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The Madness of King George (Original title)The Madness of George III (Working title)The Madness of King George III (Alternative title)The Madness of George the Third (Help search title)
Dates: 1994 (Copyright), 24 March 1995 (Release)

Countries: United Kingdom, USA

Director: Nicholas Hytner

Synopsis: Adaptation of Alan Bennett's stage play "The Madness of George III", set in England in 1788. When the king falls ill and behaves in an increasingly eccentric manner, doctors vie with each other to diagnose and treat his condition. Pitt, the prime minister fears that his government will fall if the monarch is declared unfit to rule. His rival, the Whig leader, Fox has the support of the Prince of Wales who wishes to be proclaimed Regent. Eventually, a physician reputed to be able to treat illnesses of the mind, is engaged to oversee the king's treatment away from the court, and some improvement is evident. When Queen Charlotte smuggles herself into her husband's chamber, she warns him what is at stake. He pulls himself together and hurries to Westminster to prove that he has recovered.

Genres:
Biopic, Historical drama

Subjects:
George III, King of Great Britain (1738-1820), Hanoverian Britain (1714-1837), Mental disorders
Releases
Date: 24 March 1995Country: United KingdomRelease type: TheatricalFormat: 35mm Film - Colour - Technicolor - Sound - Dolby / Stereo / SDDSAspect ratio: 1.85:1Runtime: 110 mins 22 secs - Length: 9932 FeetDialogue (original): EnglishDistributor: Rank Film Distributors

