Bertie and Elizabeth: The Reluctant Royals - The Story of King George VI & Queen Elizabeth

I enjoyed this movie because I love history and always wonder what life was like behind the scenes. Even though I often enjoy watching the big ceremonial scenes with the crowns, robes, and history, there is always curiosity about 'the rest' of it. This movie was about the family discussions behind the scenes, not the big ceremonial events, and while we don't know how close it comes to what really happened, I found it believable. While the story told by this movie is very much about the decision of the king to leave when the country will not accept his flawed would-be queen, we don't go through what was obviously many months of emotional and political negotiations prior to the final decision. That was only briefly treated in this presentation, and I'm glad. The more interesting part was Bertie & Elizabeth and their story apart from the battle we've all heard before.The movie starts as Bertie and Elizabeth meet, Bertie being fully devoted to his brother, the future king. Bertie seemed humble, particularly since he had a severe problem with stuttering. We get to watch as he struggles to overcome his speech difficulties, finally with success, exceptions being when he was overcome with anger or emotion. At one such time he was lashing out at his brother the king, who had given up his throne and subsequently shown no signs of having any good character at all. Bertie finally had enough, his speech problems briefly recurring as he responded to that moment.We see a few 'party' scenes where Bertie's brother meets the woman he would give up the throne for, and believe me, they don't come off too well. This movie is not sympathetic to Edward and Mrs. Simpson, showing them to be petty, lazy, uncaring, and ignorant.In one impressive scene, Bertie and Elizabeth come to have dinner with the King and happen upon Mrs. Simpson carrying on about how common and silly Elizabeth, the current Queen Elizabeth's mother, was. She was making fun of her and even doing a demeaning imitation of her, while unknown to Mrs. Simpson, Elizabeth watched. Elizabeth, in response to their stunned looks when they realized she was there, said effectively and with great dignity, "We came to have dinner with the King." Mrs. Simpson was subsequently shunned and shut out of any family or official events.We see the differences in the brothers. Bertie showed bravery as he literally spent his life trying to save his country. On the other hand, Edward tricked Bertie into giving him money by pretending he didn't have any. When he realized that, as well as the fact that Edward & Mrs. Simpson were traveling outside the country as if they were ambassadors, befriending Hitler, etc., Bertie lost respect for his brother. He also didn't have time for his brother's demands, because he devoted long, hard hours to his war-time work, which eventually contributed to his early death. Even his mother tried to intervene when she realized he was working himself to death, but stopped herself, because she realized that he was doing his duty. Finally, Edward was allowed to attend the funeral and Mrs. Simpson was not allowed. The movie doesn't go past his death and only briefly showed how his daughter was prepared for her role as Queen.

So much has been left out of this romance when Edward caused a shocking disruption to the Yorks life.This film had to tell its story over a span of years, but the acting is so well done that the viewer can imagine some of the pain, anger and distress which the sudden elevation to the throne must have caused.Unfortunately, the prince of Wales comes across as a shallow man and is not sympathetic to his brother who suffers from a stammer and lack of confidence.What a tower of strength Elizabeth was to her husband. It was fortunate that she did possess a wicked sense of humour.After viewing this film one could imagine something of the private anguish this family endured.It speaks well that the Yorks were so loved by the people and the princess Elizabeth was well grounded for her future role as queen of England.A gentle love story with a mixed blessing as an ending.

Very well done! If one understands the politics and history, the whole British stiff upper lip and not showing emotions makes sense and this movie does a wonderful job of that. The contrast is Wallis and David, who seem to have missed that and have emotions hanging out all over the place. I don't understand some of the poor reviews, but they seem to think that the royals have always acted like they do now and no one is showing it, rather than times have changed. It is wonderful to see how things were done then. Nice to have a little history.

I'd like to say something more helpful But the best I can do is say it was ok. I've been on a kick lately to watch movies about the English Royals in order. There's not much before Henry VIII so I started with him. I could read a history book but this is more fun. It's better than any soap opera, that's for sure. The hardest part (as an American) is keeping everyone straight. Cousins marrying cousins generation after generation sure makes for a repetitive family tree! It's very interesting how different the stories are dependent upon the slant each director or writer takes. In this one, Wallace Simpson and the Duke of Windsor don't come off looking so great. Another one I saw was the exact opposite. I'm guessing the truth is somewhere in the middle. Having said that, it was an ok movie. I wasn't wishing I had my evening back but I wish I could have found it on ShowTime. The story was what it was, the basic facts we know and the acting was fine. It's hard for any King's story to compete with Henry VIII!

A nicely done story of George VI's forced ascension to the throne when brother Edward VIII gave it up. His speech problem is portrayed, but not to the degree of "The King's Speech." Both Bertie and Elizabeth are shown sympathetically. She, later to become known as the "Queen Mum", had a strong personality of her own, and she had little respect for Wallis Warfield Simpson.I would like to see a film focusing on the significance of Bertie's becoming king just at the time Hitler was starting to conquer European nations. There has been little attention given to the fact that Edward VIII was a known sympathizer of the Nazi cause. Perhaps the English would not like to have that issue spread before them, but it could make a compelling movie.

The DVD was new and in excellent condition, delivery was fast. The film itself was not the best, acting was stilted and the story was fast forwarded when it came to the wedding and coronation! The Director completely skipped these scenes, just a family picture! I hope a better and fuller version will be made, this version is not worth the light of day.

Despite the short time in which to tell such a long and complicated tale this film is a lovely way to learn a bit of history. Anyone with a tiny bit of common sense will understand that it could never be a complete picture - 98 minutes are just not enough - but we get the general idea in an amusing and moving way.One thing this film does do is clearly highlight the differences in attitudes, both royal and "commoner", between then and now. I will definitely be rewatching this one and for me that just about says it all!

Although not microscopic in detail, this is a splendid portrayal of King George V1, first as the shy Duke of York and then as king.Stress is laid on his tremendous courage and strong sense of duty, both elicited and enhanced by his wife Elizabeth whose supportwas invaluable,The story is handled with respect and a great dealof affection for both protagonists

We really enjoyed this unusual film! Very very well acted!A bit of a hidden gem!Well cast!AOKR

This is a really good film and well acted, James Wilby plays George VI very well and deserves as much praise as Colin Firth got in the King Speech. This film covers the life of George VI from the time he met Elizabeth the Queen Mother to his death. I liked this film and would recommend i.Good service from the supplier