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 & 33 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

US President Roosevelt's middle initial was D for Delano. The cast list has it as a J.

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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

Winston Churchill The War Years

A biographical film about Winston Churchill during World War II, it was a follow up to The Gathering Storm which was made seven years earlier and covered the years just prior to the war.

The film is told largely in flashbacks while Churchill and his family are holidaying in France at the conclusion of the war as they wait for the results of the election.

Brendan Gleeson who replaces Albert Finney from the previous film, gives a very good performance as Churchill who has to be one of the most often portrayed historical figures. Gleeson would pick up an Emmy which duplicated what Finney also achieved. Since then we have also seen John Lithgow pick up an Emmy for his portrayal of Churchill in The Crown and Gary Oldman an Oscar for Darkest Hour.

Janet McTeer plays Clementine Churchill and gives a fine restrained performance which apparently was her intention as Clementine was a very reserved person. Iain Glen gives a strong performance a King George VI as does Len Cariou with Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Churchill is portrayed as a brilliant, heroic, inspirational leader, but also as a flawed man driven by what he perceives as his destiny or duty to prevail and succeed at all costs - ignoring everything and everyone else.

All in all it is a solid if not outstanding production.

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:

Pall Mall, St James's, Westminster, Greater 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