Churchill – The Gathering Storm (TV Movie 2002)

Churchill – The Gathering Storm: Directed by Richard Loncraine. With Albert Finney, Vanessa Redgrave, Jim Broadbent, Linus Roache. Winston Churchill’s wilderness years prior to World War II, when only he could see the threat that Adolf Hitler and a rearmed Germany posed to Europe.

“I am Historian by profession and whilst I readily concede that there are aspects of this superb drama that play fast and loose with historical fact those that cannot see beyond this simply have no heart. The film primarily exists to portray Churchillu0026#39;s private life and emotions rather than the real politik of the time and it does this wodnerfully. Churchills relationship with u0026#39;Clemmyu0026#39; (or indeed Mrs Pussycat as TGS puts it)is so touching and sweet, Churchill was never a classic romantic and to see his relationship with his wife is so rare. Needless to say the acting is superb and Finny is utterly convincing as Churchill so much so it becomes increasingly difficult to watch him in any other role. The only part of this drama I regret is its portrayal of Stanely Baldwin who was by accounts a thoroughly decent chap. However the drama is magnificent and those who cannot see beyond its inaccuracies perhaps miss the point of the show somewhat”