“The King’s Speech” stars Colin Firth (as King George VI), Helena Bonham Carter (his Queen) and Geoffrey Rush (the Australian Speech Therapist) in this true story of how the successor to the throne after Edward VII (who abdicated to marry twice divorced American, Wallace Simpson) attempted to overcome a serious speech impediment (i.e. a debilitating stammer).
This basically is the simple plot and story but thanks to the superb acting of Messrs. Firth and Rush and the script written by David Seidler, this film directed by Tom Hooper has suspense, deep audience involvement and the credibility so needed to make it all work. Firth’s portrayal as King George VI is nothing less than superb as he brings pathos and humanity to the role. Left in the hands of a less skillful actor and director, Firth’s performance could have been awkward or even border on satire. It is neither. Instead the viewer is treated to a rare on screen chemistry between Mr. Rush and Mr. Firth where the performance of each is enhanced and made better because of the interaction between the two. I give this film 3 and ½ stars with careful note to watch this year’s Academy Awards ceremony where I’m sure you will see Mr. Firth pick up his first Oscar.
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