CHURCHILL’S SECRET

UK, 2015, 100 minutes, Colour.
Michael Gambon, Lindsay Duncan, Romolo Garai Daisy Lewis, Matilda Sturridge, Patrick Kennedy, Christian Mc Kay, Bill Paterson, John Standing, James Wilby, Tara Fitzgerald, Matthew Mc Fadyen.
Directed by Charles Sturridge.

Winston Churchill has appeared as a character in many films, even from Young Winston, to his many appearances and his voice and speeches in films about World War II. In more recent decades, there have been biographical films, with Albert Finney in The Gathering Storm and Brendan Gleeson in into the Storm, and even Rod Taylor in Inglourious Basterds.

This time the episode chosen is Churchill’s having some strokes in 1953, his been incapacitated for some months, the focus on his illness and recuperation, the nurse caring for him, the response of his wife, Clemmie, the reactions of his children, the caretaking of his private secretaries, the decisions made about continuance of government, especially concerning Anthony Eden and his succeeding Churchill.

Michael Gambon shows his skill as an actor in embodying Churchill in his weakness and illness as well as his crotchetiness and determination in recovery. Lindsay Duncan has a very good role as his wife, long-suffering, bringing up the children, with sad memories of the death of their daughter Marigold, staunchly supporting her husband but wanting him to retire. The nurse is not a historical character but is based on a number of nurses who cared for Churchill at this time. She is played with strength and with empathy by Romolo Garai.

Christian Mc Kay and Peter Kennedy play the ever-devoted private secretaries, writing speeches, managing situations, contacting politicians including Rab Butler. Alex Jennings has a cameo role towards the end as Anthony Eden.

The film also shows Churchill’s four surviving children, the devoted Mary, Sarah who appeared in number of films (Rachel Stirling), the aristocratic Diana (Tara Fitzgerald) and the erratic, caustic and alcoholic Randolph (Matthew Mc Fadyen).

The film gives the opportunity for audiences to enter into the atmosphere Tory politics, Churchill’s role during the war, in the aftermath, British politics in the year of the Queen’s coronation, and the devices used to conceal the illness from the press and public.

The film was directed by Charles Sturridge, noted director of such films as A Handful of Dust, Where Angels Fear to Tread, Fairy Tale: A True Story and many television episodes.

1. Audience interest in Winston Churchill? His status amongst the British population, the most respected historical figure?

2. The tradition films about Churchill? His life story? Churchill as a presence in war films? His voice and speeches?

3. 1953, aged 78, his long service, his ups and downs in politics, as prime minister in the 1950s?

4. The title, a particular episode in Churchill’s life? The political implications of his stroke, the secrecy from the media and the public? The family? The maintenance of government?

5. The introduction of Millie, composite character of nurses who cared for Churchill? Seen at work, her skill, the other nurses, in the hospital? Fiance, the plan to go to Australia? Her being chosen, the secrecy, travel, introduction to her case?

6. Churchill and his strokes, the experience, the slurring of words, collapse, trying to manage, singing Marigold’s song about blowing bubbles, his worry? Residing at the meetings, his dependence, control, his being dependent on his assistants?

7. Calling the doctor, his personality, knowledge of Churchill, the treatment, his continued presence, advice?

8. The decision to go to the family home? Minor strokes? Churchill confined to bed, disabled, the limited prospects, unconscious, coming to consciousness? The duration of the illness? Millie and her help, talking with Churchill, his memories and confusion, blurs, gradual movement, drinking water, sitting up, tentative steps, the massage? The week passing, the continued care? His memories and flashbacks to Marigold?

9. Churchill’s past, his history, his strong determination? His wife saying that it was all about him? Yet his moments of quiet, especially his painting?

10. Clemmie, devoted wife, the years, the children, memories and Marigold but their not talking about her? Her being patient? Reliance on Millie, talking frankly with her? The arrival of the children, presiding at the meals? Working with the assistants, with the doctor? A woman of gravity, coping? Churchill making the promise about resigning – and her comment about his breaking promises?

11. Two assistants, the personalities, the continued attention, diplomacy, hard work, their skills, writing papers, studying documents, continued presence?

12. The visit of the government ministers, the press? The discussions, wanting to see Winston, the decision about the secrecy? The success in keeping the news from the press and from the public?

13. Churchill’s children: Mary, the children playing with Churchill, the presence and devotion? Diana, superior, haughtiness? Sarah, a film career, the divorces? Randolph, his reputation, caustic manner, drinking, treatment of people, his father, tears? His presence at the Tory gathering?

14. Churchill, gradual recovery, the tests for his walking, picking up the croquet ball? The grandchildren? Better speech? The discussions with his wife?

15. His presence of the Tory convention? Waiting outside, everybody tentative? Walking in, speech, the momentary lapse, his plea for peace and eliminating hydrogen bombs? The response?

16. Millie, packing up, Churchill’s gift to her, her walking around the house, listening to Churchill on the radio?

17. The final information, Churchill not resigning, and other 18 months as prime minister?