Scripts
THE KING'S SPEECH poster

Screenplay data

THE KING'S SPEECH script

Prince Albert, Duke of York, known as Bertie, struggles with a severe stutter that makes public speaking a terrifying ordeal, especially as his father, King George V, pushes him into the public eye. His wife, Elizabeth, seeks out unconventional Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue, whose unorthodox methods initially clash with Bertie's royal sensibilities but gradually begin to yield results. After King George V dies, Bertie's elder brother, David, ascends to the throne as King Edward VIII, but his controversial relationship with Wallis Simpson leads to his abdication, thrusting Bertie into the role of King George VI. Overwhelmed by the responsibilities of the crown and the looming threat of war, Bertie relies on Logue to prepare him for his coronation and, more critically, for his first wartime radio address to the British Empire. Despite Logue's lack of formal credentials and a confrontation about his methods, Bertie delivers a powerful and inspiring speech, solidifying his reign and his bond with Logue, who remains a lifelong friend and advisor.

Writer
David Seidler
IMDb ID (imdb_id)
tt1504320
Script date
09/17/08
90Scenes
10Characters
80Pages
8Dialogue samples

Save the Cat beat sheet

THE KING'S SPEECH Save the Cat analysis

Stuttering Prince Albert “Bertie” struggles with public speaking until he enlists unconventional speech therapist Lionel Logue.

Open full beat sheet
90

Key characters

Albert, Duke of York

Albert, Duke of York is listed as Protagonist. Second son of King George V, struggles with a profound stutter. In the parsed data, Albert, Duke of York is connected to 56 scenes, 78 dialogue lines, 78 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.

56 scenes / 78 dialogue lines

Lionel Logue

Lionel Logue is listed as Speech Therapist. Australian, charismatic, unconventional, and professional. In the parsed data, Lionel Logue is connected to 32 scenes, 71 dialogue lines, 71 text mentions, first appearing around scene 5.

32 scenes / 71 dialogue lines

Elizabeth

Elizabeth is listed as Wife of Bertie. Supportive, determined, and elegant. In the parsed data, Elizabeth is connected to 24 scenes, 35 dialogue lines, 36 text mentions, first appearing around scene 4.

24 scenes / 35 dialogue lines

Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill is listed as Politician. Portly, ambitious, and politically astute. In the parsed data, Winston Churchill is connected to 16 scenes, 7 dialogue lines, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 38.

16 scenes / 7 dialogue lines

Cosmo Lang

Cosmo Lang is listed as Antagonist. Churchman with a perpetual expression of moral superiority. In the parsed data, Cosmo Lang is connected to 15 scenes, 7 dialogue lines, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 6.

15 scenes / 7 dialogue lines

David

David is listed as Brother of Bertie. Charming, media darling, involved with Wallis Simpson. In the parsed data, David is connected to 14 scenes, 11 dialogue lines, 19 text mentions, first appearing around scene 27.

14 scenes / 11 dialogue lines

Myrtle Logue

Myrtle Logue is listed as Wife of Lionel. Sweet-faced, down-to-earth woman. In the parsed data, Myrtle Logue is connected to 12 scenes, 9 dialogue lines, 9 text mentions, first appearing around scene 12.

12 scenes / 9 dialogue lines

King George V

King George V is listed as Father of Bertie. Reigning King of England, stern and traditional. In the parsed data, King George V is connected to 7 scenes, 12 dialogue lines, 12 text mentions, first appearing around scene 6.

7 scenes / 12 dialogue lines

Queen Mary

Queen Mary is listed as Mother of Bertie. Elegant but icy grande dame. In the parsed data, Queen Mary is connected to 4 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 30.

4 scenes / 2 dialogue lines

Wallis Simpson

Wallis Simpson is listed as David's lover. American, twice divorced, controversial figure. In the parsed data, Wallis Simpson is connected to 3 scenes, first appearing around scene 57.

