
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, March 4, 1995                   TAG: 9503090033
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: MIKE MAYO CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

`KING GEORGE' IS A CLASSIC TALE, WICKEDLY DONE

"The Madness of King George" is one of those superbly produced historical dramas that the British handle so well. It's been nominated for several Oscars, and though it's something of a dark horse, don't be too surprised if it wins one or two.

The film is everything that an Anglophile could ask for, though the accents - indecipherable early on - will put off other viewers. Beyond the costumes and the distant setting, this is a tale of pure political power. Who takes over when the leader cannot function?

In this case, the leader is King George III (Nigel Hawthorne) of England. As the film begins, he has "lost" the American colonies and is slumping in the polls, so to speak. His Prime Minister Pitt (Julian Wadham) is a dour fellow who always disagrees with him. The opposition in Parliament, led by Fox (Jim Carter), is a rowdy lot, and his own sons are a huge disappointment.

Still, his position as ruler seems secure until his behavior begins to become irrational. The first signs go almost unnoticed - odd ways of speaking, waking at unusually early hours. But his condition quickly deteriorates. His physicians, rigidly establishment to the core, don't know what to do. After careful examination of the royal bowel movements and water, they prescribe useless treatments.

At the same time, others in power are jockeying for position. Fox plots to install the Prince of Wales (Rupert Everett) as Regent - in effect, getting rid of George permanently - while Queen Charlotte (Helen Mirren) and Lady Pembroke (Amanda Donohoe) work to find a way to heal the king. Their answer is Dr. Willis (Ian Holm), who believes that diseases of the mind can be cured.

In part, Alan Bennett's adaptation of his own play is an engrossing suspense story. At the same time, it's a savagely funny portrayal of royal pretentiousness. Strip away the courtly manners and the ornate costumes, and these characters are just as frail, flawed and foolish as the weakest among us. But Bennett and director Nicholas Hytner are not out simply to skewer the monarchy. Their aim is to bring out the humanity in all of the characters, and they succeed. Particularly toward the end, the key moments are genuinely touching.

By the way, a postscript presents an intriguing hypothesis on the king's "madness."

Throughout, the production values are top drawer. From baroque hairdos to intimate interiors, the film has a look of absolute authenticity. The acting, of course, is equally strong. Nigel Hawthorne and Helen Mirren are up for Academy Awards. Amanda Donohoe deserves one, too.

They make "The Madness of King George" a piece of classy, intelligent entertainment with a wicked edge.

The Madness of King George

***

A Samuel Goldwyn Company release playing at The Grandin Theatre. 108 min. Not rated, contains strong language and mature subject matter.

by CNB