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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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The King's Speech

2010, History/Drama, 1h 58m

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Critics Consensus

Colin Firth gives a masterful performance in The King's Speech , a predictable but stylishly produced and rousing period drama. Read critic reviews

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The king's speech photos.

England's Prince Albert (Colin Firth) must ascend the throne as King George VI, but he has a speech impediment. Knowing that the country needs her husband to be able to communicate effectively, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) hires Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), an Australian actor and speech therapist, to help him overcome his stammer. An extraordinary friendship develops between the two men, as Logue uses unconventional means to teach the monarch how to speak with confidence.

Rating: R (Some Language)

Genre: History, Drama

Original Language: English

Director: Tom Hooper

Producer: Iain Canning , Emile Sherman , Gareth Unwin

Writer: David Seidler

Release Date (Theaters): Jan 28, 2011 wide

Release Date (Streaming): Apr 1, 2017

Box Office (Gross USA): $138.8M

Runtime: 1h 58m

Distributor: Weinstein Co.

Production Co: See-Saw Films, Bedlam Pictures

Cast & Crew

Colin Firth

King George VI

Geoffrey Rush

Lionel Logue

Helena Bonham Carter

Queen Elizabeth

King Edward VIII

Timothy Spall

Winston Churchill

Derek Jacobi

Archbishop Cosmo Lang

Jennifer Ehle

Myrtle Logue

Anthony Andrews

Stanley Baldwin

Claire Bloom

Wallis Simpson

Michael Gambon

King George V

David Seidler

Screenwriter

Executive Producer

Mark Foligno

Harvey Weinstein

Bob Weinstein

Iain Canning

Emile Sherman

Gareth Unwin

Danny Cohen

Cinematographer

Tariq Anwar

Film Editing

Eve Stewart

Production Design

Alexandre Desplat

Original Music

Leon McCarthy

Art Director

Set Decoration

Jenny Beavan

Costume Design

News & Interviews for The King's Speech

RT on DVD & Blu-Ray: The King’s Speech and Rabbit Hole

Best of the Best Pictures!

RT’s Oscar Picks

Critic Reviews for The King's Speech

Audience reviews for the king's speech.

A true masterwork of modern cinema laced with exceptional acting and a story which makes for a nearly perfect period piece. One of the best films of the 21st Century by far.

The Duke Of York hires an unconventional speech therapist when faced with Royal duties in the burgeoning media age to help him with a stammer that prevents his public speaking. The premise behind The King's Speech is a rather dry one and the trailers themselves make it seem to be a cross between The Madness Of King George and Pygmalion, but thanks to some winning performances and an interesting script portraying a behind the scenes window onto recent history it transcends the traditional comedy of manners formula that nearly all British films seem obliged to follow. Colin Firth's portrayal of a man thrust into the public eye by events beyond his control is sublime and it's fascinating to see a snapshot of the man behind a public face completely controlled by propriety and social convention. There's a real warmth in his unlikely friendship with a brewer's son from Australia and the gentle humour and subtle direction makes a very refreshing change from the ADHD firework displays that seem to make up the vast majority of modern cinema. Maybe not the masterpiece its multi-award winning reputation suggests, but a quality cast and sensitive storytelling make for a fine lightly comic and insightful historical character study.

Please spell me out the "clichéd" and "formulaic" elements in The King's Speech, because even if it is a doubtful Academy Awards conqueror, Tom Hooper built a proper historical account about the struggle of a man to become a symbol of national resistance in imminent war times that were about to shape the world. It has been accused of being "predictable" as well. Maybe that's because the story was based on true events? The art of cinema retelling true stories resides in the ability to properly, yet respectfully carry on the task of dramatization, one of the main successes of <i>The King's Speech</i>. I applaud the performances and the execution. Dialogue handling was impeccable, and the cinematography was worthy of a disciple of Carol Reed, capturing the size of the scenarios, the tension of the situations and the psychological difficulties faced by King George VI. I wonder, therefore, what would the opinion of the audiences be if this had been a film directed by Carol Reed in the 40s. Perhaps they would have been quicker to applaud. Do not let the debated Academy Awards be distractions to you. 78/100

It's the sign of a talented director that a bunch of scenes of people talking (or stammering) in rooms can look cinematic.

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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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The King's Speech (2010)

Rated R for language

118 minutes

Directed by

David Seidler

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The King's Speech

R | biographical dramas | 1 HR 59 MIN | 2010

When his brother abdicates, George VI reluctantly dons the crown. Though his stutter soon raises concerns about his leadership skills, King George VI turns to an unconventional speech therapist, Lionel Logue, and the two forge a friendship.

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An Accidental King Finds His Voice

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By Sarah Lyall

Oct. 28, 2010

ON Sept. 3, 1939, after Britain declared war on Germany, George VI addressed millions of people around the world in a live radio broadcast. It was a somber, stirring call to patriotism and fortitude, to courage and resilience, and it was one of the best speeches he had ever made.

He had had to struggle so hard to get there. The terrifying march to war, along with the trauma of taking over the throne after the unprecedented abdication of his popular older brother, Edward VIII, had brought back the debilitating stutter that had plagued the king since childhood. The long silences on the radio were not a rhetorical device but a verbal crutch.

That he managed at all was a tribute to the man who stood beside him as he spoke, an uncredentialled, unorthodox speech therapist from Australia named Lionel Logue. “The King’s Speech,” which opens on Nov. 24, tells the story of the unlikely friendship between the two men and describes how Logue helped the king find his voice and his confidence.

“It was a perfect storm of catastrophe,” said Colin Firth, whose nuanced portrayal of George has generated a huge pre-Oscar stir. “Having a stammer causes tremendous suffering, and just a few years earlier he would have been bailed out by having his remarks recorded and edited. But he was required to speak on this new device, live radio. And to compound all that you have a war looming, where his only function is his voice, to speak to the people, and he can’t speak.”

The movie opens before George (then called Prince Albert, or Bertie) becomes king, during a scene in which he is trying to address an expectant crowd at Wembley Stadium. Mr. Firth’s voice flails. He swallows his words, trips over them, and spits them partially out, lapsing into long, panicked silences. It is almost physically painful to watch.

George’s wife, played by Helena Bonham Carter, convinces him to seek help from Logue (Geoffrey Rush). Logue’s eccentric methods include insisting that he and Bertie address each other by their first names, making Bertie sing and impertinently asking him about his lonely childhood and his relationship with his chilly family. Gradually the future king opens up, his voice relaxing along with his clenched-up spirit.

“It’s Logue’s way of trying to help him at a time when convention does not allow psychoanalysis for a person like that,” Mr. Firth said. “Logue is one of the early generation who believed that getting to the heart of a problem psychologically could help with a cure.”

The movie reinforces that theme with a number of scenes set during the charged days leading up to the death of George V (Michael Gambon) and the abdication less than a year later of Edward VIII (played with exquisite shallowness by Guy Pearce). With the country in shock and disarray, Bertie reluctantly steps in to a role that he never wanted and believes he cannot perform. The family scenes are studies in high dysfunction.

Mr. Firth’s greatest fear, he said, was that he would make Bertie seem pathetic. “I didn’t want to be buried in that dark place, or stammering at the maximum rate, for the entire film,” He said. He and the movie’s director, Tom Hooper, decided that “it’s got to be uncomfortable, we have to feel his pain, but not to the point where we can’t stand it,” Mr. Firth added.

The seeds for the film were planted years ago, in the childhood of its screenwriter, David Seidler, who himself developed a stutter after his family moved from England to America during the war. He remembers listening to the king on the radio from far across the ocean.

“I would hear these speeches and was told by my parents that he too had a bad stutter and look how much he’d improved,” Mr. Seidler said. “Maybe there was hope for me.”

Years later he tracked down one of Logue’s sons, a retired neurosurgeon, who had a cache of his father’s diaries but who insisted that any project have the blessing of the Queen Mother, George’s elderly widow.

Mr. Seidler wrote to her. “Please, not during my lifetime,” she replied. “The memory of these events is still too painful.”

She died in 2002; the movie has been in the works, more or less, ever since.

The filmmakers were helped by a rich trove of recordings and footage of George VI. One, of an address that he gave at the opening of an exhibition in Glasgow in 1938, was so poignant, and the king looked so distressed and so sad, that it made Mr. Firth and Mr. Hooper cry.

“This tells me an awful lot about what he was up against and what he suffered through what it must have felt like to be him,” Mr. Firth said. But he used that as a starting point rather than an end target.

“I’m not him and I don’t look like him,” he said of the king. “We have to get past that issue and try to find the truth in other ways.”

Mr. Hooper said: “The genius of Colin is that he understood that playing this part wasn’t necessarily about the words or the sounds you make. It was about inhabiting those terrifying silences. For a stammerer, when you can’t get the next word out, when you can’t talk, the whole world becomes about that. There is nothing there except you and this silence.”

Though Mr. Seidler’s screenplay imagines private conversations between Logue and the king and others, it is by and large historically accurate; even some of the dialogue is a matter of history. The biggest deviation from reality is that many years’ worth of the king’s relationship with Logue is compressed into a few key years.

Mr. Seidler’s stage version of the film, directed by Adrian Noble, is set to open on Broadway next spring.

Mr. Firth said that the king’s impediment helped him, in a way, understand the troubles of his subjects.

“He’s trying to show solidarity with millions of people he doesn’t know, to connect to their suffering, and he’s not sitting pretty on a velvet cushion,” he said. “He’s going through an extraordinary struggle. For him to have the humility not to want the job, and the humility to do it anyway there was a valiant struggle going on, and people related to it.”

George VI remained a friend of Mr. Logue for the rest of their lives. (The king died in 1952; Logue died the following year.) The king sought his help before important speaking engagements and, in 1937 made him a member of the Royal Victorian Order, which recognizes personal service to the sovereign. The king never fully got over his stutter, and Mr. Hooper said it would have been wrong to give the film a classic Hollywood ending, in which he is cured and lives happily ever after.

When he went back and listened to archival recordings, Mr. Hooper said, “it was clear that the king was still coping with his stammer, and that this was not about a man who was cured. It was about a man who had learned how to cope.”

Mr. Seidler said: “I’m overwhelmed with that man’s fortitude. Logue is on record as saying that Bertie was the bravest patient he ever had.”

