The Kings Speech

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HOW IT WAS PASSED.

This work was originally classified '15' without cuts on 15/10/2010. The BBFC has, after an appeal by
the distributor of The King’s Speech against the original ‘15’ rating, applied its formal reconsideration
process to the cinema release and classified it ‘12A’ with the Consumer Advice ‘Contains strong
language in a speech therapy context’. The BBFC’s language Guidelines for ‘12A’ state: ‘The use of
strong language (for example f***) must be infrequent’. In the case of The King’s Speech there are
two isolated instances where the character of King George VI uses strong language several times at
the instigation of his therapist during the speech therapy sessions he is undergoing to alleviate his
stammer. The strong language is not aggressive and not directed at any person. The Guidelines state
that ‘because works from time to time present issues in ways which cannot be anticipated, these
criteria will not be applied in an over literal way if such an interpretation would lead to an outcome
which would confound audience expectations’. After careful consideration by the President and
Director of the BBFC, the Board took the view that the way the strong language is presented in The
King’s Speech did not contravene the language Guidelines at ‘12A’ and that the public would
understand why the Board has reached this decision.

Cease and desist letters

Last year the AHA sent out cease-and-desist letters to the distributer of five films to enforce its trade
mark rights. However, the AHA has never gone to court to enforce its trade mark. This time it seems
again that the dispute has been settled out of court. Emile Sherman issued a statement saying that
the dispute with AHA has been resolved and a letter has been sent to Weinstein Co. asking the
distributer of “The King’s Speech” to remove the phrase from the movie’s credits.

The reason behind AHA’s decision against filing a lawsuit may be that it would be an expensive and
time consuming process. Gathering evidence to prove consumer confusion in trade mark cases can be
costly and you never know which slant a trade mark case will take. A trade mark proceeding would
also be expensive for the producer of the “The King’s Speech” and could harm the reputation of the
producer and the film. Therefore, an amicable settlement is probably the best solution for the both
parties.

£20M set of 'The King's Speech' being used for x-rated parties

The owner of the £20 million London property, where scenes were shot for an Oscar nominated film,
argues that his notorious parties are 'not a disturbance'.

The Central London Georgian mansion located at 33 Portland Place in Marylebone was chosen as the
period set for scenes from the film ‘The King’s Speech’. Yet despite the historic significance of the
mansion, the owner Edward Davenport has also used the property for less than regal functions. These
gatherings have caused a significant disturbance among local residents.

Last April Westminster Council discovered that the 110 rooms set out over five floors had been used
for high-class sex parties, as was reported by the Daily Mail. Edward Davenport is reported to have
charged guests £90 each to attend one of these events. He also hosted a masquerade ball, and several
‘porn discos’.

The royal nature of ‘The King’s Speech’, has increased the level of controversy over his x-rated parties,
with many being offended by the association. A group of Westminster residents have already taken
legal action against the socialite.