at dinner?
Nothing much.
Except he asked
if we could meet again.
A question
expecting the answer "yes."
And getting it.
In every sense.
[ Laughs ]
Well, it was a bit
of a walkover, I'm afraid.
And yet...
besides adoring his looks
and the rest of it,
I felt so sorry for him.
WALLIS: Oh?
You know -- being brought up
to be a prince and not a person.
And all the time
desperately needing
to know that people
liked him for himself.
Well, I thought at least one
other lady had been reassuring.
Mm. [ Scoffs ]
You mean Freda Dudley Ward.
His old flame.
He met her during the war
in an air raid.
She took shelter in someone's
house when the warning went,
and there he was,
dancing in the cellar.
They, uh...danced their way out
together, you might say.
[ Laughs ]
And they still take a turn
'round the floor...
from time to time.
Quite often, one hears.
She must have very tough roots
in him.
Or he in her.
[ Blows ]
She has a great hold on him.
It's partly habit.
Oh,
and a very good habit, too.
She's fearfully attractive,
and everybody adores her.
And she's helping him
to organize clubs and things
-for the poor.
-Mm. Feathers Clubs.
From the Prince of Wales'
feathers -- for the unemployed.
Oh.
So you know all about it.
No. Not really.
Ernest was talking about it
the other day.
He said something about, oh,
the Prince was making a speech
at the Albert Hall,
and it was going to be recorded
for broadcast
sometime later this week,
I think.
Oh.
I must listen to it.
Hm.
Oh, I'm not really in
on that side of him.
Freda Dudley Ward
is queen there.
Ah.
But he is far more interested
in you.
I've watched him
when you're with him.
When you talk to him,
he wears a...
giving look.
Oh, he certainly listens
to my suggestions.
I got him to have a Christmas
tree at the fort last year --
the first time.
[ Scoffs ] You can do
much better than that, my dear.
You can get him to have me
and Ernest to Belvedere
for the first time.
You want to be invited
to the fort?
Yes.
To the fort.
Why, I've known him
over two years,
and we've never been invited
to the fort.
Oh. Well.
I'm sure I can arrange it.
Oh, Thelma.
You are a dear.
It will brighten up
my dreary life.
Oh, but I thought you and Ernest
were very contented.
Contentment
is for domestic animals.
Human beings
need more excitement.
At least Wallis Simpson does.
The fort
isn't all that exciting.
It will be to me
after Bryanston Court.
Hm.
EDWARD: Now we cannot hope
to influence directly the trend
of international affairs.
But close at hand
is a domestic problem...
...vast and baffling
if looked at in the mass,
yet easier to help when broken
up into individual pieces.
Yes.
That's very right.
Shh!
Your turn later, mummy.
I'm thinking now of each member
of the unemployed population
as a single
separate personality
beset by depression...
laboring under a sense
of frustration and futility.
[ Radio clicks ]
Not interested?
Very.
In the singer
rather than the song.
Singers like their songs
to be appreciated.
I know I do.
Oh, I'll appreciate this one.
I'll study it
in one of the papers.
And you should, too,
before the weekend.
Before the weekend?
We're invited to Fort Belvedere
by the Prince for the weekend.
THELMA: Oh, Wallis!
How lovely it is
to see you and Ernest here!
How very kind of
His Royal Highness to invite us.
Oh.
Hello, Ernest.
Good evening, Wallis.
Good evening, sir.
-Do come in.
-Yes, come in.
Come on.
We have a lovely fire.
EDWARD:
Good evening, Ernest.
Do come in, won't you?
THELMA: Oh.
Now...
as this is Wallis and Ernest's
first visit to the fort,
I think I should explain
the house rules.
There's only one --
that you must enjoy yourselves
at all times.
Now you stay up as late as you
like and do just as you please.
-Right, sir?
-Absolutely!
I only ask my friends
to the fort.
It's my retreat
from public life.
And that's the way I like it.
Sounds lovely,
doesn't it, Ernest?
Certainly does.
Ah.
Luncheon seems to be ready.
Will you bring our guests in,
Thelma?
Bring your drinks with you.
THELMA:
Now, look, I must warn you.
His Royal Highness has a running
battle with the undergrowth
and has dedicated himself
to winning it.
Ernest,
you'll be enlisted to help.
Just wait and see.
[ Laughs ]
[ Indistinct conversations ]
Now, Wallis, you're over there.
WALLIS: Thank you.
Oh, what a beautiful room!
We'll put Ernest opposite you.
Oysters.
