History Extra Credit

History 7 Extra Credit

Churchill: The Gathering Storm

HBO’s Program Summary:

In his darkest hours as both a husband and a politician, Winston Churchill found the strength to wage a solitary battle against Nazi tyranny. Five-time Oscar nominee Albert Finney (Erin Brockovich) and Oscar winner Vanessa Redgrave (Julia) star as Winston and Clementine Churchill in this intimate story that chronicles the obstacles they faced in their marriage against the backdrop of the growing threat of a second World War. Beginning with Churchill as a washed-up sixty-year-old politician who had lost most of his fortune, the film details his resurgence to leadership in the 1930s—a period in which he fought a bitter battle against his own peers to deliver a much-needed message about the perils of allowing Germany to rearm itself after World War I.

Mr. Stroebel’s comments:

I was somewhat disappointed with the film, as I hoped that it would focus more on the historical aspects. The film does, however, do an excellent job of exhibiting Churchill’s personality as well as a look at the lifestyle of the British upper class in the 1930s. Keep in mind that Churchill is a member of the Conservative Party (sometimes referred to as the Tories), but he disagrees greatly with the policies of the prime minister, Stanley Baldwin, who is also a Conservative. Churchill’s criticism is thusly resented and considered disloyal by many members of the party. It was also charged that Churchill’s motives were personal, as Baldwin had refused to give Churchill a position in his government (cabinet position).

To earn the extra credit:

Watch the film and respond to one of the two topics. Your essay needs to be typed double-spaced and be an example of your best work. The amount of extra credit will depend on the quality of your answer and your use of specific examples from the film to back up your main points. I would expect your answer to be about the length of a test essay. All extra credit will be applied to your second World War II test. The last day to turn in this extra credit is Thursday, May 16.

I have three tapes of the film, which may be checked out for two night periods.

Topics:

During the 1930s, Winston Churchill was intensely disliked by many people in Britain. How does the film demonstrate this? What aspects of his personality are depicted that you find appealing?

How does the film depict the overwhelming pacifism of the British people during the 1930s?

HBO Air Times: (The program runs approximately one hour and forty minutes. I strongly suggest confirming times before you program your VCR.

Tuesday, April 30 11:30 a.m.

8:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 5 1:00 p.m.

10:40 p.m.

Thursday, May 9 3:15 p.m.

11:00 p.m.

Monday, May 13 1:30 p.m.

9:15 p.m.