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, USADirector: 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
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
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.
Dates: 1994 (Copyright), 24 March 1995 (Release)Countries: United Kingdom, USADirector: 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
Articles held in BFI Reuben Library
(32)
In: Telegraph Magazine vSpec. nBAFTAS 2010 20 Feb 2010 Page: 90Title: 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 fictionAuthor: 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.