EDWARD:
You fond of oysters, Wallis?
Oh, yes.
I love them.
They remind me of home.
Actually, they're from His Royal
Highness' personal oyster beds.
One of the advantages
of being the Duke of Cornwall.
Do help yourselves.
ERNEST: Thank you.
Thank you.
Thelma, have we invited people
over for dinner this evening?
-THELMA: No, sir.
-EDWARD: Good.
THELMA: But I have an idea.
Why don't we show my cine film
of our African safari?
Oh, Thelma, not again.
ERNEST:
Well, we haven't seen it, sir.
EDWARD: Have you not, Ernest?
Oh, really?
I'm surprised to hear that.
The film, you know,
is at least four years old,
and Thelma's been dining out on
her safari stories since then.
THELMA: Sir!
You're joking about one
of the most amazing
and terrifying experiences
of my life.
In what way, Thelma?
My first night under canvas,
I was scared to death.
I kept imagining all sorts
of dreadful things happening.
And one night, it did.
A wild beast actually found
its way into my tent.
-A wild beast in your tent.
-THELMA: Mm-hmm.
Why, I do hope
you were looking your best.
-Oh.
-EDWARD: [ Laughs ]
Wallis, you're teasing,
but I was petrified.
Why, I turned on my torch,
and there was a hyena with one
of my shoes in its mouth.
But, Thelma, I don't think
hyenas ever attack people.
Not if they're alive.
And Thelma certainly was that.
Legend has it
her voice was heard in Nairobi.
THELMA: I didn't know until
later that they were scavengers.
And all the brute wanted
was a bit of shoe leather.
ERNEST: [ Laughs ]
But, sir, you have to admit
my film is quite unique.
Ernest, I have a sequence
of a little native boy
being clawed by a lion.
Well, that's unfortunate.
THELMA: Mm.
It was.
But I kept right on filming.
And, fortunately, another boy
ran up and speared the lion.
It's quite remarkable.
I'm sure you'll think so, too.
After the film, we can roll up
the carpet and dance.
3/4 time, sir?
3/4 time?
It's a joke we have.
Our very first night
out together
was at the Hotel Splendide,
and we danced all night
to their Viennese orchestra.
That 3/4 time.
Very romantic, Thelma.
It does sound like fun.
Good.
That's tonight.
What about after lunch, sir?
Well, this afternoon,
I've got my work cut out
clearing more undergrowth.
Could I suggest
that you might perhaps like
to lend a hand, Ernest?
That was a suggestion,
not an order.
You might prefer
a round of golf.
Thank you.
ERNEST: Thank you, Thelma,
but I prefer the suggestion.
Good.
And I'll come along
for moral support.
EDWARD:
Be delighted if you would.
Mustard, Wallis?
Why, thank you, Thelma, dear.
[ "Happy Birthday to You"
plays ]
[ Indistinct conversations ]
Oh.
EDWARD: How nice.
Darling, where are the candles?
The cake wasn't big enough
to hold them all.
[ Laughter ]
Anyway, candles
are for children.
And for the childish,
Thelma, dear.
Wallis may be growing older,
but none of us would ever know.
-WOMAN: Oh, hear, hear!
-Well said.
May I have the honor
of the next dance?
Of course, sir.
But the honor is all mine.
[ Laughter ]
EDWARD: Oh-ho!
A rebel in our midst.
Now, Angie, if you're gonna be
presented this season,
you'll have to curtsy properly.
My mother's very hot on it.
Now show me.
Not bad.
-ANGIE: Thank you, sir.
-EDWARD: But not good.
You'll never be
debutante of the year.
Primrose Salt will do it
a darned sight better than that.
Now try it again.
I'm not sure I want to be
a debutante at all.
EDWARD: Yes, you do.
Now come on.
Try it again.
-That's better!
-[ Laughs ]
[ Smooches ]
Much better!
Very good.
Guess who's there this weekend.
Freda Dudley Ward,
his good habit.
Oh.
Sometimes I'm not so sure.
Consider his position.
Well, it's a very fine position.
The finest position
in the world, perhaps.
Thelma, a man must have
companionship for his leisure,
and from what you say, well,
she's not only a good companion,
but also an attractive one.
Who has a tremendous hold
over him.
He always goes to see her.
And no one
has ever quite got him away.
-Really?
-But she's married.
And it's time Prince Charming
found his own wife.
Prince Charming
is traditionally a bachelor.
Yeah, but he has to get married
in the last act.
When the time draws near
for him to be king,
he has to find a girl
of suitable age and rank.
