King George VI: The Man Behind the King's Speech

This British documentary provides an overview of the life of King George VI. The awkward title refers, of course, to the 2010 film about the monarch's efforts to overcome his stammer with the help of Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue (this production offers insights from Logue's grandson—as well as Tom Hooper and Colin Firth, the director and star, respectively, of the Oscar-winning movie). While the relationship between the king and Logue is detailed, the documentary also offers broader insight into George's tumultuous life, including his unhappy childhood; reluctant ascension to the throne following the abdication of his older brother, Edward VIII; and the strain of maintaining a calm and reassuring presence in the midst of World War II. Viewers will witness a wealth of rarely seen newsreel footage, including filmed speeches delivered by a clearly uncomfortable ruler (while his voice is flat, traces of his stammer are barely detectable). The man who emerges here is a modest and unassuming individual who, despite being ill prepared to reign, accepted his duties without complaint and resolved to do what was best for his country. When VE Day crowds in London flocked to Buckingham Palace chanting “We want the king,” their exhortation was a vindication of his labors. A handsome tribute to an unlikely yet beloved head of state, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)