Last night we saw The King's Speech. Set mostly in 1936, when wireless (which meant radio then) was new, it reflected how the world was changed by the new technology. The king must now speak on the radio. "In the past," said George V, "we had only to be seen. Now we must invade people's homes like actors." He spat the word, alluding to radio. In spite of this view, his funeral would be televised.
Shortly after ascending the throne, the eldest son of George V abdicated in the midst of an unprecedented drama which ensued when he insisted upon marrying the twice-divorced American, Wallis Simpson. The next in line, who reigned as George VI, was the father of Queen Elizabeth II. He absolutely had to give speeches, including on the radio, and the film centred on how this "reluctant king" with a speech impediment stepped up to the plate as Hitler marched in Germany and Churchill said what other British politicians of the time would not: "There will be war with Germany."
Radio was the beginning of mass media, and it was soon joined by television. In 1952, both the funeral of George VI and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth were shown on TV. Today we can go to the internet and see bits of those very films.
A powerful childhood memory for me is hearing the Queen's speech on the radio, something Mom enjoyed and Dad teased her about. In the Royal Tradition, this blogger, who has lived through the music and voice eras of transistor radio, ghetto blaster, reel to reel tape, 8-track tape, 45s, LPs, CDs, MP3 and more, would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Imagine you have received my interpretation of the famous Queen Elizabeth wave.
No comments:
Post a Comment