3 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Scene outline

  1. 1. INT. BATHROOM, YORK HOUSE, LONDON - DAY

    Bertie emerges from a bathtub in slow motion.

    Albert, Duke of York
  2. 2. INT. DRESSING CHAMBER, YORK HOUSE - DAY

    Bertie is dressed in his royal uniform and expresses self-consciousness.

    Albert, Duke of York
  3. 3. EXT. INNER COURTYARD, YORK HOUSE - DAY

    Bertie and Elizabeth depart York House while their children wave.

    Albert, Duke of York, Elizabeth
  4. 4. INT/EXT. AUSTIN PRINCESS, HYDE PARK CORNER - DAY

    Bertie and Elizabeth ride in a car while it begins to rain.

    Albert, Duke of York, Elizabeth
  5. 5. INT. BBC BROADCASTING STUDIO - DAY

    A BBC News Reader prepares for a broadcast.

  6. 6. EXT. WEMBLEY STADIUM - DAY

    Bertie struggles to give a speech at Wembley Stadium.

    Albert, Duke of York, Elizabeth, King George V, Cosmo Lang, Winston Churchill
  7. 7. INT. BBC BROADCASTING STUDIO - DAY

    People listen to Bertie's stuttering broadcast.

    Albert, Duke of York
  8. 8. EXT. WEMBLEY STADIUM - DAY

    Bertie is frozen in silence after his failed speech.

    Albert, Duke of York, Elizabeth, King George V
  9. 9. EXT. HARLEY STREET - DAY

    Elizabeth arrives at Lionel Logue's office.

    Elizabeth
  10. 10. INT. RECEPTION ROOM, LOGUE'S CHAMBERS - DAY

    Elizabeth meets Lionel Logue.

    Elizabeth, Lionel Logue
  11. 11. EXT. SOUTH KENSINGTON STREET - LATE AFTERNOON

    Lionel returns home.

    Lionel Logue
  12. 12. INT. LOGUE'S ENTRYWAY AND STAIRWELL - LATE AFTERNOON

    Lionel plays with his sons.

    Lionel Logue, Myrtle Logue
  13. 13. INT. LOGUE'S DINING ROOM - EVENING

    Lionel discusses his day with Myrtle.

    Lionel Logue, Myrtle Logue
  14. 14. INT. CHILDREN'S NURSERY, 145 PICCADILLY - NIGHT

    Bertie and Elizabeth spend time with their children.

    Albert, Duke of York, Elizabeth
  15. 15. INT. STAGE OF A LONDON THEATRE - DAY

    Lionel auditions for a role.

    Lionel Logue
  16. 16. EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - EVENING

    Guards drill at the palace.

  17. 17. INT. THE KING'S STUDY, BUCKINGHAM PALACE - EVENING

    King George V coaches Bertie on public speaking.

    Albert, Duke of York, King George V
  18. 18. EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - NIGHT

    The crowd gathers for the King.

  19. 19. EXT. BALCONY, BUCKINGHAM PALACE - CONTINUOUS

    The Royal family appears on the balcony.

    Albert, Duke of York, Elizabeth, King George V
  20. 20. INT. MIDLAND FACTORY - DAY

    Bertie attempts to speak at a factory.

    Albert, Duke of York, Elizabeth
  21. 21. EXT. AUSTIN PRINCESS DRIVING THRU HYDE PARK - DAY

    Bertie and Elizabeth ride through the park.

    Albert, Duke of York, Elizabeth
  22. 22. INT. AUSTIN PRINCESS - DAY

    Bertie and Elizabeth discuss public perception.

    Albert, Duke of York, Elizabeth
  23. 23. INT. LOGUE'S WAITING ROOM - DAY

    Bertie and Elizabeth arrive at Logue's office.

    Albert, Duke of York, Elizabeth
  24. 24. INT. LOGUE'S CONSULTATION ROOM - DAY

    Bertie and Lionel meet for the first time.

    Albert, Duke of York, Lionel Logue
  25. 25. INT. WAITING ROOM - DAY

    Bertie and Lionel exit the consultation room, encountering Elizabeth and other patients.