[ Sighs ]
But our prince shows no sign
of being interested
in that idea.
He only likes women
who are married already,
like Freda Dudley Ward.
And Thelma Furness.
Yes, but Freda started it all.
Don't you see?
She got him
into the habit of married women.
She provided him
with a ready-made family.
All the comforts of marriage.
[ Scoffs ]
And none of the duties.
Why should you care?
It means you're more likely
to keep him --
or, rather, your share in him.
THELMA:
The king must have a son.
He's not king yet.
He must find a proper wife
for the future king of England.
Not much room
for the likes of you
in this new life
you prescribe for him.
Well, of course not.
When he's king,
he must give up the likes of me.
[ Laughs ]
You've become very British
in some ways, Thelma.
I myself
remain in heart American.
I should never bow myself out
so respectfully.
And nor shall I...
until it's necessary.
After all, it's not
as if I can marry him myself.
Why not?
You could always get a divorce
from Duke with his record.
Wallis Simpson.
Future kings of England
do not marry divorced women.
You mean they never have.
Oh, you still have a lot
to learn about the British.
Now...
nine of hearts.
Three of hearts.
And Minoru wins again!
And Angie wins...
Yes.
How much this time?
Oh, good gracious.
10 shillings.
Well, come on, then.
Pay up.
Well, I don't carry money,
Angie.
But you shall have it tomorrow,
darling.
Well, then I'll bet you
double or quits,
I'll beat you next time we play.
Angie's become a perfect miser.
She never does anything now
except for money.
Oh, that's not true!
-Time for bed, isn't it?
-FREDA: Yes, it is.
Yes, it's time.
-Come on.
-Come along, Angie.
Otherwise, you'll have the most
dreadful bags under your eyes,
like me.
Then when you're presented
at court,
Primrose Salt,
who never stays up late,
will wipe you
clean off the floor.
[ Indistinct conversation ]
Thank you very much.
Good game, darling?
Yes.
Won by 5 and 3.
I was a bit lucky, though.
Ah. Good.
Thank you.
EDWARD: Thank you.
So, what are the plans
for the week?
Ah.
I'm not sure.
I've had a letter from Gloria
in California,
and she wants me to join her.
I feel I ought to go.
You wouldn't mind, would you?
-For how long?
-Five or six weeks.
Oh, I don't want to leave you,
but I do want to see Gloria.
Well, darling,
you must decide for yourself.
I shall miss you very much,
of course, but...
[ Lighter clicks ]
...if you want to go...
You're sure you don't mind?
No.
Good.
[ Engine turns over ]
[ Indistinct conversations ]
I'm ready.
I'm ready to go.
-Excited?
-Mm, but sad.
Leaving David.
Now, Wallis, is there anything
that I can get you
from California?
No, thank you.
My tastes are now very European.
Oh, Thelma, the little man
is gonna be so lonely
when you're gone.
Yes. But distance makes
the heart grow fonder.
[ Chuckles ]
And he's gonna be very busy
these next few weeks with tours.
Oh. Including a real horror
in Wales.
Oh.
Do look after him for me
while I'm away, Wallis.
See he doesn't get
into any mischief.
Since you ask me,
I'll do my best.
I'm sure that more could be done
to give these people hope.
You've done all you can, sir.
Not enough.
Smiles and sympathy.
It's not enough.
PERCY: You've had
a long and arduous day, sir.
And a depressing one.
What can I do to help them?
Your presence here
cheered them greatly, sir.
Ah, but what can I do
to help them?
We're coming into Brecon now,
sir.
Sir, we're coming
to the schoolchildren.
[ Children cheering ]
Oh, right.
[ Cheering continues ]
MAN: Hooray!
Narrow squeak.
Hope you don't mind my using you
as an alarm clock, Sir Percy.
Sound the bell again
at the next village, would you?
Even if it's only a pair
of cottages.
Well, it has been lovely.
Thank you both.
I've stayed far too long.
I must be going now.
Car will be waiting
to take me home,
and I'm dining alone tonight.
Oh. Well, then why not stay here
and have potluck with us, sir?
Well, are you sure?
Will that be all right?
Of course.
You're most welcome.
Let me get you another drink.
Oh, Ernest.
Could someone tell Ladbroke?
Certainly, sir.
I'll just be a moment, dear.
You heard from Thelma?
No, sir.
Letters aren't in her line.
[ Liquid pouring ]
No, I've had a cable or two,
but she's pretty vague
about what she's doing.
Thelma is a vague creature.
Perhaps she'll be more specific
when she discovers whether she's
on the East or the West Coast.
