Official promotional poster. Rights belong to the respective rights holders.
Read the film reference Availability and pricing vary by region.The King's SpeechA movie brief.
2010 / Historical drama / Directed by Tom Hooper
A king's voice, a nation's hope.
What is The King's Speech about?
King George VI struggles with a stammer, and his wife persuades him to see Lionel Logue, an Australian speech therapist. As they work together, Bertie overcomes his speech issues and prepares to take the throne.
Five things to know.
Setup
The film opens with Prince Albert, Duke of York, addressing a crowd with a severe stammer at the British Empire Exhibition.
World
The story takes place in the United Kingdom and Australia during the 1930s, with a focus on the royal family and their interactions with speech therapist Lionel Logue.
Pressure
King George V's health declines, and Bertie must prepare to take the throne, relying on Logue to help him overcome his stammer.
Craft
Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush deliver powerful performances as King George VI and Lionel Logue, respectively, with Firth's portrayal earning him widespread critical acclaim.
Viewing note
The film is rated 12A for strong language, but some viewers may find the depiction of stuttering and its emotional impact challenging to watch.
A thought to take with you.
Bertie's speech difficulty becomes public pressure as he prepares for a role that requires speaking to a nation. His work with Logue depends on a relationship that crosses the usual lines of status, exposing how trust can matter more than formal authority.
Is it your kind of movie?
Choose it for a historical drama about public duty and speech therapy. The story focuses on practice and partnership rather than military action.
Sources & scope
This AI-assisted brief is based on the linked secondary reference. Facts and interpretation are separated; it does not claim personal viewing or independent expert review.
Source details checked September 8, 2026. Suggest a correction · Our editorial approach