The King's Speech Review
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Bad enough, you might think, to be born into the notoriously emotionally constipated Brit royal family. But then on top of that to have a brutal martinet of a father, an iceberg of a mother and to grow up in the shadow of a far more charismatic and self-assured older brother – small wonder if Albert, Duke of York (Colin Firth), the second son of King George V, is afflicted by a nervous stammer that, on public occasions, makes him sound like a sea lion with laryngitis. Luckily, help is at hand – in the unlikely shape of an eccentric Aussie speech therapist called Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), whose approach includes rolling his royal patient around on the floor and who insists on addressing him as ‘Bertie’. All this, amazingly enough, is a true story – told here with grace, good humour and heart. Following the hit-and-miss The Damned United, director Tom Hooper ups his game with another unlikely bromance. Logue’s sessions with Bertie constitute the heart of the film, and David Seidler’s crisp script plays up the comedy. (“D’you know any jokes?” inquires Logue, trying to get his patient to loosen up. “T-timing isn’t my strong suit,” retorts Bertie.) The dialogue’s lightness of touch pervades the whole film, turning what could easily have been a stuffy slog of a period piece into well-oiled entertainment. Neither does it feel like a TV movie, thanks in no small part to high-class production values, from Danny Cohen’s lush cinematography to the suitably precise sound design. Yes, this is middlebrow, crowd-pleasing awards bait; but so well-executed, it’s all you can do to resist. It’s the crack cast that make it, though. As Bertie’s wife Elizabeth (the latter-day Queen Mother), Helena Bonham Carter is gently steadfast. Derek Jacobi is all purse-lipped disapproval as Archbishop Cosmo Lang, and Guy Pearce reveals the moral flabbiness behind the debonair façade of Edward VIII, whose abdication forces a horrified Albert to become King George VI. Rush, meanwhile, is excellent, bringing Logue to life with sly, gleeful relish. But ultimately this is Colin Firth’s film. Juggling stoical anguish, moving dignity and fits of comic swearing (which originally earned the film a now-withdrawn 15 certificate), Firth rivals his tour de force in A Single Man. If The King’s Speech doesn’t bring him the Oscar he just missed for that role, it’ll be a royal scandal.
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"The King's Speech" tells the story of a man compelled to speak to the world with a stammer. It must be painful enough for one who stammers to speak to another person. To face a radio microphone and know the British Empire is listening must be terrifying. At the time of the speech mentioned in this title, a quarter of the Earth's population was in the Empire, and of course much of North America, Europe, Africa and Asia would be listening — and with particular attention, Germany.
The king was George VI. The year was 1939. Britain was entering into war with Germany. His listeners required firmness, clarity and resolve, not stammers punctuated with tortured silences. This was a man who never wanted to be king. After the death of his father, the throne was to pass to his brother Edward. But Edward renounced the throne "in order to marry the woman I love," and the duty fell to Prince Albert, who had struggled with his speech from an early age.
In "The King's Speech," director Tom Hooper opens on Albert ( Colin Firth ), attempting to open the British Empire Exhibition in 1925. Before a crowded arena and a radio audience, he seizes up in agony in efforts to make the words come out right. His father, George V ( Michael Gambon ), has always considered "Bertie" superior to Edward ( Guy Pearce ), but mourns the introduction of radio and newsreels, which require a monarch to be seen and heard on public occasions.
At that 1925 speech, we see Bertie's wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), her face filled with sympathy. As it becomes clear that Edward's obsession with Wallis Simpson (Eve Best) is incurable, she realizes her Bertie may face more public humiliation. He sees various speech therapists, one of whom tries the old marbles-in-the-mouth routine first recommended by Demosthenes. Nothing works, and then she seeks out a failed Australian actor named Lionel Logue ( Geoffrey Rush ), who has set up a speech therapy practice.
Logue doesn't realize at first who is consulting him. And one of the subjects of the film is Logue's attitude toward royalty, which I suspect is not untypical of Australians; he suggests to Albert that they get on a first-name basis. Albert has been raised within the bell jar of the monarchy and objects to such treatment, not because he has an elevated opinion of himself but because, well, it just isn't done. But Logue realizes that if he is to become the king's therapist, he must first become his friend.
If the British monarchy is good for nothing else, it's superb at producing the subjects of films. "The King's Speech," rich in period detail and meticulous class distinctions, largely sidesteps the story that loomed over this whole period, Edward's startling decision to give up the crown to marry a woman who was already divorced three times. Indeed, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (as they became) would occupy an inexplicable volume of attention for years, considering they had no significance after the Duke's abdication. The unsavory thing is that Wallis Simpson considered herself worthy of such a sacrifice from the man she allegedly loved. This film finds a more interesting story about better people; Americans, who aren't always expert on British royalty, may not necessarily realize that Albert and wife Elizabeth were the parents of Queen Elizabeth II. God knows what Edward might have fathered.
Director Tom Hooper makes an interesting decision with his sets and visuals. The movie is largely shot in interiors, and most of those spaces are long and narrow. That's unusual in historical dramas, which emphasize sweep and majesty and so on. Here we have long corridors, a deep and narrow master control room for the BBC, rooms that seem peculiarly oblong. I suspect he may be evoking the narrow, constricting walls of Albert's throat as he struggles to get words out.
The film largely involves the actors Colin Firth, formal and decent, and Geoffrey Rush, large and expansive, in psychological struggle. Helena Bonham Carter, who can be merciless (as in the "Harry Potter" films), is here filled with mercy, tact and love for her husband; this is the woman who became the much-loved Queen Mother of our lifetimes, dying in 2002 at 101. As the men have a struggle of wills, she tries to smooth things (and raise her girls Elizabeth and Margaret). And in the wider sphere, Hitler takes power, war comes closer, Mrs. Simpson wreaks havoc, and the dreaded day approaches when Bertie, as George VI, will have to speak to the world and declare war.
