The King’s Speech: Blood, Guts … and Speech Impaired, Wartime 78s

You know …

It’s not that often I have two quiet night’s in in a row.

Actually, no, tell a lie, yes it IS …

It’s just, every so often, I’ll have company, even if it is one of the neighbours, banging on the door.

Debby, Upstairs has OFFICIALLY put in a complaint about the lock on the main door of the building, I should add … !

‹‹‡››

But at any rate … ?

I had the night to myself.

Nothing in particular grabbing my attention on TV or radio*: well … with the possible exception of Film 4’s late night movie: which, frankly, I’m intent on taping. I REALLY don’t think I’m going to be up at THAT time of the morning.

But, at ANY rate … ?

At any rate, the fact that I seemed to have a few DVD’s sitting around … ?

And nothing to do … ?

Does mean I’ve had a chance to catch up with a film or two: as you’ve probably guessed, after reading last night’s post …

At any rate … ?

At any rate, the film I managed to catch, tonight … ?

Was last year’s sensation, The King’s Speech, and my word, I think I can see why it caused such a sensation.

Covering the years from 1925 to 1939, The King’s Speech tells us the story of King George 6th — played by Colin Firth — and his relationship with maverick Australian speech therapist, Lionel Logue — played by Geoffrey Rush — and the twists and turns the pair’s relationship goes through, as Bertie — the name used privately by the Royal Family for George 6th — sees the death of his fatherº, and his older brother’s† accession to — and abdication OF — the throne.

And the crisis that inevitably happens when the Royal household faces, when war is declared, on 3rd September, 1939: which forces Bertie into the one thing he fears.

Making a speech — the SAME speech, one way or the other — before the entire British Empireª.

‹‹‡››

Now …

What can I possibly say about The King’s Speech that hasn’t already been said, already … ?

Probably not much … !

The one thing that I know I can do … ?

Is tell you to go and watch it.

The sooner the better.

The King’s Speech.

★★★★

* Even BBC Radio 4 — Britain’s most civilised station — seemed a touch bare, tonight.

º George 5th, played by Michæl Gambon.

ª The empire wasn’t at its height, at this point. On the other hand … ? It would’ve STILL been the biggest audience someone would’ve had to face, outside of the modern population of China … !

† The uncrowned Edward 8th: played by Guy Pearce, I should add.