The King's Speech

Prince Albert, the Duke of York, affectionately known as Bertie (Colin Firth), is the second son of King George V. During the 1925 British Empire Exhibition at Wembley Stadium, he struggles to deliver his speech, leaving the audience deeply unsettled. Despite trying multiple unsuccessful treatments, Bertie nearly resigns himself to his fate until his wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), convinces him to seek the help of Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), an unconventional Australian speech therapist in London.

Their initial meeting is marked by Logue’s unique approach, where he insists they use each other’s first names, defying royal protocol. Skeptical yet intrigued, Bertie experiences an assortment of treatments, including an unusual recording where music obscures his own voice. Fast forward to 1934, with growing concerns from his father, King George V, Bertie’s brother is declared unfit for the throne, pushing Bertie to improve his speech dramatically. When he listens to Logue’s recording, he discovers he can speak fluently.

As their relationship evolves, Bertie opens up about his troubled childhood—his strict father, being forced to suppress his left-handedness, painful youthful treatments, and a history of neglect from a nanny who favored his elder brother, David, the Prince of Wales. Logue and Bertie’s friendship deepens as they address some of these emotional burdens together.

The turning point arrives on January 20, 1936, when King George V passes away, and David ascends the throne as King Edward VIII. His intent to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee, leads to a constitutional crisis, and tension escalates between him and Bertie, who finds himself mocked for his stutter. Even Logue suggests Bertie could assume the throne, which creates tension between them.

Once Edward VIII abdicates to marry Simpson, Bertie inherits the title of King George VI. Overwhelmed yet determined, he seeks Logue’s mentorship again. When he insists that Logue be a part of his coronation, he faces scrutiny regarding the therapist’s credentials from Dr. Cosmo Gordon Lang, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Their bond is tested when Logue denigrates the Stone of Scone, prompting a clash. It’s during this moment of conflict that Bertie realizes he possesses the same strength as past monarchs.

As World War II looms and the declaration of war against Germany takes place in September 1939, King George VI calls upon Logue for preparation on his crucial radio address to the public. As they traverse the palace towards the small studio, Winston Churchill shares his own past struggles with a speech impediment. With Logue’s guidance, the King delivers a heartfelt speech to a gathered audience of thousands in London, receiving their enthusiastic cheers and applause.

A final note reveals that throughout the numerous speeches given by King George VI during the war, Logue was always by his side. Their friendship solidified, the King later honors Logue by appointing him a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 1944, a gesture recognizing the unparalleled personal service he provided to the monarchy.

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 07:19