Entertainment : In Depth - The King\'s Speech

Oscar’s favorite plays the Palace THREE DAYS ONLY!

“The King’s Speech” opens Friday, March 4, and runs Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6 at 7 p.m.

This is the story of Prince Albert of England (Colin Firth), a stutterer.  In 1939, era of Churchhill, FDR and the radio, the British monarch was “Bertie’s” father, George VI. Britain was entering into war with Germany. Radio listeners required firmness, clarity and resolve, not stuttering and stammering. 

Albert never wanted to be king. However, with the death of his father, the throne was to pass to his brother Edward. But Edward renounced the throne in order to marry the famed and shockingly divorced American, Mrs. Wallis Simpson.  The duty fell to Prince Albert, who had struggled with a speech impediment from an early age.

All three leads in the movie received Academy nominations – Colin Firth for Best Actor, Geoffrey Rush for Best Supporting Actor, and Helena Bonham Carter for Best Supporting Actress.  Only Firth took home the Oscar, but I was secretly hoping for both Rush and Bonham-Carter, as well.  And I haven’t yet seen the film!

A friend had this to say:

"The Kings Speech" is maybe the best movie (my wife and I) have seen this past year.  The lighting for it is dim and dreary, just like the English weather, I'm told. There is very little action or any of the other things that American movies can't seem to be made without, but the acting and the script writing are just superb.  (We) went to see it for our 41st anniversary in January.  Colin Firth is up for Best Actor award at the Oscars, but I think Geoffrey Rush should be, too!  He's phenomenal!  He's not a very typical Hollywood handsome type guy, but, man can he act!  Can't wait to see "Black Swan," too.  I've heard wonderful things about it as well. ~Paul S, movie buff, regular Palace patron and email buddy

Roger Ebert agrees with Paul, awarding this film a solid four out of four stars. Ebert also recommends this movie for teenagers, despite the R rating, which is due to vulgar language.

Frank worked movie-booking magic to secure this box office hit for us for just three days.  The Palace will be closed to movies Monday, March 7 through Saturday, March 12 for ACT I rehearsal and the opening of “Picnic.”  Tickets for the upcoming stage production are available at www.act1.org.