Visually sumptuous, energetic and classy, The Madness of King George is British film theatre at its most seductive.

Hytner's version of Bennett's comic-tragic drama of the tormented king who almost lost his mind confirms that power games, family scandals, and personal intrigues have always been integral to the British Crown, an institution both revered and reviled.

In its own shambling, elliptical way it's an entertaining, memorable movie whose 2 1/2 hours go by without strain.

...a sluggish historical drama that’s never quite able to disguise or overcome its theatrical origins...