Hooper's handling of that fraught scene is masterful. Firth internalizes his tension and keeps the required stiff upper lip, but his staff and household are terrified on his behalf as he marches toward a microphone as if it is a guillotine. It is the one scene in the film that must work, and it does, and its emotional impact is surprisingly strong. At the end, what we have here is a superior historical drama and a powerful personal one. And two opposites who remain friends for the rest of their lives.
Note: The R rating refers to Logue's use of vulgarity. It is utterly inexplicable. This is an excellent film for teenagers.
Roger Ebert
Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.
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Film Credits
The King's Speech (2010)
Rated R for language
118 minutes
Directed by
- David Seidler
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The King's Speech
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| Additional DVD options | Edition | Discs | New from | Used from |
| April 19, 2011 |
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| — | — |
| May 9, 2011 | — |
| October 23, 2012 | — |
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| Watch Instantly with | Rent | Buy |
| Genre | Drama |
| Format | NTSC, Color, Multiple Formats, Widescreen |
| Contributor | Iain Canning, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Emile Sherman, Colin Firth, Tom Hooper, Gareth Unwin, David Seidler, Geoffrey Rush |
| Language | English |
| Runtime | 1 hour and 58 minutes |
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Product Description
After the death of his father King George V (Michael Gambon) and the scandalous abdication of King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce), Bertie (Colin Firth) who has suffered from a debilitating speech impediment all his life, is suddenly crowned King George VI of England. With his country on the brink of war and in desperate need of a leader, his wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), the future Queen Mother, arranges for her husband to see an eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). After a rough start, the two delve into an unorthodox course of treatment and eventually form an unbreakable bond. With the support of Logue, his family, his government and Winston Churchill (Timothy Spall), the King will overcome his stammer and deliver a radio-address that inspires his people and unites them in battle. Based on the true story of King George VI, "The King's Speech" follows the Royal Monarch's quest to find his voice.
Candidates for president and prime minister choose to run, but kings rarely have a choice. Such was the case for Prince Albert, known by family members as Bertie (Colin Firth), whose stutter made public speaking difficult. Upon the death of his father, George V (Michael Gambon, making the most of a small part), the crown went to Bertie's brother, Edward VIII (Guy Pearce), who abdicated to marry divorcée Wallis Simpson. All the while, Bertie and his wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter, excellent), try to find a solution to his stammer. Nothing works until they meet Australian émigré Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), a failed actor operating out of a threadbare office. He believes Bertie's problem stems from emotional rather than physiological issues, leading to a clash of wills that allows the Oscar®-winning Rush ( Shine ) and the Oscar-nominated Firth ( A Single Man ) to do some of their best work (in a neat bit of casting, Firth's Pride and Prejudice costar, Jennifer Ehle, plays Logue's wife). All their efforts, from the tense to the comic--Bertie doesn't stutter when he swears--lead to the speech King George VI must make to the British public on the eve of World War II. At a time when his country needs him the most, he can't afford to fail. As Stephen Frears did in The Queen , Tom Hooper (HBO's Elizabeth I ) lends vulnerability to a royal figure, showing how isolating that life can be--and how much difference a no-nonsense friend like Logue can make. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
Product details
- Aspect Ratio : 1.85:1
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- MPAA rating : R (Restricted)
- Product Dimensions : 0.7 x 5.4 x 7.5 inches; 0.74 ounces
- Item model number : 23130
- Director : Tom Hooper
- Media Format : NTSC, Color, Multiple Formats, Widescreen
- Run time : 1 hour and 58 minutes
- Release date : April 19, 2011
- Actors : Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, Geoffrey Rush, Guy Pearce
- Subtitles: : Spanish, English
- Producers : Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, Gareth Unwin
- Studio : The Weinstein Company and Anchor Bay Entertainment
- ASIN : B003UESJH4
- Writers : David Seidler
- Number of discs : 1
- #1,821 in Drama DVDs
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The King's Speech
The story of King George VI, his unexpected ascension to the throne of the British Empire in 1936, and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch overcome his stammer. The story of King George VI, his unexpected ascension to the throne of the British Empire in 1936, and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch overcome his stammer. The story of King George VI, his unexpected ascension to the throne of the British Empire in 1936, and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch overcome his stammer.
- David Seidler
- Colin Firth
- Geoffrey Rush
- Helena Bonham Carter
- 835 User reviews
- 487 Critic reviews
- 88 Metascore
- 109 wins & 206 nominations total
Top cast 67
- King George VI
- Lionel Logue
- Queen Elizabeth
- Archbishop Cosmo Lang
- Private Secretary
- BBC Radio Announcer
- Robert Wood
- BBC Technician
- Dr. Blandine Bentham
- Laurie Logue
- Myrtle Logue
- Valentine Logue
- Anthony Logue
- Princess Elizabeth
- Princess Margaret
- Theatre Director
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
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- Trivia Nine weeks before filming began, Lionel Logue's grandson, Mark Logue , discovered a large box in his attic that contained his grandfather's personal papers. The box held Lionel Logue's diary, his appointment book, notes from his speech therapy sessions with King George VI , and over 100 personal letters to Logue from the King. It also contained what is believed to be the actual copy of the speech used by George VI in his 1939 radio broadcast announcing the declaration of war with Germany. Mark Logue turned his grandfather's papers, letters, and diary over to director Tom Hooper and screenwriter David Seidler , who used them to flesh out the relationship between Logue and the King. Geoffrey Rush and Colin Firth also read through the material for insight into their characters. The exchange in this movie between Logue and King George VI following his radio speech ("You still stammered on the 'W'." / "Well, I had to throw in a few so they knew it was me.") was taken directly from Logue's diary. Firth insisted that it should be included in the movie.
- Goofs In the final speech, King George VI has one blue eye and one brown eye. Colin Firth had lost a contact lens.
King George VI : All that... work... down the drain. My own... b... brother, I couldn't say a single w-word to him in reply.
Lionel Logue : Why do you stammer so much more with David than you ever do with me?
King George VI : 'Cos you're b... bloody well paid to listen.
Lionel Logue : Bertie, I'm not a geisha girl.
King George VI : Stop trying to be so bloody clever.