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Movie Interviews

Tom hooper: on directing 'the king's speech'.

In The King's Speech , Colin Firth plays King George VI, who was adored by his subjects for refusing to leave London during World War II bombing raids. He also suffered from a terrible stammer and hated speaking in public. Laurie Sparham via The Weinstein Co. hide caption

This interview was originally broadcast on November 18, 2010. The King's Speech was recently nominated for 12 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

In 1925, Albert, Duke of York, began seeing a speech therapist to correct his pronounced speech impediment. Eleven years later, he reluctantly ascended to the British throne as King George VI, after his older brother Edward VIII abdicated to marry the American Wallis Simpson.

As the king, George VI was expected to frequently address his nation, both in person and on the radio. During these public speaking engagements, he continued to rely heavily on his speech therapist, Australian Lionel Logue, to make sure he didn't stammer.

King George VI's relationship with Logue is at the heart of director Tom Hooper's historical drama, The King's Speech . The film stars Colin Firth as King George VI and Geoffrey Rush as Logue, who developed his somewhat unorthodox way of treating speech impediments while treating shell-shocked soldiers in the years following World War I.

The story behind "The King's Speech"

February 20, 2011 / 11:46 PM EST / CBS News

With 12 Oscar nominations, "The King's Speech" is among the most nominated films of all time. It's based on the true story of George VI, the father of the present queen of England. George VI was a man who, in the 1930s, desperately did not want to be king. He was afflicted nearly all his life by a crippling stammer which stood to rob Britain of a commanding voice at the very moment that Hitler rose to threaten Europe.

"The King's Speech" came, seemingly out of nowhere to become the film to beat on Oscar night. And Colin Firth is now the odds-on favorite to win best actor for his critically acclaimed portrayal of George VI.

The hidden letters behind "The King's Speech" What's it like to hold history in your hands? Scott Pelley had that chance, reporting on the Oscar-nominated film "The King's Speech." Hear from Colin Firth and Mark Logue, whose grandfather's friendship with a king made history.

Segment: "The King's Speech Extra: The real King George Extra: Colin Firth, King and Queen Extra: Firth's Oscar-nominated roles Extra: Firth's "bland" looks Pictures: Colin Firth on "60 Minutes"

When correspondent Scott Pelley asked Firth if he liked being king, Firth said, "I think it's hard to think of anything worse, really. I mean, I wouldn't change places with this man. And I would be very surprised if anybody watching the film would change places with this man."

"It's a perfect storm of catastrophic misfortunes for a man who does not want the limelight, who does not want to be heard publicly, who does not want to expose this humiliating impediment that he's spent his life battling," Firth explained. "He's actually fighting his own private war. He'd rather have been facing machine gun fire than have to face the microphone."

The microphone hung like a noose for the king, who was a stutterer from the age of 8. He was never meant to be king. But in 1936 his older brother gave up the throne to marry Wallace Simpson, a divorced American. Suddenly George VI and his wife Elizabeth reigned over an empire that was home to 25 percent of the world's population.

And like the George of over 1,000 years before, he had a dragon to slay: radio.

"When I looked at images of him or I listened to him, you do see that physical struggle," Firth said of the king's public speeches. "His eyes close, and you see him try to gather himself. And it's heartbreaking."

Among those listening was a 7-yr.-old British boy who, like the king, had a wealth of words but could not get them out.

"I was a profound stutterer. I started stuttering just before my third birthday. I didn't rid myself of it until I was 16. But my parents would encourage me to listen to the king's speeches during the war. And I thought, 'Wow if he can do that, there is hope for me.' So he became my childhood hero," David Seidler, who wrote the movie, told Pelley.

Seidler had grown up with the story, but he didn't want to tell the tale until he had permission from the late king's widow, known as The Queen Mother.

Seidler had sent a letter to her. "And finally, an answer came and it said, 'Dear Mr. Seidler, please, not during my lifetime the memory of these events is still too painful.' If the Queen Mum says wait to an Englishman, an Englishman waits. But, I didn't think I'd have to wait that long," he explained.

Asked why, Seidler said, "Well, she was a very elderly lady. Twenty five years later, just shy of her 102nd birthday, she finally left this realm."

After the Queen Mother's death in 2002, Seidler went to work. He found the theme of the story in the clash between his royal highness and an Australian commoner who became the king's salvation, an unknown speech therapist named Lionel Logue.

"The words that keep coming up when you hear about Lionel Logue are 'charisma' and 'confidence.' He would never say, 'I can fix your stuttering.' He would say, 'You can get a handle on your stuttering. I know you can succeed,'" Seidler said.

Geoffrey Rush plays Logue, an unorthodox therapist and a royal pain.

They say you can't make this stuff up, and in much of the film that's true. Seidler could not have imagined his work would lead to a discovery that would rewrite history. Researchers for the film tracked down Lionel Logue's grandson Mark, because the movie needed family photos to get the clothing right.

Mark Logue not only had pictures, he also had some diaries.

Produced by Ruth Streeter His grandfather's diaries were up in the attic in boxes that the family had nearly forgotten. When Logue hauled them down for the movie, he discovered more than 100 letters between the therapist and his king.

"'My dear Logue, thank you so much for sending me the books for my birthday, which are most acceptable.' That's so British isn't it. 'Yours very sincerely, Albert,'" Logue read from one of the letters.

"As you read through all these letters between your grandfather and the king, what did it tell you about the relationship between these two men?" Pelley asked.

"It's not the relationship between a doctor and his patient, it's a relationship between friends," Logue said.

We met Logue at the same address where his grandfather treated the king. And among the hundreds of pages of documents were Logue's first observations of George VI.

"Probably the most startling thing was the king's appointment card," Logue told Pelley. "It described in detail the king's stammer, which we hadn't seen anywhere else. And it also described in detail the intensity with the appointments."

The king saw Lionel Logue every day for an hour, including weekends.

"You know, he was so committed. I think he decided 'This is it. I have to overcome this stammer, and this is my chance,'" Mark Logue told Pelley.

In the film, the king throws himself into crazy therapies. But in truth, Logue didn't record his methods. The scenes are based on Seidler's experience and ideas of the actors.

"We threw in stuff that we knew. I mean, somebody had told me that the only way to release that muscle," actor Geoffrey Rush said of one of the speech exercises he did in the movie. "And of course, little did I realize that the particular lens they were using on that shot made me look like a Galapagos tortoise."

While the treatments spring from imagination, the actors read Logue's diaries and letters to bring realism to everything else.

"The line at the end, I found reading the diaries in bed one night, 'cause this is what I used to do every night, when Logue says 'You still stammered on the 'W'," Firth said.

The line was used in the movie.

"It shows that these men had a sense of humor. It showed that there was wit. It showed there was self mockery and it just showed a kind of buoyancy of spirit between them. The fact that he spoke on a desk standing upright in this little hidden room is something we found in the diaries as well," Firth told Pelley.

"In reality he had to stand up to speak, he had to have the window open," Firth said. "And he had to have his jacket off."

"And that wonderful, specific little eccentric observation that came from reality," Firth added.

One of the most remarkable things to come out of the Logue attic was a copy of what maybe the most important speech the king ever made - the speech that gave the movie its name. This was the moment when King George VI had to tell his people that for the second time in a generation they were at war with Germany. The stakes were enormous. The leader of the empire could not stumble over these words.

Mark Logue has the original copy of "the speech," typed out on Buckingham Palace stationary.

"What are all of these marks? All these vertical lines? What do they mean?" Pelley asked, looking over the documents.

"They're deliberate pauses so that the king would be able to sort of attack the next word without hesitation," Logue said. "He's replacing some words, he's crossing them out and suggesting another word that the King would find easier to pronounce."

"Here's a line that he's changed, 'We've tried to find a peaceful way out of the differences between my government.' He's changed that from, 'my government,' to, 'the differences between ourselves and those who would be our enemies,'" Pelley said.

"You know, I'm curious. Have either of you snuck into a theater and watched the film with a regular audience?" Pelley asked Firth and Rush.

"No, the only time I've ever snuck in to watch my own film I got quite nervous about it, because I just thought it be embarrassing to be seen doing that, so I pulled my collar up, and the hat down, over my eyes, and you know, snuck in as if I was going into a porn cinema, or something and went up the stairs, crept in, sidled in, to sit at the back, and I was the only person in the cinema. That's how well the film was doing," Firth remembered.

Now, it's a lot harder for Firth to go unnoticed. Recently he was immortalized with a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame and brought along his Italian wife Livia.

They've been married 14 years and have two sons. With "The King's Speech," we realized Firth is one of the most familiar actors that we know almost nothing about. So we took him back to his home town Alresford in Hampshire, outside London. He's the son of college professors, but Firth dropped out of high school to go to acting school.

"But you don't have a Hampshire accent," Pelley pointed out.

"No. My accent has changed over the years, as a matter of survival. So until I was about 10, 'I used to talk like that,'" Firth replied, mimicking the local accent. "I remember it might have been on this street, actually, where I think the conversation went something like, 'Oy, you want to fight?' And I said, 'No, I don't.' 'Why not?' 'Well, 'cause you'll win.' 'No, I won't.' 'Well, will I win then?' 'Well, you might not.' And so, you know, we went trying to process the logic. And I thought, 'Have we dealt with it now?"

"Do we still have to fight?" Pelley asked.

"Do we actually have to do the practical now? We've done the theory," Firth replied.

He wanted us to see his first stage. It turned out to be the yard of his elementary school where he told stories from his own imagination.

"And at lunch times on the field up here, the crowd would gather and demand the story. They'd all sit 'round and say, 'No, we want the next bit,'" Firth remembered.

Firth told Pelley he found his calling for acting at the age of 14.

Asked what happened then, he told Pelley, "I used to go to drama classes up the road here on Saturday mornings. And one day I just had this epiphany. It was I can do this. I want to do this."

He has done 42 films in 26 years, most of them the polar opposite of "The King's Speech," like "Mamma Mia!"

"How hard was it to get you to do the scene for the closing credits?" Pelley asked, referring to Firth doing a musical number in an outrageous, Abba-inspired outfit.

"I think that's the reason I did the film," Firth joked.

"You have no shame?" Pelley asked.

