Darkest Hour_2017

DARKEST HOUR
    A Screenplay
    By Anthony McCarten
    SHOOTING SCRIPT
    © 2016 Working Title Films Limited. All Rights Reserved.
    THIS SCREENPLAY IS THE PROPERTY OF WORKING TITLE FILMS LIMITED ("WT"). DISTRIBUTION OR DISCLOSURE OF ANY INFORMATION OF WHATEVER NATURE IN WHATEVER FORM RELATING TO THE CHARACTERS, STORY AND THE SCREENPLAY ITSELF OBTAINED FROM ANY SOURCE INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THIS SCREENPLAY OR INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM WT, TO UNAUTHORISED PERSONS, OR THE SALE, COPYING OR REPRODUCTION OF THIS SCREENPLAY IN ANY FORM IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. THIS SCREENPLAY IS INTENDED TO BE READ SOLELY BY WT EMPLOYEES AND INDIVIDUALS UNDER CONTRACT TO OR INDIVIDUALS PERMITTED BY WT. THIS SCREENPLAY CONTAINS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND THEREFORE IS GIVEN FOR REVIEW ON A STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL BASIS. BY READING THIS SCREENPLAY YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY A DUTY OF CONFIDENCE TO WT, ITS PARENT AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES. On BLACK SCREEN: Run CAPTIONS: MAY 9TH 1940: HITLER HAS INVADED CZECHOSLOVAKIA, POLAND, DENMARK, AND NORWAY. HE IS NOW POISED TO CONQUER THE REST OF EUROPE.: IN BRITAIN, PARLIAMENT HAS LOST FAITH IN ITS LEADER, NEVILLE THE SEARCH FOR A REPLACEMENT HAS ALREADY BEGUN… FADE IN....

INT. HOUSE OF COMMONS CHAMBER - DAY
    ...is in an uproar. The PRIME MINISTER, NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN (71), sits with the MAJORITY, RULING CONSERVATIVE PARTY on one side of the house... ...whilst the LEADER of the MINORITY, OPPOSITION LABOUR PARTY, CLEMENT ATTLEE (57) sits with the OPPOSITION PARTIES on the other side. They face each other like two warring armies. Shouting. Accusations. Wild gesturing. Paper darts thrown. Mayhem.
    CAPTION:
    MAY 9, 1940
    ATTLEE rises to his feet, amid jeers and heckles, to denounce CHAMBERLAIN, directly opposite him across the aisle -
    ATTLEE
    Mr Speaker! Mr Speaker!
    SPEAKER
    The Honourable Leader of the Opposition, Clement Attlee!
    ATTLEE
    Mr Speaker--Mr Speaker--it seems I have not been clear enough. Then let me leave no doubt regarding my feelings about Mr Chamberlain's future as Prime Minister.
    (over boos and applause)
    Owing to his years of inactivity and incompetence -
    (cheers and boos)
    ATTLEE
    - we find him personally responsible, personally responsible for leaving our nation ruinously unprepared to face the present Nazi peril. We are at war, Mr Speaker. At war. And leaving aside whether he is fit to be a leader in peace- time he has proven himself incapable of leading us in war- time.
    Cries of support to this - Looking down from the LORDS GALLERY is - VISCOUNT HALIFAX (59), appalled by what he is seeing. He exchanges a look with the bereft CHAMBERLAIN.
    ATTLEE
    Therefore, in the national interest, we the Opposition, are willing to enter into a Grand Coalition--with the "ruling" Conservative Party, so-called!...
    An OPPOSITION MP stands and starts singing "Rule Britannia". Others soon begin to join in.
    SPEAKER
    Order! Order!
    ATTLEE
    ...but not, and I stress this, never, under the leadership of Mr Chamberlain...
    (angle on CHAMBERLAIN)
    ...who has lost the confidence of this House!
    A REBEL CONSERVATIVE MEMBER rises and crosses the floor to stand with the OPPOSITION MPs, betraying Chamberlain.
    ATTLEE
    (directly to CHAMBERLAIN)
    In the country's interest man, resign! Step down! And let us find a new leader!
    UPROAR, and many cry "HEAR-HEAR!" and "GO!"
    SPEAKER
    I said, ORDER!
    The camera passes along the CONSERVATIVE benches to find ANTHONY EDEN (43), behind him sits KINGSLEY WOOD (59).
    KINGSLEY WOOD
    (into EDEN's ear)
    Where's Winston?
    On the bench beside EDEN, as if to reserve a space, is an old Royal Naval Yacht Club CAP.
    EDEN
    Ensuring his fingerprints are not on the murder weapon.
    The singing of "Rule Britannia" continues over -

