Watch Young Winston

Young Winston is a historical drama film released in 1972, directed by Richard Attenborough and written by Carl Foreman. The film tells the story of the early life of Winston Churchill, who grew up to become one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century. It is based on Churchill's book "My Early Life: A Roving Commission".

The movie starts with Churchill's childhood, where he is raised by his nanny, Mrs. Everest, played by Mary Ure. Churchill is portrayed by Simon Ward, who gives a convincing performance as the young Winston. The movie portrays Churchill as a rebellious and headstrong child who is not interested in his studies. He is more interested in adventure and rebellion, and his antics frequently get him into trouble with his teachers.

As Churchill grows older, he becomes more and more interested in politics and the military. He attends the Royal Military College at Sandhurst and then serves as a cavalry officer in the Sudan and India. The film portrays these experiences vividly, highlighting the bravery and determination that Churchill displayed in these conflicts.

In one of the most memorable scenes of the film, Churchill volunteers to join a cavalry charge during the Battle of Omdurman in 1898. This scene is brilliantly shot and features some stunning horse-riding sequences that are both thrilling and emotional.

Another significant event portrayed in the film is Churchill's capture by the Boers during the Second Boer War in South Africa. He is sent to a prisoner-of-war camp and attempts to escape several times. His eventual escape and his subsequent journey to freedom are portrayed with great intensity and emotion.

The movie also highlights Churchill's personal life, including his relationship with his father, Lord Randolph Churchill, played by Robert Shaw. Lord Randolph is portrayed as a brilliant but troubled figure, who struggles with mental illness throughout his life. Churchill's relationship with his mother, played by Anne Bancroft, is also explored in the film.

Throughout the movie, there are many remarkable performances. In addition to Simon Ward, Robert Shaw delivers an outstanding portrayal of Lord Randolph Churchill. Shaw brings depth and nuance to the character, highlighting the complexity of Lord Randolph's personality. Peter Cellier is perfect as Churchill's commanding officer in India, and Jack Hawkins delivers a memorable performance as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, David Lloyd George.

The movie features some incredible scenery, as it was filmed on location in South Africa, Spain, and Morocco. The battle sequences are expertly choreographed and shot, and the movie has an epic feel to it overall. The score by Richard Rodney Bennett is also noteworthy, and it contributes to the film's epic feel.

In summary, Young Winston is a well-crafted and engaging film that offers a fascinating insight into the early life of one of history's most influential figures. Simon Ward's performance as Churchill is outstanding, and the movie is enhanced by some remarkable supporting performances from Robert Shaw, Anne Bancroft, and others. The film is beautifully shot and features some incredible action sequences, making it a must-watch for fans of historical dramas.

Young Winston is a 1972 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.