Young Winston (1972)

VHS CASE/SIDE

MPAA Certificate Number: 22990

Length of film:  157 Minutes (U.S. Edit: 124 Minutes)

Rated: A   

Genre: Biography, Drama, War

Director: Richard Attenborough

Starring: Simon Ward, Robert Shaw, Peter Cellier, Ronald Hines, Dino Shafeek, Jon Mills, Anne Bancroft, Jack Hawkins, Anthony Hopkins

IMDB Rank: 6.7/10

Part 1 Time:  87 Minutes (U.S. Edit: 81 Minutes)

Part 2 Time:  70 Minutes (U.S. Edit: 43 Minutes)

Where does the first part end? Capt. Baker (Julian Holloway) and Capt. Weaver (Dinsdale Landen) speak at the British infantry offices.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “There’s not a chance in the world the old boy would ever…” Capt. Weaver states, referring to Churchill (Simon Ward) being promoted to the 4th Queen’s Own Hussars regiment.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “War Office to Lieutenant Churchill,” Narrator speaks, as Churchill moves by horseback with the British infantry.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, Churchill has worked tirelessly to rise in the ranks of the British infantry. The setbacks of his father’s legacy and passing are Churchill’s motivation to become a member of the British parliament.

Which part is better? Part two is better as Churchill begins to prove himself within the British military. Here Churchill shows bravery and cunning as a war correspondent during the Anglo-Boer War. Part two also offers an early showcase into Churchill’s illustrious political career.

Academy Awards:  Best Writing- Story and Screenplay Based on Factual Material or Material Not Previously Published or Produced (Nominated), Best Art Direction-Set Decoration (Nominated), Best Costume Design (Nominated)