    Albert, Duke of York, Elizabeth, Lionel Logue
  26. 26. INT/EXT. AUSTIN PRINCESS ON LONDON STREET - DAY

    Bertie and Elizabeth are driven home; Bertie is furious about the record.

    Albert, Duke of York, Elizabeth
  27. 27. EXT. PRIVATE LANDING STRIP, SANDRINGHAM ESTATE - NEW DAY

    Bertie meets David at the landing strip.

    Albert, Duke of York, David
  28. 28. INT/EXT. SHOOTING BREAK ON SANDRINGHAM LANE - CONTINUOUS

    David drives Bertie to the estate while discussing their father's health and Wallis.

    Albert, Duke of York, David
  29. 29. INT. KING'S BEDROOM, SANDRINGHAM - DAY

    The King signs the Instruments of Succession.

    King George V, David, Queen Mary
  30. 30. INT. DINING HALL, SANDRINGHAM - NIGHT

    Queen Mary discusses inheritance with Bertie.

    Albert, Duke of York, Queen Mary
  31. 31. INT. LIBRARY, SANDRINGHAM - CONTINUOUS

    Bertie finds David on the phone with Wallis.

    Albert, Duke of York, David
  32. 32. INT. DINING HALL, SANDRINGHAM - CONTINUOUS

    The family and staff discuss the King's condition and the arrival of the Archbishop.

    Albert, Duke of York, David, Cosmo Lang, Queen Mary
  33. 33. INT. LIBRARY, SANDRINGHAM - LATER

    The men draft a press release about the King's health.

    Albert, Duke of York, David, Cosmo Lang
  34. 34. INT. KING'S BEDROOM, SANDRINGHAM - NIGHT

    The King passes away.

    King George V, David, Queen Mary
  35. 35. INT. BERTIE'S STUDY - NIGHT

    Bertie listens to the record Lionel made.

    Albert, Duke of York, Elizabeth
  36. 36. EXT. 10 DOWNING STREET - NEW NIGHT

    The camera moves into Downing Street.

  37. 37. INT. 10 DOWNING STREET - CONTINUOUS

    The interior of Downing Street.

  38. 38. INT. BALDWIN'S STUDY - CONTINUOUS

    Churchill and Baldwin discuss the political situation.

    Winston Churchill
  39. 39. INT. LOGUE'S CONSULTATION ROOM - NEW DAY

    Lionel plays with his children.

    Lionel Logue, Myrtle Logue
  40. 40. EXT. ENTRANCE TO LOGUE'S CHAMBERS, HARLEY STREET - DAY

    Bertie arrives at Lionel's office.

    Albert, Duke of York
  41. 41. INT. LOGUE'S CONSULTATION ROOM - CONTINUOUS

    Lionel hears Bertie at the door.

    Lionel Logue
  42. 42. EXT. ENTRANCE TO LOGUE'S CHAMBERS - CONTINUOUS

    Bertie and Lionel speak through the door.

    Albert, Duke of York, Lionel Logue
  43. 43. INT. WAITING ROOM TO LOGUE'S CHAMBERS - CONTINUOUS

    Bertie enters the waiting room.

    Albert, Duke of York, Lionel Logue
  44. 44. INT. LOGUE'S CONSULTATION ROOM - CONTINUOUS

    Bertie and Lionel talk about their fathers and Bertie's brother.

    Albert, Duke of York, Lionel Logue
  45. 45. EXT. ST. GEORGE'S CHAPEL, WINDSOR CASTLE - NEW DAY

    The funeral of King George V takes place, during which the Royal Crown falls from the coffin, prompting a discussion between Churchill and Lang about the future of the monarchy.

    King George V, David, Cosmo Lang, Winston Churchill, Albert, Duke of York
  46. 46. EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - NEW DAY

    Re-establishing shot of Buckingham Palace.

