Hytner's version of Bennett's comic-tragic drama of the tormented king who almost lost his mind confirms that power games, family scandals, and personal intrigues have always been integral to the British Crown, an institution both revered and reviled.
The Madness of King George
His Majesty was all powerful and all knowing. But he wasn't quite all there.
1994 · 1h 47m · PG-13
Comedy, Drama, History
Directed by
Nicholas Hytner
Overview
Aging King George III of England is exhibiting signs of madness, a problem little understood in 1788. As the monarch alternates between bouts of confusion and near-violent outbursts of temper, his hapless doctors attempt the ineffectual cures of the day. Meanwhile, Queen Charlotte and Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger attempt to prevent the king's political enemies, led by the Prince of Wales, from usurping the throne.
Director and cast
- Nicholas Hytner Director
- Nigel Hawthorne as George III
- Helen Mirren as Queen Charlotte
- Ian Holm as Dr. Willis
- Anthony Calf as Fitzroy
- Amanda Donohoe as Lady Elizabeth Pembroke
- Rupert Graves as Greville
- Julian Rhind-Tutt as Frederick, Duke of York
- Geoffrey Palmer as Warren
- Julian Wadham Cast
- Jim Carter Cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
In its own shambling, elliptical way it's an entertaining, memorable movie whose 2 1/2 hours go by without strain.
Hawthorne is by turn outrageous and pathetic and imperious and poignant and very funny.
The thrill of Hawthorne's astounding performance is not something you want to miss.
For those who, like myself, were disappointed in the play, the film contains pleasant surprises, all of them resulting from differences between the two arts.
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