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The King's Speech - Full Cast & Crew

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Tom Hooper's Oscar-winning period drama, based on real events, starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter. George VI, the future King of England, struggles to conquer a crippling stutter that is brought on by a fear of public speaking. Things begin to improve when his wife takes him to see unorthodox Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue. As their long association unfolds, the men find a common bond that leads to friendship.

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The King's Speech

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Watch The King's Speech with a subscription on Max, rent on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, or buy on Fandango at Home, Prime Video.

What to Know

Colin Firth gives a masterful performance in The King's Speech , a predictable but stylishly produced and rousing period drama.

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Cast & crew.

Colin Firth

King George VI

Geoffrey Rush

Lionel Logue

Helena Bonham Carter

Queen Elizabeth

King Edward VIII

Timothy Spall

Winston Churchill

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Cast of The King's Speech

Portrayed King George VI.

Portrayed Lionel Logue.

Portrayed Queen Elizabeth.

Portrayed King Edward VIII.

Portrayed Winston Churchill.

Portrayed King George V.

Portrayed Myrtle Logue.

Portrayed Archbishop Cosmo Lang.

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• Cast & crew
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The King's Speech

• The story of King George VI , his unexpected ascension to the throne of the British Empire in 1936, and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch overcome his stammer.
• Britain's Prince Albert must ascend the throne as King George VI , but he has a speech impediment. Knowing that the country needs her husband to be able to communicate effectively, Elizabeth hires Lionel Logue, an Australian actor and speech therapist, to help him overcome his stammer. An extraordinary friendship develops between the two men, as Logue uses unconventional means to teach the monarch how to speak with confidence. — Jwelch5742
• Tasked with serving as the voice of freedom and leading a nation into conflict with Adolf Hitler 's Nazis, the future King of the United Kingdom, King George VI , must first address a chronic, debilitating condition. As Prince Albert of York struggles to overcome his stammering problem to no avail, his wife, the worried Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother , seeks help from unconventional London speech therapist Lional Logue . But to deal with the terrible speech impediment, Prince Albert must persevere through fear and humiliation to take on the burden of the monarchy. And with courage, determination, and unexpected friendship, the nation will eventually have a leader. — Nick Riganas
• The true story of the journey of King George VI to the throne and his reign as he develops a friendship with a therapist who helps him overcome his speech impairment to help him in life and all of his duties in the British Monarch while he is king. — RECB3
• Biopic about Britain's King George VI (father of present day Queen Elizabeth II) and his lifelong struggle to overcome his speech impediment. Suffering from a stammer from the age of four or five, the young Prince Albert dreaded any public speaking engagement. History records that his speech at the closing of the 1925 Commonwealth exhibition in London was difficult for both him and everyone listening that day. He tried many different therapies over many years, but it was only when he met Lionel Logue, a speech therapist, that he truly began to make progress. Logue did not have a medical degree, but had worked as an elocution coach in the theater and had worked with shell-shocked soldiers after World War I. Through a variety of techniques and much hard work, Albert learns to speak in such a way so as to make his impediment a minor problem and deliver a flawless speech heard around the world by radio when the U.K. declared war on Nazi Germany in 1939. The King and Logue remained life-long friends. — garykmcd
• Prince Albert, Duke of York (later King George VI), "Bertie" (Colin Firth), the 2nd son of King George V, speaking at the close of the 1925 British Empire Exhibition at Wembley Stadium, with his wife Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) by his side. His stammering speech unsettles the thousands of listeners in the audience. The prince tries several unsuccessful treatments and gives up, until the Duchess persuades him to see Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), an Australian speech therapist in London. In their first session, Logue requests that they address each other by their Christian names, a breach of royal etiquette. Logue is unorthodox in his approach & Albert is not convinced it will be of any help. Logue makes a recording of Bertie with full music in background (so Bertie can't hear himself) & gives it to Bertie. In 1934, King George V (Michael Gambon) declares Bertie's older brother unfit for the throne & demands Bertie to improve his speech. He plays Logue's recording & finds himself speaking perfectly. He returns to Logue & he gently probes the psychological roots of the stammer. The Prince reveals some of the pressures of his childhood: his strict father; the repression of his natural left-handedness; a painful treatment with metal splints for his knock-knees; a nanny who favored his elder brother-David, the Prince of Wales--deliberately pinching Bertie at the daily presentations to their parents so he would cry and his parents would not want to see him, and--unbelievably--not feeding him adequately ("It took my parents three years to notice," says Bertie); and the early death in 1919 of his little brother Prince John. Logue & Bertie become friends. On 20 January 1936 George V dies, and David, the Prince of Wales (Guy Pearce) accedes to the throne as King Edward VIII, & wants to marry Wallis Simpson (Eve Best), an American divorcee, which would provoke a constitutional crisis. Bertie confronts David, who only accuses Bertie of having designs of his own & makes fun of his speech impediment. Even Logue suggests that Bertie can be King, & this causes a rift in their friendship as Bertie is not thinking in that way. When King Edward VIII does in fact abdicate to marry, Bertie becomes King George VI. Feeling overwhelmed by his accession, the new King realizes that he needs Logue's help and he and the Queen visit the Logues' residence to apologize. When the King insists that Logue be seated in the king's box during his coronation in Westminster Abbey, Dr Cosmo Gordon Lang, the Archbishop of Canterbury (Derek Jacobi), questions Logue's qualifications. This prompts another confrontation between the King and Logue, who explains he had begun by treating shell-shocked soldiers in the last war. When the King still isn't convinced about his own strengths, Logue sits in St. Edward's Chair and dismisses the Stone of Scone as a trifle, the King remonstrates with Logue for his disrespect. The King then realizes that he is as capable as those before him. Upon the September 1939 declaration of war with Germany, George VI summons Logue to Buckingham Palace to prepare for his radio speech to the country. As the King and Logue move through the palace to a tiny studio, Winston Churchill (Timothy Spall) reveals to the King that he, too, had once had a speech impediment but had found a way to use it to his advantage. The King delivers his speech as if to Logue, who coaches him through every moment. As Logue watches, the King steps onto the balcony of the palace with his family, where thousands of Londoners, gathered to hear the speech over loudspeakers, cheer and applaud him. A final title card explains that, during the many speeches King George VI gave during World War II, Logue was always present. It is also explained that Logue and the King remained friends, and that, "King George VI made Lionel Logue a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 1944. This high honor from a grateful King made Lionel part of the only order of chivalry that specifically rewards acts of personal service to the Monarch."

