Tuesday, January 13, 2015, is movie day at Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL. The new year begins with the Oscar winning film, “The King’s Speech,” beginning at 2:00 p.m. in the Program Room. The drama takes us to England during the time of the abdication of King Edward VIII and the crowning of George VI. Based on the true story of King George VI, “The King’s Speech” follows the Royal Monarch’s quest to find his voice.
Born in 1895 and given the name Albert, the young prince was known as Bertie. He lived no charmed life. His father was harsh with him. His schoolmaster demanded he write with his right hand though naturally left-handed. Braces on his legs at the age of eight brought on stuttering and stammering speech. This speech impediment was debilitating.
After the death of his father, King George V, and the scandalous abdication of his brother, King Edward VIII, Albert is crowned King George VI in 1937. His Country is on the brink of war, so his wife, Queen Elizabeth, arranges for him to see an eccentric speech therapist. King George and Lionel Logue begin an unorthodox course of treatment.
With the help and urging of Logue and his wife, he overcomes his stammer and delivers an inspiring radio address to his people that unites them in battle. King George VI becomes an important symbolic leader during World War II. At his death in 1952, his daughter Elizabeth II was crowned Queen of England, and has ruled for almost 63 years.
The film stars Colin Firth as George VI, Geoffrey Rush as the speech teacher, Lionel Logue, and Helen Carter as Queen Elizabeth I. Each of these award- winning actors perform brilliantly. For his portrayal of George VI, Colin Firth was awarded the Oscar as the Best Performer in a motion picture.
This is a wonderful story of a man born into royalty, but who is plagued by his impediment. Travel with him on his journey to overcome a problem, and celebrate as he leads his Nation in wartime. You will be uplifted by this wonderful film.