Duke of York Norwich visit 24 Oct 1925
The King’s Speech has been a critical and box office success, having already won seven BAFTAs and four Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director and a more than deserved Best Actor in a Leading Role for the inspirational Colin Firth. Now, photographs have emerged linking King George VI to one of Norwich’s most popular cinemas.
Historians have discovered images of George VI, then the Duke of York, visiting Norwich in October 24, 1925, to open Stuart House and Suckling Hall, now the site of Cinema City.
country is thrown into crisis by the abdication of Edward VIII, his younger brother, Prince Albert, stands paralysed before the wireless, his voice lost in a painful tangle of childhood inhibitions.
Desperate, the Prince turns to Lionel Logue, maverick therapist, colonial intruder and unlikely friend. Their story is touching, uplifting and guaranteed to bring a patriotic lump to even the most republican of throats.
Cinema City had been screening the film for seven weeks before details emerged of its link with the stammering King.
With its buildings dating back to the medieval period, Suckling House was restored by Ethel Mary & Helen Caroline Colman and bequeathed to the ‘Mayor, Alderman and Citizens of the City of Norwich’ in a grand opening by King George VI. Documenting the incredible but little-known friendship between King George VI ( Colin Firth) and the speech therapist who cured him of a debilitating stammer (Rush), the film is at once an odd-couple comedy, an affectionate biopic and a stirring period piece illuminating a turbulent era of British history.
As the Second World War beckons and the
office@finecity.co.uk
In 1978 Suckling House & Stuart Hall were converted into a full time cinema by the Norfolk & Norwich Film Theatre Trust, screening films from around the globe under the banner Cinema City. Cinema City reopened after extensive refurbishment in late 2007. It now boasts three superior screens, state of the art sound equipment and digital projection facilities and new public areas, including a bar and a top class restaurant. In addition, areas of Suckling House that were previously inaccessible to the general public are now open for the first time.
The King’s Speech has been running for several weeks with no signs of leaving our screens any time soon. Jack Thompson, Cinema City Manager,
commented: “This is by far the most popular film ever screened at Cinema City, bringing people through our doors who haven’t visited the cinema in many years. The King’s Speech is not just a fantastic film, but it is also proving to be the catalyst for many to rediscover their passion for the big screen.
It’s fascinating to think that you can now watch The King’s Speech in a building that was opened by the King himself.”
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Images courtesy of Derek James and Rosemary Dixon.
The King at Suckling House
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