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The full cast of The King's Speech

Here you will find an overview of the cast of the movie The King's Speech from the year 2010, including all the actors, actresses and the director. When you click on the name of an actor, actress or director from the movie The King's Speech-cast you can watch more movies and/or series by him or her. Click here for more infomation about the movie.

We have made an overview that includes: actors , directors , the production team , the camera team , writers and other crew members .

Cathy Doubleday

Martin Harrison

Chris Stoaling

David Seidler

Actors & actresses.

Colin Firth

Geoffrey Rush

Helena Bonham Carter

Timothy Spall

Michael Gambon

Jennifer Ehle

Derek Jacobi

Freya Wilson

Ramona Marquez

Richard Dixon

Robert Portal

Paul Trussell

Adrian Scarborough

Andrew Havill

Charles Armstrong

Roger Hammond

Calum Gittins

Dominic Applewhite

Ben Wimsett

David Bamber

Jake Hathaway

Patrick Ryecart

Teresa Gallagher

Simon Chandler

Claire Bloom

Orlando Wells

John Albasiny

Anthony Andrews

John Warnaby

Roger Parrott

Dean Ambridge

Julianne Buescher

James Currie

Graham Curry

Tony Earnshaw

Artistic design

Julia Castle

Leon McCarthy

Alan Chesters

Camilla Stephenson

Philip Lobban

Eve Stewart

Douglas Ingram

David Hindle

Danny Cohen

Martin Kenzie

Zac Nicholson

Laurie Sparham

Costume & makeup.

Sally Turner

Jenny Beavan

Marco Scotti

Frances Hannon

Nana Fischer

Carmel Jackson

Christine Whitney

Kristyan Mallett

Ludwig van Beethoven

Nick Jeffries

Viral Thakkar

Scarlett Mackmin

Edwin Morris Hooper

Dennis Davidson

James Davis III

Steve Morphew

Teresa Mahoney

Albert Martínez Martín

Andrew Mackie

Richard Payten

Christos Michaels

Carl Isherwood

Simon Jones

Collette Nunes

Migs Rustia

Paul Stemmer

Movie Editing

Jeff Smithwick

Gareth Spensley

Tariq Anwar

Lighting techniques.

Paul McGeachan

Deepak Sikka

Jeff Maynard

Harvey Weinstein

Bob Weinstein

Mark Foligno

Peter Heslop

Jamie Lengyel

David Broder

Emile Sherman

Iain Canning

Gareth Unwin

Marilyn Goldsworthy

Fiona Garland

Erica Bensly

Forbes Noonan

Philip Clements

Andre Schmidt

Matthew Skelding

Andie Derrick

Peter Burgis

Peter Clarke

Maggie Rodford

Jean-Pascal Beintus

Nicolas Charron

Sylvain Morizet

Alexandre Desplat

John Midgley

Catherine Hodgson

Martin Jensen

Paul Hamblin

Lee Walpole

Gerard McCann

Special effects.

Cyntia Büll

Kelly Fischer

Ilamuruguselvan

Hanuman Patel

Danny S. Kim

Charlotte Collings

Melinka Thompson-Godoy

Thomas M. Horton

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The King's Speech (2010) Cast and Crew

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"The King's Speech" tells the story of a man compelled to speak to the world with a stammer. It must be painful enough for one who stammers to speak to another person. To face a radio microphone and know the British Empire is listening must be terrifying. At the time of the speech mentioned in this title, a quarter of the Earth's population was in the Empire, and of course much of North America, Europe, Africa and Asia would be listening — and with particular attention, Germany.

The king was George VI. The year was 1939. Britain was entering into war with Germany. His listeners required firmness, clarity and resolve, not stammers punctuated with tortured silences. This was a man who never wanted to be king. After the death of his father, the throne was to pass to his brother Edward. But Edward renounced the throne "in order to marry the woman I love," and the duty fell to Prince Albert, who had struggled with his speech from an early age.

In "The King's Speech," director Tom Hooper opens on Albert ( Colin Firth ), attempting to open the British Empire Exhibition in 1925. Before a crowded arena and a radio audience, he seizes up in agony in efforts to make the words come out right. His father, George V ( Michael Gambon ), has always considered "Bertie" superior to Edward ( Guy Pearce ), but mourns the introduction of radio and newsreels, which require a monarch to be seen and heard on public occasions.

