Young Winston [DVD]

This epic biopic on Winston Churchill's early career is a excellent chance for some quality character acting from, it seems, every actor in Equity but especially from Simon Ward and Anne Bancroft. It is never sentimental about Winston and his glory-seeking but provides a very persuasive argument as to why it occurred. Robert Shaw as Lord Randolph hangs over the last half of the film like an unseen presence. The other unseen presence is our knowledge of just how impressive Winston was to be as a politician; far outlasting the Chamberlain clan, and his prescience in the speech about economy.

History that wears its learning jauntily.

I first saw this masterpiece at the Odeon (Marketplace), Leicester upon its release in 1972. In addition to an absolute tour-de-force from Simon Ward, it features magnificent performances from Robert Shaw and Anne Bancroft. The film's narrative extends from the great man's first experience of school in the 1880s until the inception of his parliamentary career in 1900. This said, it presents the passing of time in a way that allows us to appreciate Churchill's early life in the light of his later glories and there is a continual interplay with the viewer's intellect. Amongst Richard Attenborough's superb biopics, this one stands very proudly indeed. The five star rating I award for the film's remarkable achievement.....but sadly, not for this DVD edition. The 2006 version with the white cover is NOT the special edition. It omits a short sequence from Churchill's POW escape scene and inexplicably leaves out the original film's final scene - the one in which Churchill falls asleep one afternoon late in life and dreams of a conversation with his long deceased father. I cannot for the life of me understand why these cuts were made and I now realise that this version is the one that is aired on TV from time to time. Accordingly, I have just ordered the German 'Special Edition' from 2007. You can easily recognise it - the case has an extensive black border and the film, an extended running time. That one is definitely the one to go for - and having visited the truly awe inspiring Blenheim Palace just a few days ago, I cannot wait for it to arrive!

AMENDMENT - This review was originally written in May 2009. I regret to say that it has since been pointed out to me that the German (with the black cover cover and bearing the title 'Der Junge Lowe') and the British (with the white cover)editions are in fact, identical. Both therefore omit the the afforementioned scenes. I sincerely apologise to anyone who has been in anyway misled by what I wrote. I would just add that I think that it should be the responsibilty of the distribution companies (in this case, Sony) to make clear to potential purchasers when a film is being sold in an edited form. Whilst it is perfectly possible for the first time viewer to enjoy 'The Young Winston' in its shortened version, the original cinema release was an altogether more complete and therefore, more satisfying work.

John Ward 29 September 2010

This Film is really an overview of the major events in the early life of young Winston Churchill. It gives sufficient meat to apprise the viewer of those aspects of his early like which then gave him the basis for his philosophy developed subsequently as he progressed down his pathway to political ascendancy. Having watched the film I had a better appreciation of his family background and the mores that drove his personal perspective in the way he approached his life. It certainly gave the viewer a clearer understanding as to why he was able to take such decisive actions during the height of his political career, especially during his time as war-time Prime Minister.