Lionel Logue : What is it about David that stops you speaking?
King George VI : What is it about you that bloody well makes you want to go on about it the whole bloody time?
Lionel Logue : Vulgar, but fluent; you don't stammer when you swear.
King George VI : Oh, bugger off!
Lionel Logue : Is that the best you can do?
King George VI : [like an elocution lesson] Well... bloody bugger to you, you beastly bastard.
Lionel Logue : Oh, a public school prig could do better than that.
King George VI : Shit. Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!
Lionel Logue : Yes!
King George VI : Shit!
Lionel Logue : Defecation flows trippingly from the tongue!
King George VI : Because I'm angry!
Lionel Logue : Do you know the f-word?
King George VI : F... f... fornication?
Lionel Logue : Oh, Bertie.
King George VI : Fuck. Fuck! Fuck, fuck, fuck and fuck! Fuck, fuck and bugger! Bugger, bugger, buggerty buggerty buggerty, fuck, fuck, arse!
Lionel Logue : Yes...
King George VI : Balls, balls...
Lionel Logue : ...you see, not a hesitation!
King George VI : ...fuckity, shit, shit, fuck and willy. Willy, shit and fuck and... tits.
- Crazy credits In the end credit roll, Philip Clements is listed twice as Assistant Sound Editor.
- Connections Featured in Breakfast: Episode dated 22 October 2010 (2010)
- Soundtracks Le nozze di Figaro Overture Written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart [During the first therapy session when King's voice is being recorded]
User reviews 835
- Nov 5, 2010
- Just what time frame are we talking about here?
- What causes Bertie's stammer?
- Why couldn't King Edward marry Wallis Simpson?
- December 25, 2010 (United States)
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Official Site
- Nhà Vua Nói Lắp
- Elland Road Football Stadium, Elland Road, Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, UK (as Wembley Stadium at start of film)
- The Weinstein Company
- UK Film Council
- Momentum Pictures
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- $15,000,000 (estimated)
- $138,797,449
- Nov 28, 2010
- $472,088,310
Technical specs
- Runtime 1 hour 58 minutes
- Dolby Digital
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The True Story Behind "The King's Speech"
"The King's Speech" is a 2010 dramatic biographical film, recounting the friendship between King George VI of England and his Australian speech therapist, Lionel Logue. The film also covers Edward VIII's 1936 abdication, and George VI's subsequent coronation and shouldering of responsibility during World War II. George VI ultimately must conquer his stammer to assist and guide Britain during the war.
As a film, "The King's Speech" takes a few liberties with the historical timeline and in regards to simplifying certain characters. One element historians took particular umbrage with was the depiction of Winston Churchill . However, overall it is fairly faithful to the historical record. For one thing, George VI really did have a speech impediment since the age of eight, and Lionel Logue did work with him for several years. They did stay friends until they both died. Certain scenes, such as George VI's coronation, were praised for their accurate recapturing of the feel of the 1930s.
The main concept the film changed was simply adding drama to certain scenes, such as the speech announcing war with Germany towards the end. It also condensed the historical timeline significantly, shortening events. This was mostly done for the sake of keeping the narrative moving. Overall, however, " The King's Speech " is a fairly accurate, heartwarming rendering of George VI and Lionel Logue's friendship.
Prince Albert had a stutter as a child
Prince Albert, later George VI, developed a stutter when he was eight that he carried through to his early adult life. His parents were not terribly affectionate with him, and he was susceptible to tears and tantrums – traits he also carried through his adult years, writes Biography . Given that many of his public duties required speeches, Albert needed to – and worked tirelessly – to fix his stammer with multiple doctors and therapists, writes Stuttering Help . He wasn't successful with any speech therapies until he worked with elocutionist and informal speech therapist Lionel Logue, beginning in the 1920s.
When Logue saw the then-Duke of York give a speech, he said to his son, "He's too old for me to manage a complete cure. But I could very nearly do it. I'm sure of that." (via Stuttering Help ). He was right, and his positive attitude helped the duke recover from previous failures that had made him believe the problem caused him to be mentally deficient instead of simply physically injured. Despite how long they worked together, the duke's speech issues had more to do with how held his jaw and pronounced words; the result was that his stammer was mainly cleared up in a matter of months as opposed to years.
Lionel Logue was a self-taught speech therapist
Lionel Logue was an Australian speech therapist who, not being formally trained, used methods he had discovered and created on his own. He worked as an elocutionist first, but fell into helping Australian World War I veterans with speech defects, writes The ASHA Leader . No one else was doing what he was with the veterans, and speech therapy and audiology programs didn't even get off the ground until the 1940s (via UNC Health Sciences Library ). Logue was even a founder of the College of Speech Therapists.
Just before World War I, Logue worked a variety of jobs as a teacher of elocution and drama, theater manager, and reciter of Shakespeare and Dickens (via Speech Language Therapy's Caroline Bowen, a speech language pathologist ). Logue worked with patients on their speech, but also on confidence and the self-belief that they could accomplish what they set out to do. He was empathetic with his patients, and learned from each case he worked on. Logue originally tried out as an actor, and as a result, his manner was somewhere between a teacher and an artist. He was serious about his life's work and resolved to avoid cheapening it by writing a book about his efforts with the king.
Logue began working with Prince Albert in 1926
Elizabeth, the Duchess of York, first encouraged her husband to work with Lionel Logue, though the meeting as depicted in the film between Elizabeth and Logue likely didn't happen (via Logue and Conradi's "The King's Speech" ). Logue thus began working with the Duke of York in October 1926, soon after he opened his London practice on Harley Street. Logue first diagnosed the Duke with, according to CNN , acute nervous tension and the habit of closing the throat, which caused him to clip words out.
Logue met with him daily for the next two or three months (in advance of a visit to Australia), and his stammer was gone (for the most part) within that time frame; it didn't take years of treatment (via Speech Language Therapy ). Unlike in the film, in reality, the Duke and Logue weren't necessarily aiming for complete fluency. However, they did continue to work together for the next two decades, mainly on the royal's speeches.
