Edward The King 6 Volume Set (1985) Rating: Starring: Francesca Annis, Annette Crosbie, John Gielgud, Robert Hardy, Michael Hodern, Moira Redmond, Hellen Ryan, Carolyn Seymour, Timothy West Director: John Gorrie Category: Drama Studio: Goldhil Subtitles: Length: 680 mins     He was the eldest son of Queen Victoria, who ruled Great Britain for more than half a century. When he ascended to the throne, after her death in 1901, he reigned for only nine years. And yet, Edward VII was no less a symbol of his time than his formidable mother had been. Episode 1: The Boy A future king is born to Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert of Germany. Victoria resents the baby from the moment she finds out she is pregnant again. Episode 2: Experiment In Education The young Prince of Wales is subject to a very strict and arduous plan of education completely unsuited to his temperament. "Bertie," as he is called, soon begins to lose his concentration. Episode 3: The New World Edward is growing up and although restricted to severe discipline, has his first taste of freedom. Episode 4: Alix A romance is planned, but Edward, still unwilling to consider marriage, is enjoying an illicit romance with a Music-hall dancer. Episode 5: A Hundred Thousand Welcomes Edward marries, but his relationship with his mother is still affected by her belief that he is to blame for her husband's death. Episode 6: The Invisible Queen Victoria's insistence on keeping the Prince of Wales away from public duties contributes to his frivolous lifestyle which threatens his marriage. Episode 7: Dearest Prince Edward is again involved in a scandal and challenges Lord Randolph to a duel, but Alexandria remains loyal. Episode 8: The Royal Quadrille Foreign affairs, particularly those involving the family, occupy a great deal of Edward's time, along with an affair with a very beautiful actress. Episode 9: Scandal The strength of the monarchy is threatened by several scandals in which Edward is involved, but these worries are dwarfed by the tragedy of his eldest son's death. Episode 10: The Years Of Waiting The turn of the century is a momentous period for Edward..The Boer War, Edward's disillusionment with his mistress Daisy, an assassination attempt, and his own lack of confidence in his ability. Episode 11: King At Last Queen Victoria is dead, the Prince of Wales is now Edward the Seventh. He is 60 years old. Can he handle the responsibilities of being a sovereign? Episode 12: The Peacemaker Edward ascends the throne at time when England's popularity abroad is at a low ebb. His determination to improve foreign relationships wins him the title "The Peacemaker." But there are ominous undertones. Episode 13: Good Old Teddy! Edward the Seventh's final years are marked with his struggle against illness and his refusal to allow his failing health to impede his efforts to safeguard the peace of Europe.