ABC NEWS SPECIAL: DIANA PRINCESS OF WALES: A FINAL FAREWELL (TV)
Summary
This special presentation, anchored by Forest Sawyer, presents a look back at the events and emotions surrounding the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales. Sawyer begins the coverage with commentary on the decision to bury Diana Spencer at her family's estate and the worldwide attention her death has received. After this, Judd Rose reviews the funeral procession and remarks on the atypical display of emotion by the British people, Earl Spencer's eulogy, and the decision to allow Elton John to perform at the funeral. Then Anderson Cooper reports further on the significance of Earl Spencer's speech and notes the unusual applause inside of Westminster Abbey after the conclusion of the speech. Royal biographer Penny Junor then speaks out against the eulogy, which she feels was too full of anger for such a solemn day. After this, President Bill Clinton's radio address is played. Also included during these segments is footage of the British public discussing the death of Diana, the future of the monarchy, and their hope for change; people around the world commenting on the meaning of Diana's death and why they can relate to the former princess; and candelight vigils.
Next there is a report on the progress of the investigation into the car accident in which Diana was killed. During this segment, American tourist Jeffrey Orenstein relates what he saw in the lobby of the Ritz Hotel on the night of Lady Diana's death. There is also a report on Diana's legacy and the changes being implemented by Prime Minister Tony Blair. Following this, Sawyer talks with royal correspondent Una-Mary Parker and Richard Mineards of the London Daily Express about the following topics, among others: the actions of the Royal Family since Diana's death, the tremendous impact of her death, whether or not Prince Charles will renounce the thrown, the fact that Prince William is becoming a focal point of the media, cultural change; and the papparazzi. Then, Diana biographer Andrew Morton comments on how Prince William resembles his mother in more than just appearance, Prince William's protective nature towards his mother, the ways in which he acted as his mother's advisor, and the stress Prince William will be under in the future. During Morton's comments, footage of Prince William is shown. Lastly, members of the community near Althorp House comment on coping with the death of Princess Diana. At the end of the program, Elton John's pop eulogy "Candle in the Wind" is played as clips of Diana Spencer are shown. Includes commercials, promos, and public service announcements. This program is closed-captioned.
Cataloging of this program was made possible by The Marc Haas and Helen Hotze Haas Foundation, 1997.
Details
- NETWORK: ABC
- DATE: September 6, 1997
- RUNNING TIME: 0:57:50
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:50558
- GENRE: News; Specials
- SUBJECT HEADING: Funeral rites and ceremonies; News
- SERIES RUN: ABC - TV, 1997
- COMMERCIALS:
- TV - Commercials - Cheese (American Dairy Farmers)
- TV - Commercials - Dexatrim diet pills
- TV - Commercials - Just 5 hair color
- TV - Commercials - Slim Fast diet nutrition drink
- TV - Commercials - Snuggles fabric softener
- TV - Commercials - Sprint phone service
- TV - Commercials - Suave shampoo
- TV - Commercials - Vagisil anti-itching cream
- TV - PSA - "Nurture the Future: Be a Volunteer"
- TV - PSA - "The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis"
- TV - PSA - "Turbulence Happens" (child seat on plane)
- TV - PSA - American Lung Association - Asthma
- TV - PSA - Charitable Donations of Time and Money
- TV - PSA - Earth Communications Office (Anti-pollution)
- TV - PSA - Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
- TV - PSA - Lupus Foundation
- TV - PSA - Medic Alert bracelets
- TV - PSA - Take a Bite Out of Crime (Stop the Violence)
- TV - PSA - The National Arbor Day Foundation
- TV - PSA - USA Learn
- TV - Promos - "ABC News: Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus"
- TV - Promos - "Good Morning America"
- TV - Promos - "The 77th Annual Miss America Pageant"
- TV - Promos - "This Week"
CREDITS
- Forest Sawyer … Anchor
- Judd Rose … Reporter
- Anderson Cooper … Reporter
- Penny Junor … Reporter
- Elton John … Performer
- Jeffrey Orenstein … Guest
- Una-Mary Parker … Guest
- Richard Mineards … Guest
- Andrew Morton … Guest
- Bill Clinton
- Princess Diana of Wales (See also: Lady Diana Spencer)
- Earl of Spencer
- Prince Charles of Wales
- Prince William