Logue worked with Albert for over 15 years
Though the film condenses the timeline to make it seem as though everything takes place over just a few years, Logue and Albert worked together for decades (via CNN ). "The King's Speech" begins in 1925 with the close of the British Empire Exhibition, which would be historically accurate, but time simply speeds by until the film depicts the abdication of Edward VIII in 1936 and later the outbreak of war in 1939 in just a few hours; it doesn't really feel as though a decade and a half have passed.
Regardless, Logue and the duke worked together on speeches even after the duke had mostly mastered his stammer. Lionel Logue's methods were unorthodox and primarily self-taught. He never specifically said what course of treatment he worked on with the duke, saying, according to The ASHA Leader : "...on the matter of Speech Defects, when so much depends on the temperament and individuality, a case can always be produced that can prove you are wrong. That is why I won't write a book." Much of the ideas for the therapy sessions depicted in the film come from Logue's diaries (though plenty of the dialogue was invented), which were inherited by his grandson Mark. They were used in the film, though the director only saw them late in the film's production.
Any sort of therapy is inherently individual, not to mention personal (via Psychiatric Times ). It's no wonder that Logue decided to avoid writing about his work.
Wallis Simpson was a more complex person than the film indicates
King Edward VIII was crowned in January 1936 and abdicated in December of the same year in order to marry Wallis Simpson , who had been twice divorced (via History ). His younger brother was proclaimed king the next day. The film is sympathetic to George VI and Elizabeth, and Wallis Simpson is cast as a vaguely Nazi-supporting villain; there is little depth to her character. However, her life and motivations were shrouded in rumors from the British upper classes and the media.
The upper classes, who learned about the Edward-Wallis romance before the British media, in particular saw her as an uncouth American divorcee, and had a hard time figuring out why Edward wanted to be with her. When the media did find out, in December 1936, she was both ruined and revered by them, according to History Extra . However, after moving overseas more-or-less permanently she faded from the spotlight. Her unfortunate reputation from the nobles stuck with her.
Ultimately, George VI didn't allow his brother and sister-in-law, who had moved to France, to be productive for the royal family; they asked multiple times for jobs and were denied (via History Extra ). Awful rumors followed Wallis Simpson even past her death in the 1980s, including one that stated she would do anything to become queen of England. Though it's clear both on and off screen that she and Elizabeth disliked each other, Wallis was more than a king-stealing villain.
Churchill was actually opposed to Edward VIII's abdication
One major element of the film that historians had trouble with is Churchill's abrupt support of George VI, writes Daily History . In real life, he encouraged Edward VIII not to abdicate in 1936, and remained a supporter of the royal, believing something could be worked out without having to resort to abdication. George VI and Elizabeth didn't fully support Churchill later in life due to his actions during the abdication. However, Churchill was later knighted by Elizabeth II (via Biography ).
This element is likely written as such for the film due to the writers having a hard time writing someone as beloved as Churchill with actual flaws. The writers of "Saving Mr. Banks" had a similar issue with Walt Disney and his flaws. As a result, it is one of the only concrete historical aspects that left historians scratching their heads in confusion. Everything else that is changed in the film is mainly done for the sake of adaptation, drama, and the good of the narrative. This change seems to be for the sake of preserving Churchill's reputation. Considering the film's lead-up of events to World War II, and Churchill's role in Britain's survival, it isn't that surprising.
King George VI's coronation was less fraught than the film depicts
Logue worked with George VI on his coronation speech in 1937. Five days afterward, the king wrote a heartfelt thank you letter for the assistance (via Tatler ), attributing the success to Logue's "expert supervision and unfailing patience." Just as in the film, Logue and his wife are seated in the royal box, so high up that Myrtle Logue needed to use opera glasses in order to see, writes CNN .
However, by this time, the king had mostly mastered his speech impediment, and the dramatic scene in the film with Logue and St. Edward's chair is likely fictional. It was written for the sake of the narrative of George VI realizing he does have a voice. Reality isn't necessarily so cinematic, and after weeks of working on the speech with Logue, George VI delivered it flawlessly. Regardless, according to Daily History , the film accurately conveys the atmosphere of the 1930s and the coronation of a new king. In reality, the king and Logue likely didn't have the same miscommunication as they do in the film, and it is doubly heartwarming that Logue and his wife were seated with the royal family, just because of the services Logue had rendered the new king.
Logue was more deferential to his royal patient
Geoffrey Rush's portrayal is much more animated than Logue likely was in reality. Logue certainly addressed Prince Albert respectfully, and the scenes of swearing in Logue's office are likely invented. Logue also never referred to the prince by a nickname, much less one used exclusively by the family. They were friends in real life, but their relationship was more realistically distant.
According to CNN , the letters Logue wrote to the king are addressed to "Your Royal Highness". On the other hand, the king signed his letters with his first name, indicating a measure of friendship between the two men. Logue also apparently allowed George VI to set treatment goals due to his position. Though they did end up being friends, Logue never forgot who exactly his patient was, and treated him accordingly (via Daily History ). Historical films always add heart-to-heart speeches between people which probably never actually happened but work for the sake of drama and the narrative. "The King's Speech" is no exception.
The speech announcing war with Germany was less dramatic
Lionel Logue further assisted George VI during the 1939 speech when he announced Britain was at war with Germany. However, Logue wasn't actually in the room with him, as the film depicts, and only wrote notes on places for the king to pause to collect himself when speaking or on which words to stress, according to CNN . Keep in mind that by this point in time, 13 years after meeting Logue, the king had essentially mastered his stammer. George VI also stood to give the speech, though photographs show him in full military uniform and sitting down.
Lionel Logue's diaries also answered a previously unknown question about the speech that was added to the film. George VI stammered on some of the W's in the speech, and according to a comment he made to Logue, it was so the people would recognize him, writes CNN .
