First Snow fans are undoubtedly excited to see lead man Guy Pearce return to critical acclaim in his supporting role as King Edward VIII (Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David) in the Tom Hooper film The King’s Speech. Starring Colin Frith as King George VI (Albert Frederick Arthur George) and Geoffrey Rush as speech therapist Lionel Logue, the timepiece drama centers around the young, aspiring king’s speech impediment and the pressing matter of personal growth and national pride at stake.Pearce’s character, King Edward VIII, is George VI’s predecessor to the throne and big brother, with whom he’s had a mixed history. Mocking the younger George’s stutter throughout their young, taunting and teasing as children do. Edward assumes the throne with the passing of their father, George V. Soon after, however, Edward’s feelings for American divorcee Wallis Simpson conflict with his kingly image, as George reminds him he cannot retain the throne upon marrying Simpson, as no king was allowed to take a divorced wife. This quickly becomes a point of contention between the brothers, Edward presuming George is making an attempt to usurp his power and make a run at the throne himself, rationalizing George’s speech therapy as a means of preparation for his leadership of Great Britain. With the advent of radio technology, the position of King is equally an orator, leader and figurehead for the monarchy, a task tough undertaken for an individual embattled with public speaking issues. Edward then recants a childhood taught, rattling George’s core with past ghosts returning to haunt his improvement and inciting discord between George and Logue.Ultimately, cooler heads prevail as Edward abdicates his throne, the shortest reign in the history of the British Empire, paving the way for George to take the crown, and film’s compelling culmination. Released December 10th in the United States and January 7th in the United Kingdom, The King’s Speech and Pearce’s performance have been met with critical acclaim, including a Best Supporting Actor nomination for Pearce from the British Independent Film Awards and a Best Motion Picture Drama and Best Screenplay nominations for the film from the Golden Globe Awards.