  47. 47. INT. CONFERENCE ROOM, BUCKINGHAM PALACE - CONTINUOUS

    Bertie waits for the Coronation Committee meeting to begin.

    Albert, Duke of York
  48. 48. INT. CORRIDOR, BUCKINGHAM PALACE - CONTINUOUS

    David humiliates Bertie by forcing him to read Coronation plans in front of the committee.

    Albert, Duke of York, David
  49. 49. INT/EXT. AUSTIN PRINCESS ON SOUTH KENSINGTON STREET - NEW DAY

    Bertie travels to see Lionel Logue, attempting to remain unobserved.

    Albert, Duke of York
  50. 50. EXT. SOUTH KENSINGTON STREET - CONTINUOUS

    Bertie arrives at Logue's home after a brief encounter with local children.

    Albert, Duke of York, Lionel Logue
  51. 51. INT. STAIRWELL, LOGUE'S FLAT - CONTINUOUS

    Bertie and Logue discuss Bertie's inability to speak during the committee meeting.

    Albert, Duke of York, Lionel Logue
  52. 52. INT. LIVING AREA, LOGUE'S FLAT - CONTINUOUS

    Bertie observes Logue's modest home life.

    Albert, Duke of York, Lionel Logue
  53. 53. INT. LOGUE'S STUDY - NEW DAY

    Logue uses unconventional methods to help Bertie overcome his stutter through anger and swearing.

    Albert, Duke of York, Lionel Logue, Myrtle Logue
  54. 54. INT. STAGE OF SMALL REGIONAL THEATRE - NEW DAY

    Logue auditions for a part in a provincial play but is rejected.

    Lionel Logue
  55. 55. INT. LOGUE'S DINING ROOM - NIGHT

    Logue decides to return to Australia with his family.

    Lionel Logue, Myrtle Logue
  56. 56. EXT. GROUNDS AND TERRACE, BALMORAL - NEW DAY

    Churchill and Lang observe the changes being made to the Balmoral estate.

    Cosmo Lang, Winston Churchill
  57. 57. INT. BALLROOM, BALMORAL - CONTINUOUS

    David and Wallis host a party; Churchill and Lang discuss the King's health and Wallis.

    David, Cosmo Lang, Winston Churchill, Wallis Simpson
  58. 58. INT. AUSTIN PRINCESS, BALMORAL ESTATE - CONTINUOUS

    Bertie and Elizabeth arrive at Balmoral.

    Albert, Duke of York, Elizabeth
  59. 59. INT. BALLROOM, BALMORAL - DAY

    The Yorks arrive at the party; Churchill continues to probe the situation.

    Albert, Duke of York, Elizabeth, David, Cosmo Lang, Winston Churchill, Wallis Simpson
  60. 60. INT. PORTRAIT GALLERY, BALMORAL - CONTINUOUS

    Churchill speaks with Elizabeth, then Bertie confronts David about his behavior.

    Albert, Duke of York, Elizabeth, David, Winston Churchill
  61. 61. EXT. 10 Downing Street - DAY

    Establishing shot of the Prime Minister's residence.

    Winston Churchill
  62. 62. INT. Baldwin's Study, 10 Downing Street - DAY

    Baldwin informs Churchill of his intent to resign and discusses the King's marriage crisis.

    Winston Churchill
  63. 63. INT. Playroom, York House - NIGHT

    Churchill visits Bertie to discuss David's political instability and the threat of war.

    Albert, Duke of York, Winston Churchill
  64. 64. EXT. Montage of British Streets - DAY

    December 11th, 1936. The nation listens to David's abdication broadcast.

    David
  65. 65. INT. Playroom, York House - CONTINUOUS

    Bertie and his family listen to the abdication speech.

    Albert, Duke of York, Elizabeth
  66. 66. INT. Logue's Parlour - NIGHT

    Lionel and Myrtle listen to the broadcast and discuss their future.

    Lionel Logue, Myrtle Logue
  67. 67. INT. Inner Courtyard, York House - DAY

    Bertie prepares to leave for the Accession Council.