The film turns the event into a climactic event, as a culmination of the years of work the king and Logue have put into his affliction – and which the audience has just watched on screen for the past two hours. Also, though it is unlikely the information was revealed at this exact time in real life, the character of Winston Churchill tells the king just before this speech that he, too, was a stammerer as a child, writes The Lancet . This element is true, though it is positioned for the sake of cinematic drama.
George and Logue's friendship didn't fracture over credentials
In the film, coronation preparations pause when the archbishop of Canterbury, Cosmo Lang, mentions that Logue doesn't have any formal training. Not having known this beforehand, George VI becomes outraged and only calms after Logue provokes him into speaking without stammering, causing him to realize that he actually can speak accurately. This entire element is invented for the film, presumably for the sake of drama (and humor).
By this point, the two men had known each other for over a decade and were friends. Though their relationship was primarily professional, in scouting out Logue's help, the king must have understood his credentials and it didn't bother him; after all, he worked with Logue, voluntarily, for decades (via Daily History ). Logue's formality likely kept their friendship professional enough that they probably had few personal disagreements.
Logue and the king wrote letters back and forth for years; the earlier letters were signed "Albert" and the later letters "George" by the king, according to CNN , indicating a measure of friendship that was likely meted out to few people. When Logue asked the king in 1948 if he would serve as patron of the College of Speech Therapists, George VI immediately agreed and it became known as the Royal College of Speech Therapy, writes The ASHA Leader .
The film has an obvious pro-George VI bias
Due to being written from a historical perspective, "The King's Speech" supports George VI, Logue, Elizabeth, and even Winston Churchill as characters and historical figures much more than it does George V, Edward VIII, or Wallis Simpson. The film has an agenda and a narrative it set out to tell: the story of how George VI overcame his stammer and led a nation successfully through a war.
According to The Gazette , the film's textual inclusion of Logue's appointment as a Member of the Royal Victorian Order is accurate. The king appreciated his services enough to reward him with a title for them, and this element certainly adds to the theme of friendship the film is so fond of.
In another interesting example of bias, however, the film omits Edward VIII's Nazi sympathies entirely, though Simpson is written to seem like an outsider to the royals. This was likely done for the sake of Edward's surviving family, though it was a slightly odd omission considering the context of the film. Edward isn't cast as a villain, however, he doesn't quite seem to realize what he's forcing his brother to step into. Though he immediately supports George, Edward doesn't seem to comprehend the royal family's – and the film's – endless demand of duty.
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[spoilers] The King's Speech (2010) - just something I noticed
I watched it for the third time or so today.
It really is a masterpiece of externally demonstrating ("showing") audiences the importance of speech.
The way speech affects other peoples' perception of you is shown in so many little ways that I had not noticed before, such as:
When Elizabeth (George's wife) initally meets Lionel, she doesn't use received pronunciation. After he learns her true identity, she reverts back to using it; showing how closely even subtle changes in speech are associated with rank and perception.
When Lionel is auditioning for King Lear Richard III, he stammers briefly, saying "wi--with--with". The people he is auditioning for immediately stop him. They point out his diction, and remark on his Australian accent. This demonstrates: 1. Stutters can be associated with fear and anxiety, 2. A stutter can damage other peoples' confidence in and perception of you, 3. How you speak can define your "role" in society, just like how he spoke prevented him from becoming "king" (with obvious parallels to how George's stutter may threaten his role as king.)
Anyway, just wanted to share! I'm still in the middle of watching it so I might edit this post as I go along.
I like how some of the shots are stealthily from the actor's perspectives-- the actors don't look directly into the camera, but the angle (high, low, level) often corresponds to the height difference of the person speaking with them.
The "stutters are associated with anxiety/fear" is again reinforced with Lionel when he meets George. Lionel is hastily primping himself in the mirror while the child talks to the duke and duchess outside the doors, indicating nervousness. He then stutters subtly when he invites George to sit, saying "ma-make yourself at home".
There are some things I'm not sure I quite grasp. There are a lot of Richard III references--first Lionel's audition, then when he gives himself a hunchback (like richard III) when performing as Caliban, etc. I think it's supposed to be comparing George to Richard III, maybe like an opposite (George's disability being psychological/invisible, while Richard's is physical/visible, George not wanting to be King, Richard III wanting to be, etc). But I'm not familiar enough with Shakespeare to really "get" it.
I don't understand why they depicted George's father as having dementia, I can't find if that is true to history or not.
Omg, I feel so dumb. I realized just as the credits rolled that "The King's Speech" is a double entendre, both referring to the address that he gives at the end, as well as his everyday speaking kind of "speech".
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The king's speech.
- Common Sense Says
- Parents Say 66 Reviews
- Kids Say 127 Reviews
Common Sense Media Review
Superb drama about overcoming fears is fine for teens.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The King's Speech is an engrossing, fact-based drama that's rated R primarily for a few scenes of strong language (including one "f"-word-filled outburst). It has inspiring and empowering messages about triumphing over your fears. An indie about a king who stutters…
Why Age 14+?
Strong language includes "bastard," "bloody," "tits,&qu
Some social drinking (sherry, whisky, wine).
A king abdicates from the throne because of his involvement with a divorcee. The
A character struggles with his temper, which is fueled by frustration.
Any Positive Content?
The film has a stirring message: Our biggest limitations are the voices in our h
The three main characters serve as strong role models: Lionel Logue, though some
Strong language includes "bastard," "bloody," "tits," "damn," "ass," "hell," and "bugger." And in one memorable scene, a man yells out a stream of words like "s--t" and "f--k."
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.
Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.
Sex, Romance & Nudity
A king abdicates from the throne because of his involvement with a divorcee. There are references to her "talents" behind closed doors.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.
Violence & Scariness
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.
Positive Messages
The film has a stirring message: Our biggest limitations are the voices in our head that remind us of all of our imperfections and failures. But they're only voices, and our will and perseverance are stronger than our fears. Communication, integrity, and humility are major themes. The film has some classist overtones, but they’re placed within historical context.
