Much has been made of Colin Firth’s performance in “The King’s Speech” and I have no doubt it is deserved. I’ve been a fan of his ever since my good friend, Mimi, turned me onto ‘Pride and Prejudice’ back in the 90s. A few months ago when I was first hearing about the movie, I went in search of some information and stumbled onto an article about the writer of the screenplay, David Seidler. I just fell in love with Mr. Seidler and had intended to watch the Academy Awards, which I haven’t done in years, in hopes of seeing him. Since I was traveling that evening, it was not possible. But thankfully, he won, his speech was loaded to YouTube, and I was not disappointed:
Of course his story of George VI’s struggles and his own struggles with stammering have inspired many who have had their own speech issues, and I really appreciate Judiang sharing how it’s affected her. But Mr. Seidler is also an inspiration to anyone seeking to do something later in life when others may have written them off. I have to write him a fan letter!
Dear Mr. Seidler,
Thank you for that wonderful speech at the Oscars. It was just right. Thank you for being so humble and witty and real. What a powerful combination. If I were single, you would be a temptation despite our age difference. :D But mostly, thank you for not giving up on your dream.
Sincerely,
A newly devoted fan
For further edification:
Confessions of David Seidler, a 73-year-old Oscars virgin
Screenwriter David Seidler: ‘Being a stutterer puts a cloud over childhood’”
“Proud of his Dad’s work (but tried to talk his father out of writing TKS)”
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RAFrenzy 
Yes, David Seidler is awesome isn’t he? I didn’t know anything about him until the Oscars. His speech that night was the best IMHO.
BTW, just reread the article. Very informative and entertaining. Thanks for sharing.
It was a pleasure to post that. He is a delight!
Reviews of the King’s Speech in N.A. media seem determined to relegate the production as “traditional”, though very good. The impact of an accidental King’s struggles carries far further than that.
I wonder if the entertainment media is not resenting the British invasion a bit.
But the Oscar community LOVES brit stuff. Anytime there is a brit film (especially a period piece) in the near vicinity around nomination time, it’s usually showered with nominations regardless of whether it deserves it or not. That’s why when I first heard The King’s Speech had been nominated, I was skeptical. Then I saw and was blown away.
I loved The King’s Speech. I’m glad David Seidler won.
Here’s to late bloomers everywhere. He is my hero.
“O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills;
For you bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding;
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;” –Walt Whitman
@Rob or should that be @@Rob? LOL! Sorry, I had to do that.
Mr. Seidler is wonderful, and sadly, I don’t think there are too many like him these days. Perhaps I’m wrong, but Richard Armitage seems to be a bit like this. I can picture him this way in his old age.
OMG Frenz UR SO CRAZY. He worked on this script for 20 years. I hope we see more stories like this written by mature writerrs. I love those old fashion types. They get me everytime.