THE KING'S SPEECH

This is a an important history lesson, as well as an uplifting story of a shy, reluctant king who struggled to over come a physical hindrance to become a symbol of national and international pride and unity.

Albert Frederick Arthur George, was fourth in line for the British throne when he was born in 1895, behind his grandfather, father, and older brother Edward.  Albert, or Bertie to family, was always in the shadow of his brother, who barring death, was destined to eventually be King of the British Empire.  Bertie was a shy kid, raised by sadistic nannies who favored Edward.  He was prone to crying, had knock knees which required him to wear painful metal leg braces,  and he had a bitch of a stammer.  Never outgoing, Bertie accepted his fate and was content, even preferred, to stay in the background and let his more dynamic family members perform the royal duties.

As Duke of York, though, Bertie was required on rare occasions to speak in public, a task that he dreaded.  He and his wife, Duchess Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon exhaustively sought out therapists to help the Duke shed his impediment.  To no avail.  That is. . . until they found "Dr." Lionel Logue, a quirky, unconventional occasional actor who promise the Duke and Duchess that he would absolutely be able to cure Bertie if and only if they put their complete trust in him and his sometimes outlandish methods.


Here began a wonderful journey and a friendship unlike Bertie had ever known.  There were the expected ups and downs of the relationship, but the understanding and rapport they had with one another was too great, and eventually became immune to collapse.


Along the way, Bertie's father, King George V died, and his brother, Edward ascended to the throne.  But ahh. . . .   there's a big problem here. . . .   Edward had fallen in love with a "commoner" and, if he was to marry her, as was his plan, he would have to abdicate the throne, making Bertie king.   That is the LAST thing Bertie ever expected or wanted.  But that was his fate, and like it or not, that's how it was going to be.  Oh well, at least the Coronation Rite required him to speak only three lines.  Easy Peasy Japanesey.  Right?  Wrong!  


World War II was moving into full swing, Britain and Germany had declared war on each other, and the British countrymen were looking toward their new king for comfort and guidance.  At this point, Albert (Bertie) took the name George VI because Albert was too "German."


Oh no!  George had to address his loyal subjects LIVE on that new-fangled thing called radio.  A full scale nine-minute address.  This, his first time addressing his public, would set the stage for how he would be permanently perceived.  His first impression.  He HAD to get it all out and get it out with the confidence his country needed at this troubled time.


This is one of those movies that is almost flawless.  Beautiful to look at, a period piece that kept moving at a brisk and always interesting pace.  Great direction and editing.  The cast were all perfect and totally believable.


I definitely recommend this film.  Destined for many Oscar noms.