The King’s Speech

Movie: The King’s Speech

Cast:    Colin Firth (Prince Albert, later King George VI)

            Helena Bonham Carter (Queen Elizabeth – wife of King George VI)

            Michael Gambon (King George V)

            Guy Pierce (Prince Edward, later King Edward VIII)

            Geoffrey Rush (Lionel Logue)

Genre: Historical Drama

I saw it on: December 20, 2010

Synopsis: The movie opens with King George V making his Christmas speech over the radio in the 1920’s.  When his younger son – Prince Albert – tries to make a public speech, we find that he suffers from a near-crippling stammer.  We find later that he has had this steamer since a very early age.  We also learn that Prince Albert’s loving wife (Elizabeth, the mother of the future queen) is trying to find a way to help him with his stammer/  To this end, she convinces him to try Lionel Logue – a therapist with rather unconventional methods.  Although Lionel is able to help him some, he and the Prince part ways following an argument.

Meantime, we learn that Prince Albert’s older brother (Edward, Prince of Wales) is the next in line for the crown.  Unfortunately, performing his official duties is not high on Edward’s list of things to do.  He is more interested in having fun, especially with the soon-to-be twice-divorced Wallis Simpson. 

Finally things come to a head when King George V dies and the Prince of Wales becomes King Edward VIII.  Albert tries, unsuccessfully, to convince him to take his duties seriously. When the King makes it clear that he intends to marry Wallis Simpson, the crisis has arrived.  Rather than give up Simpson, the King decides to forsake his monarchy and abdicates the throne.

Now Albert, so to be crowned King George VI, goes back to Lionel.  He has to overcome, or at least gain some control over, his stammer in time for the coronation.

My two cents: This is a fabulous picture.  I knew nothing about Edward other than he abdicated the thrown.  If this movie is as accurate as it seems, Britain was better off without Edward.  It is heartbreaking to watch Prince Albert’s struggle with his stammer.  It turns out that both his father and brother made fun of him growing up.  He was terrified of public speaking, but had to face the prospect of addressing the entire British Empire (which comprised 25% of the world’s population at the time).  The kind of pressure he faced and struggled with is almost inconceivable.  And he never tried to shirk his duties.

The interaction between Lionel and Albert is great to watch.  Lionel insisted they be on a first name basis.  He was Lionel and the Prince was to be “Bertie”.  Lionel’s family was kept in the dark as to the identity of his mystery patient.  The scene where his wife comes home unexpectedly to find the Queen of England in the waiting room and the King in her husband’s study is priceless.

I also loved the relationship between Albert and Elizabeth.  You could tell they truly loved each other and that Elizabeth was also Albert’s best friend.  She is instrumental in convincing him to go to Lionel.  It is also great fun to watch the love both of them have for their children – and feel free to show it.  This is all something I have never seen any sign of with the current royal family.

This movie is definitely a must-see.  I predict a best picture Oscar nomination for the movie and a best actor nomination for Colin Firth.  In my humble opinion, Colin Firth is the finest actor on the big screen right now.