In this paper, a relatively simplified model with the closed-solutions considering the edge effect was developed to predict the interfacial stresses and normal stresses within an elongated film strip/substrate system and the edge deflection of it. For the stresses at the interface and the normal stresses in the film, the analytical modeling results agreed well with the finite element results. Using this model, some obvious relationships between the material properties and the dimensions of the film and substrate and the edge deflection or interfacial stresses could be reflected. For a plasma sprayed coating-based system, the intrinsic stress had a significant contribution to the final stress, since it could alter the final residual stress state of the film. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.