I absolutely loved The King’s Speech, which has been nominated for a host of screen awards. It made me realise how fortunate we are today to have supportive public speaking organisations lik
e Toastmasters, which I belong to in Cambridge.
Although none of our members have a stammer, a couple are deaf with a speech impediment. Speech therapy is vital, of course, but being able to speak in public with an impediment requires even more practise, practise and practise to gain confidence.
I found The King’s Speech touching and tragic in many ways, particularly when it reflected on the unhappy childhood of King George V1, the endearing support of his wife Elizabeth, and the eccentric working methods of his speech therapist Lionel Logue. The casting of Colin Firth (utterly gorgeous) was brilliant and his performance as a tearful, terrified stammerer was mesmerising.
I invited my pa-in-law along to join us who lost his Vera 15 months ago as I thought it would be nostalgic for him, and discovered it was the first time he had been to the cinema since the screening of Lawrence of Arabia which came out in 1962 – just under 50 years ago. He thoroughly enjoyed the deep, comfy seats, noticing how there was no organ or balcony in the multi-complex cinema, and how no news or second feature film was included. He couldn’t remember the price he paid all those decades ago.
I wonder what films we will be seeing in the cinemas in 50 years time, and how different they will be then. Will we still have cinemas then as we know them today?
I don’t think there will be cinemas in 50 years time… all will be available on line… apple TV etc etc.
As it gets more and more expensive to go to the cinema the only reason i go is when i really really want to see a newly released film and cannot be patient enough to wait for it on dvd . one such film is 127 hours , which i am hoping will still be on when i return from Les Gets
I haven’t been to the cinema for a while . actually the last time I went, was at the Arts in Cambridge with Sally, to see The Edge of Love about Dylan Thomas.
Oh sorry , I did go last year sometime .. oh it must of been thrilling .. I forgot about it !!!
My youngest grandson has a speech impediment .. which he is getting help for , but even in this day and age, they had to push for it. Speech therapy is so important, so why is it so hard to get.
Sally, at least if we are still around, we will be up to speed with Apple and new technologies for showing films. Alas, poor grandad can hardly master his mobile phone.
Anne, I would have loved to have seen the Dylan Thomas film. I’m sorry to hear about your grandson. Parents have to push for everything these days, especially if their kids are regarded as borderline. I wish them luck.
i know Ellee!
My father’s comments were similar to those of your pa-in-law except he didn’t like the ads.
I am so loking forward to seeing that film.
Ellee, you’re so sweet and you inspired one of the main characters in my book. Keep at it.
I loved The Queen (Helen Mirren) I’m looking forward to this too.
I doubt King George was tearful in real life. The Queen is a tough old bird and they were brought up to be even more stoical in the days before her.
A brilliant performance I caught just last night. Ellee, I also wish to convey my condolences to all in England over the death of the actor-director Peter Yates. We are just now learning of his passing in recent hours. He directed Steve McQueen in “Bullitt”. A brilliant director also of “The Dresser” with Albert Finney. Such a loss.
Hi Ellee, I’m really looking forward to seeing the film.
We’ve a member at our Toastmaster’s club, Huntingdonshire Speakers, who has a stammer. He finds it really useful to speak in front of a friendly audience. I also knew a member of Anglia Communicators in Peterborough who had a stammer, again Toastmasters helped his confidence greatly.
I find it truly inspiring when people with speech impediments put themselves into situations they know they find difficult.
Hi Ellee,
Your fathers visit to the cinema to see Lawrence of Arabia in 1962 struck a heart felt chord as this was my first trip to a major cinema at Leicester Square and like another comment on the blog it was like going into the modern surround sound cinema which I had not done for many a year until I took my boys to see Master and Commander The Far Side of the World and it was like being on the ship yourself.I am really looking forward to seeing this film.
Mike
My apology Ellee I meant to say father in law in my comment.
I agree with Kev – I’m looking forward to seeing the film too but think that tearful adults are a very modern thing. Certainly in the upper classes.
Thanks again for the comments here. I was interested to hear what Kate Atkin said about Toastmasters too.
Why can’t we assume that King VI shed a tear when he felt pushed to extremes? Nobody knows what goes on behind closed doors.
I hope you all get to see the film. And James, your book intrigues me, I look forward to hearing more…
I’m looking forward to seeing this film when it comes to Italy.