Product Details

• Actors: A&E Biography
• Format: Color, Black & White, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: A&E Home Video
• VHS Release Date: December 23, 1996
• Run Time: 100 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• ASIN: 6303501060
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #325,903 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

After the death of his ex-wife, Prince Charles hit the road to redemption, graced People magazine, smiled about turning 50, and was happy about finally introducing his beloved mistress Camilla Parker Bowles to the British people and to his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. This documentary reacquaints us with Charles, once known the world over as the "most eligible bachelor," then later as its coldest man, and more recently as a man determined to present himself in some of the magical light that shone upon Princess Diana.

From his dreary early years (his mother, after nine months abroad, politely shook hands with her toddler son, after greeting several others) to his horrific boarding-school experience we get a glimpse of the son of the richest woman in the world's childhood--a childhood that no one could envy. Photographed at every turn, the video presents early documentation of the grandson to the king, his mother's unexpectedly early coronation (Charles was 5, Elizabeth only 25), and interviews with royal watchers, journalists, analysts, and even some of Charles's former classmates. From his investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969 to his years in the navy (when Camilla suddenly married Andrew Parker Bowles) to his "swinging" bachelor years, Charles made news. But it wasn't until 32-year-old Charles married 19-year-old aristocrat Lady Diana Spencer in 1981 that the world developed a fascination with Diana and began scrutinizing their marriage. Charles, a devout vegetarian known to talk to his plants--but who still hunts--plays polo, and fancies himself an intellectual, is an intriguing character. --N.F. Mendoza

Product Description

He is heir to the throne of the British Empire, to a life of unequaled privilege, duty and scrutiny Prince Charles, the man who would be King. This revealing portrait was made possible through unprecedented access to the Royal Family. Filmed during a year of travel and turmoil, it follows the Prince to foreign capitals, aboard the Royal yacht, even through the chilling assassination attempt in Australia. Additionally, in a series of extraordinary conversations, we see the person behind the Princely image, as Charles candidly discusses the most sensitive subjects of his life including the revelations about his marriage that stunned the world!Join BIOGRAPHY for a penetrating portrait that will change your views of the man and the monarchy forever.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars The point is made, could have been a bit shorter as it gets a bit tedious at times, December 5, 2011

By 

Charles Ashbacher (Marion, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: A&E Biography - Prince Charles the Private Man the Public Role [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Copyrighted in 1994, this video came out two years after the very public separation between Prince Charles and Lady Diana. Initially described as an amicable split, the recriminations had grown vicious and it is clear that this video was an attempt to rehabilitate Charles' image in the eyes of a hostile public. Charles is shown making many public appearances and working for the British people. Everything from his attempts to sell British arms to Arab states to meeting with small military units while in uniform is shown. The strain of having so public a life and having to sit through so many events is clear and expressed verbally and via the images.
There are also many scenes of him interacting with his two sons; he is portrayed as a very involved and caring parent. They fish, ski and walk their dogs together. The closest the viewer gets into achieving real insight into Charles' life is during the one-on-one interview segments. Most of the questions are softballs, yet his answers and often non-answers help you understand how Charles looks at the world. He clearly wants to be king, yet he dislikes having every aspect of his life under such scrutiny, which of course is mutually exclusive. While it is possible to have some sympathy for the man, it is hard to have it rise to any great height, for his life is one of privilege when so many struggle to survive.
The sound is not of the best quality, some of the conversations are difficult to hear, yet the scenery is unsurpassed. It is impressive to see the interior of some of the old structures and the tombs of such historical figures as Henry the VIII. This tape certainly succeeded in what it was intended to do, help turn the public mood from being against Charles to one that is more tolerant. However, it is difficult to know whether his return to favor was simply due to time, the revelations about Diana's affairs or a consequence of this tape.