At that 1925 speech, we see Bertie's wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), her face filled with sympathy. As it becomes clear that Edward's obsession with Wallis Simpson (Eve Best) is incurable, she realizes her Bertie may face more public humiliation. He sees various speech therapists, one of whom tries the old marbles-in-the-mouth routine first recommended by Demosthenes. Nothing works, and then she seeks out a failed Australian actor named Lionel Logue ( Geoffrey Rush ), who has set up a speech therapy practice.

Logue doesn't realize at first who is consulting him. And one of the subjects of the film is Logue's attitude toward royalty, which I suspect is not untypical of Australians; he suggests to Albert that they get on a first-name basis. Albert has been raised within the bell jar of the monarchy and objects to such treatment, not because he has an elevated opinion of himself but because, well, it just isn't done. But Logue realizes that if he is to become the king's therapist, he must first become his friend.

If the British monarchy is good for nothing else, it's superb at producing the subjects of films. "The King's Speech," rich in period detail and meticulous class distinctions, largely sidesteps the story that loomed over this whole period, Edward's startling decision to give up the crown to marry a woman who was already divorced three times. Indeed, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (as they became) would occupy an inexplicable volume of attention for years, considering they had no significance after the Duke's abdication. The unsavory thing is that Wallis Simpson considered herself worthy of such a sacrifice from the man she allegedly loved. This film finds a more interesting story about better people; Americans, who aren't always expert on British royalty, may not necessarily realize that Albert and wife Elizabeth were the parents of Queen Elizabeth II. God knows what Edward might have fathered.

Director Tom Hooper makes an interesting decision with his sets and visuals. The movie is largely shot in interiors, and most of those spaces are long and narrow. That's unusual in historical dramas, which emphasize sweep and majesty and so on. Here we have long corridors, a deep and narrow master control room for the BBC, rooms that seem peculiarly oblong. I suspect he may be evoking the narrow, constricting walls of Albert's throat as he struggles to get words out.

The film largely involves the actors Colin Firth, formal and decent, and Geoffrey Rush, large and expansive, in psychological struggle. Helena Bonham Carter, who can be merciless (as in the "Harry Potter" films), is here filled with mercy, tact and love for her husband; this is the woman who became the much-loved Queen Mother of our lifetimes, dying in 2002 at 101. As the men have a struggle of wills, she tries to smooth things (and raise her girls Elizabeth and Margaret). And in the wider sphere, Hitler takes power, war comes closer, Mrs. Simpson wreaks havoc, and the dreaded day approaches when Bertie, as George VI, will have to speak to the world and declare war.

Hooper's handling of that fraught scene is masterful. Firth internalizes his tension and keeps the required stiff upper lip, but his staff and household are terrified on his behalf as he marches toward a microphone as if it is a guillotine. It is the one scene in the film that must work, and it does, and its emotional impact is surprisingly strong. At the end, what we have here is a superior historical drama and a powerful personal one. And two opposites who remain friends for the rest of their lives.

Note: The R rating refers to Logue's use of vulgarity. It is utterly inexplicable. This is an excellent film for teenagers.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

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The King's Speech (2010)

Rated R for language

118 minutes

Directed by

• David Seidler

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MPAA Rating

Produced by, released by, the king's speech (2010), directed by tom hooper / colin firth / derek jacobi / geoffrey rush / jennifer ehle / helena bonham carter / emile sherman.

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30 Facts About The Movie The King’s Speech

Written by Arlene Steelman

Modified & Updated: 03 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

The King’s Speech is a critically acclaimed film that has captivated audiences since its release. Directed by Tom Hooper, this historical drama takes us on a journey through the life of King George VI, the father of Queen Elizabeth II, as he struggles with a debilitating stammer. The movie explores the unlikely friendship between the reluctant monarch and his eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue.

With its stellar cast, including Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter , The King’s Speech has received numerous accolades, including four Academy Awards. Beyond the captivating performances, the film offers a compelling story filled with emotional depth and historical significance. In this article, we delve into 30 fascinating facts about the making of The King’s Speech, shedding light on its production, casting decisions, and its impact on audiences worldwide.

Key Takeaways:

• The King’s Speech is a movie based on the true story of King George VI’s struggle with a speech impediment. It won four Academy Awards and highlighted the importance of effective communication and perseverance.
• The film’s success sparked conversations about speech disorders and inspired audiences worldwide with its powerful portrayal of courage and determination.

Box Office Success

The King’s Speech was a critically acclaimed film that also performed well at the box office, grossing over $400 million worldwide.

Historical Accuracy

The movie portrays the true story of King George VI’s struggle with a speech impediment and his efforts to overcome it.

Oscar-Winning Performances

The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Tom Hooper, Best Actor for Colin Firth, and Best Original Screenplay.

Colin Firth’s Preparation

Colin Firth spent months working with a speech therapist to accurately portray King George VI’s stammer.

Geoffrey Rush’s Role

Geoffrey Rush played the role of Lionel Logue, the speech therapist who helped King George VI overcome his speech impediment.

Historical Significance

The movie sheds light on the importance of effective communication and how speech can impact leadership and self-confidence.

Multiple Nominations

The King’s Speech received a total of 12 nominations at the Academy Awards, the most of any film that year.

Supporting Cast

The film also features stellar performances from Helena Bonham Carter, who played Queen Elizabeth, and Guy Pearce , who portrayed King Edward VIII.

Royal Approval

The Queen Mother, who was King George VI’s wife, reportedly gave her endorsement for the film.

Accents and Dialects

The actors underwent extensive training to master the British accents and dialects of the time period.

Emotional Journey

The movie takes viewers on an emotional journey as they witness King George VI’s struggle and eventual triumph.

