The title "Wolferton Splash" of Episode 1 of "The Crown" refers to the village in Norfolk in the north of England where a group of the royals partake in duck hunting. As a tagline for the opening episode, the Wolferton image makes it clear that the mundane experience of aristocratic life will figure prominently in how the snobs are depicted in this series.
The opening episode is simply filled with these mundane details.
(1) The young Princess Elizabeth hesitates during her wedding ceremony when he utters the word "obey" in regard to her consort Philip. Of course, in their long married life, he is the one who must obey her, not vice versa.
(2) The words in the lengthy medical report about the surgery of King Edward VI are carefully examined by Winston Churchill, who brings in an exert to unpack the medical "jargon." In the process the incoming prime minister Churchill learns that he will shortly be working closely with Elizabeth, as her father in terminally ill with lung cancer.
(3) The arrogant Danish-Greek Philip is huffy when he learns that he is to accompany his wife on a whirlwind tour of the Commonwealth. His pouty manner is a sign that he will need to adapt to his role as Elizabeth's subordinate and may not be able to return to his beloved naval duties as a minor potentate.
Along with the superb casting and outstanding performances, the opening episode of "The Crown" includes spot-on scripting. The writers incorporate understated humor in such moments as Churchill's arrival at Westminster for the marriage of Elizabeth and Philip. The crusty and politically savvy Churchill knows that it is best to arrive last for a public event because he will garner the greatest adulation of the crowd.
The secret to success in dramatizing such a family story as that of the royals of Great Britain lies in the details. And the teleplay affords a wealth of detail with the ducks making a great splash at Wolferton.
The opening episode is simply filled with these mundane details.
(1) The young Princess Elizabeth hesitates during her wedding ceremony when he utters the word "obey" in regard to her consort Philip. Of course, in their long married life, he is the one who must obey her, not vice versa.
(2) The words in the lengthy medical report about the surgery of King Edward VI are carefully examined by Winston Churchill, who brings in an exert to unpack the medical "jargon." In the process the incoming prime minister Churchill learns that he will shortly be working closely with Elizabeth, as her father in terminally ill with lung cancer.
(3) The arrogant Danish-Greek Philip is huffy when he learns that he is to accompany his wife on a whirlwind tour of the Commonwealth. His pouty manner is a sign that he will need to adapt to his role as Elizabeth's subordinate and may not be able to return to his beloved naval duties as a minor potentate.
Along with the superb casting and outstanding performances, the opening episode of "The Crown" includes spot-on scripting. The writers incorporate understated humor in such moments as Churchill's arrival at Westminster for the marriage of Elizabeth and Philip. The crusty and politically savvy Churchill knows that it is best to arrive last for a public event because he will garner the greatest adulation of the crowd.
The secret to success in dramatizing such a family story as that of the royals of Great Britain lies in the details. And the teleplay affords a wealth of detail with the ducks making a great splash at Wolferton.