Positive Role Models
The three main characters serve as strong role models: Lionel Logue, though somewhat untraditional in his approach to speech therapy (at least for the movie's time period), believes in himself so much that he's able to help others do so, too. The queen is a lesson in being supportive without condescension, and King George VI is a man not to be denied his life because of his past.
Parents need to know that The King's Speech is an engrossing, fact-based drama that's rated R primarily for a few scenes of strong language (including one "f"-word-filled outburst). It has inspiring and empowering messages about triumphing over your fears. An indie about a king who stutters might not seem like typical adolescent fare, but don't judge a movie by the brief synopsis: Teens will enjoy it as much as the grown-ups will if they give it a chance. In addition to the swearing, there's some social drinking, but that all fades in comparison to the movie's surprisingly moving themes of hope and perseverance. Note: An edited version of the movie that removes/lessens some of the strongest language has been rated PG-13 and released separately. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .
Where to Watch
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Parent and Kid Reviews
- Parents say (66)
- Kids say (127)
Based on 66 parent reviews
Great Oscar winning about overcoming fears.
I loved this movie, what's the story.
In THE KING'S SPEECH, King George VI ( Colin Firth ), father to Queen Elizabeth II, inherited the British throne in 1936 after his brother Edward's controversial abdication to marry divorcee Wallis Simpson. Ultimately, he would lead the United Kingdom through World War II. But even before he ascended the throne, he was a man struggling with a persistent and troubling condition: He stammered. This was a source of deep despair for the soon-to-be king, who was known among friends and family members as Bertie. Despite his wife's ( Helena Bonham Carter ) best efforts and deep, abiding love, Bertie was stunted by rage and anxiety. But in this film based on true events, the king finally finds an ally in Lionel Logue ( Geoffrey Rush ), an Australian speech therapist who helps Bertie gain the confidence and will to overcome his fears and let his voice be heard, literally and metaphorically.
Is It Any Good?
It is a singularly gratifying experience to watch this film's three stars -- Firth, Bonham Carter, and Rush -- do what they do best: act. It's like watching a master class. They disappear into their characters and make them both interesting and understandable. That's not always the case with films about royalty. Often, they're a visual (and unremarkable) summary of what we know from books; here, they fascinate with their trials, triumphs, and, most of all, humanity. And for a movie steeped in a feel-good message -- "You don't need to be afraid of the things you were afraid of when you were 5," intones one man -- it's far from clichéd.
Credit, too, goes to director Tom Hooper and screenwriter David Seidler, who himself conquered a stutter and was inspired by the king. They have created characters so rich that they compel viewers to rush to the Web for some post-viewing research. We know a lot about today's royals, but they don't hold a candle to their predecessors -- or at least to the ones portrayed here. The movie makes history and self-help irresistible. Bottom line? The King's Speech is superb.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the messages in The King's Speech. What are viewers meant to take away from watching?
How does the movie portray stuttering and those who suffer from it? Does it seem realistic and believable? How does Bertie's struggle with stuttering affect him?
How did the queen pave the way for the king's success? Are they positive role models? Do you think the movie portrays them accurately? Why might filmmakers change some details in a fact-based story?
How do the characters in The King's Speech demonstrate communication and perseverance ? What about integrity and humility ? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 26, 2010
- On DVD or streaming : April 19, 2011
- Cast : Colin Firth , Geoffrey Rush , Helena Bonham Carter
- Director : Tom Hooper
- Inclusion Information : Female actors
- Studio : Weinstein Co.
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Communication , Humility , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 111 minutes
- MPAA rating : R
- MPAA explanation : some language
- Award : Academy Award
- Last updated : May 29, 2024
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These Pictures Show The Huge Difference Between Donald Trump And Martin Luther King Jr.'s Crowds
Let's compare the two.
BuzzFeed Staff
Former president Donald Trump gave a speech today and compared his crowds on Jan. 6 to Martin Luther King Jr.'s crowds when he gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech.
Trump says he had a bigger crowd on Jan. 6 than Dr. Martin Luther King did for his famous "I Have a Dream” speech: “Nobody has spoken to crowds bigger than me” pic.twitter.com/DVowRgYatL — philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) August 8, 2024
"I've spoken to the biggest crowds, nobody spoken to bigger crowds than me," he started. "If you look at Martin Luther King when he did his speech, his great speech, and you look at ours. Same real estate, same everything, the same number of people. If not, we had more."
"They said he had a million people, but I had 25,000 people, but when you look at the exact same picture, everything's the same because it's the fountains, the whole thing, from Lincoln to Washington."
"If you look at it, my crowd and his crowd. We actually had more people," he continued. "They said I had 25,000, and he had a million people, and I'm okay with it because I liked Dr. Martin Luther King."
That clip is obviously going viral, so let's look at actual pictures of the Jan. 6 crowd vs. Martin Luther King Jr.'s March on Washington crowd:
Martin luther king jr.'s crowd:.
Jan. 6 crowd:
And lastly, Martin Luther King Jr.'s crowd:
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30 Facts About The Movie The King’s Speech
Written by Arlene Steelman
Modified & Updated: 30 Jul 2024
Reviewed by Sherman Smith
The King’s Speech is a critically acclaimed film that has captivated audiences since its release. Directed by Tom Hooper, this historical drama takes us on a journey through the life of King George VI, the father of Queen Elizabeth II, as he struggles with a debilitating stammer. The movie explores the unlikely friendship between the reluctant monarch and his eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue.
With its stellar cast, including Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter , The King’s Speech has received numerous accolades, including four Academy Awards. Beyond the captivating performances, the film offers a compelling story filled with emotional depth and historical significance. In this article, we delve into 30 fascinating facts about the making of The King’s Speech, shedding light on its production, casting decisions, and its impact on audiences worldwide.
Key Takeaways:
- The King’s Speech is a movie based on the true story of King George VI’s struggle with a speech impediment. It won four Academy Awards and highlighted the importance of effective communication and perseverance.
- The film’s success sparked conversations about speech disorders and inspired audiences worldwide with its powerful portrayal of courage and determination.
Box Office Success
The King’s Speech was a critically acclaimed film that also performed well at the box office, grossing over $400 million worldwide.