Historical Context

The film is set against the backdrop of the abdication crisis of 1936, when King Edward VIII gave up the throne to marry Wallis Simpson.

Collaboration

The King’s Speech was a collaborative effort between British and Australian filmmakers, showcasing the talent from both countries.

Real Speech Recordings

The filmmakers used actual recordings of King George VI’s speeches to ensure accuracy in the movie.

Costume Design

The film’s costume designer , Jenny Beavan, won an Academy Award for her work in recreating the fashion of the 1930s.

Film Locations

The King’s Speech was primarily filmed in England and Scotland, adding to the authenticity of the period setting.

Critical Acclaim

The movie was praised by critics for its performances, screenplay, and historical accuracy.

Audience Response

The King’s Speech resonated with audiences worldwide, connecting on a human level with its themes of perseverance and self-belief.

The movie has left a lasting impact on the film industry, inspiring others to tell stories of triumph over adversity.

International Success

The King’s Speech was not only a hit in English-speaking countries but also gained popularity in international markets.

The film’s score, composed by Alexandre Desplat, received critical acclaim and added depth to the storytelling.

Positive Reviews

The King’s Speech holds a high rating on review aggregator sites like Rotten Tomatoes, with praise for its performances and storytelling.

The movie received a rating of 12A in the United Kingdom, making it suitable for a wide range of audiences.

Cultural Impact

The King’s Speech sparked conversations about speech disorders and increased awareness of the challenges faced by those who stammer.

Educational Value

The film has been used as a teaching tool in various educational institutions to explore topics such as leadership, communication, and overcoming obstacles.

Film Adaptation

The movie is based on a stage play of the same name, which was also highly acclaimed.

International Accolades

In addition to the Academy Awards, The King’s Speech received numerous accolades from film festivals around the world.

Inspirational Story

The film serves as a reminder that anyone, regardless of their status or background, can overcome personal challenges and achieve greatness.

Historical Detail

The King’s Speech captures the essence of the time period, immersing viewers in the world of British royalty during a pivotal point in history.

Lasting Legacy

The King’s Speech will continue to be remembered as a powerful and touching portrayal of courage and determination.

In conclusion, The King’s Speech is a remarkable film that captivates audiences with its gripping story and exceptional performances. Through its portrayal of King George VI’s struggle to overcome his speech impediment, the movie showcases the power of determination and the importance of finding one’s voice. With a brilliant cast led by Colin Firth , Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter, The King’s Speech earned critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including four Academy Awards. The film’s masterful direction, compelling script, and stunning production design make it a must-watch for any movie enthusiast. Whether you’re a fan of historical dramas, inspiring stories, or top-notch acting, The King’s Speech is sure to captivate and leave a lasting impression.

1. Who directed The King’s Speech?

The King’s Speech was directed by Tom Hooper.

2. Is The King’s Speech based on a true story?

Yes, The King’s Speech is based on the true story of King George VI of the United Kingdom and his struggle with a speech impediment.

3. How many Academy Awards did The King’s Speech win?

The King’s Speech won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Colin Firth), and Best Original Screenplay.

4. Who played King George VI in the movie?

Colin Firth portrayed King George VI in The King’s Speech.

5. What is the significance of the title “The King’s Speech”?

The title refers to the pivotal speech that King George VI delivers to inspire and rally the British people during World War II.

6. What impact did The King’s Speech have on raising awareness about speech impediments?

The movie shed light on the struggles faced by people with speech impediments and helped raise awareness about the importance of empathy and understanding towards individuals dealing with such challenges.

7. Was the stuttering portrayed accurately in the movie?

Geoffrey Rush worked closely with speech experts to accurately portray the challenges faced by those with speech impediments. The film’s depiction of stuttering was highly praised for its authenticity.

8. Are there any other notable performances in The King’s Speech?

In addition to Colin Firth’s memorable portrayal of King George VI, Geoffrey Rush’s performance as Lionel Logue, the speech therapist, and Helena Bonham Carter’s portrayal of Queen Elizabeth were also highly praised by audiences and critics alike.

9. What awards did The King’s Speech receive?

Aside from its Academy Awards, The King’s Speech also received numerous other accolades, including multiple BAFTA Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.

10. Can I watch The King’s Speech online?

Yes, The King’s Speech is available for streaming on various platforms, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

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Movie's ratings

• Kinorium 8.0 8504
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The King's Speech — Cast & Crew

Colin Firth

Geoffrey Rush

Helena Bonham Carter

Timothy Spall

Michael Gambon

Claire Bloom

Derek Jacobi

Jennifer Ehle

Anthony Andrews

Patrick Ryecart

Roger Parrott

Robert Portal

Richard Dixon

Paul Trussell

Adrian Scarborough

Andrew Havill

Charles Armstrong

Roger Hammond

Calum Gittins

Dominic Applewhite

Ben Wimsett

Freya wilson.

Ramona Marquez

David Bamber

Jake Hathaway

Teresa gallagher.

Simon Chandler

Orlando Wells

John Albasiny

John Warnaby

Adolf Hitler

Sarah Molkenthin

Peter Agnelli

Dean Ambridge

Mike archer.

Mihai Arsene

James Currie

Graham curry.

Philip Dehany

Julie Eagleton

Tony Earnshaw

Adam eveson, jensen freeman.

Benjamin Haller

Martyn moore.

Abbie Murison

Pete noakes.

