The Madness Of King George

The Madness Of King George

1994

When King George III's alarming mental deterioration becomes a political crisis — threatening the Prince of Wales's bid for a regency — a blunt new physician employs radical methods that gradually restore the king's reason. Nicholas Hytner's adaptation of Alan Bennett's play is both richly comic and unexpectedly moving.

Director

  • Nicholas Hytner

Cast

  • Nigel Hawthorne
  • Helen Mirren

Filming Locations

  • Bodleian Library

    The Divinity School within the Bodleian Library complex was used as the lobby of the House of Commons, while the Convocation room served as the House of Commons chamber interior.

  • Broughton Castle

    The medieval moated Broughton Castle stood in for Queen Charlotte's royal apartments, providing the setting for scenes featuring Helen Mirren's character.

  • Eton College

    The School Yard at Eton College was used as the exterior of the Palace of Westminster, with the steps leading to the north porch of College Chapel used for scenes of the royal family assembling.

  • Royal Naval College

    The lavish Painted Hall of the Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich was used for the scene in which the royal family suffers through the handbell concert.

  • St. Paul's Cathedral

    The West Front steps of St Paul's Cathedral provided the backdrop for the triumphant finale, in which the recovered King and his family assemble before cheering crowds.

  • Syon House

    Syon House provided two scenes: the Long Gallery where the King encounters Pitt, and the Prince of Wales' breakfast room.

  • Thame Park

    The Palladian mansion of Thame Park stood in for the palace at Kew Gardens, the location where the King is sent to be treated and gradually recovers his sanity.

  • Wilton House

    Wilton House's Double Cube Room was used for the opening concert scene set in Windsor Castle, while other interiors served as the Prince of Wales' lodgings.