"I'm sorry. That's if one thing has come out of '60 Minutes' here, it's we have discovered, we've unveiled the fact that Colin Firth has no shame. I am such a drag queen. It's one of my primary driving forces in life. If you cannot dangle a spandex suit and a little bit of mascara in front of me and not just have me go weak at the knees," Firth joked.

From queen to king, Firth is an actor of amazing range who now has his best shot at this first Oscar.

Like George VI himself, this movie wasn't meant to be king. "The King's Speech" was made for under $15 million. But now the movie, the director, the screenwriter David Seidler, who made it happen, and all the principal actors are in the running for Academy Awards. It would be Geoffrey Rush's second Oscar.

"What advice to you have for this man who may very likely win the Oscar this year?" Pelley asked Rush.

"Well enjoy it. It isn't the end of anything because you will go on and do a couple more flops probably, you might even sneak into another film in which no one is in the house," Rush joked.

But on Oscar night, stammering King George may have the last word. A lot of movies are based on true stories. But "The King's Speech" has reclaimed history.

How historically accurate is the movie The King's Speech

In 2010, The King’s Speech won the Oscar for Best Picture and grossed over $414 million worldwide. It was an unlikely box office champion because it was based on a true story about King George VI of Britain (1895-1952) and an Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue (1880-1953). It shows how Logue helped the king overcome a crippling stammer and how this helped him lead his country during World War II. The movie was directed by Tom Hooper and written by David Seidler.

Critics have widely praised the editing, cinematography, directing, and acting. The movie was able to express the main characters' inner life by the clever use of lighting and other cinematic techniques. Colin Firth won an Oscar for his portrayal of George IV/ The King’s Speech was produced by a British company, and it was shot mainly in London. Among the supporting cast was Helen Bonham-Carter, who played Queen Elizabeth, the wife of the king. The movie was nominated for 12 academy awards, and it won four awards, including one for Best Picture.

Before the movie began filming, the writer, Seidler, found Logue's journal and incorporated elements from the journal into the movie. However, despite this, the historical accuracy of the movie has been questioned and even widely criticized.

When does the King's Speech take place?

The King's Speech takes place mainly in the 1930s at a critical juncture for Britain and its Empire. The nation and its various dependencies had still not recovered from the ravages of World War or the Great Depression. Internationally, Hitler was in power in Germany, and many feared, correctly, that there would be another World War. [1] The rather bleak mood of the time is captured very well by the director. At this critical point in its history, the British Royal Family faced its crisis.

After George V's death, he was succeeded by his eldest son, who became Edward VII in 1936. Edward VII's reign was both brief and controversial. Edward wanted to marry a divorced American, Wallis Simpson. Marrying a divorced was unacceptable to many in Britain at this time as the King was also head of the Church of England. Divorce was socially unacceptable, and the Anglican Bishops and others denounced the idea of the monarch marrying a divorced woman.

When Edward VII decided to marry Wallis Simpson, he was forced to abdicate his crown soon after his Coronation. This meant that his younger brother George or Bertie, as he was known, became king. [2] The depiction of these events in the movie has been fictionalized but is reasonably accurate.

However, there were some inaccuracies in the movie that troubled viewers. One of the scenes that caused the most controversy was when Sir Winston Churchill, the future leader of war-time Britain, supported the accession of George V. This scene misrepresented Churchill's view of Edward's abdication entirely. Churchill supported Edward VII (1894-1972) and believed that he should remain as king despite his marriage to Wallis Simpson. He was friendly with the abdicated king and remained a supporter. [3]

Unlike in the movie, Churchill did have grave doubts about the ability of George VI to carry out his Royal duties. He was not alone in the belief, and many others shared that view in the highest circles of the British government. Over time, he did come to accept the younger brother of Edward VII and came to respect him as an able monarch and leader . [4]

The King and his Stutter

The movie's central theme is the difficulties faced by George VI because of his stutter and how Logue was able to help him overcome his speech defect. This depiction is historically accurate, and the future George VI had a serious speech impediment. In the movie, Firth's character is shown as having a terrible stammer and that when he became nervous or anxious, he was almost unable to communicate. His stammer made public speaking almost impossible for the monarch.

The movie shows that his speech impediment was a result of his insecurity and shyness. [5] This was very much the case, and George VI did have a terrible stutter from childhood. The King’s Speech accurately shows the real problems caused by the future George VI and the entire Royal Family. In one scene at the opening of an exhibition celebrating the British Empire, George struggles with a speech and becomes visibly upset. The movie shows many senior officials and members of the Royal Family becoming gravely concerned about this. In the 1930a, when the movie is set, for the first-time, Royalty members were expected to speak in public and be effective communicators because of the growing importance of the mass media. [6]

The inability of George VI to publicly speak clearly was a real problem, and it was feared that it could damage the Royal Family and even undermine confidence in the government of the British Empire. The movie does somewhat exaggerate the importance of the king’s stutter, but it was a significant issue for the Royal Family.

When did Lionel Logue begin treating George VI?

Perhaps the biggest inaccuracy in the movie is that Logue was, in reality, able to help the King to overcome his stammer before the abdication crisis and his coronation rather than after these events. He first began to treat the second son of George V in the 1920s and continued to do so for many years. The movie shows that the treatment took place in the 1930s, and this was no doubt done for dramatic effect, but this is not strictly correct.

Cooper’s movie relates how George had been seeking help all his life for his stammer, and he tried every technique and treatment available for the time, which is true. The 2010 motion picture does really capture the sense of desperation and anxiety that the future George VI had over his speech impediment. He is shown as going in desperation to the Australian Logue, and this is also correct. The therapist is shown as using innovative techniques to help George overcome his stammer, which is right. The Australian was an early pioneer in speech and language therapy, and he was an innovator. [7] The film shows Rush trying to instill more confidence in the Royal. He adopts several strategies, but none are shown to work.

How did Logue treat George VI's speech impediment?

Eventually, he provokes the king, and in his anger, he can speak stutter-free. In reality, the speech and language therapist gave the monarch a series of daily vocal exercises, such as tongue twisters, that were designed to help him to relax. This helped the future king to relax, and this was key to the improvements in his speech. The motion picture does show that the treatment was not a total success, and the king continued to have a very slight stammer. This was indeed the case. However, the improvement in the speech of George VI was remarkable, which is accurately shown in the 2010 movie. It shows George having grave doubts about Logue and his treatment when he hears that he is not formally qualified as a therapist.

In real life, this did not cause a crisis in the relationship between the British sovereign and the Australian therapist. It is correct that Logue was not formally qualified because there was no education system for language therapy when he was young. Instead, he was self-taught and had traveled the world, studying the ideas of respected speech therapists. The movie leaves the viewers in no doubt that the king and the Royal Family owed the Australian a great debt, and this was the case, and when George VI died, his widow, the Queen, wrote to the therapist to thank him for all he had done for her husband. [8]

What was the relationship between King George VI and Lionel Logue?

The movie shows that the two men began to become real friends over time, despite their differences. This was the case, and it appears that both men liked each other and even enjoyed each other’s company. The relationship between the British king and the Australian is very realistically shown, and they remained friends until the early death of George VI. The movie shows that Logue was present when George made important Radio broadcasts to the British Public. This was the case, but Logue continued to coach the king to speak in public for many years.

In the movie, Logue is shown when George VI pronounced that Britain was at war with Germany in September 1939 during a radio address to the nation. This is not correct, but the Australian did provide the king with notes on things where he should pause and breathe, and these were a real help in the most important speech the monarch ever made. Logue continued to coach the king for many years until about 1944.

The therapist is shown as being very much at ease in the King's presence and treating him like any other client. This was not the case. Despite their genuine friendship, Logue would have been expected to have been somewhat formal and respect the Royal Person of the King at all times. In real life, Logue was not as easy-going and familiar with George VI as portrayed in the historical drama. [9]

Was George VI accurately portrayed in the King's Speech?

Colin Firth’s performance was widely praised. The British actor won the Academy Award for Best Actor. While Firth's performance was widely acclaimed, there were some concerns about how accurately he portrayed the monarch. In the main, Firth did manage to capture George VI and his character in the feature film. The British actor did correctly show that the monarch was a timid and insecure man who felt that he was not equal to his Royal duties, and this was something that greatly distressed him. [10]

His stammer may have been a result of his sense of inadequacy, but this cannot be known, for certain. Firth does show that the monarch did grow in stature after he was crowned as King. It leaves the viewer in no doubt that by the end of the movie, Firth, who has largely overcome his stammer, could lead his country in its hour of greatest danger. [11]

This was the case, and the monarch became widely respected for his leadership and his calm dignity. However, the script tended to be overly sympathetic to George and avoided his character's rather unpleasant aspects. He was alleged to have both fits of anger and alleged acts of domestic violence. Those allegations have not been confirmed.

Helena Bonham Carter's performance was praised, and she does capture the personality of Queen Elizabeth (1900-2002). She was a very supportive wife and dedicated to her husband. She did not want him to become king because she feared what it would do to him. Her family, as shown in the feature film. [12] Geoffrey Rush played the character of the speech and language therapist Logue, and he presented him as a larger-than-life figure who was charismatic, and this was indeed the case. It is generally agreed that Rush really captured the personality of the acclaimed speech and language therapist.

How realistic is the King's Speech?

Overall, the movie is historically accurate. It shows the modern viewer the importance of the King's treatment for his speech impediment. This movie also captures the real sense of anxiety in Britain in the 1930s, and it broadly captures the historical context of the Coronation of George VI. The relationship between Logue and the monarch is also largely accurate. However, this is a movie, and the need to entertain means some inaccuracies, especially concerning details such as the king's treatment. However, when compared to other historical dramas, the movie is very realistic.

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30 facts about the movie the king’s speech.

Written by Arlene Steelman

Modified & Updated: 03 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

30-facts-about-the-movie-the-kings-speech

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.

