The King's Speech wins Oscar -- Movie of the Year

By Jeaneane Payne

Following the death of his father (King George V) and the abdication of King Edward VIII, Bertie (Colin Firth) is suddenly crowned King George VI of England. Bertie had suffered from a debilitating speech impediment all his life.

England was on the brink of war and desperately in need of a leader. Bertie's wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), arranged for her husband to see an eccentric speech therapist. Things did not go well at the onset but they entered into an unorthodox course of treatment and soon formed an unbreakable bond. The King overcame his stammer and delivered a radio address that inspired his people and united them in battle.

The movie is based on a true story of King George VI.

Jane Fraser, president, The Stuttering Foundation (www.stutteringhelp.org), issued the following reaction to the Oscar awards:

"It is an eloquently golden night for people who stutter. The King's Speech has been a godsend for the entire stuttering community.

"Tom Hooper gave us an inspirational hero, David Seidler gave us an impassioned voice, Helena Bonham Carter gave us a forceful yet supportive spouse, and Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush portrayed the perfect relationship between therapist and patient, an alliance built upon unbreakable trust, mutual respect and lifelong friendship.

"We salute tonight's Oscar winners, including Best Movie The King's Speech, Best Director Tom Hooper, Best Original Screenplay David Seidler, Best Leading Actor Colin Firth, and the entire cast and crew, for their courage, grace and humanity in making this film for audiences to appreciate.

"The real winners tonight, however, are people who stutter, especially those who require the courage of a King to cope with stuttering on a daily basis."

Published February 28, 2011