Tasks: The King's Speech

In the expandable box, you will find a list of words that are all connected to the film. Work with a partner. Go through the words and explain how they are related to the plot of the film.

Fill in the missing words to complete the summary of the film's plot. Do you know what all the words mean? If not, look them up.

Watch some of the scenes from the film again and use them as a starting point for a discussion around the following questions.

1. 00:00–05:04
   In the opening scene, we meet a very nervous and insecure prince giving his first broadcast speech. How is this conveyed in the film (dialogue, acting, camera angles, music, etc.)? What factors in this scene add to the pressure that he’s experiencing?

2. 08:30–10:43
   Describe the first meeting between Lionel and the queen. How do we see that they come from two very different worlds? Are there other scenes in the movie where this comes out clearly?

3. 28:07–31:30
   What is your impression of King George V? How does he feel about the invention of the radio? Does he in any way help the prince with his problem? What do you think the relationship between Bertie and his father is like?

4. 49:32–53:43
   Do you think there is anything in what Bertie tells Lionel about his childhood that could explain his stammer? Will this background information help Lionel treat Bertie? Describe some of the rules that Lionel has implemented for their sessions. Are these rules necessary?

5. 56:15–58:09
   What is your impression of David, Bertie’s older brother? What do you think are necessary character traits for a good king? Does David possess these traits? Use details from the movie to support your answer.

6. 59:59–1:02:08
   Lionel and Bertie have a conversation in the park, where Bertie snaps and leaves Lionel. He claims that Lionel is "taking liberties" and that what he says is "bordering on treason". Why does he react the way he does? What do you think is the root cause that makes Bertie lose his temper and end his relationship with Lionel?

7. 1:14:30–1:16:29
   The king visits Lionel to ask forgiveness after their disagreement in the park, and he brings the shilling that he owes Lionel. Using the shilling as a metaphor, Lionel gives him a piece of advice. What kind of advice? Lionel is the king’s speech therapist, but does he also fill other roles for the king?

8. 1:34:35–1:43:15
   The king is about to give the most important speech of his life, and both he and the people around him are clearly nervous. How is this conveyed in the film (dialogue, acting, camera angles, etc.)? Also, how does the director of the movie liken Lionel to a conductor in this scene?

Listen to the actual speech that King George VI gave on 3 September, 1939 and compare this to the speech that you hear in the film. In your opinion, how faithful is Colin Firth's portrayal of the speech to the actual speech given by King George VI in 1939?

Link to King George VI's speech given on 3 September, 1939, YouTube clip

It can often be difficult to remember who the different kings and queens were, who were married to whom, and the line of inheritance. Read up on the British Royal family, then make a family tree starting with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and ending with the present day.

You can either draw the family tree by hand, or you can use an online family tree maker like Family Eco.

1. This film takes place in the 1930s, and the role of the royal family was very different than it is today. Write a text where you discuss how the film describes the great divide between the royal family and ordinary people in Britain at the time.

2. Choose two of the following characters and write a character analysis: King George VI (Bertie), Queen Victoria, Lionel, or Edvard VIII (Bertie's older brother).

3. Choose two scenes from the film and make an analysis of the cinematic techniques used to convey the mood. Depending on the scenes you choose, you could consider techniques such as lighting, shot composition, camera movement, editing, and sound.

4. Bertie's father, King George V, says in the film that radio has changed the way kings interact with the people. How has social media platforms changed the way leaders interact with the people? Has the internet changed the relationship between leaders and people more than radio? Discuss.