Historical Accuracy
The movie portrays the true story of King George VI’s struggle with a speech impediment and his efforts to overcome it.
Oscar-Winning Performances
The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Tom Hooper, Best Actor for Colin Firth, and Best Original Screenplay.
Colin Firth’s Preparation
Colin Firth spent months working with a speech therapist to accurately portray King George VI’s stammer.
Geoffrey Rush’s Role
Geoffrey Rush played the role of Lionel Logue, the speech therapist who helped King George VI overcome his speech impediment.
Historical Significance
The movie sheds light on the importance of effective communication and how speech can impact leadership and self-confidence.
Multiple Nominations
The King’s Speech received a total of 12 nominations at the Academy Awards, the most of any film that year.
Supporting Cast
The film also features stellar performances from Helena Bonham Carter, who played Queen Elizabeth, and Guy Pearce , who portrayed King Edward VIII.
Royal Approval
The Queen Mother, who was King George VI’s wife, reportedly gave her endorsement for the film.
Accents and Dialects
The actors underwent extensive training to master the British accents and dialects of the time period.
Emotional Journey
The movie takes viewers on an emotional journey as they witness King George VI’s struggle and eventual triumph.
Historical Context
The film is set against the backdrop of the abdication crisis of 1936, when King Edward VIII gave up the throne to marry Wallis Simpson.
Collaboration
The King’s Speech was a collaborative effort between British and Australian filmmakers, showcasing the talent from both countries.
Real Speech Recordings
The filmmakers used actual recordings of King George VI’s speeches to ensure accuracy in the movie.
Costume Design
The film’s costume designer , Jenny Beavan, won an Academy Award for her work in recreating the fashion of the 1930s.
Film Locations
The King’s Speech was primarily filmed in England and Scotland, adding to the authenticity of the period setting .
Critical Acclaim
The movie was praised by critics for its performances, screenplay, and historical accuracy.
Audience Response
The King’s Speech resonated with audiences worldwide, connecting on a human level with its themes of perseverance and self-belief.
The movie has left a lasting impact on the film industry, inspiring others to tell stories of triumph over adversity.
International Success
The King’s Speech was not only a hit in English-speaking countries but also gained popularity in international markets .
The film’s score, composed by Alexandre Desplat, received critical acclaim and added depth to the storytelling.
Positive Reviews
The King’s Speech holds a high rating on review aggregator sites like Rotten Tomatoes, with praise for its performances and storytelling.
The movie received a rating of 12A in the United Kingdom, making it suitable for a wide range of audiences.
Cultural Impact
The King’s Speech sparked conversations about speech disorders and increased awareness of the challenges faced by those who stammer.
Educational Value
The film has been used as a teaching tool in various educational institutions to explore topics such as leadership, communication, and overcoming obstacles .
Film Adaptation
The movie is based on a stage play of the same name, which was also highly acclaimed.
International Accolades
In addition to the Academy Awards, The King’s Speech received numerous accolades from film festivals around the world.
Inspirational Story
The film serves as a reminder that anyone, regardless of their status or background, can overcome personal challenges and achieve greatness.
Historical Detail
The King’s Speech captures the essence of the time period, immersing viewers in the world of British royalty during a pivotal point in history.
Lasting Legacy
The King’s Speech will continue to be remembered as a powerful and touching portrayal of courage and determination.
In conclusion, The King’s Speech is a remarkable film that captivates audiences with its gripping story and exceptional performances. Through its portrayal of King George VI’s struggle to overcome his speech impediment, the movie showcases the power of determination and the importance of finding one’s voice. With a brilliant cast led by Colin Firth , Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter, The King’s Speech earned critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including four Academy Awards. The film’s masterful direction, compelling script, and stunning production design make it a must-watch for any movie enthusiast. Whether you’re a fan of historical dramas, inspiring stories, or top-notch acting, The King’s Speech is sure to captivate and leave a lasting impression.
1. Who directed The King’s Speech?
The King’s Speech was directed by Tom Hooper .
2. Is The King’s Speech based on a true story?
Yes, The King’s Speech is based on the true story of King George VI of the United Kingdom and his struggle with a speech impediment.
3. How many Academy Awards did The King’s Speech win?
The King’s Speech won four Academy Awards , including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Colin Firth), and Best Original Screenplay.
4. Who played King George VI in the movie?
Colin Firth portrayed King George VI in The King’s Speech.
5. What is the significance of the title “The King’s Speech”?
The title refers to the pivotal speech that King George VI delivers to inspire and rally the British people during World War II .
6. What impact did The King’s Speech have on raising awareness about speech impediments ?
The movie shed light on the struggles faced by people with speech impediments and helped raise awareness about the importance of empathy and understanding towards individuals dealing with such challenges.
7. Was the stuttering portrayed accurately in the movie?
Geoffrey Rush worked closely with speech experts to accurately portray the challenges faced by those with speech impediments. The film’s depiction of stuttering was highly praised for its authenticity.
8. Are there any other notable performances in The King’s Speech?
In addition to Colin Firth’s memorable portrayal of King George VI, Geoffrey Rush’s performance as Lionel Logue, the speech therapist, and Helena Bonham Carter’s portrayal of Queen Elizabeth were also highly praised by audiences and critics alike.
9. What awards did The King’s Speech receive?
Aside from its Academy Awards, The King’s Speech also received numerous other accolades, including multiple BAFTA Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
10. Can I watch The King’s Speech online?
Yes, The King’s Speech is available for streaming on various platforms, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
If you enjoyed learning about "The King's Speech," why not explore other captivating topics? Discover the powerful historical drama "The Passion of Joan of Arc," which tells the story of a French heroine. Delve into the fascinating world of the British monarchy with intriguing facts about the Queen Victoria Statue. And for a touching tale of perseverance, read about country music legend Mel Tillis, who overcame a speech impediment to achieve great success. Each of these subjects offers a unique and engaging perspective that will leave you informed and inspired.
