In Their Own Words: Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II, seated on Britain's throne since 1952, recently became England's longest reigning monarch. Described here as being "constant as the Northern star," Elizabeth presides over a constitutional monarchy, and has ruled with an unswerving devotion to duty, bringing much needed continuity to England in a time of "change and challenge." The title of this PBS-aired documentary is a bit misleading, since Elizabeth's words here are solely taken from speeches and public pronouncements (she rarely gives interviews). Elizabeth and her sister Margaret grew up in the shadow of war. Their father, King George VI, was a reluctant king who assumed power after his brother Edward's abdication. George insisted the family remain in London during the worst of the German Blitz, when bombs fell perilously close to Buckingham Palace. Elizabeth helped by learning how to maintain trucks and cars, eventually falling under the spell of husband-to-be Prince Philip, despite her parents' disapproval. Elizabeth suddenly became queen while touring Africa in 1952, when her frail father died; her coronation the following year (the first to be broadcast on television) would provide a welcome splash of color during the austerity of Britain's postwar years. The documentary details Elizabeth's close relationship with her father, concern over the Irish "troubles" that flared up in the late 1960s, the turbulent marriage of Prince Charles and Diana Spencer, scandals involving the royal children, the annus horriblus of 1992 when Windsor Castle was heavily damaged by fire, and Diana's death in 1997, which brought Elizabeth criticism due to her belief that a queen should not show emotion. Although maintaining strict neutrality on national issues, people say Elizabeth is humorous, knowledgeable, and occasionally opinionated. Featuring comments from retired prime ministers, former President and First Lady George H.W. and Barbara Bush, actor Sir Ben Kingsley, and film director Stephen Frears (The Queen), this is recommended for Anglophiles and royal watchers. [Note: also newly available are In Their Own Words: Muhammad Ali and In Their Own Words: Jim Henson.] Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)