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 … !
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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.
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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.
★★★★
* 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.