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The True Story Behind "The King's Speech"

"The King's Speech" is a 2010 dramatic biographical film, recounting the friendship between King George VI of England and his Australian speech therapist, Lionel Logue. The film also covers Edward VIII's 1936 abdication, and George VI's subsequent coronation and shouldering of responsibility during World War II. George VI ultimately must conquer his stammer to assist and guide Britain during the war.

As a film, "The King's Speech" takes a few liberties with the historical timeline and in regards to simplifying certain characters. One element historians took particular umbrage with was the depiction of Winston Churchill . However, overall it is fairly faithful to the historical record. For one thing, George VI really did have a speech impediment since the age of eight, and Lionel Logue did work with him for several years. They did stay friends until they both died. Certain scenes, such as George VI's coronation, were praised for their accurate recapturing of the feel of the 1930s.

The main concept the film changed was simply adding drama to certain scenes, such as the speech announcing war with Germany towards the end. It also condensed the historical timeline significantly, shortening events. This was mostly done for the sake of keeping the narrative moving. Overall, however, " The King's Speech " is a fairly accurate, heartwarming rendering of George VI and Lionel Logue's friendship.

Prince Albert had a stutter as a child

Prince Albert, later George VI, developed a stutter when he was eight that he carried through to his early adult life. His parents were not terribly affectionate with him, and he was susceptible to tears and tantrums – traits he also carried through his adult years, writes Biography . Given that many of his public duties required speeches, Albert needed to – and worked tirelessly – to fix his stammer with multiple doctors and therapists, writes Stuttering Help . He wasn't successful with any speech therapies until he worked with elocutionist and informal speech therapist Lionel Logue, beginning in the 1920s.

When Logue saw the then-Duke of York give a speech, he said to his son, "He's too old for me to manage a complete cure. But I could very nearly do it. I'm sure of that." (via Stuttering Help ). He was right, and his positive attitude helped the duke recover from previous failures that had made him believe the problem caused him to be mentally deficient instead of simply physically injured. Despite how long they worked together, the duke's speech issues had more to do with how held his jaw and pronounced words; the result was that his stammer was mainly cleared up in a matter of months as opposed to years.

Lionel Logue was a self-taught speech therapist

Lionel Logue was an Australian speech therapist who, not being formally trained, used methods he had discovered and created on his own. He worked as an elocutionist first, but fell into helping Australian World War I veterans with speech defects, writes The ASHA Leader . No one else was doing what he was with the veterans, and speech therapy and audiology programs didn't even get off the ground until the 1940s (via UNC Health Sciences Library ). Logue was even a founder of the College of Speech Therapists.

Just before World War I, Logue worked a variety of jobs as a teacher of elocution and drama, theater manager, and reciter of Shakespeare and Dickens (via Speech Language Therapy's Caroline Bowen, a speech language pathologist ). Logue worked with patients on their speech, but also on confidence and the self-belief that they could accomplish what they set out to do. He was empathetic with his patients, and learned from each case he worked on. Logue originally tried out as an actor, and as a result, his manner was somewhere between a teacher and an artist. He was serious about his life's work and resolved to avoid cheapening it by writing a book about his efforts with the king.

Logue began working with Prince Albert in 1926

Elizabeth, the Duchess of York, first encouraged her husband to work with Lionel Logue, though the meeting as depicted in the film between Elizabeth and Logue likely didn't happen (via Logue and Conradi's "The King's Speech" ). Logue thus began working with the Duke of York in October 1926, soon after he opened his London practice on Harley Street. Logue first diagnosed the Duke with, according to CNN , acute nervous tension and the habit of closing the throat, which caused him to clip words out.

Logue met with him daily for the next two or three months (in advance of a visit to Australia), and his stammer was gone (for the most part) within that time frame; it didn't take years of treatment (via Speech Language Therapy ). Unlike in the film, in reality, the Duke and Logue weren't necessarily aiming for complete fluency. However, they did continue to work together for the next two decades, mainly on the royal's speeches.

Logue worked with Albert for over 15 years

Though the film condenses the timeline to make it seem as though everything takes place over just a few years, Logue and Albert worked together for decades (via CNN ). "The King's Speech" begins in 1925 with the close of the British Empire Exhibition, which would be historically accurate, but time simply speeds by until the film depicts the abdication of Edward VIII in 1936 and later the outbreak of war in 1939 in just a few hours; it doesn't really feel as though a decade and a half have passed.

Regardless, Logue and the duke worked together on speeches even after the duke had mostly mastered his stammer. Lionel Logue's methods were unorthodox and primarily self-taught. He never specifically said what course of treatment he worked on with the duke, saying, according to The ASHA Leader : "...on the matter of Speech Defects, when so much depends on the temperament and individuality, a case can always be produced that can prove you are wrong. That is why I won't write a book." Much of the ideas for the therapy sessions depicted in the film come from Logue's diaries (though plenty of the dialogue was invented), which were inherited by his grandson Mark. They were used in the film, though the director only saw them late in the film's production.

Any sort of therapy is inherently individual, not to mention personal (via Psychiatric Times ). It's no wonder that Logue decided to avoid writing about his work.

Wallis Simpson was a more complex person than the film indicates

King Edward VIII was crowned in January 1936 and abdicated in December of the same year in order to marry Wallis Simpson , who had been twice divorced (via History ). His younger brother was proclaimed king the next day. The film is sympathetic to George VI and Elizabeth, and Wallis Simpson is cast as a vaguely Nazi-supporting villain; there is little depth to her character. However, her life and motivations were shrouded in rumors from the British upper classes and the media.