Credits (124)
©: Mad George Films Ltd, ©: The Samuel Goldwyn Company, A Close Call Films production: Close Call Films, For: The Samuel Goldwyn Company, Channel Four, Presents: The Samuel Goldwyn Company, Presents: Channel Four Films, Produced by: Stephen Evans, Produced by: David Parfitt, Line Producer: Mark Cooper, Production Co-ordinator: Vivien Jordan, Financial Controller: Liz Barron, Location Manager: Rachel Neale, 2nd Unit Director: Tariq Anwar, 1st Assistant Director: Mary Soan, 2nd Assistant Director: Finn McGrath, 3rd Assistant Director: Stuart Renfrew, Co-3rd Assistant Director: Paul Higgins, Jeremy Murrell, Script Supervisor: Jean Bourne, Casting Director: Celestia Fox, Casting Assistant: Sasha Robertson, Screenplay by: Alan Bennett, Based on his stage play 'The Madness of George III': Alan Bennett, Director of Photography: Andrew Dunn, [Camera] Operator - 2nd Unit: Trevor Coop, [Camera] Operator - 2nd Unit: Mike Frift, Ian Jackson, Steadicam Operator: Nigel Kirton, 1st Assistant Camera: Patricia Van Over, 2nd Assistant Camera: Nick Penn, Focus Puller - 2nd Unit: Steve Brooke-Smith, Focus Puller - 2nd Unit: Brad Larner, Simon Mills, Clapper Loader - 2nd Unit: David Cozens, Gaffer: Jim Beeby, Best Boy: Ronnie Rampton, Electrician: John Turner, Electrician: George White, Electrician: Paul Wood, Electrician: Danny Young, Grip: Mike House, Video Operator: David Toft, Still Photographer: Alex Bailey, Keith Hamshere, Visual Effects by: VistaVision, VistaVision (Visual Effects): Kent Houston, VistaVision (Visual Effects): Nigel Stone, Jonathan Taylor, Snow Effects: Snow Business, Snow Effects Supervisor: Dave Crownshaw, Special Effects: Vendetta FX, Editor: Tariq Anwar, 1st Assistant Editor: Christopher Lloyd, 2nd Assistant Editor: Adrian Trent, Production Designer: Ken Adam, Supervising Art Director: Martin Childs, Art Director: John Fenner, Standby Art Director: Mark Raggett, Set Decorator: Carolyn Scott, [Art Department] Researcher: Miles Barton, Draughtsman: Dennis Bosher, Draughtsman: John Siddall, Storyboard Artist: Jane Clark, Storyboard Artist: Paul Garner, Production Buyer: Leith Boler, Property Master: Maurice Jones, Dressing Propsman: Danny Skundric, Standby Propsman: Malcolm Benstead, Jim Parker, Props Storeman: Doug Purdy, Propman: Jamie Wilkinson, Art Department Assistant: Jane Henwood, Art Department Assistant: Sabrina Lamonica, Costume Designer: Mark Thompson, Assistant Costume Designer: Irene Bohan, Costume Supervisor: Sue Honeyborne, Costume Assistant: Victoria Harwood, Costume Assistant: Steve Pokol, Costume Assistant: Stephen Miles, Costume Assistant: Frank Simon, Wardrobe Master: Anthony Brookman, Wardrobe Mistress: Anna Kot, Hair and Make-up Designer: Lisa Westcott, Make-up Artist: Helen Barrett, Make-up Artist: Françoise Cresson, Make-up Artist: Helen Johnson, Special Make-up Effects: Stuart Conran, Senior Make-up Assistant: Deborah Taylor, Title Design: Shaun Webb Design, Optical/Digital Effects: Peerless Camera Company, Main Title Opticals: Peter Govey Film Opticals, Music Adapted by: George Fenton, [Music Adapted] From the Works of: GF Handel, Director of Baroque Orchestra: Nicholas Kraemer, Orchestrations: George Fenton, Music Supervisor: Eliza Thompson, Music Pre-production: Adrian Thomas, Synthesisers: Adrian Thomas, Music Recorded by: Keith Grant, Music Recorded at: Abbey Road Studios, Musicians Contractor: Isobel Griffiths, Production Sound Mixer: David Crozier, Sound Recordist: John Casali, Sound Atmospheres Supplied by: Richard Margoschis, Sound Maintenance Engineer: Clive Copland, Re-recording Mixer: Robin O'Donoghue, Re-recording Mixer: Dominic Lester, Supervising Sound Editor: Christopher Ackland, Assistant Sound Editor: Elaine Thomas, Dialogue Editor: Jim Shields, Assistant Dialogue Editor: Pat Gilbert, Foley Artist: Roy Baker, Foley Artist: Jean Sheffield, Foley Editor: Stan Fiferman, Assistant Foley Editor: Graham Farrow, Stunt Co-ordinator: Wayne Michaels, Stunt Co-ordinator: Gareth Milne, Military Adviser: Andrew Fox, Horse Co-ordinator: Debbie Kaye, Dave Goodey, Publicist: Peter Thompson, Filmed at: Shepperton Studios
Cast (51)
Nigel Hawthorne (George III), Helen Mirren (Queen Charlotte), Ian Holm (Dr Willis), Anthony Calf (Fitzroy), Amanda Donohoe (Lady Pembroke), Rupert Graves (Greville), Geoffrey Palmer (Warren), Julian Wadham (Pitt), John Wood (Lord Thurlow), Rupert Everett (Prince of Wales), Jim Carter (Charles Fox), Roger Hammond (George Baker), Cyril Shaps (Lucas Pepys), Selina Cadell (Mrs Cordwell), Paul Corrigan (Braun), Matthew Lloyd Davies (Arthur Papandick), Caroline Harker (Mrs Fitzherbert), Julian Rhind-Tutt (Duke of York), Struan Rodger (Dundas), Adrian Scarborough (Fortnum), Barry Stanton (Sheridan), Peter Woodthorpe (clergyman), Charlotte Curley (Amelia), Peter Bride-Kirk, Eve Cadman, Thomas Copeland, Joanna Hall, Cassandra Halliburton, Russell Martin, Natalie Palys (Royal child), David Leon, Martin Julier, Dan Hammond, Nick Irons (footman), Nick Sampson (sergeant at arms), Jeremy Child (Black Rod), Nicholas Selby (speaker), Janine Duvitski (Margaret Nicholson), Iain Mitchell (farmer), Celestine Randall (Lady Adam), Michael Grandage (amputee), James Peck, Clive Brunt, Fergus Webster, Barry Gillespie, Joe Maddison (Willis's attendant), Dermot Keaney (footman), Collin Johnson, Roger Ashton-Griffiths (MP), Robert Swann (1st MP), Alan Bennett (2nd MP)
Articles held in BFI Reuben Library (32)
In: Telegraph Magazine vSpec. nBAFTAS 2010 20 Feb 2010  Page: 90
Title: FlashbackAuthor: HYTNER, Nicholas Article type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Short piece in which director Nicholas Hytner recalls working on the film version of THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE.

