Watch Edward VIII: The Nazi King

Edward VIII: The Nazi King is a 2009 historical drama directed by David Barrie, starring Jack Davenport in the lead role of King Edward VIII. The movie depicts the controversial events surrounding the abdication of the King and his alleged connections with the Nazi regime led by Adolf Hitler in the years leading up to the Second World War.

The plot of Edward VIII: The Nazi King revolves around the abdication crisis of 1936, which shook the British monarchy and the political establishment to its core. Edward VIII, also known as the Duke of Windsor after his abdication, had only been on the throne for less than a year when he expressed his desire to marry Wallis Simpson, an American socialite who was twice divorced. The prospect of an American divorcee becoming the queen consort of England was deemed scandalous by the establishment, and the Church of England was vehemently opposed to the marriage. Moreover, Simpson was rumored to have connections with the German Nazi party, whose ideology was antithetical to the values of democracy and freedom that the British people held dear.

The movie depicts the intense negotiations between Edward VIII and his advisors, who urged him to abandon his plans of marrying Simpson and to continue his reign as King. However, Edward VIII was a stubborn and headstrong monarch who refused to give up his love for Simpson, even if it meant abdicating the throne. The movie shows the emotional turmoil that Edward VIII went through as he struggled to come to terms with the demands of his duty as King and his personal desires as a man.

The historical accuracy of the movie has been a subject of debate, with some historians disputing the claims made in the movie about Edward VIII's sympathy for the Nazi regime. The movie portrays Edward VIII as a monarch who was seduced by the fascist ideology of Hitler and his henchmen, and who was willing to betray his own country for the sake of his love for Simpson. The movie suggests that Edward VIII's marriage to Simpson was a smokescreen for his true allegiance to the Nazi cause, and that he was involved in espionage and other nefarious activities that threatened the security of the British Empire.

The movie also introduces several other characters who played a key role in the abdication crisis, including Stanley Baldwin, the Prime Minister of Britain at the time, and Archbishop Cosmo Lang, the head of the Church of England. These characters provide a counterpoint to Edward VIII's story, highlighting the political and religious factors that came into play during the crisis.

The cinematography of the movie is visually stunning, with shots of majestic castles and palaces interspersed with archival footage of the events of the time. The acting is superb, with Jack Davenport delivering a powerful performance as Edward VIII, conveying the inner turmoil and conflict that the monarch experienced during these turbulent times. The supporting cast, including Frances Barber as Wallis Simpson and Christopher Lee as the Duke of Windsor, provide strong performances that help to flesh out the story.

Overall, Edward VIII: The Nazi King is a compelling historical drama that offers a fascinating insight into one of the most controversial periods in British history. Although the accuracy of the movie's claims about Edward VIII's alleged sympathies for the Nazi cause has been disputed, the movie remains a gripping tale of love, duty and betrayal that is sure to captivate audiences.