alan bennett the madness of king george iii

It’s a story that turns into a genuine love match.

“The poor woman had to marry six hours after having met him for the first time. Charlotte was a great woman, a huge philanthropist, spoke several languages. With Professor Roberts adding: “His home life was very happy. Written by Alan Bennett, the award-winning playwright behind The History Boys and Enjoy, The Madness of George III was first seen at the National Theatre twenty years ago in 1991 and was adapted into an Oscar-winning film. They had a very happy and loving and obviously with 15 children, a fairly physical relationship.” Much like Queen Charlotte depicts, the royal couple had a loving relationship: “A very happy marriage, 15 children, 13 lived to old age. “Not all historians agree with me and so it’s not definitely proven but the one we’re definitely certain of is the one in 1788,” he said. Hawthorne's fiery yet vulnerable performance received much critical praise, including Best Actor at the British Academy Awards and a nomination for the same at the Oscars.Eventually, King George III was looked after by Dr Francis Willis and his children, who opted for a less harsh form of treatment which involved going for long walks to wear him out.Īccording to Professor Roberts, King George III suffered his first episode after 51 in 1788 but the historian believed the monarch may have had an earlier one. Stressing the absurdity of the entire situation, Bennett's witty screenplay emphasizes dry humor over tragedy, even utilizing references to King Lear for comic effect. Willis struggles to break through to the mad king, treating him with an anger and haughtiness George has never before experienced. Willis ( Ian Holm), a harsh, unconventional specialist whose unusual methods recall modern psychiatry. Alan Bennetts play explores the court of a mad king, and the fearful treatments he was forced to undergo. This weakness seems like the perfect chance to overthrow the unpopular George, whom many blamed for the loss of the American colonies, in favor of the Prince of Wales ( Rupert Everett), but the king's prime minister William Pitt ( Julian Wadham) and his wife Queen Charlotte ( Helen Mirren) are determined to protect the throne.ĭoctors are brought in, but the archaic treatments of the time prove of little value. The film's story begins nearly three decades into George's reign, in 1788, as the unstable king ( Nigel Hawthorne, reprising his stage role) begins to show signs of increasing dementia, from violent fits of foul language to bouts of forgetfulness.

Based on Alan Bennett's acclaimed play The Madness of George III, The Madness of King George takes a dark-humored look at the mental decline of King George III of England.

Alan bennett the madness of king george iii