    Albert, Duke of York
  68. 68. EXT. St. James Palace - DAY

    Announcement of the Accession Council.

  69. 69. INT. Antechamber, Accession Council - CONTINUOUS

    Bertie prepares for his oath.

    Albert, Duke of York
  70. 70. INT. Accession Council Chamber - CONTINUOUS

    Bertie struggles to deliver his oath.

    Albert, Duke of York
  71. 71. INT. Playroom, York House - DAY

    Bertie returns home to his daughters who treat him with formal distance.

    Albert, Duke of York, Elizabeth
  72. 72. INT. Bertie's Study, York House - DAY

    Bertie and Elizabeth discuss the burden of the crown.

    Albert, Duke of York, Elizabeth
  73. 73. INT. Logue's Consultation Room - NEW DAY

    Bertie returns to Logue to ask for help.

    Albert, Duke of York, Lionel Logue
  74. 74. INT. Logue Bedroom - NIGHT

    Lionel prepares to tell Myrtle about the situation.

    Lionel Logue, Myrtle Logue
  75. 75. INT. Bertie's Study - DAY

    Bertie outmaneuvers Churchill and Lang regarding David's title.

    Albert, Duke of York, Cosmo Lang, Winston Churchill
  76. 76. EXT. Facade of D.Henry Ltd. - DAY

    Myrtle works in the shop window.

    Myrtle Logue
  77. 77. INT. D.Henry Ltd. - CONTINUOUS

    Myrtle is being watched by her employer.

    Myrtle Logue
  78. 78. INT. Logue's Study and Parlour - DAY

    Elizabeth and Myrtle meet while Bertie and Lionel practice.

    Albert, Duke of York, Elizabeth, Lionel Logue, Myrtle Logue
  79. 79. INT. Logue's Dining Room - LATER

    Lionel and Myrtle argue about the consequences of his work.

    Lionel Logue, Myrtle Logue
  80. 80. EXT. Westminster Abbey - NEW DAY

    Establishing shot of the Abbey.

    Cosmo Lang, Winston Churchill

Dialogue examples

For the sake of all that we ourselves hold dear, and of the world's order and peace, it is unthinkable that we should refuse to meet the challenge. It is to this high purpose that I now call my people at home and my peoples across the seas, who will make our cause their own. I ask them to stand calm, firm, and united in this time of trial. The task will be hard. There may be dark days ahead, and war can no longer be confined to the battlefield. But we can only do the right as we see the right, and reverently commit our cause to God.

Albert, Duke of York / Scene 88

Show who's in command. If you don't, this devilish device will change everything. Used to be, all a King had to do was look reasonable in uniform and not fall off his horse. Now we must creep cap in hand into people's homes that smell of boiled cabbage, and speak nicely to them. We're reduced to that lowest, basest of all creatures...we've become...actors! Don't give me a look of defeated pathos. This is a family crisis!

King George V / Scene 17

Nice girl, Anna. Worried she wouldn't find a husband if she couldn't speak. Tried to convince her men will find her even more attractive as a silent partner. The perfect woman. Sorry, bad Australian joke. Why'd your wife change her mind and ask for an appointment?

Lionel Logue / Scene 24

Of course my husband wants to be cured! His position requires public speaking upon occasion. A torment. I fear the requirement may grow more frequent.

Elizabeth / Scene 10

Don't be disingenuous. For our late King's crown to fall from his coffin is not a fortuitous portent. What ever is going to happen next?

Cosmo Lang / Scene 45

Ten million people listening around the world, Mam. Possibly more. His brother, and father, have been broadcasting since last year.

Cosmo Lang / Scene 6

As a monarchist I thought you'd appreciate these are my digs and here I rule. No smoking. What was your earliest memory?

Lionel Logue / Scene 24

With your hubby treating a personage that high and mighty, you won't be needing employment with us, will you, Mrs Logue?

Myrtle Logue / Scene 79

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