The Academy Award-winning movie, The King's Speech, was based on the real life story of King George VI of Great Britain. Discovery Channel is airing a documentary about the story about the monarch who had a serious stutter. The Real King's Speech, on Discovery Channel, is a documentary film about King George VI.
King George VI
King George VI, the father of current monarch Queen Elizabeth II, was a reluctant ruler. He was thrust onto the throne when his older brother, King Edward, abdicated the throne to marry divorcee Wallis Simpson. It was a fascinating story in a crucial era of change.
For a man with a speech impediment, the timing could not have been more traumatic. King George VI was faced with the necessity to address the world over the airwaves as World War II broke out. It was a challenge that no monarch before him had to face. The King not only had to look the part of a monarch, he had to sound like a King.
The challenge faced by the monarch was not a secret to the people of the era. In a discussion about The King's Speech with a family member who had not seen the movie, she said, "But of course, King George had a stutter." She could remember hearing him speak on the radio. She also referred to Queen Elizabeth as Princess Elizabeth at one point, which was a little jarring. The era was embedded in her memory, as part of her youth.
As history passes, the people who can remember the historic events also pass. It is important to record and remember the events of history, to remember where we came from and to avoid repeating mistakes.
The King's Speech
The King's Speech starred Colin Firth in an Oscar-winning portrayal of King George VI. The story appears to be historically accurate, but it is a drama, so some creative license could have been taken to recreate conversations and experiences.
For the viewer whose interest was piqued by the movie, the documentary The Real King's Speech, on Discovery Channel, will give a factual account of King George and his stutter.
The Real King's Speech
The Real King's Speech is a one-hour special that gives a historical account of King George and his attempts to overcome his stammer. The film includes archived footage of his speeches.
King George was helped by unorthodox speech therapist Lionel Logue, portrayed by Geoffrey Rush in the movie. The documentary features interviews with some of Logue's former patients.
The Real King's Speech airs on Discovery Channel.
King George was succeeded by his daughter, Queen Elizabeth, when he passed away in 1952. The Queen has been on the throne for nearly 60 years. King George VI is the great-grandfather of Prince William, who is getting married to Kate Middleton. William & Kate