The upper classes, who learned about the Edward-Wallis romance before the British media, in particular saw her as an uncouth American divorcee, and had a hard time figuring out why Edward wanted to be with her. When the media did find out, in December 1936, she was both ruined and revered by them, according to History Extra . However, after moving overseas more-or-less permanently she faded from the spotlight. Her unfortunate reputation from the nobles stuck with her.

Ultimately, George VI didn't allow his brother and sister-in-law, who had moved to France, to be productive for the royal family; they asked multiple times for jobs and were denied (via History Extra ). Awful rumors followed Wallis Simpson even past her death in the 1980s, including one that stated she would do anything to become queen of England. Though it's clear both on and off screen that she and Elizabeth disliked each other, Wallis was more than a king-stealing villain.

Churchill was actually opposed to Edward VIII's abdication

One major element of the film that historians had trouble with is Churchill's abrupt support of George VI, writes Daily History . In real life, he encouraged Edward VIII not to abdicate in 1936, and remained a supporter of the royal, believing something could be worked out without having to resort to abdication. George VI and Elizabeth didn't fully support Churchill later in life due to his actions during the abdication. However, Churchill was later knighted by Elizabeth II (via Biography ).

This element is likely written as such for the film due to the writers having a hard time writing someone as beloved as Churchill with actual flaws. The writers of "Saving Mr. Banks" had a similar issue with Walt Disney and his flaws. As a result, it is one of the only concrete historical aspects that left historians scratching their heads in confusion. Everything else that is changed in the film is mainly done for the sake of adaptation, drama, and the good of the narrative. This change seems to be for the sake of preserving Churchill's reputation. Considering the film's lead-up of events to World War II, and Churchill's role in Britain's survival, it isn't that surprising.

King George VI's coronation was less fraught than the film depicts

Logue worked with George VI on his coronation speech in 1937. Five days afterward, the king wrote a heartfelt thank you letter for the assistance (via Tatler ), attributing the success to Logue's "expert supervision and unfailing patience." Just as in the film, Logue and his wife are seated in the royal box, so high up that Myrtle Logue needed to use opera glasses in order to see, writes CNN .

However, by this time, the king had mostly mastered his speech impediment, and the dramatic scene in the film with Logue and St. Edward's chair is likely fictional. It was written for the sake of the narrative of George VI realizing he does have a voice. Reality isn't necessarily so cinematic, and after weeks of working on the speech with Logue, George VI delivered it flawlessly. Regardless, according to Daily History , the film accurately conveys the atmosphere of the 1930s and the coronation of a new king. In reality, the king and Logue likely didn't have the same miscommunication as they do in the film, and it is doubly heartwarming that Logue and his wife were seated with the royal family, just because of the services Logue had rendered the new king.

Logue was more deferential to his royal patient

Geoffrey Rush's portrayal is much more animated than Logue likely was in reality. Logue certainly addressed Prince Albert respectfully, and the scenes of swearing in Logue's office are likely invented. Logue also never referred to the prince by a nickname, much less one used exclusively by the family. They were friends in real life, but their relationship was more realistically distant.

According to CNN , the letters Logue wrote to the king are addressed to "Your Royal Highness". On the other hand, the king signed his letters with his first name, indicating a measure of friendship between the two men. Logue also apparently allowed George VI to set treatment goals due to his position. Though they did end up being friends, Logue never forgot who exactly his patient was, and treated him accordingly (via Daily History ). Historical films always add heart-to-heart speeches between people which probably never actually happened but work for the sake of drama and the narrative. "The King's Speech" is no exception.

The speech announcing war with Germany was less dramatic

Lionel Logue further assisted George VI during the 1939 speech when he announced Britain was at war with Germany. However, Logue wasn't actually in the room with him, as the film depicts, and only wrote notes on places for the king to pause to collect himself when speaking or on which words to stress, according to CNN . Keep in mind that by this point in time, 13 years after meeting Logue, the king had essentially mastered his stammer. George VI also stood to give the speech, though photographs show him in full military uniform and sitting down.

Lionel Logue's diaries also answered a previously unknown question about the speech that was added to the film. George VI stammered on some of the W's in the speech, and according to a comment he made to Logue, it was so the people would recognize him, writes CNN .

The film turns the event into a climactic event, as a culmination of the years of work the king and Logue have put into his affliction – and which the audience has just watched on screen for the past two hours. Also, though it is unlikely the information was revealed at this exact time in real life, the character of Winston Churchill tells the king just before this speech that he, too, was a stammerer as a child, writes The Lancet . This element is true, though it is positioned for the sake of cinematic drama.

George and Logue's friendship didn't fracture over credentials

In the film, coronation preparations pause when the archbishop of Canterbury, Cosmo Lang, mentions that Logue doesn't have any formal training. Not having known this beforehand, George VI becomes outraged and only calms after Logue provokes him into speaking without stammering, causing him to realize that he actually can speak accurately. This entire element is invented for the film, presumably for the sake of drama (and humor).

By this point, the two men had known each other for over a decade and were friends. Though their relationship was primarily professional, in scouting out Logue's help, the king must have understood his credentials and it didn't bother him; after all, he worked with Logue, voluntarily, for decades (via Daily History ). Logue's formality likely kept their friendship professional enough that they probably had few personal disagreements.

Logue and the king wrote letters back and forth for years; the earlier letters were signed "Albert" and the later letters "George" by the king, according to CNN , indicating a measure of friendship that was likely meted out to few people. When Logue asked the king in 1948 if he would serve as patron of the College of Speech Therapists, George VI immediately agreed and it became known as the Royal College of Speech Therapy, writes The ASHA Leader .