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King George VI: The Man Behind the King's Speech

King's Speech is the definitive story of the man who overcame his own failings for the sake of his nation. When his older brother, Edward VIII abdicates the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, n... Read all King's Speech is the definitive story of the man who overcame his own failings for the sake of his nation. When his older brother, Edward VIII abdicates the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, nervous-mannered successor George "Bertie" VI is plagued with shyness and a speech impedime... Read all King's Speech is the definitive story of the man who overcame his own failings for the sake of his nation. When his older brother, Edward VIII abdicates the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, nervous-mannered successor George "Bertie" VI is plagued with shyness and a speech impediment when speaking to his subjects. It is the true story of an introvert and humble man whom... Read all

Colin Firth
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StrictlyConfidential
Jun 7, 2020
July 2011 (United States)
United Kingdom
Vision Films (United States)
英国王のスピーチの真実　ジョージ6世の素顔
ITN Productions
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Runtime 1 hour 4 minutes
Black and White

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What 'The King's Speech' gets right, and wrong, about stuttering

The stammers and grimaces of stuttering take the spotlight in the "The King's Speech," a period drama that received 12 Academy Award nominations to become the most Oscar-beloved film of the year -- and won awards for both best picture and best actor. The movie mostly gets the facts right as it showcases how King George VI struggled with the condition in the years leading up to World War II.

Researchers remain baffled by how stuttering begins in the early years of childhood, said Nan Ratner, a psycholinguist at the University of Maryland in College Park. The condition affects just 1 percent of humans worldwide, but as many as 4 percent of people may have a childhood history of stuttering. There is no known cure for the condition.

"The King's Speech" mainly succeeds by tackling the social stigma that surrounds stuttering, as it shows the future King George VI suffering from humiliation during his public speeches before thousands of British subjects. Such shame not only causes stutterers to endure both stress and negative thoughts (such as self-doubt), but also leads them to develop counterproductive reactions as they try to speak more fluently .

Story: Firth dislikes plan to clean up 'King's' English

"What 'The King's Speech' got right is that stuttering is a lot more than just repeating words," Ratner said. "It's very debilitating; it's actually a handicapping communication disorder."

Ratner brought up the film during a panel session on Feb. 20 called "From Freud to fMRI : Untangling the Mystery of Stuttering" at the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference held in Washington, D.C.

What the film gets wrong But "The King's Speech" still gives way to some of the more popular myths about stuttering. It implies that King George VI's condition came about in part because of overly strict parenting and childhood trauma – two factors that don't seem to play any part in causing stuttering.

"We don't have any firm evidence that those are true at all, and a lot of counterevidence," Ratner explained. "Almost every parent asks me what they did wrong, because that has really entered the public perception of what [stuttering] is."

Story: Royal night for 'The King's Speech'

Of course, parents can certainly make matters worse for a stuttering child, Ratner cautioned. She emphasized that parents should seek help for their kids as early as possible.

Early treatment can make all the difference, because as many as 80 percent of stuttering kids can fully recover between the ages of 2 and 5. Still some kids may never recover despite getting treatment, given that the condition appears to have a strong genetic basis .

"We now understand that stuttering is a highly inheritable disorder, many people who stutter also have relatives that stutter," Ratner said.

Living with stuttering The film may celebrate the triumph of the human spirit and the friendship between King George VI and his therapist, Lionel Logue, but it also acknowledges the reality that therapy for stutterers beyond the early years of childhood is necessary to help manage the condition.

"King George stuttered all his life," Ratner said. "He became a more effective speaker and an easier speaker and certainly a happier speaker, but he never really could get rid of his stuttering."

Many of the therapies shown in the film are still used today. For instance, Logue teaches the king to speak with words connected in groups, tries to desensitize him to the fear of public speaking, and even uses loud music as a distraction to mask the king's learned patterns of stuttering. He also adds a good healthy dose of self-confidence .

"The King's Speech" also touches upon the more ineffective therapies used during the time period, which included trying to speak with pebbles in the mouth and cursing up a storm to get the words out. On a positive note, Logue did recommend that the king quit smoking.

"We don't think cursing really helps you get your words out – it doesn't make you a good conversational partner," Ratner said. "And certainly at this point, we know smoking is not a good idea."

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Sydney's RCL Blog

Just another weblog, the king’s speech: a rhetorical analysis.

Anyone that has seen the 2010 film The King’s Speech knows of the numerous circumstances preceding King George VI’s delivery of his first wartime broadcast. Above all, they know of his personal anxiety surrounding his usurping of the throne and speech impediment; however, this sample of historical rhetoric goes beyond a simple Colin Firth film. On September 3, 1939, King George VI of the United Kingdom gave an address to the nation, explaining that they were once more at war and why they stood in such a state. In making use of argumentation, addressing his audience appropriately, and handling his speech defect efficiently in delivery, King George VI calls on the ethos, pathos, and logos of his subjects, effectively presenting his arguments for going to war with Germany.

In calling on logos, pathos, and ethos, King George VI effectively presents a strong argumentation in favor of going to war. In presenting these arguments, he embraces the theme of calling on his subjects’ sense of duty—whether it have a basis in political, religious, or civic motivation. In the national address, King George VI reminds the people that more diplomatic actions have been attempted, but have failed against their new enemies. To present this argument in favor of direct action, he pronounces, “over and over again we have tried to find a peaceful way out of the differences between ourselves and those who are now our enemies. But it has been in vain. We have been forced into a conflict.” By pointing out these past engagements in a factual manner, King George VI appeals to the people’s logos. If his subjects can see the reasoning behind his actions, they will feel more inclined to support the war effort and put him in their favor. It is important to note that many people doubted King George VI in the start of his reign, so he needed this speech to succeed to win them over. He did so by exemplifying the compassionate leader during a somber time in trying to connect with his audience. A second argument King George makes exists in his statement of the crimes their enemies have committed which prompted the action he has taken. “It is the principle which permits a state, in the selfish pursuit of power, to disregard its treaties and its solemn pledges; which sanctions the use of force, or threat of force, against the sovereignty and independence of other states,” he says clearly to express his point. In one sentence, King George VI references Germany’s massive rise to power and negligence towards the Treaty of Versailles—the document that ended the First World War. The British king appeals to the people’s logos by explaining these numerous wrongdoings committed by Germany, affirming that action must be taken swiftly. This too appeals to ethos in that, as moral citizens of the global community, the British must feel compelled to help their fellow man. Due to the fact that he could appeal to ethos, pathos, and logos in his many arguments for the war effort, King George VI greatly succeeds in increasing support for the cause and himself.

From the very start of his address, King George VI identifies his audience and his relationship with them, building a sense of trust and mutual duty. To call on their ethos and pathos, King George also tries to establish a personal connection for the effort of unity for the upcoming war effort to the entirety of his subjects. He calls for all citizens to act with their personal, physical, and emotional strength, showing his faith in the abilities of the British. The address calls them to remember the last World War that they fought valiantly in by stating “or the second time in the lives of most of us we are at war.” This also reiterates in the people’s minds that King George VI fought in the first world war himself; this appeals to their ethos in that it offers the king credibility in making important wartime decisions. King George VI goes on to appeal to their pathos, or emotional mindset, by affirming the British citizens’ religious consciousness. He also appeals to from a place of pathos-appeal because, as king, he acts as the head of the Church of England. At the close of his speech, King George VI declares, “But we can only do the right as we see the right, and reverently commit our cause to God. If one and all we keep resolutely faithful to it, ready for whatever service or sacrifice it may demand, then, with God’s help, we shall prevail.” In mentioning their religious nature, he petitions the people’s faith and sense of civic and moral duty to their fellow man. By characterizing his subjects, King George VI effectively appeals to their various natures of emotion, trust, and logic.

A major problem facing King George VI during his reign rests in his public image largely which became tarnished by his poor public speaking skills; therefore, when he gave this address to the public, many were in shock and won over by his eloquence. A major point rests in the fact that he did not completely shed himself of his stammer; he merely learned to work around it. This speech had the purpose of reassurance and motivation. Its delivery required a slow, somber tone that fits directly into King George’s way of speaking without a restricting stutter. This purposeful and deliberate presentation causes the matter at hand to seem all the more serious. So indirectly, King George’s need to speak slowly further emphasizes his points in his very first wartime address. This delivery calls upon their pathos in that it made them feel the tension and solemnity of the era that they were entering. Due to the perceived severity, the British people were compelled to listen closer and respond even more strongly for the entire five minutes and forty-five seconds. Furthermore, prior to this speech, the British public viewed King George VI as less than satisfactory in comparison to his predecessors—his brother, King Edward VIII, and his father, King George V. Both of his relatives had been noted for their strong speaking skills and use of the radio, a relatively new commodity for the average person. The fact that this address to the United Kingdom exists as one of the first wartime broadcasts in history appealed to the ethos of many because it contradicted the popular perception at the time. On the grounds that that he had a heavy stammer and had never used the newer technologies, many believed he would prove an incompetent ruler. King George VI managed to win over the nation with the help of necessary slow speaking and the use of the radio.

King George VI fought his entire life to overcome a debilitating speech impediment, something he never quite achieved, but managed to control to the point of winning over the majority of the nation in one speech. Not only did he make his stammer work for his benefit with the need for a slow delivery, but he also backed himself up with strong argumentation and with an assured knowledge of his audience. In this concise address to his people, King George appealed to ethos, pathos, and logos multiple times and gained support for the war effort from the beginning. This four hundred and seven word speech inspired a nation to take action. It even inspired a blockbuster film.

Works Cited

King George VI. “King George VI Addresses the Nation.” Speech. Buckingham Palace,

London, England. 3 Sept. 1939. The King’s Speech: Royal Broadcasts in the BBC

Archives . BBC News, 17 Dec. 2010. Web. 5 Oct. 2013.

<http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-12020794>.

King George VI. “The Real King’s Speech.” YouTube . YouTube, 05 Feb. 2011. Web. 05

Oct. 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opkMyKGx7TQ>.

The King’s Speech . Dir. Tom Hooper. Perf. Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. Paramount,

2010. Film.

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The Incredible True Story of How King George VI Overcame His Stutter for His 1939 Speech

CNN docuseries The Windsors: Inside the Royal Dynasty goes behind the scenes of his time as King.

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Unfortunately, George VI had a stutter that made it hard for him to give speeches to the British public.
The King ended up attending speech therapy before his iconic address in 1939.

King George VI never intended to be the King of England — but that's exactly what happened when his older brother, Edward VIII , abdicated the throne in December 1936 in order to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson .

