Into the Storm (2009)

Continuing the storyline of The Gathering Storm (2002), Churchill at War is a look at the former British prime minister's life and career at the end of WWII.

Director:

Thaddeus O'Sullivan

Writer:

Hugh Whitemore

Stars:

Brendan Gleeson, Clive Mantle, Adrian Scarborough

Nominated for 3 Golden Globes. Another 5 wins & 32 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Brendan Gleeson	...	Winston Churchill
Clive Mantle	...	Thompson
Adrian Scarborough	...	Sawyers
Jack Shepherd	...	Neville Chamberlain
Donald Sumpter	...	Lord Halifax
Andrew Havill	...	King's Private Secretary
Iain Glen	...	King George VI
James D'Arcy	...	Jock Colville
Bill Paterson	...	Clement Attlee
Adrian Fort	...	Tory MP
Shaughan Seymour	...	Photographer
Bruce Alexander	...	Duff Cooper
Janet McTeer	...	Clementine Churchill
Kathryn Sumner	...	Mary Churchill
Michael Elwyn	...	Charles Moran

Storyline

Winston Churchill is named Prime Minister on the very day the Nazis launch their invasion of the low countries and France. The immediate concern is the fate of the British Expeditionary Force now trapped with their back to the sea. The evacuation at Dunquerque saved most of them. Churchill formed a unified government with the Labour party and was steadfast in refusing to negotiate with the Germans. He developed a personal relationship with U.S. President Roosevelt but England (as Churchill always referred to the UK) stood alone until the U.S. entered the war. By war's end however, Labour won the election and Churchill was out of office.

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Plot Keywords:

british politics | prime minister | winston churchill | executive decision | defeat | 

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Taglines:

A relentless leader is the greatest weapon of war.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History | War

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

Brendan Gleeson has worked with five other actors who have all played Winston Churchill. He appeared in Braveheart (1995) and Troy (2004) with Brian Cox, and in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) with Robert Hardy, Timothy Spall, Michael Gambon, and Gary Oldman.

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Goofs

When Churchill is dictating his famous "Never Surrender" speech and walks from one room to another, a modern door closer can be seen on the top center of the frame.

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Quotes

Winston Churchill: We are told that Herr Hitler has a plan for invading the British Isles. This has often been thought of before. I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once more able to defend our island home to outlive the menace of tyranny if necessary for years, if necessary alone.

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Connections

Features That Hamilton Woman (1941)

User Reviews

Outstanding

I simply loved this movie. amazing story of bravery and great leadership and chivalry. I felt very connected to this movie as an Iranian since my own country was in 8 years of bloody war with Iraq( read the world)! The writing was flawless , lovely story telling with almost all angles of Winston Churchill's characters. I liked how the writer showed how important Mrs.Churchill was in the success of Winston Churchill as one of the best politicians of the history , with out doubt.

casting and direction was just perfect and let's not forget unbelievable make ups that were done on the face of the actors and actresses. Epic job by the costume designer(s) as well. but I think everybody agrees that the best of the best in this film is the performance of the leading actor whom by the way I can not believe did not win golden globe after this outstanding performance.

In the end I have mention the big mistake by the writers made in writing , the movie shows that Stalin , Roosevelt and Churchill meet in Tehran but they never mention the main reason of that meeting. the main reason of that meeting was to decide over the new government of Iran after the removal of Reza Shah whom they assumed was pro Germany. Allied government needed Iran to be saved from Germany who had racial roots with Iranians because of Iran's key role in the middle east and more importantly it's resources and of course Persian Gulf as the key to Suez Canal. also fall of Malaysia and Philippines was never mentioned which was another error made by the writers. the way they pictured the war it was like world war 2 was all about and around Britain which was not the case at all.

Details

Official Sites:

HBO Films

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

31 May 2009 (USA)

Also Known As:

Into the Storm: Churchill at War

Filming Locations:

Lancaster House, The Mall, St. James's, London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

HBO Films, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Scott Free Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1