The film has an obvious pro-George VI bias

Due to being written from a historical perspective, "The King's Speech" supports George VI, Logue, Elizabeth, and even Winston Churchill as characters and historical figures much more than it does George V, Edward VIII, or Wallis Simpson. The film has an agenda and a narrative it set out to tell: the story of how George VI overcame his stammer and led a nation successfully through a war.

According to The Gazette , the film's textual inclusion of Logue's appointment as a Member of the Royal Victorian Order is accurate. The king appreciated his services enough to reward him with a title for them, and this element certainly adds to the theme of friendship the film is so fond of.

In another interesting example of bias, however, the film omits Edward VIII's Nazi sympathies entirely, though Simpson is written to seem like an outsider to the royals. This was likely done for the sake of Edward's surviving family, though it was a slightly odd omission considering the context of the film. Edward isn't cast as a villain, however, he doesn't quite seem to realize what he's forcing his brother to step into. Though he immediately supports George, Edward doesn't seem to comprehend the royal family's – and the film's – endless demand of duty.

List of The King's Speech Characters

List of The King's Speech characters, including pictures when available. These characters from The King's Speech are ordered by their significance to the film, so main characters are featured at the top while minor characters and cameos are further down on the list. The King's Speech had a lot of memorable characters, which is part of the reason why the movie is so beloved by people around the world. The names of the actors and actresses who played each character are included next to the character's names, so use this list to discover who played your favorite characters.

Examples of items on this list include Anthony Logue and Royal Nanny.

If you want to know, "Who are the characters from The King's Speech?" or "What are the names of The King's Speech characters?" then this list is the perfect resource for you.

Winston Churchill

Wallis Simpson

King George VI

Archbishop cosmo lang, duke henry of gloucester, stanley baldwin, valentine logue, princess margaret, bbc radio announcer, bbc technician #2, royal nanny, bbc technician #1, private secretary, robert wood.

King Edward VIII

Anthony Logue

King george v, dr. blandine bentham.

Lionel Logue

Royal footman, myrtle logue, laurie logue, boy in regent's park, bright young.

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The king's speech.

Directed by Tom Hooper

Find your voice.

The King's Speech tells the story of the man who became King George VI, the father of Queen Elizabeth II. After his brother abdicates, George ('Bertie') reluctantly assumes the throne. Plagued by a dreaded stutter and considered unfit to be king, Bertie engages the help of an unorthodox speech therapist named Lionel Logue. Through a set of unexpected techniques, and as a result of an unlikely friendship, Bertie is able to find his voice and boldly lead the country into war.

Colin Firth Geoffrey Rush Helena Bonham Carter Guy Pearce Timothy Spall Michael Gambon Jennifer Ehle Derek Jacobi Freya Wilson Ramona Marquez Richard Dixon Robert Portal Eve Best Paul Trussell Adrian Scarborough Andrew Havill Charles Armstrong Roger Hammond Calum Gittins Dominic Applewhite Ben Wimsett David Bamber Jake Hathaway Patrick Ryecart Teresa Gallagher Simon Chandler Claire Bloom Orlando Wells Tim Downie Show All… Dick Ward John Albasiny Danny Emes Anthony Andrews John Warnaby Roger Parrott Dean Ambridge Julianne Buescher James Currie Graham Curry Tony Earnshaw Sean Talo

Director Director

Producers producers.

Iain Canning Simon Egan Gareth Unwin Emile Sherman Erica Bensly Jeff Maynard

Writer Writer

David Seidler

Casting Casting

Editor editor.

Tariq Anwar

Cinematography Cinematography

Danny Cohen

Assistant Directors Asst. Directors

Chris Stoaling Martin Harrison

Executive Producers Exec. Producers

Harvey Weinstein Paul Brett Geoffrey Rush Tim Smith Bob Weinstein Mark Foligno Deepak Sikka

Lighting Lighting

Paul McGeachan

Camera Operators Camera Operators

Zac Nicholson Danny Cohen

Additional Photography Add. Photography

Martin Kenzie

Production Design Production Design

Eve Stewart

Art Direction Art Direction

Leon McCarthy David Hindle

Set Decoration Set Decoration

Special effects special effects.

James Davis III

Visual Effects Visual Effects

Thomas M. Horton Derek Bird Danny S. Kim Melinka Thompson-Godoy

Choreography Choreography

Scarlett Mackmin

Composer Composer

Alexandre Desplat

Sound Sound

Paul Hamblin Lee Walpole John Midgley Peter Burgis Martin Jensen Catherine Hodgson Gerard McCann Andie Derrick

Costume Design Costume Design

Jenny Beavan

Makeup Makeup

Christine Whitney Paul Gooch

Hairstyling Hairstyling

Alex Rouse Frances Hannon Nana Fischer Carmel Jackson

The Weinstein Company UK Film Council Momentum Pictures Aegis Film Fund Molinare Investment FilmNation Entertainment See-Saw Films Bedlam Productions

Releases by Date

06 sep 2010, 10 sep 2010, 21 oct 2010, 05 dec 2010, 12 dec 2010, 16 dec 2010, 29 jan 2011, 05 feb 2011, 16 feb 2011, 28 feb 2011, 25 apr 2011.