Despite the nontraditional start to his reign, George VI went on to become a symbol of strength and hope for the British people throughout World War II and beyond, reigniting their faith in the country's monarchy. It's this rise and reign of the unexpected King that is chronicled in the second episode of CNN docuseries The Windsors: Inside the Royal Dynasty , which airs on Sunday at 10 p.m.

Unsurprisingly, the journey to becoming a successful and beloved King wasn't an easy one for George VI. He was thrown into the job unexpectedly, of course, but his anxiety about taking on the role was only compounded by the stammer he had struggled with ever since he was a young boy.

As is shown in the Oscar-winning 2010 movie The King's Speech , George VI (who was known as Albert or "Bertie" to those closest to him) struggled with a stutter from a young age. After being named the Duke of York in 1920 (but long before he became King), he feared that his stutter would prevent him from effectively giving important speeches to his people, so he began seeing a speech therapist from Australia named Lionel Logue.

But this is where the highly acclaimed drama parts ways from the truth: Because there are no logs of what, exactly, Lionel and the King did during their sessions, we can't be sure of what exercises the speech therapist had George VI practice. (What you see in the movie is based on writer David Seidler's own experiences with speech therapy.) What the records do show, however, is that for some time, the King was meeting with Lionel for an hour every day , weekends included.

Ultimately, George VI became King and later gave his first big radio address on September 3, 1939, when he announced that England would be going to war against Germany. Knowing the significance of such an announcement, the King believed it was absolutely imperative that he give the best speech he could — with as few stutters and stammers as possible.

A copy of the speech now belonging to Lionel's grandson, Mark Logue, shows that Lionel and the King marked up a physical copy of the address for him to reference, highlighting places where he should consider pausing or swapping words for something easier to pronounce. And it paid off — the King delivered the speech beautifully, and it's now considered one of his most iconic addresses.

Of course, after giving this well-known speech, King George VI went on to act as a beloved leader for more than a decade longer, holding the British throne until his death on February 6, 1952 .

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The best films about historical royalty

Posted: April 8, 2024 | Last updated: April 8, 2024

<p>To paraphrase Lorde, we may never be royals, but many people enjoy watching movies about royalty. There's excess, intrigue, romance, violence, and a whole lot more to films set in the world of modern and historical royals. While some of these films don’t land, many of them have been successful. These are the best films based on real royal figures. By the way, that means no King Arthur.</p>

The best film about historical royalty

To paraphrase Lorde, we may never be royals, but many people enjoy watching movies about royalty. There's excess, intrigue, romance, violence, and a whole lot more to films set in the world of modern and historical royals. While some of these films don’t land, many of them have been successful. These are the best films based on real royal figures. By the way, that means no King Arthur.

<p>Elizabeth II was Queen of England for decades before her September 2022 death at 96. She witnessed a lot, including the death of her one-time daughter-in-law Diana Spencer. <em>The Queen</em> is one of writer Peter Morgan’s explorations of British royalty, but this one had Helen Mirren at the center. Mirren won Best Actress for playing Elizabeth.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/24_movies_that_perfectly_showcase_teen_angst_031324/s1__39082518'>24 movies that perfectly showcase teen angst</a></p>

'The Queen' (2006)

Elizabeth II was Queen of England for decades before her September 2022 death at 96. She witnessed a lot, including the death of her one-time daughter-in-law Diana Spencer. The Queen is one of writer Peter Morgan’s explorations of British royalty, but this one had Helen Mirren at the center. Mirren won Best Actress for playing Elizabeth.

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<p>Young Elizabeth II is in<em> The King’s Speech</em> as well. The film centers on her father. After George VI’s father died and his brother abdicated the throne, it was left to him to rule over the United Kingdom at the onset of World War II. However, George VI dealt with a stutter, and this film is about him overcoming that. <em>The King’s Speech</em> ended up a controversial Best Picture winner, with many feeling like <em>The Social Network</em> should have won.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

'The King’s Speech' (2010)

Young Elizabeth II is in The King’s Speech as well. The film centers on her father. After George VI’s father died and his brother abdicated the throne, it was left to him to rule over the United Kingdom at the onset of World War II. However, George VI dealt with a stutter, and this film is about him overcoming that. The King’s Speech ended up a controversial Best Picture winner, with many feeling like The Social Network should have won.

<p>Yorgos Lanthimos was never going to give us a normal movie about royalty. He’s the guy who directed <em>Dogtooth</em> and <em>The Lobster</em>, after all. However, this black comedy about Queen Anne and two of her royal consorts struck a chord with Oscar voters. Olivia Colman’s turn as Anne won her Best Actress.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/20_memorable_one_hit_wonders_from_the_2000s_040824/s1__38734169'>20 memorable one-hit wonders from the 2000s</a></p>

'The Favourite' (2018)

Yorgos Lanthimos was never going to give us a normal movie about royalty. He’s the guy who directed Dogtooth and The Lobster , after all. However, this black comedy about Queen Anne and two of her royal consorts struck a chord with Oscar voters. Olivia Colman’s turn as Anne won her Best Actress.

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<p>Talk about a polarizing movie. People seem to either love Sofia Coppola’s take on Marie Antoinette or despise it. She used pop music and all manner of anachronisms in her film about France’s controversial queen. You have to at least credit Coppola for not taking a run-of-the-mill approach to the material.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

'Marie Antoinette' (2006)

Talk about a polarizing movie. People seem to either love Sofia Coppola’s take on Marie Antoinette or despise it. She used pop music and all manner of anachronisms in her film about France’s controversial queen. You have to at least credit Coppola for not taking a run-of-the-mill approach to the material.

<p>Cate Blanchett is considered one of the best actors of her generation, and it all began with her breakout turn starring in <em>Elizabeth</em>. Now, this film is about Elizabeth I, not the monarch played by Helen Mirren roughly a decade later. This period piece earned Blanchett her first Oscar nomination but not her last.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/the_25_greatest_villain_names_of_all_time_040824/s1__35686598'>The 25 greatest villain names of all time</a></p>

'Elizabeth' (1998)

Cate Blanchett is considered one of the best actors of her generation, and it all began with her breakout turn starring in Elizabeth . Now, this film is about Elizabeth I, not the monarch played by Helen Mirren roughly a decade later. This period piece earned Blanchett her first Oscar nomination but not her last.

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<p>About a decade after <em>Elizabeth</em>, director Shekhar Kapur reunited with his star for another film about Elizabeth I. This one covers the later period of her reign. Blanchett (and Geoffrey Rush) returned, and you’ll never guess what happened. Yes, Blanchett was nominated again for Best Actress, putting her in rare company among people who have been nominated more than once for playing the same character (or historical figure, in this case).</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

'Elizabeth: The Golden Age' (2007)

About a decade after Elizabeth , director Shekhar Kapur reunited with his star for another film about Elizabeth I. This one covers the later period of her reign. Blanchett (and Geoffrey Rush) returned, and you’ll never guess what happened. Yes, Blanchett was nominated again for Best Actress, putting her in rare company among people who have been nominated more than once for playing the same character (or historical figure, in this case).

<p>The vast majority of these films are about European royalty or, in this case, non-European royalty through the prism of a white person. <em>The King of I</em> is based on a popular musical. In this version, Yul Brynner (who is very much not Thai) plays the King of Siam, while Deborah Kerr plays Anna.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/20_movies_that_are_guaranteed_to_make_you_cry_081723/s1__38945950'>20 movies that are guaranteed to make you cry</a></p>

'The King and I' (1956)

The vast majority of these films are about European royalty or, in this case, non-European royalty through the prism of a white person. The King of I is based on a popular musical. In this version, Yul Brynner (who is very much not Thai) plays the King of Siam, while Deborah Kerr plays Anna.

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<p>The British also have an affinity for royalty from other countries, apparently. This is a British film about Tsar Nicholas II and his wife, Alexandra, the last ruling royals of Russia. Things did not turn out well for them, but <em>Nicholas and Alexandra</em> had a better go of it. The movie got a Best Picture nomination</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

'Nicholas and Alexandra' (1971)

The British also have an affinity for royalty from other countries, apparently. This is a British film about Tsar Nicholas II and his wife, Alexandra, the last ruling royals of Russia. Things did not turn out well for them, but Nicholas and Alexandra had a better go of it. The movie got a Best Picture nomination

<p>Let’s not forget the Pharaohs, the royals of Ancient Egypt. Cleopatra is one of the most famous royals in history. She was played by Elizabeth Taylor in this film. The making of <em>Cleopatra</em> was infamous for its bloated budget and the personal lives of stars Taylor and Richard Burton. In the end, though, that all overshadowed the fact the movie turned out just fine.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/two_part_harmony_the_best_musical_couples_of_all_time_031324/s1__39242062'>Two-part harmony: The best musical couples of all time</a></p>

'Cleopatra' (1963)

Let’s not forget the Pharaohs, the royals of Ancient Egypt. Cleopatra is one of the most famous royals in history. She was played by Elizabeth Taylor in this film. The making of Cleopatra was infamous for its bloated budget and the personal lives of stars Taylor and Richard Burton. In the end, though, that all overshadowed the fact the movie turned out just fine.

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<p>Queen Victoria is one of England’s most famous monarchs, but she usually only pops up fleetingly in films, like various Sherlock Holmes tales. She got to be the star of <em>The Young Victoria</em>, though, with Emily Blunt in the role. Julian Fellowes, the creator of <em>Downton Abbey</em>, wrote the screenplay.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

'The Young Victoria' (2009)

Queen Victoria is one of England’s most famous monarchs, but she usually only pops up fleetingly in films, like various Sherlock Holmes tales. She got to be the star of The Young Victoria , though, with Emily Blunt in the role. Julian Fellowes, the creator of Downton Abbey , wrote the screenplay.

<p>Alexander the Great reigned over large swaths of land and became a hugely impactful historical figure. <em>Alexander</em> is a flawed film. It is, after all, written and directed by Oliver Stone. Colin Farrell is compelling as Alexander the Great, and this is the best film about a massively important historical person.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/the_most_memorable_vikings_in_popular_culture_031324/s1__37237165'>The most memorable Vikings in popular culture</a></p>

'Alexander' (2004)

Alexander the Great reigned over large swaths of land and became a hugely impactful historical figure. Alexander is a flawed film. It is, after all, written and directed by Oliver Stone. Colin Farrell is compelling as Alexander the Great, and this is the best film about a massively important historical person.