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The handsomely made and deeply moving King's Speech is one of 2010's best and most heartwarming films, and it should clean up mightily come awards season. 4 out of 5 Stars, 8/10 Score. Anchor Bay ...
After the death of his father King George V (Michael Gambon of HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE) and the scandalous abdication of King Edward VIII (Guy...
The King's Speech - Steam VideoThis content is only available in an online streaming format. More information about streaming videos can be found in the Streaming Videos on Steam FAQ.About the VideoAfter the death of his father King George V (Michael Gambon of HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE) and the scandalous abdication of King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce of MEMENTO), Bertie (Academy ...
The King's Speech tells the story of the man who would become King George VI, the father of the current Queen, Elizabeth II. After his brother abdicates, Geo...
Rush, meanwhile, is excellent, bringing Logue to life with sly, gleeful relish. But ultimately this is Colin Firth's film. Juggling stoical anguish, moving dignity and fits of comic swearing ...
The King's Speech is a 2010 historical drama film directed by Tom Hooper and written by David Seidler. Colin Firth plays the future King George VI who, to cope with a stammer, sees Lionel Logue, an Australian speech and language therapist played by Geoffrey Rush.The men become friends as they work together, and after his brother abdicates the throne, the new king relies on Logue to help him ...
Winner of four Oscars® including "Best Picture" and "Best Actor," The King's Speech is based on the true story of King George VI's quest to find his voice. Starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter. ... Start typing to see game suggestions. This only suggests apps that have a store page. ... encrypted_video: 1: Primary ...
Watch The King's Speech, a critically acclaimed film based on the true story of how a speech therapist helps King George VI overcome his stammer and lead his nation through World War II. Starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter, this is a powerful and inspiring drama that you don't want to miss.
Updates, events, and news from the developers of The King's Speech.
The King's Speech. An extraordinary friendship develops between King George VI and the speech therapist who uses unconventional means to teach the monarch how to speak with confidence. IMDb 8.0 1 h 53 min 2010. PG-13. Drama · Historical · Serious · Touching. This video is currently unavailable. to watch in your location.
"The King's Speech" tells the story of a man compelled to speak to the world with a stammer. It must be painful enough for one who stammers to speak to another person. To face a radio microphone and know the British Empire is listening must be terrifying. At the time of the speech mentioned in this title, a quarter of the Earth's population was in the Empire, and of course much of North ...
"The King's Speech" stars Academy Award nominee Colin Firth as King George VI, who unexpectedly becomes King when his brother Edward abdicates the throne. ... We rank every live-action film adapted from a video game—dating from 1993's Super Mario Bros. to this month's new Borderlands—from worst to best according to their Metascores. movie;
Based on the true story of King George VI, "The King's Speech" follows the Royal Monarch's quest to find his voice. Amazon.com. Candidates for president and prime minister choose to run, but kings rarely have a choice. Such was the case for Prince Albert, known by family members as Bertie (Colin Firth), whose stutter made public speaking difficult.
The King's Speech: Directed by Tom Hooper. With Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, Derek Jacobi, Robert Portal. The story of King George VI, his unexpected ascension to the throne of the British Empire in 1936, and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch overcome his stammer.
By Noemi Arellano-Summer Dec. 9, 2021 12:12 am EST. "The King's Speech" is a 2010 dramatic biographical film, recounting the friendship between King George VI of England and his Australian speech therapist, Lionel Logue. The film also covers Edward VIII's 1936 abdication, and George VI's subsequent coronation and shouldering of responsibility ...
Winner of four Oscars® including "Best Picture" and "Best Actor," The King's Speech is based on the true story of King George VI's quest to find his voice. Starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter. The King's Speech Steam charts, data, update history.
This demonstrates: 1. Stutters can be associated with fear and anxiety, 2. A stutter can damage other peoples' confidence in and perception of you, 3. How you speak can define your "role" in society, just like how he spoke prevented him from becoming "king" (with obvious parallels to how George's stutter may threaten his role as king.) Anyway ...
Parents need to know that The King's Speech is an engrossing, fact-based drama that's rated R primarily for a few scenes of strong language (including one "f"-word-filled outburst). It has inspiring and empowering messages about triumphing over your fears. An indie about a king who stutters might not seem like typical adolescent fare, but don't judge a movie by the brief synopsis: Teens will ...
The King's Speech - Steam VideoThis content is only available in an online streaming format. More information about streaming videos can be found in the Streaming Videos on Steam FAQ.About the VideoAfter the death of his father King George V (Michael Gambon of HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE) and the scandalous abdication of King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce of MEMENTO), Bertie (Academy ...
Former president Donald Trump gave a speech today and compared his crowds on Jan. 6 to Martin Luther King Jr.'s crowds when he gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Trump says he had a bigger ...
Fri Feb 18 2011 - 00:00. THIS WEEK the British Academy of Film and Television (Bafta) Video Games Awards announced their nominations. The ceremony is on March 16th. The choices for Bafta game ...
The King's Speech is a critically acclaimed film that has captivated audiences since its release. Directed by Tom Hooper, this historical drama takes us on a journey through the life of King George VI, the father of Queen Elizabeth II, as he struggles with a debilitating stammer. The movie explores the unlikely friendship between the ...
Games worksheets. Worksheets with songs. Teaching resources Cinema and Television > Movies > Drama movies > The king´s speech. Colin Firth and The King´s Speech (a video activity) Level: intermediate Age: 10-17 Downloads: 274 : The King´s Speech questionnaire ( speaking/ writing/ review) ...
THE FACTS: Trump was comparing the crowd at his speech in front of the White House on Jan. 6, 2021, to the crowd that attended Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech on Aug. 28, 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial. But far more people are estimated to have been at the latter than the former.
Fandoms: Kingsman (Movies), The King's Speech (2010), The Imitation Game (2014), Testament of Youth (2015), Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011), Legend (2015) Teen And Up Audiences No Archive Warnings Apply
Anti-immigration protesters clashed with police officers in Rotherham, England, on Sunday. Credit... Hollie Adams/Reuters