• Theatrical limited

26 Nov 2010

22 dec 2010, 23 dec 2010, 25 dec 2010, 26 dec 2010, 07 jan 2011, 21 jan 2011, 27 jan 2011, 28 jan 2011, 02 feb 2011, 03 feb 2011, 04 feb 2011, 10 feb 2011, 11 feb 2011, 17 feb 2011, 18 feb 2011, 23 feb 2011, 24 feb 2011, 25 feb 2011, 26 feb 2011, 03 mar 2011, 04 mar 2011, 10 mar 2011, 17 mar 2011, 01 apr 2011, 11 may 2011, 24 feb 2012, 28 apr 2013, 02 sep 2011, 15 sep 2011, releases by country.

• Theatrical M
• Premiere Bahamas International Film Festival
• Theatrical EA

Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

Bosnia and herzegovina.

• Theatrical 12
• Premiere Toronto International Film Festival
• Premiere Beijing International Film Festival
• Theatrical S
• Theatrical U
• Premiere Berlin International Film Festival
• Theatrical 0
• Theatrical IIB
• Theatrical 12A
• Theatrical N-13

Netherlands

• Premiere International Film Festival Rotterdam
• Theatrical AL
• Physical AL DVD, Blu ray
• Theatrical AL RTL 4

New Zealand

Philippines.

• Theatrical M/12

Russian Federation

• Theatrical 16+
• Premiere Belgrade Film Festival

South Korea

• Premiere Barcelona
• Theatrical APTA
• Premiere Göteborg International Film Festival
• Theatrical Btl

Switzerland

• Premiere BFI London Film Festival
• Premiere Telluride Film Festival
• Theatrical R
• Theatrical Re-release

United Arab Emirates

• Premiere Dubai International Film Festival

118 mins   More at IMDb TMDb Report this page

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The King's Speech Cast

Meet the cast, bertie (king george vi) (colin firth), lionel logue (geoffrey rush), elizabeth (helena bonham carter), david (king edward viii) (guy pearce), king george v (michael gambon), winston churchill (timothy spall), elizabeth and margaret (freya wilson, ramona marquez), tired of ads, cite this source, logging out…, logging out....

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W hy's T his F unny?

Kenneth Branagh to Play Charles Dickens in 'The King of Kings'

He will star alongside Uma Thurman and Roman Griffin Davis in the faith-based animated film.

The Big Picture

• Kenneth Branagh to lead faith-based film inspired by Charles Dickens and his family, blending their story with Jesus Christ's.
• The King of Kings features an impressive cast including Uma Thurman and Roman Griffin Davis, promising deep connections with audiences.
• Stay tuned for casting announcements and updates as the production nears completion, with more news on the horizon.

After spending the past few years bringing to life the works of Agatha Christie and embodying her signature detective Hercule Poirot, Kenneth Branagh is now set to play the role of another famed English novelist - Charles Dickens . Branagh has been tapped to lead The King of Kings , an animated, faith-based film from the South Korean studio Mofac Animation inspired by the life of Dickens and his family as well as his short story "The Life of Our Lord," published in 1934 well after his death. He'll be joined by Uma Thurman and Jojo Rabbit breakout Roman Griffin Davis as the writer's wife Catherine Dickens and youngest son Walter Dickens .

The King of Kings will blend the story of the Dickens family with that of Jesus Christ , following Charles during a difficult period in his life as he balances a burgeoning writing career with being a good father to his children, namely young Walter. After receiving some advice from his wife, he reaches out to his "king"- obsessed son to connect with him over a shared interest in Jesus using his short story. Together, Charles and Walter set off on an enlightening journey, along with their cat Willa, as they immerse themselves in the religious tale. Prolific South Korean filmmaker Seong-ho “Jay” Jang directs the feature and penned the script with The Princess and the Frog co-writer Rob Edwards .

The Oscar-winning Branagh enters the Dickens-centric tale coming off a much bloodier and less family-friendly animated hit, Blue Eye Samurai , where he played the villainous Abijah Fowler , whom Maya Erskine 's Mizu hunts down. He's also fresh off another Christie adaptation in the horror-tinged A Haunting in Venice and enjoyed a role in Oppenheimer . Thurman, meanwhile, had a strong year as well, with the starry The Kill Room and sweet and sizzling LGBTQ+ rom-com Red, White & Royal Blue among the most recent credits for the Academy Award-nominee. Coupled with Davis, the much-lauded Critic's Choice Award winner for Jojo Rabbit , who now has roles lined up opposite Bill Nighy and Nick Frost in 500 Miles and 152 Days respectively, among other things, the group makes for a rock-solid foundation of talent for The King of Kings to build on.

'The King of Kings' Promises More Big Announcements as Production Continues

Production on the animated faith-centric family feature is in its final stages, though Mofac Animation has yet to find a distributor. As work begins to wrap up, producer Anfernee Kim promised more enticing casting announcements are on the horizon to round everything out. They have faith, however, that the core trio alone will be able to help audiences deeply connect with the story of Jesus and the Dickens family . “It is through the Dickens family that our audience experiences the life of Jesus Christ, and Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, and Roman Griffin Davis bring all the emotion, awe, heart, and gravitas to these essential characters,” Kim said. “These three actors are at the core of our story, and anchor a truly impressive cast – many of whom we look forward to sharing in the near future.”

There's no release date yet for The King of Kings .

Stay tuned here at Collider for more on the film as the cast is unveiled and work nears its end. A Haunting in Venice is streaming now on Hulu in the U.S.

A Haunting in Venice

In post-World War II Venice, Poirot, now retired and living in his own exile, reluctantly attends a seance. But when one of the guests is murdered, it is up to the former detective to once again uncover the killer.

Watch on Hulu