In: Radio Times 31 May 2008  Page: 55
Title: Barry Norman's Greatest Hits.Author: NORMAN, Barry Article type: ReviewLanguage: English

In: Journal of Popular Film & Television v36 n2 Summer 2008  Pages: 72-81
Title: Representing the Mad King: George III in the CinemaAuthor: CHANDLER, David Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Part of a special issue on biopics, this article examines two representations of George III (in BEAU BRUMMELL and The MADNESS OF KING GEORGE) suggesting that they reflect change in the perception of the royal family.

In: Screen International n1568 20 Oct 2006  Pages: 6-7
Title: Taking centre stageAuthor: AUSTIN, Jeremy Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Looks at the process of adapting stage play The HISTORY BOYS for film, which could set a model for other theatrical proje cts. Table shows the UK and US gross takings of contemporary stage-to-screen adaptations, including The MADNESS OF KING

In: National Film Theatre Programmes Sept/Oct 2003  Page: 39
Title: [National Film Theatre Programmes - Sept/Oct 2003: no known title]Language: English

In: Journal of Popular British Cinema n5 2002  Pages: 133-141
Title: From dancing queen to plaster virgin: Elizabeth and the...Author: CHURCH GIBSON, Pamela Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Shekhar Kapur's ELIZABETH (1998) is discussed as a radical departure from the constraints of traditional heritage films. Refers also to The MADNESS OF KING GEORGE (1994), MRS BROWN (1997), SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE (1998).

In: Empire n127 January 2000  Page: 146
Title: Videos to buyAuthor: [DP] Article type: Video ReviewLanguage: English

In: Radio Times v302 n3932 26 Jun 1999  Page: 46
Title: The madness of Oscar.Author: NORMAN, Barry Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: How Nigel Hawthorne was retained in the lead role when the play transferred to film and missed out on a deserved Oscar.

In: Literature/Film Quarterly v27 n2 1999  Pages: 90-96
Title: Royal family valuesAuthor: O'MEALY, Joseph H. Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: A discussion of the americanisation of Alan Bennett's The MADNESS OF KING GEORGE III, focussing on the differences between the stage version and the film

In: Radio Times v291 n3800 23 Nov 1996  Page: 68
Title: [Radio Times - v291 n3800 23 Nov 1996: no known title]Author: NORMAN, Barry Article type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
Description: On the lack of success in Britain of LADYBIRD LADYBIRD and The MADNESS OF KING GEORGE

In: Film Quarterly v49 n3 Spring 1996  Pages: 46-50
Title: [Film Quarterly - v49 n3 Spring 1996: no known title]Author: TEPPER, Craig Article type: CreditsLanguage: English

In: Premiere v8 n5 January 1995  Pages: 72-73
Title: Curious `George'Author: VAN GELDER, Sadie Article type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Brief preview to THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE with comments form Helen Mirren, who plays Queen Charlotte.

In: The Modern Review v1 n20 Apr/May 1995  Page: 18
Title: Doolally PallyAuthor: PORTER, Ed Article type: ReviewLanguage: English

In: Empire n70 April 1995  Page: 35
Title: New filmsAuthor: COLLIS, Clark Article type: CreditsLanguage: English

In: Empire n70 April 1995  Pages: 70-73
Title: The monarchy's in a mess...Author: KAY, Graeme Article type: Location ReportLanguage: English

In: Empire n78 December 1995  Page: 136
Title: Video movies to rentAuthor: Nathan, IanArticle type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Video release review.

