The King's Speech facts for kids

The King's Speech is a 2010 British historical drama movie. It tells a true story from the 1930s. The movie was directed by Tom Hooper and written by David Seidler.

The film is about King George VI, played by Colin Firth. He had a severe stammer, which made it hard for him to speak clearly. To help him, he meets Lionel Logue, an Australian speech therapist. Geoffrey Rush plays Logue. The two men become close friends as they work together.

The story becomes very important when George's brother, Edward VIII, decides to give up his role as king. This means George must become the new king. He needs Logue's help to make a very important radio broadcast. This speech happens at the beginning of World War II, a time when the country needed its leader to speak with strength and confidence.

The Story of a King's Voice

A Prince's Challenge

The movie begins by showing Prince Albert, also known as Bertie. He is the Duke of York and the second son of King George V. Bertie has a very noticeable stammer. This makes public speaking incredibly difficult and embarrassing for him. At this time, radio was becoming very popular. It was important for the Royal Family to speak to the public.

Meeting the Speech Therapist

Bertie's wife, Elizabeth, finds Lionel Logue. He is an Australian speech therapist with unusual methods. Logue insists on treating Bertie as an equal, not as royalty. This helps them build a strong and trusting friendship. Logue uses different exercises to help Bertie control his stammer.

Becoming King

A big change happens when Bertie's older brother, King Edward VIII, decides to step down from being king. This means Bertie must become the new king, King George VI. This is a huge responsibility, especially with his stammer. He now has to lead a nation and speak to them clearly.

A Nation at War

As World War II begins, King George VI needs to make a powerful radio speech. He must inspire his people and show strong leadership. With Logue's help, the king prepares for this very important moment. The movie shows how their friendship helps the king find his voice when his country needs him most.

Who's Who in the Movie

• Colin Firth plays King George VI. He shows the king's struggle with his stammer and his journey to find confidence.
• Geoffrey Rush plays Lionel Logue. He is the determined and kind speech therapist who helps the king.
• Helena Bonham Carter plays Queen Elizabeth. She is the king's supportive wife who helps him find Logue.

Making the Movie

The movie was directed by Tom Hooper. The story was written by David Seidler. He based the script on the real-life friendship between King George VI and Lionel Logue. The film was praised by many people around the world. It won several important awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture. Colin Firth also won an Academy Award for his role as the king.

Images for kids

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  Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter as the Duke and Duchess of York

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  The film's producers broke etiquette by hand-delivering Geoffrey Rush the script; he eventually produced the film as well as performing in it.

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  Third choice to play the lead, Colin Firth's performance earned him a BAFTA and an Academy Award, among other accolades

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  The Pullens buildings with a 1930s advertisement

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  Hooper and Firth in January 2011; each received multiple award nominations for their work

See also

In Spanish: El discurso del rey para niños