Thames Television - The Life and Times of Lord Mountbatten (1969) Part 2 The Kings Depart

Relieve the 20th Century through the eyes and words of Lord Mountbatten - a member of the Royal Family and one of Britain's most highly decorated naval officers. Here, Lord Mountbatten narrates his life story using a wealth of historical material from the archives of the world - including much from his own personal collection. This extraordinary 12 episode series spans 70 years of triumph, conflict and glory in the life of this remarkable man who rose to worldwide recognition as both statesman and military hero, yet was tragically assassinated in 1979. It is this tremendous sweep of international events and changes that has been recaptured in ths unique series. Unique because it is not only about, but with the man concerned. The production team, including Lord Mountbatten, revisited many of the locales in which his career was formed - Malta, Burma, Ceylon, Singapore, India. Excerpts have been incuded from many of those whose lives and duties infuenced those of Lord Mountbatten, or were influenced by him. They include the Duke of Windsor, Prince Philip, six former Prime Ministers, General Eisenhower and other key figures in world history.

Part 2: The Kings Depart
The years 1917-1922.

Mountbatten describes his ties with the Russian Imperial family, and the shock felt by the British Royalty at their deposition and eventual murder. With the entry of USA into the war, Mountbatten visits the Western front with Haig (not shown), before the July offensive leading to the armistice. Mountbatten, “looking forward to having some fun” after the restrictions of wartime naval life, spends two terms at Cambridge before accompanying the Prince of Wales on his 1920 world tour. On his return he is put in charge of a small naval force during the 1921 state of emergency, and then on HMS Repulse, at the time of the death of his father (reinstated as Admiral of the Fleet). Mountbatten is invited on the second Prince of Wales tour, which takes in India, where he discovers the pleasures of polo, and proposes to Edwina Ashley, whom he marries on his return. Their honeymoon is spent at Broadlands (her family home), in Europe and in America. Their stay in Hollywood (at “Pickfair”) is recorded in a “home movie” made by their host Chaplin, and involving the house guests.