In: European Film Reviews n5 Summer 1995  Page: 13
Title: [European Film Reviews - n5 Summer 1995: no known title]Author: MALCOLM, Derek Article type: CreditsLanguage: English

In: Cinéaste v21 n3 July 1995  Pages: 47-48
Title: [Cinéaste - v21 n3 July 1995: no known title]Author: GREENBERG, Harvey Roy Article type: CreditsLanguage: English

In: Screen International n1020 11 Aug 1995  Page: VIII
Title: New British ExpoArticle type: CreditsLanguage: English

In: Premiere v3 n1 February 1995  Page: 27
Title: Affairs of StateArticle type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: Reasons for the change in title from THE MADNESS OF GEORGE III to THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE .

In: Premiere v3 n3 April 1995  Pages: 8-9
Title: [Premiere - v3 n3 April 1995: no known title]Author: SHONE, Tom Article type: ReviewLanguage: English

In: Positif n416 October 1995  Pages: 80-90
Title: Dossier; Alan BennettAuthor: O'NEILL, Eithne Article type: ArticleLanguage: French
Description: Article discussing The MADNESS OF KING GEORGE and an interview with Alan Bennett about his work

In: TV Guide v43 n39 30 Sep 1995  Page: 40
Title: VCR ReportAuthor: CALLUm, Myles Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Video review

In: Screen International n990 13 Jan 1995  Page: 20
Title: [Screen International - n990 13 Jan 1995: no known title]Author: BROWN, Colin Article type: ReviewLanguage: English

In: Sight and Sound v5 n4 April 1995  Pages: 30-31,33
Title: Power madAuthor: COE, Jonathan Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Considers Alan Bennett's conception of the relationship between madness and power in The MADNESS OF KING GEORGE, and the weight given in his screenplay to the relationship between American colonists and their colonial masters.

In: Sight and Sound v5 n4 April 1995  Page: 47
Title: [Sight and Sound - v5 n4 April 1995: no known title]Author: MACNAB, Geoffrey Article type: CreditsLanguage: English

In: Screen International n969 5 Aug 1994  Page: 1
Title: [Screen International - n969 5 Aug 1994: no known title]Article type: Prod. DetailsLanguage: English

In: Screen International n969 5 Aug 1994  Page: 24
Title: [Screen International - n969 5 Aug 1994: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: English

In: The Hollywood Reporter v333 n1 12 Jul 1994  Page: 16
Title: [The Hollywood Reporter - v333 n1 12 Jul 1994: no known title]Article type: Prod. DetailsLanguage: English

In: Variety 11 Apr 1994  Page: 26
Title: [Variety - 11 Apr 1994: no known title]Article type: Prod. DetailsLanguage: English

In: Variety 19/12/94-9/1/95  Page: 71,75
Title: [Variety - 19/12/94-9/1/95: no known title]Author: LEVY, Emanuel Article type: CreditsLanguage: English

In: Screen International n975 16 Sep 1994  Page: 20
Title: [Screen International - n975 16 Sep 1994: no known title]Author: BATEMAN, Louise Article type: PreviewLanguage: English


Books held in BFI Reuben Library (3)
Title: Retrovisions: reinventing the past in film and fiction
Author: CARTMELL, Deborah  Pages: viii, 168 p.

Title: The madness of King George
Author: BENNETT, Alan  Pages: v-xxi. 74p.

Title: The madness of King George: study guide
Author: KELLY, Ian  Pages: 7p.
Description: Includes poster.


Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(5)
Accessible materials to view(1)
Description: MP4 - Hard DiskMPEG-4 AVC - BFI identifier: C-1513253
Status: Viewing - Digital file can be accessed on request



Digital materials(3)
Description: AS-11 UK DPP SD - MXF OP1aDuration: 01:43:47 minutesD10 - BFI identifier: N-661836
Status: Master


Description: 50I - Hard DiskSound: SoundDuration: 105.15 minutesD10 - BFI identifier: C-1510966
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file


Description: MP4 - Hard DiskMPEG-4 AVC - BFI identifier: C-1513253
Status: Viewing - Digital file can be accessed on request



Video materials(2)
Description: D3Duration: 103.47 minutesLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALTX date: 1996-11-25BFI identifier: C-905611
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved videotape


Description: Digital BetacamBFI identifier: C-1291954
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status