King George III was a respected and diligent monarch who reigned for almost 60 years. However, he is, rather unfairly, mostly remembered for his descent into madness during the final years of his life.

When George ranted and raved and attacked those attending him, Willis ordered the king’s servants to gag him and place him in a straitjacket. He was left that way, thrashing around and making incomprehensible noises until he tired himself out and calmed down. When the king behaved himself, he was rewarded by being allowed to see members of his family. When he misbehaved, it was back into the straitjacket. Even mealtimes became a carrot and stick exercise. When George was bad, he ate mushed-up food with a wooden spoon; when he was good, he was allowed to use cutlery.

I saw the film The Madness of King George with my parents when it was in theaters. I’m adding that to the list of movies to watch.