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<p>Richard Burton is back as Thomas Becket, who was Archibishop of Canterbury and a key person in the life of Henry II. This film is about the relationship between the two, which ended with Becket effectively martyred. Peter O’Toole played Henry II, and the movie won Best Adapted Screenplay.</p>

'Becket' (1964)

Richard Burton is back as Thomas Becket, who was Archibishop of Canterbury and a key person in the life of Henry II. This film is about the relationship between the two, which ended with Becket effectively martyred. Peter O’Toole played Henry II, and the movie won Best Adapted Screenplay.

<p>Not only is O’Toole in this movie, but he played Henry II again. However, the focus is on his marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine this time. Anthony Hopkins was given his first major role as Richard the Lionheart. Hepburn won Best Actress, her third in that category, further establishing herself as an all-time legendary actor.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/women_who_shaped_millennial_feminists_012924/s1__38887376'>Women who shaped millennial feminists</a></p>

'The Lion in Winter' (1968)

Not only is O’Toole in this movie, but he played Henry II again. However, the focus is on his marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine this time. Anthony Hopkins was given his first major role as Richard the Lionheart. Hepburn won Best Actress, her third in that category, further establishing herself as an all-time legendary actor.

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<p>William Shakespeare wrote a lot of historical plays about royalty. One of those is <em>Richard III</em>. It contributed to a not-so-great reputation for the king as the centuries went on. In this particular adaptation, the action is moved to the 1930s, with Ian McKellen playing Richard III as a fascist. Historically accurate? Not so much, but interesting nonetheless.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

'Richard III' (1995)

William Shakespeare wrote a lot of historical plays about royalty. One of those is Richard III . It contributed to a not-so-great reputation for the king as the centuries went on. In this particular adaptation, the action is moved to the 1930s, with Ian McKellen playing Richard III as a fascist. Historically accurate? Not so much, but interesting nonetheless.

<p>King George III is famous in America, as he was King of England at the time of the American Revolution. It was also thought, for many years, that he was mentally ill. <em>The Madness of King George</em> picks up that ball and runs with it. While it may not be entirely accurate, it was well-received in the United States and the United Kingdom. Even after that whole revolution thing, we can still find common ground.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/the_essential_eric_clapton_playlist_081623/s1__31655945'>The essential Eric Clapton playlist</a></p>

'The Madness of King George' (1994)

King George III is famous in America, as he was King of England at the time of the American Revolution. It was also thought, for many years, that he was mentally ill. The Madness of King George picks up that ball and runs with it. While it may not be entirely accurate, it was well-received in the United States and the United Kingdom. Even after that whole revolution thing, we can still find common ground.

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<p>The film that Kenneth Branagh built his career on. He starred, wrote, and directed this adaptation of a Shakespeare play. He had never directed before but was nominated for Best Director and Best Actor. This basically let Branagh adapt Shakespeare plays until the cows came home, which he happily did.</p>

'Henry V' (1989)

The film that Kenneth Branagh built his career on. He starred, wrote, and directed this adaptation of a Shakespeare play. He had never directed before but was nominated for Best Director and Best Actor. This basically let Branagh adapt Shakespeare plays until the cows came home, which he happily did.

<p>This Best Picture winner is more about Thomas More, but you can’t tell More’s story without Henry VIII. More is the man who refused to sign off on Henry VIII’s divorce, which did not sit well with the monarch. Robert Shaw plays Henry, but Paul Scofield won Best Actor for playing Moore.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/celebrities_with_the_most_difficult_names_to_pronounce_012924/s1__28843502'>Celebrities with the most difficult names to pronounce</a></p>

'A Man for All Seasons' (1966)

This Best Picture winner is more about Thomas More, but you can’t tell More’s story without Henry VIII. More is the man who refused to sign off on Henry VIII’s divorce, which did not sit well with the monarch. Robert Shaw plays Henry, but Paul Scofield won Best Actor for playing Moore.

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<p>Peter Morgan is back. This time, with a not-very-accurate retelling of the story of Anne and Mary Boleyn. Mary was Henry VIII’s mistress until he married her sister Anne, who became his second queen. That didn’t take either. Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson played the Boleyn sisters, while once again, Henry VIII plays second fiddle in a film.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

'The Other Boleyn Girl' (2008)

Peter Morgan is back. This time, with a not-very-accurate retelling of the story of Anne and Mary Boleyn. Mary was Henry VIII’s mistress until he married her sister Anne, who became his second queen. That didn’t take either. Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson played the Boleyn sisters, while once again, Henry VIII plays second fiddle in a film.

<p>The one animated film on this list. Don Bluth’s movie is about Anastasia, daughter of the aforementioned Tsar Nicholas II. There was a longstanding rumor that Anastasia had survived the Russian Revolution, which sets the table for this movie. Christopher Lloyd is also on hand as Rasputin. Oh, and it’s a musical, by the way.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/20_oscar_winning_songs_still_worth_listening_to_012924/s1__39174457'>20 Oscar-winning songs still worth listening to</a></p>

'Anastasia' (1997)

The one animated film on this list. Don Bluth’s movie is about Anastasia, daughter of the aforementioned Tsar Nicholas II. There was a longstanding rumor that Anastasia had survived the Russian Revolution, which sets the table for this movie. Christopher Lloyd is also on hand as Rasputin. Oh, and it’s a musical, by the way.

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<p>We started with <em>The Queen</em>, and we end with <em>The King</em>. The movie is based on a few of Shakespeare’s historical plays and stars Timothee Chalamet as Henry V just as his star rose. He has a wild haircut in this movie and is not the only one. The Netflix movie is not entirely successful, but it has quite the cast and some pieces that really work.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Did you enjoy this slideshow? Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.</a></p>

'The King' (2019)

We started with The Queen , and we end with The King . The movie is based on a few of Shakespeare’s historical plays and stars Timothee Chalamet as Henry V just as his star rose. He has a wild haircut in this movie and is not the only one. The Netflix movie is not entirely successful, but it has quite the cast and some pieces that really work.

Did you enjoy this slideshow? Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive entertainment content.

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Mary and George Villiers’ plot to gain favor and wealth from King James I is the basis of a new Starz miniseries starring Julianne Moore and Nicholas Galitzine.

julianne moore and nicholas galitzine sitting in a wooden pew and looking up and to the right out of frame in a tv scene

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Editor’s Note: This article contains spoilers about events related to the upcoming limited series Mary & George .

Penniless after the death of her first husband in 1606 and with four children to support, Englishwoman Mary Villiers desperately searched for a way to turn her family’s fortune around. Her radical solution—to infiltrate the court and personal life of King James I—would catapult Mary and her second son, George, to the center of the English monarchy and earn them a rather notorious reputation throughout history.

In what could be described as an extreme case of helicopter parenting, the series explores how Mary helped her son manipulate the king for their family’s own benefit—with George gaining plenty of property and prestige along the way. Eventually, though, his outspokenness caught up to him with unintended consequences.

Mary was eager to provide for her children

Although Mary eventually became a major part of the king’s circle, her early life was much less noteworthy. Believed to have been born in 1570, Mary was the daughter of a Leicester squire named Anthony Beaumont. With little money or status, she began working as a waiting woman —essentially, a personal servant—to a richer relative in her teenage years. It was during this time she married her first husband, a sheep farmer named George Villiers who was also her cousin.

The King’s Assassin: The Fatal Affair of George Villiers and James I

George, who already had six children from his first marriage, had four more kids with Mary. They welcomed one daughter, Susan, and three sons: John, George, and Christopher.

In 1606, when the younger George was in his early teens, his father died and left the family broke. Mary hastily remarried a much older wealthy nobleman named William Raynor , hoping to benefit financially. However, he quickly fell ill and died only two years later. Mary’s hopes of economic security went unfulfilled when Raynor’s estate went to his daughter Elizabeth, instead.

And so Mary wed a third time to Thomas Compton, whose brother had a role in the court of King James I. Looking to exploit the connection, Mary scraped together enough money to send 16-year-old George to France for two years, where he became an accomplished rider and dancer and learned the skills necessary to be a courtier.

All George had to do now was work his way into the king’s good graces.

George quickly became the king’s favorite assistant

painting showing george viliers sitting at an angle and looking ahead

Once described by a bishop as “the handsomest-bodied man in all of England,” George did charm James I with help from Mary and some members of the court, who saw a political opportunity.

At the time, Robert Carr , the Earl of Somerset, was the king’s favorite adviser. However, courtiers viewed him as high-handed and possessive, not to mention easily influenced by the king’s Scottish connections (James also ruled Scotland), and they saw a chance to replace him with George. According to The Telegraph , they appointed George as the royal cupbearer, responsible for handing the king his drinks. The plan worked; soon after, George and the king began hunting and riding together.

George was knighted in 1615 and also became a Gentleman of the Bedchamber—an adviser who helped dress the king, guard his chambers, and accompany him in public. His title and role continued to evolve over the next decade, from viscount to earl (officially taking Carr’s appointment) to marquis. Finally, in 1624, George became the Duke of Buckingham. By that time, he had married Lady Katherine Manners , one of the richest women in England with whom he had four children.

Mary experienced her own rapid ascent, befriending the countess of Salisbury and becoming a confidante to the king. She appeared at court so much that George once petitioned her to stay away so as “not to intermeddle with business.” Still, she gained the title of Countess of Buckingham in 1618, further proof her family had attained the wealth and prestige she desired.

George and James were likely lovers until their relationship soured

Although George and King James wouldn’t have disclosed it, evidence suggests their relationship became sexual. James married Ann of Denmark in 1589 and the couple had multiple children, three of whom survived into adulthood. However, he was also notorious for his cadre of male favorites and is described by historian Michael B. Young as “the most prominent homosexual figure in the early modern period.”

George and the king’s connection was reflected in letters the pair exchanged. James referred to his young assistant as his “sweet child and wife,” while George described himself as James’ “most humble slave and servant.”

Despite their personal affinity for each another, the king and duke’s clashing political motives began to drive them apart. George became a tutor and ally of James’ son Charles , the heir to the throne, and was eager to declare war on Spain after a failed marriage negotiation for the young prince in 1623. The king refused, committed to maintaining peace.

