As masters of speech, British actors stutter superbly (think of Derek Jacobi in I, Claudius). This lovably intricate, humane film from Tom Hooper and writer David Seidler dramatizes how the unexpected king, George VI, overcame his handicap in uneasy 1936. There is wonderful acting rapport between Colin Firth’s stiff, shy, decent monarch and the Aussie speech therapist played with tact and humor by Geoffrey Rush. Plus ace period touches, Michael Gambon, Timothy Spall, Helena Bonham Carter, and (too sharp as Edward VIII) Guy Pearce. Musical help from Mozart, Beethoven, Gershwin. (2010) — David Elliott
This movie is not currently in theaters.