Directed by Tom Hooper
As Aldolf Hitler was gathering support in Germany, King George V (Michael Gambon) of England was ailing, and his eldest son Edward (Guy Pearce) was talking about not taking over the ‘family firm’ because he wanted to marry a divorced woman by the name of Wallis Simpson. This was a disastrous turn of events for the younger son Bertie (Colin Firth) because his painful stutter meant he was ill-equipped for anything that involved speaking in public. Despite all the medical opinions, including the suggestion that he take up smoking because it would help relax him, nothing could be done to improve his speech impediment. Then his wife Elizabeth (Helene Bonham Carter) found an Australian speech therapist living on London by the name of Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush).
While we know all about the royal abdication, this film is about the relationship between two men who in normal circumstances would never have crossed paths. Bertie, The Duke of York, has led a very insular life and is destined to be king while Lionel is an antipodean with little respect for British formalities. He insists on dealing with the man rather than the royal personage and demands that the ‘my turf, my rules’ policy not be disputed for his unorthodox methods to be implemented. The actual coronation is really no drama but the real test for the newly appointed King George VI is the king’s speech which is broadcast via the wireless at Christmas time.
The final momentous final scene takes place in a small room with Bertie, Lionel and a microphone. Lionel Logue continued to coach King George VI for all public speaking events and the two remained good friends. This marvellously positive piece of history makes for such a feel-good film and the central actors deserve all the awards they have been nominated for.
Lezly Herbert
***