Meanwhile, James’ health had begun to decline. He eventually died in March 1625 after contracting a malaria-like fever—sparking rumors that George might have poisoned him to gain favor with Charles and pursue his war. While no conclusive evidence was found, Woolley explored this theory in his book and it could also appear in Mary & George .

In 1628, George met a bloody end

With his ally Charles now on the throne, George ordered multiple attacks, including against Spain. However, they failed miserably, leading parliament to initiate impeachment proceedings against him . King Charles I was able to spare him that fate, but the duke’s reputation had become irreparable.

According to Portsmouth Cathedral , George hoped to organize another military campaign, this time into France, in 1628. However, an angry mob of 300 sailors surrounded his carriage in Portsmouth, and the duke used deadly force to push them back. The stage was set for more violence.

the story of george villiers and mary villiers is the subject of the starz series "mary and george"

On August 23, 1628, John Felton, a disgruntled army lieutenant who George owed money and had denied a promotion, arrived in Portsmouth with a dagger he bought with money borrowed from his mother. He stabbed the 35-year-old duke, killing him, inside a crowded room at the Greyhound Inn. Felton immediately confessed to the crime inside a kitchen area then formally pleaded guilty and was hanged that November.

The duke’s body was returned to London, where King Charles ordered a burial inside Henry VII’s chapel at Westminster Abbey—a place previously reserved for royals . Meanwhile, Mary, who had likely known her son was vulnerable given his declining reputation, lived not much longer after his murder. She died on April 19, 1632, and was likewise buried at Westminster.

Although the mother and son couldn’t sustain their grip on power forever, their prolonged influence on the royal family and dignified interments illustrate just how successful their scheme ultimately proved.

Watch Mary & George on Starz

Mary & George , a seven-episode limited series rated TV-MA, features Julianne Moore as Mary Villiers, Nicholas Galitzine as George Villiers, and Tony Curran as King James I. Moore explained to Vanity Fair in March 2024 that the show offers a nuanced perspective of Mary’s political shrewdness and relationship with her son.

“I don’t think it’s particularly great parenting,” Moore said. “But [Mary’s] someone who featured in history who’s not talked about and when she is talked about she’s vilified. And it’s like, wait a minute. Why would she be vilified? Why would someone have depicted her as a witch when, in fact, she managed to achieve a lot for herself and set up all of her kids?”

You can make your own interpretation when the first episode of Mary & George debuts April 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Starz . Episodes continue through the series finale on May 17 and will also stream on the Starz app.

Tyler Piccotti first joined the Biography.com staff as an Associate News Editor in February 2023, and before that worked almost eight years as a newspaper reporter and copy editor. He is a graduate of Syracuse University. When he's not writing and researching his next story, you can find him at the nearest amusement park, catching the latest movie, or cheering on his favorite sports teams.

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In 'Mary & George,' a 17th century royal affair meets contemporary portrayals of sex and social climbing

Julianne Moore and Nicholas Galitzine in "Mary and George."

It’s not every day that a 400-year-old love affair takes the internet by storm. But social media was abuzz with questions about King James I and his dashing companion, George Villiers, when Starz announced the new series “Mary & George,” which features Tony Curran and Nicolas Galitzine as the 17th century monarch and the man he elevated to the top of Jacobean society.

Like the sex-fueled, late-2000s series “The Tudors” before it, the new seven-part period drama from British playwright D.C Moore is heavy on court intrigue, murderous plots and erotic love scenes. Though, even its more salacious elements are inspired by historical accounts , largely pulled from Benjamin Woolley’s 2017 book, “The King’s Assassin,” which details the real-life relations between James I, George and his mother, Mary Villiers (played by Julianne Moore, who is also a co-producer of the new series).

“You couldn’t believe the goings-on of this group of people. Life is truly stranger than fiction sometimes,” Galitzine, who’s been on a meteoric rise since starring in 2023’s “Red, White & Royal Blue,” told NBC News in an interview with Curran ahead of the series’ U.S. premiere on Friday.

Nicholas Galitzine and Tony Curran in "Mary and George."

Both Galitzine and his co-star were first introduced to the story of the Villiers duo when they received the script from D.C. Moore’s (no relation to Julianne). Upon diving into Woolley’s book and some of the correspondence between James I and George, the actors said, they both became fascinated by the story of a king in need of companionship and the man who filled his cup.

“I knew a lot about King James (the son of Mary, Queen of Scots) being from Scotland, but there were elements to his character and his monarchy that I didn’t know about, and I didn’t really know about the relationship between the Duke and Duchess of Buckingham,” Curran said, referring to the titles the king eventually bestowed on George and Mary.

“Especially with regards to King James, what I found compelling and quite profound was his loneliness,” he added, mentioning a conversation with Woolley in which the writer described the monarch as “nourished in fear.” “Having his father assassinated, his mother executed — a lot of those traumatic elements of his past as a child definitely infiltrate him in his future. There’s the old adage, ‘Heavy sleeps the head that wears the crown,’ as it were, and I think, with James, it was a big part of that.”

When the series begins, a recently widowed Mary already has a plan in the works to use her second-born son’s charms and her own cunning to raise the family up through the ranks of English society. Procuring the funds for the trip via a new marriage, Mary sends George off to France to learn the ways of the world under the tutelage of a culturally and sexually sophisticated mentor. The once-naive teenager returns as a swaggering young man ready to be introduced to court and, Mary hopes, catch the eye of King James I.

But getting the king’s attention proves to be no simple task, with a throng of male suitors literally lining up to overthrow his current favorite, the Earl of Somerset. In addition to violent rivals, the mother-and-son duo have to overcome James I’s suspicious nature, scheming royal advisers and their own family secrets to win the monarch’s favor. But all their maneuvering doesn’t come without a cost, as each step up the court ladder threatens to end in a harder and potentially fatal fall.

“There’s frivolity, there’s fun, there’s a lascivious nature. But in a very short period of time, in seven episodes, it gets very dark, very quickly. Power corrupts, but absolute power corrupts absolutely. And certainly with this guy, it was the case,” Curran said, playfully gesturing to his younger co-star.

Samuel Blenkin, Tony Curran and George Villiers in "Mary and George."

Inspired by events that defined the end of James I’s reign and the beginning of his son’s, Charles I, “Mary & George” does take a dark turn in the later episodes, as the Villiers’ power-grabbing and the monarch’s weakness for his lover begin to have consequences at court and beyond. But the series never quite loses the bawdy energy that defines it from the offset and is inspired by the art, irreverent humor and colorful language of the Jacobean era.

“If you look at the drama of the age, there are big questions of power and politics. But also, every Shakespearean play had a comedian in it who would come on and do a sort of bit. The high and low always existed together,” D.C. Moore, whose TV-writing credits include “Killing Eve,” told NBC News.

Giving examples of tavern-goers singing about George’s role at court and the monarch’s own irreverent style of banter, the writer added, “The Duke of Buckingham was known colloquially in the taverns at the time as the ‘Duke of F---ing-ham.’ King James called his female coterie on his hunts his — you know. So if we had a sort of repressed, ‘Brief Encounter’ style, or a softer period drama, I don’t think it would have been honest about who these characters are.”

Though the playwright said his aim was to capture the feel and language of early 17th century England, he and the series’ stars are quick to point out that “Mary & George” is not a strictly faithful account of the time. Moore noted that he used a contemporary lens to interpret how exactly the Villiers accomplished their swift rise, taking certain liberties with the plot and character portrayals to enhance the series’ entertainment and dramatic richness.

“I would say most every episode is stitched around 10 to 20 real things that happened, but occasionally, you have to stitch all [the characters] into a story that they weren’t necessarily involved in,” he said, pointing to how Mary is portrayed as having a direct hand in plots that cleared the way for George’s path to the king’s bedroom.

While he may have made some leaps regarding Mary’s social-climbing schemes, the dramatist insists that his depiction of the relationship between James I and George is true to the historical record — a point that may surprise a fair amount of viewers when they’re watching the characters’ frequent erotic encounters.

“It wasn’t a secret at the time what was happening between them. It’s tricky because people didn’t want to write about the king, because they might get their heads cut off, but generally, I think it’s hard to look at this period and not see this is a thing that everyone knew,” he said, pointing to correspondence between the men in which they discuss a secret tunnel between their chambers, as well as accounts from ambassadors who visited James I’s court.

“They didn’t have a contemporary mindset, but they didn’t have a Victorian mindset,” he said of the citizens of Jacobean England. “They had a much less clear sense of sexual identities and, I think, probably less reticence about men sleeping together than you would imagine. So we have to be really careful about projecting back a morality that wasn’t there.”

Mary & George Creator Says 'Hot Young Men' Manipulated Openly ‘Gay’ King James I

The writer of Starz’s riveting historical new drama also admits he couldn’t have made the show without Julianne Moore.

“I had heard things about King James being gay, or, you know, sleeping with men, because gay is not a term that they would have used [at the time],” said D.C. Moore ( Killing Eve, Temple ) about the genesis of Starz’s lavish historical drama, Mary & George . However, the creator of the limited series never fully grasped the full scale of the king’s interactions until he was handed author Benjamin Woolley’s compelling book, The King’s Assassin. The tone so perfectly captured the mood of the early 16th century and how the eccentric king engaged in many a folly while also trying to maintain peace and his political status.

D.C. Moore’s version of this true story is a rapturous, slick, sharply executed historical drama for Starz with Julianne Moore ( May December ) at the helm. Moore stars as Mary Villiers, who, hoping to rise above her station, convinces her attractive son, George (Nicholas Galitzine of Red, White and Royal Blue and The Idea of You ), to seduce King James I (played by Tony Curran), and become his main lover. The ensemble cast features Nicola Walker, Niamh Algar, Trine Dyrholm, Samuel Blenkin, and Sean Gilder. D.C. Moore opened up about the series, the intricacies of filming love scenes, and so much more in this MovieWeb interview, and you can watch the video above.

King James' Queer Love Affairs Were Ignored by History

Mary & george.

Read Our Review

The King’s Assassin was a passionate literary deep dive into King James I and a fascinating time in history known as the 23-year Jacobean period. It wasn't as well known as the Victorian, Edwardian, or Elizabethan era or that of the Tudors , but D.C. Moore was intrigued by the subject material nonetheless.

