8 Myths About Classic Movies You’ll Be Shocked To Hear Are False

3. The Madness Of King George

GeorgeThe Myth: The title was changed in America because people would think it was a sequel. Alan Bennett€™s original play was titled The Madness Of George III, but when it came to be adapted into a feature film, some adjustments needed to made. The biggest of which was the title. American€™s are stereotypically so stupid, they would think a film with a €˜III€™ in the title was the third part in a series and avoid, having not seen the first two entries, so the name was changed. The Shocking Truth: The title was changed everywhere so was clear it was about royalty. It€™s worth stating that the anti-America side of this myth comes from wishful ego boosting on us Brit€™s part €“ the title was changed worldwide, not just in the US. But it wasn't altered down to a fear of alienating completionist audience members, but so that non-Anglican audiences actually could tell what the film was about. People in the UK obviously immediately understand that €˜George III€™ is a monarch, but in countries with no such history, the association wouldn't be made. So while the title was changed for the benefits of Americans, it certainly doesn't leave us feeling as smug and superior.
 
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Film Editor (2014-2016). Loves The Usual Suspects. Hates Transformers 2. Everything else lies somewhere in the middle. Once met the Chuckle Brothers.