Kilt on Colin Firth in movie "The King's Speech"

**Biathlonman** · 8th February 11, 06:27 AM

Somehow if they'd imagined they might be up for a Best Costume Oscar this might not have happened.

When other Royal costume pics are made they always get The Royal Standard right - which is the monarch's personal flag - and now I wonder if Balmoral tartan was used in the film "Mrs. Brown"?

One of the great skills of UK film production is design - all those tiny details which add up to a completely believable look.

In any case, it didn't spoil the scene for me - they got their point across eloquently.

**figheadair** · 12th February 11, 11:53 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

I am not in the least bit suprised about that.

Nor I but HRH often wore Hunting Stewart and that would have been so easy.

**figheadair** · 12th February 11, 11:54 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

I am not in the least bit suprised about that.

Nor I but HRH often wore Hunting Stewart and that would have been so easy.

**Bing** · 13th February 11, 05:20 AM

Originally Posted by Schiehallion

I have just spoken to John MacNab from Albion Kilts in London who made all the kilts for the film "The Queen" He said that he was unable to get the Balmoral tartan for that film.
He was also approached by the makers of " The King's Speech " again asking for the Balmoral Tartan but replied that it was unobtainable as it was a restricted tartan.

If Mr. MacNab regularly makes for the film industry what would prevent him from designing and registering a tartan that references the Balmoral but differs enough in thread count, sett size, etc., that it could substitute?

**Jock Scot** · 13th February 11, 05:23 AM

Originally Posted by Bing

If Mr. MacNab regularly makes for the film industry what would prevent him from designing and registering a tartan that references the Balmoral but differs enough in thread count, sett size, etc., that it could substitute?

I should think the Moffat tartan would fit the bill there.

**Biathlonman** · 13th February 11, 07:36 AM

Perhaps its time we curbed our indignation and just wished them the best. This film deserves some Oscars. If you haven't seen it, go. There are few sure things at the movies these days but this is one of them.

**Woodsman** · 13th February 11, 09:28 AM

Just saw the film yesterday with my wife and we enjoyed it immensly. I was unaware of the kilt scene (yes, I'm behind on my reading postings) so I was pleasantly surprised.

We had to leave an earlier show because when we arrived the line was literally out the door. Now whether it was for the new Justin Bieber film or The Eagle film or just the cold weather I'm not sure. But the ticket seller advised us not to go in to see the King's Speech since the theatre was filled with only a few up-front seats still available. We heeded her advice and opted for the next later show and I'm glad we did. This later showing was still packed (couples forced to split up into single seats). At the end of the movie the audience appluaded. That's a sign of a well done movie.

And Kerry tartan or not, I very much liked the colors and wouldn't mind wearing this one myself.

Originally Posted by OC Richard

I don't get "angry" when I spot an inaccuracy in a film, but I can't check my knowlege at the theatre door and when I do spot something that sticks out as wrong it damages my "willing suspension of disbelief".

I was totally into Saving Private Ryan until the Russian T-34 made its appearance. They tried to pass it off as a Tiger.

Are you trying to say here that Colin Firth was wearing a tank?

**Biathlonman** · 13th February 11, 09:37 AM

Not sure where you live but exactly what you describe has been happening all over North America - and I'd bet you and your wife are of more mature age than the twentysomethings who run theatres. They completely missed the boat on this film - most of which are made for an 18-24 male demographic.

It seems that once you hit 50 you become invisible to marketing types - and this film has been a good example of that.

I hope things are different elsewhere in XMarks land - like the UK and the Antipodes - but the lineups of grey-headed movie goers has been something of a phenomenon here. And as for the wrong kilt choice - the essential plot point in the movie of that trip to Balmoral came though loud and clear.

**Brian K** · 13th February 11, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

Of course, one could argue that Mrs. Simpson's greatest gift to the free world was a leader like King George VI who stood against tyranny...

T.

Agreed, Todd. Heaven knows what kind of King Edward VIII would have been, but we know for certain that his younger brother was the right man for the job at the time.

Brian