THE KING’S SPEECH
Celebrity, secrets & speeches…
Well, dearest readers, it wasn’t really a great secret was it?...
The King’s Speech magnificently trumped all its rivals to carry off a hatful of Oscars recently, and all very splendid it is too.
(Surprisingly, the present Mrs Blogbrarian and I have yet to venture forth to our local cinema hall to witness said motion picture, but all our chums say how marvellous it is…do you concur, dear readers? We’d value your recommendations, of course).
Celebrity, secrets & speeches…
Well, dearest readers, it wasn’t really a great secret was it?...
The King’s Speech magnificently trumped all its rivals to carry off a hatful of Oscars recently, and all very splendid it is too.
(Surprisingly, the present Mrs Blogbrarian and I have yet to venture forth to our local cinema hall to witness said motion picture, but all our chums say how marvellous it is…do you concur, dear readers? We’d value your recommendations, of course).
What is – however – no secret or surprise, quite naturally, is that Bexley Libraries have the book recounting this splendid tale…Locate its whereabouts by pressing THIS.
While you’re at it, esteemed reader, you might conceivably wish to delve further into the historical background to this story of our own dear departed King & Queen?....Simply press here – BINGO!
Now, if this previous information came as no great surprise to you, would you like to hear a few personal secrets from “close to home?”…
Yes?
Splendid!
Well, then…
* Secret number one…Public speaking:
The Blogbrarian (at moments of intense emotion, heightened excitement, or lecturing to assembled multitudes) has been known to “dry up” or stammer: thank goodness, then, that Bexley Libraries hold a vast treasure trove of books devoted to rectifying this particular difficulty – here’s THE SECRET
* Secret number two…Family shame
A very distant relative of mine (Great Uncle George) once hurled a clod of mud at the infant Queen Mother (both being of very tender years at the time)…No surprise, then, that Uncle George thereafter failed to receive subsequent mention in any honours lists…
* Secret number three…Celebrity secrets
still on an awards based theme, The Blogbrarian himself is no stranger to the lure of the red carpet, the joy of the flashing bulb, the clamour of adulation – how his heart swelled when he came fifth in the prestigious “cataloguer of the year” awards (1963) or was only narrowly pipped to the coveted “Librarian chappie in tweeds on the catwalk (1965)” prize…
Ahh, nostalgia. Ahh, fame…Oh, how I simply adore fashion…
Well, sadly, that’s me done for another week…
Don’t forget to join the debate about the King’s Speech (either book OR film versions) in the comments box below. Have you seen it? What did you think? Do let us know…
And, don’t worry, dear readers - this brush with flame and celebrity will NOT change me.
Ciao!
Mwah! Mwah!
11 comments:
I have ventured to see this film. I excitedly waited it's release date worrying it would not live up to all I had read and heard about it. However I was not disappointed - I loved it! So much so I wanted to go and see it again. Jeffrey Rush was superb. Now I want to read the book featured on this post "The King's Speech How One Man Saved the British Monarchy" but all copies are on loan!!
I was lucky enough to see a gala première of "The King's Speech" last October, at the Leeds Film Festival. It was an excellent film about the late monarch King George the Sixth. What I'm find puzzling at the moment is the seeming existence of some sort of parallel film of the same title. According to reporters and pundits, it's about someone called King George the Sickth. Who he?
Dear correspondents ~
Thanks for these comments – it does seem that it’s a very rare film that EVERYONE enjoys…Anyone disagree?
I look forward to hearing more comments, especially the sickth one…
ttfn
Never one to rock the boat, I have to agree that The King's Speech is truly wonderful - and as well as being quite moving it is also very funny in places. I hadn't realised it was based on a book though - will definitely be reading that one!
Thanks, Rachel ~
And, if you do get round to reading the story, see if it mentions my Great Uncle George!
* Right - anyone out there who has NOT enjoyed the film?...
ttfn
I did enjoy the film, but wouldn't sey I thought it was a great film - I heard one reviewer liken it to The Karate Kid with a speech impdeiment! I think what they mean is that although the performances are really strong, there is little complexity in the plot. This isn't necessarily a negative, but i think I had expected a bit more of a mental engagement with the film, as well as the emotional journey.
I thought Helena Bonham Carter in particular was very enjoyable to watch.
I thought the film was excellent, moving and funny especially the 'swearing' scene.I was one of the youngest in the audience who all clapped at the end!!! He made a much better King than his brother would have, I reckon we had a lucky escape.
Marian
Although I thought the film might be a bit boring ( how interesting can a film about a King making a speech be I wondered before I went?) I loved it! I've since watched a documentary on the same topic and I would indeed also like to read the book it is based on. Books and films - which is best - look out for this topic coming up on Bex-Read our online reading group in the next couple of months
Dear Caroline, Val, Marian…
Thanks for your thoughts – yes, I too admire the cut of Helena Bonham-Carter’s jib, and you’re right, Val, the crossover between books and films always makes for an interesting discussion.
Marian, your analysis of constitutional history and the qualities of the King’s brother are worthy of further study (I couldn’t possibly comment).
And when was the last time audiences clapped at the end of a film?...
ttfn
I have not managed to see the film yet, although I have seen the documentary.
I feel fascinated by the story of HM the Queen's Father. It was remarkable that King George VI managed to overcome his speech impediment to help lead the British Empire towards victory in comparison to the rather hyperactive fluency of Hitler !
God save the King !
Thanks, Billy ~
That's a very interesting insight there...one for linguists AND historians to discuss.
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