[ Laughs ]
Well, chin-chin.
Happy days.
And to you, sir.
And to all of us.
I hope...Thelma
is having happy days in America.
EDWARD: Yes.
Whichever coast she's on.
[ Laughs ]
Well, really, Duke.
I don't see
how you can be so stuffy.
No, I didn't.
And even if I did,
I think it ill becomes you
to complain with your recent
entries in the form book.
Uh, Duke, I have to go.
There's somebody coming.
Yes, yes.
But tell me tomorrow, sweetie.
Goodbye.
Mmmm.
[ Smooches ]
[ Chuckles ]
Oh, I hope you missed me a
little more than that, darling.
Well, here I am -- home again.
So I see.
I hear the Aly Khan
has been very attentive to you.
Oh, surely not jealous, darling?
No.
I simply hope that
after the lavish entertainment
of life at sea,
you won't be bored at the fort.
Would you like
to come down for the weekend?
Yes. Of course.
That would be lovely.
Friday then?
Teatime?
Thelma, darling,
how wonderful to see you again.
But you look
dreadfully under the weather.
I have a horrible cold.
But it isn't that, Wallis.
Oh, we don't want to be
disturbed for any reason.
If the phone rings, say I'm out.
Very good, ma'am.
Thelma, darling, what is it?
Oh.
Wallis, I had to come.
WALLIS: Well --
The Prince looked in
at lunchtime today
and was very peculiar.
Can you tell me anything?
What do you mean by "peculiar"?
Well, he seems to have heard
some story about the Aly Khan.
Oh, that was newspaper gossip.
None of us
paid any attention to it.
I assure you, Thelma, dear,
-the little man loves you.
-[ Telephone rings ]
Why, he was just lost
without you when you were gone.
-So nothing has changed?
-[ Door opens ]
Excuse me, ma'am.
Telephone.
I told you, I was out.
It's His Royal Highness, madam.
[ Door closes ]
Yes, I think so.
Thelma's here now.
Yes.
Of course.
I understand.
Thank you.
Bye-bye.
Wallis?
Yes, Thelma.
Wallis, uh...
the Prince looked in, um...
When he looked in, he asked me
if I would go to the fort
this weekend.
And I wondered if you and Ernest
would care to come.
It might help.
Of course, darling.
We'll be there.
You can count on us.
Now here we are.
Yes.
I think
those will do very nicely.
ANGIE:
Oh, they're lovely, Mummy.
It's the least we can do for her
after the dreadful time your
poor sister's had in hospital.
Let's see now -- Sphere, Stage,
Horse & Hound, and Tatler.
I say!
-Mummy, listen to this.
-FREDA: Mm?
About the beastly
Thelma Furness.
She's, in fact,
rather a charming woman, Angie.
Well, it says here she had
dinner five times with Aly Khan
on her way back from America.
Is that charming, Mummy?
Don't be so judging.
ANGIE: It says Aly Khan
canceled all his appointments
to get on the same boat...
and then asked her to dinner
five nights running.
I think that the Little Prince
will be rather cross
with Thelma Furness.
FREDA:
I daresay he might be.
Well, good.
Now he'll spend more time
with us.
Haven't you noticed anything?
No. What?
Well, I didn't think about it
at all during Pempie's illness,
but it's more than three weeks
since he's telephoned us.
Well, that's not like him.
Ring and see what's the matter.
Good morning.
This is Mrs. Dudley Ward.
Is His Royal Highness in?
Oh.
Well, I'll try again later.
Thank you.
Thank you, Osborne.
EDWARD:
Yes, they've done very well,
but I don't think I want
to bring them out
of the greenhouses just yet.
-It's a little bit cold.
-Ah. Thank you, Osborne.
-Ah, Thelma. There you are!
-Thelma, there you are.
We were just in the garden,
weren't we, sir?
-Hello.
-Hello, Thelma.
-Hello, sir.
-WALLIS: Do sit down, Thelma.
-Yes, sit down.
-WALLIS: I told His Majesty
to change his shoes and socks.
It's very wet outside.
I warned him he might get
a cold, like yours, Thelma.
Yes.
There's a lot of it about.
Tea?
I know -- with milk only.
I'm getting very accustomed
to your English teatime.
And you, sir.
A cup of tea with milk.
And I know
you'd like some sugar,
but you can't have it
because it's bad for you.
No!
Naughty boy.
Excuse me.
Martha, could I speak
to His Royal Highness?
Orders not to put me through.
Thank you, Martha.