The Queen: A Miramax Feature Film Screenplay

by Peter Morgan

The screenplay for the acclaimed Miramax film of the same name, providing an intimate behind-the-scenes glimpse of the Royal Family in the aftermath of Princess Diana's death.

"What's most daring about it isn't that it's a satire. It's a story that dares to paint people in power as complex, rounded, conflicted human beings just like you and me."
—Peter Morgan

In the days following the death of Princess Diana, Great Britain exploded in a paroxysm of public grief that shocked the tightly contained, tradition-bound world of the Queen of England. The grieving nation was desperate for comfort from its beloved queen, and for many days it did not come. Elizabeth II, stunned by the unexpected depth of the public emotion at Diana's passing and the vitriol of the British media toward her for not joining in, was forced to realize that her people felt abandoned and were in danger of abandoning her. This is the story told in The Queen, directed by Stephen Frears and starring Helen Mirren, Michael Sheen, and James Cromwell.

Peter Morgan's screenplay, drawn from extensive interviews, devoted research, discreet sources, and informed imagination, shows us one of the modern world's last great monarchs as she has never been seen before—as a vulnerable human being in her darkest hour, struggling to preserve all she holds most dear.

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Peter Julian Robin Morgan, CBE is a British film writer and playwright. Morgan is best known for writing the historical films and plays The Queen, Frost/Nixon, The Damned United, and Rush. He is the creator of Netflix's drama series The Crown.

Reviews

[Janete on hiatus due health issues · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book and listened to the audio in 2017. A very interesting and easy text for people who are learning English.

[Gonzalo Rodríguez Risco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a screenwriter or playwright? Read this screenplay. It is poignant, paced. It deals perfectly with the inside and outside world of the Queen. Actually better than the movie.

[Lisa Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The movie, The Queen, is one of my favorites, so I was delighted when, in Foyle's Bookstore in London, I came across the screenplay. It is true to the movie. It's a very slim volume, a quick read, but is so rich with drama. If you haven't seen the movie, the story is about the death of Princess Diana and the conflicting reactions of the royal family, the Prime Minister, and the British people. Simply fabulous dialogue that brings these real people to life.

[Joel Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this screenplay. The words are so well-chosen. The conflict between the modern and the traditional is set up so nicely and graciously. Peter Morgan clearly understands his subjects, and proves that without being too showy.

[Kristiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great screenplay. Bought it right after I saw the movie. So damn simple...

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful character portrait with tight structure. The descriptions in the scene in which the queen meets the stag are fluid and visual.

[Ruby Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some really well written lines and scenes; everything functions like clock work.