- Film Review
- Reviewed By Adrian Turner
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3 out of 5
Tom Brown's Schooldays meets The Four Feathers in Richard Attenborough's lavishly mounted but often lifeless account of Winston Churchill's early years. Stodgily scripted by producer Carl Foreman, it follows Churchill's progress from school at Harrow to the Boer War to his first major parliamentary speech as MP for Oldham. Robert Shaw and Anne Bancroft are excellent as Churchill's parents, and there's an impressive array of British talent in support, including Anthony Hopkins as Lloyd George. Meanwhile, in the title role, young Simon Ward gives a creditable performance as the budding British bulldog. Morocco stands in for all places exotic, while Blenheim plays itself.
Plot Summary
Fact-based drama exploring the formative years of Winston Churchill, following him from his childhood and his years working as a war correspondent in Africa to the beginnings of his political career. Starring Simon Ward, Anthony Hopkins, Robert Shaw, Anne Bancroft and John Mills.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Young Winston Churchill
- Simon Ward
- Lloyd George
- Anthony Hopkins
- Randolph Churchill
- Robert Shaw
- Jennie Churchill
- Anne Bancroft
- Gen Herbert Kitchener
- John Mills
- Mr Welldon
- Jack Hawkins
- George Buckle
- Ian Holm
- Gen Bindon Blood
- Patrick Magee
Crew
- Director
- Richard Attenborough
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