“The fact that [King James I] had these big love affairs, and he would give young, attractive men all the power and sort of keys to the kingdom, essentially, and the fact that it was basically an open secret in English society," he said. "All the sort of power interests in England would push forward hot young men in front of James in order to try and manipulate him. It happens time and time again.”

Tony Curran Unpacks Intimate On-Screen Moments with Costar Nicholas Galitzine in Mary & George

As the reality of the full story emerged, the creator also became intrigued by the mother (Mary) and son (George) dynamic who are at the heart of the story, appreciating how the duo rose from being commoners to becoming two of the most powerful people in Europe. “That's an extraordinary story,” Moore said, adding that he felt that it and other queer aspects of history had been whitewashed:

“The resistance to telling the story of change is caught by historians and by artists… We tend to look at the Tudors, we tend to look at Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, or it's the Second World War. English history doesn't really focus on this era and it's such a foundational period and such a foundational time, and it feels like because of James's love for men, it has been deliberately ignored. It's a rich brilliant love story that hasn't been told, and it hasn't been told for the wrong reasons.”

Starz: Best Original TV Shows on the Subscription Network

The love scenes in mary & george are tricky.

Surely, a great deal of “choreography” is used in the series' love scenes. Intimacy coordinators often come on set to effectively and safely capture the mood and look of an intimate scene. When asked about how he initiated the many love scenes in Mary & George, D.C. Moore said:

We knew that we couldn't have a sort of Victorian buttoned-up view of sexuality. This is an indulgent period led by a king who indulged his vices, if you like. We knew that we couldn't be apologetic about the sex. Sex is at the center of this court. Attraction is at the center of this court.

"We had to show it to be true to the spirit of the age," added Moore, "but we also had to do so carefully, because what we're tracking through the sex scenes is transactions of power, but also transactions of intimacy and moments where transactional relationships actually become loving relationships .”

That’s a tricky nuance to capture. Bottom line: through the sex featured in the series and through other moments of intimacy, the creator tracked how and where these characters were on their individual journeys to acquire power — how they used their bodies or how they were being used by somebody else's body. However, note that Tony Curran's King James I isn't the only significant character in the series featured in same-sex love scenes or relationships. Surprises await.

“ It felt like we couldn't shy away from it, but we had to do it carefully ,” Moore added. “And we did do it carefully. There were intimacy coordinators, all our performers and directors have thought about how we represent it… we don't want this to be a sort of cheap, lascivious show … ultimately, we wanted it to be underscored with a courting sense of investigating a love story.”

The Power of Julianne Moore in Mary & George

Julianne Moore shines as Mary Villiers in Mary & George. From Carol and Still Alice to A Single Man and May December, the performer continues to remind us she is one of the finest actors of her generation.

“Her extraordinary body of work speaks for itself. When she attaches herself to a project, it raises everyone's game. More people want to be involved, you get a better caliber of actor; everyone on the cast and crew, they want to work on a Julianne Moore project because she's so good.”

Moore continued, discussing the difference the actress makes while on set. “ The key thing that she does is she makes everyone work harder . So, on a set, you're acting opposite her, you have to bring your best game. And then also, with me and with the script, she was not afraid to say moments or lines where she thought maybe there was a better way to do it.”

He went on to say that he was open to those conversations, noting that Julianne Moore handled them in a way that was respectful to him in the writing. “But occasionally,” he added, “if she thought something wasn't very good, she would tell me, and I think that's the best way to work. We wouldn't have made the show without her . We couldn't have made the show without her, and I think she's created something extraordinary in how she's brought Mary to life.” Catch Mary & George on Fridays at 9 p.m. (ET) on Starz. Watch the trailer below.

IMAGES

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COMMENTS

The King's Speech (2010)
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.
The King's Speech
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 ...
The True Story Behind "The King's Speech"
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 ...
The King's Speech (2010)
Logue & Bertie become friends. On 20 January 1936 George V dies, and David, the Prince of Wales (Guy Pearce) accedes to the throne as King Edward VIII, & wants to marry Wallis Simpson (Eve Best), an American divorcee, which would provoke a constitutional crisis. Bertie confronts David, who only accuses Bertie of having designs of his own ...
The King's Speech
Rotten Tomatoes Podcasts. England's Prince Albert (Colin Firth) must ascend the throne as King George VI, but he has a speech impediment. Knowing that the country needs her husband to be able to ...
Watch The King's Speech
During a tense period in history, King George VI struggles to communicate to the public and seeks help from speech therapist Lionel Logue. Watch trailers & learn more.
The King's Speech Trailer
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...
The King's Speech movie review (2010)
"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
The King's Speech. R | biographical dramas | 1 HR 59 MIN | 2010. WATCH NOW. When his brother abdicates, George VI reluctantly dons the crown. Though his stutter soon raises concerns about his leadership skills, King George VI turns to an unconventional speech therapist, Lionel Logue, and the two forge a friendship. Watch The King's Speech ...
'The King's Speech' With Colin Firth
Directed by Tom Hooper. Biography, Drama, History. PG-13. 1h 58m. By Manohla Dargis. Nov. 25, 2010. British films that make it to American screens these days often fall into two distinct niches ...
The King's Speech (2010) Official Trailer #1
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'The King's Speech,' George VI From Stutter to Radio
An Accidental King Finds His Voice. Colin Firth in "The King's Speech," directed by Tom Hooper. The film explores the friendship between George VI and Lionel Logue, an Australian who focused ...
Tom Hooper: On Directing 'The King's Speech'
Tom Hooper's film, The King's Speech, tells the true story of King George VI's stammer and his relationship with an unconventional speech therapist who helped him speak. The movie was recently ...
The story behind "The King's Speech"
February 20, 2011 / 11:46 PM EST / CBS News. With 12 Oscar nominations, "The King's Speech" is among the most nominated films of all time. It's based on the true story of George VI, the father of ...
How historically accurate is the movie The King's Speech
The movie shows that his speech impediment was a result of his insecurity and shyness. This was very much the case, and George VI did have a terrible stutter from childhood. The King's Speech accurately shows the real problems caused by the future George VI and the entire Royal Family. In one scene at the opening of an exhibition celebrating ...
30 Facts About The Movie The King's Speech
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 ...
King George VI: The Man Behind the King's Speech (2011)
King George VI: The Man Behind the King's Speech: Directed by Alan Byron. With Colin Firth, Tom Hooper, Mark Logue. King's Speech is the definitive story of the man who overcame his own failings for the sake of his nation. When his older brother, Edward VIII abdicates the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, nervous-mannered successor George "Bertie" VI is plagued with shyness and a speech ...
The King's Speech
The King's SpeechThis is a 2010 British historical drama film. Actor Colin Firth played the future King George VI who suffers from stammer. And in order to c...
What 'The King's Speech' gets right, and wrong, about stuttering
The movie mostly gets the facts right as it showcases how King George VI struggled with the condition in the years leading up to World War II. ... "The King's Speech" mainly succeeds by tackling ...
'The King's Speech': A Stutterer's Reflection
In the first five minutes of The King's Speech, the 2010 Academy Award-winning film from the Weinstein Company, a man who will soon be known as George VI, King of England (but for now, known as ...
The King's Speech: A Rhetorical Analysis
The King's Speech: A Rhetorical Analysis. Anyone that has seen the 2010 film The King's Speech knows of the numerous circumstances preceding King George VI's delivery of his first wartime broadcast. Above all, they know of his personal anxiety surrounding his usurping of the throne and speech impediment; however, this sample of historical ...
King George VI's Real Speech Therapy Was Probably a Little Different
As is shown in the Oscar-winning 2010 movie The King's Speech, George VI (who was known as Albert or "Bertie" to those closest to him) struggled with a stutter from a young age. After being named ...
The best films about historical royalty
Young Elizabeth II is in The King's Speech as well. The film centers on her father. After George VI's father died and his brother abdicated the throne, it was left to him to rule over the ...
The True Story and Successful Scheme Depicted in 'Mary & George'
The King's Assassin: The Fatal Affair of George Villiers and James I. George, who already had six children from his first marriage, had four more kids with Mary. They welcomed one daughter ...
In 'Mary & George,' a 17th century royal affair meets contemporary
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Set during the reign of King James I in the early 17th century, the series introduces Moore's Mary Villiers and offers a taste of her ruthlessness in the early going, when her second son, George ...
'Mary and George' review: The horniest period drama of 2024 ...
Wooing a king, it seems, is not a pretty business. And Mary & George refuses to stay buttoned-up for the sake of keeping history prim and proper. That sentiment extends to the show's treatment of ...
Tony Curran Unpacks the Intimate On-Screen Moments in Mary & George
To be sure, Mary & George is an alluring drama.King James had many male lovers at the time, which the series illuminates early on, especially in the first three episodes when George eagerly ...
Julianne Moore and Nicholas Galitzine set out to seduce a king in 'Mary
Julianne Moore and Nicholas Galitzine set out to seduce a king in 'Mary & George'. Julianne Moore as Mary Villiers in a scene from "Mary & George.". One of the original momagers, Mary Villiers knew how to use her son to get wealth, power and prestige. In "Mary & George," Julianne Moore plays the white ruff-wearing, pushy mom who ...
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The True Story Behind "The King's Speech"

Prince Albert had a stutter as a child

Lionel Logue was a self-taught speech therapist

Logue began working with Prince Albert in 1926

Logue worked with Albert for over 15 years

Wallis Simpson was a more complex person than the film indicates

Churchill was actually opposed to Edward VIII's abdication

King George VI's coronation was less fraught than the film depicts

Logue was more deferential to his royal patient

The speech announcing war with Germany was less dramatic

George and Logue's friendship didn't fracture over credentials

The film has an obvious pro-George VI bias

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Key Takeaways:

Box Office Success

Historical Accuracy

Oscar-Winning Performances

Colin Firth’s Preparation

Geoffrey Rush’s Role

Historical Significance

Multiple Nominations

Supporting Cast

Royal Approval

Accents and Dialects

Emotional Journey

Historical Context

Collaboration

Real Speech Recordings

Costume Design

Film Locations

Critical Acclaim

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