Review of Young Winston (1972) by Timothy M — 29 Jul 2010

Surprisingly very good. I assumed it had fallen into obscurity for a reason - not so. While it's evident to see that Attenborough is already trying to be David Lean, a parish he wouldn't enter until Gandhi a decade later, this works wonderfully.

I think if you can stage a grand epic biopic and propel it in such a way that it doesn't feel overlong, you've won. I think with biopics you've either got to have a great narrative or a great character - this falls into the category of the latter.

Churchill himself is fascinating, even if the film overall really feels like Churchill Begins (it ends with him lighting what is presumably his first cigar. Then he jumps off a building and flies into the night.

) Good cast as well - Simon Ward really does carry the film, which is another pleasant surprise, and Anne Bancroft's work here is really top-notch.