Dazzle my diphthong: In praise of the remarkable ‘The King’s Speech’

If you’re like me, that is to say, an American, few movie themes could possibly sound snoozier than a film about a stuttering member of the oddball British royal family. But I applauded at the end of “The King’s Speech,” which stars Colin Firth as the stammering “Bertie,” Duke of York, and the incredible Geoffrey Rush as speech therapist Lionel Logue.

The movie cuts through the fog of pomp that has always enveloped the Royals to make a wonderfully human story. It’s easily one of the best films of the year.

Here’s an excerpt from the script brought to you via The New York Times website.

Bertie and Lionel meet for the first time:

LIONEL: I was told not to sit too close.

Bertie remains silent.

I was also told, speaking with a royal, one waits for the royal to choose the topic.

BERTIE: Waiting for me to commence a conversation, one can wait a rather long wait.

LIONEL: Know any jokes?

BERTIE: Timing isn’t my strong suit.

Fortunately for us, their theatrical timing is flawless.

I know that here in the United States we only recognize the Royals of Kansas City, but you’ll be glad you gave “The King’s Speech” a try.