The King’s Speech Tom Hooper (2010) Summary King George V’s second son, Prince Albert Duke of York, has a speech impediment. In the past this was irrelevant, but in the 1920s and 1930s, as a consequence of the new importance of the radio, Prince Albert’s speech impediment becomes a problem for the public image of the monarchy. This is especially so after George V dies and King Edward VIII, Prince Albert’s older brother, abdicates. In 1936 ‘Bertie’ (Prince Albert’s nickname in the family) becomes King George VI, just when Europe is facing the menace of Nazi Germany. Elizabeth, Prince Albert’s wife, hires the Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue to help her husband. Despite some difficulties, the two manage to work together effectively, and after he becomes king ‘Bertie’ gives one of the most demanding speeches ever: the declaration of war against Germany. Questions: 1-­‐ The BBC was founded in 1922. What was the role of the radio at that time? Was it different from today? Have the radio and the mass media in general changed the way we perceive politics? 2-­‐ Friendship is one of the key themes of this movie. Actually, a relationship of mutual recognition is what enables Lionel Logue to cure Bertie’s speech impediment. Is real friendship possible for public figures such as kings and queens? If two people belong to very different social classes, can they share true friendship? 3-­‐ Another theme of the film is the power of having a ‘voice.’ Contrary to common assumptions, power doesn’t grant a voice. This is exactly what we see in this film: even the king is hunted by self-­‐doubts and has to struggle in order to find his voice within the family. What is implicit in a voice? Why is it so important?