INT. DINING ROOM/ SIR JOHN SIMON'S COUNTRY HOUSE - NIGHT
    NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN addresses the other CONSERVATIVE guests gathered around a circular dining table.
    CHAMBERLAIN
    Accordingly--tomorrow--I will resign as Prime Minister.
    GREAT FEAR in the faces of the NOBLES. CUT BETWEEN their FACES, during the following -
    CHAMBERLAIN
    (suppressing emotion)
    As the Opposition refuse to join a government headed by me, we must select my successor.
    (beat)
    I will step down tomorrow but I wanted my own party, the gentlemen I most respect, to know first.
    LORD LONDONDERRY.
    Halifax. There's no question! Our Foreign Secretary -
    SIR JOHN SIMON
    No contest! HALIFAX
    HALIFAX
    I appreciate your confidence but my time has yet to come. However, on whomever the task may fall, he shall be charged with the security of these islands and of our Empire, and shall be required to explore all avenues.
    CHAMBERLAIN
    Including that of Diplomatic talks.
    HALIFAX
    Indeed, towards the restoration of peace in Europe.
    ALL
    Hear Hear!!!
    CHAMBERLAIN
    Gentlemen, I'm afraid there is only one candidate. Only, one man that the Opposition will accept?
    ALL
    Oh no.
    SIR JOHN SIMON
    Surely not...

INT. CHARTWELL/ COUNTRY HOUSE OF WINSTON & CLEMENTINE
    CHURCHILL DAY
    CAPTION:
    A plate of BACON & EGGS is set on a BREAKFAST TRAY. Then...a
    FRIDAY, MAY 10, 1940
    glass of WHITE WINE is poured by WINSTON's VALET, SAWYERS, and set beside the plate. A glass of SCOTCH and SODA is also prepared and set beside these on the tray. For Breakfast?
    SAWYERS carries the TRAY through servants quarters towards the ENTRANCE HALL of the house, where -
    - the TRAY passes by - WINSTON's PRIVATE SECRETARY, JOHN EVANS (35), as he schools the NEW YOUNG SECRETARY, ELIZABETH LAYTON. Evans, an immaculately-groomed rake, snobbishly thinks himself infinitely superior to the Elizabeth Laytons of the world.
    JOHN EVANS
    (to ELIZABETH)
    ...and if he stretches out his hand and says, "Gimme", you need to anticipate what he wants - black pen, red pen, paper, or "Clop", that's his hole punch.
    EVANS and LAYTON walk past - - SAWYERS-with-TRAY, as he waits for the COOK to iron a NEWSPAPER (DAILY EXPRESS)and as the SCULLERY MAIDS, over her shoulder, ANXIOUSLY read the headline:
    "CHAMBERLAIN TO RESIGN"
    SAWYERS
    Don't smudge the ink.
    MAID
    How selfish to resign, time like this.
    COOK
    D'you think they'll take me to Downing Street?
    SAWYERS
    Not after the Spotted Dick you served last week.
    The COOK then sets the PAPER on the TRAY, whereupon SAWYERS carries the TRAY up the stairs. CUT TO: EVANS and LAYTON approach a BEDROOM DOORWAY.
    JOHN EVANS
    ...He mumbles, so it's almost impossible to catch everything. And be prepared to type fast - short bursts - and double-spaced, he hates single-spaced--hates it! Good luck.
    EVANS knocks on the door, opens it and then pushes the now- quaking ELIZABETH LAYTON inside, closing the door again.

INT. BEDROOM/ CHARTWELL - DAY
    Her POV of the dimly-lit room. And then, a MATCH is struck, a CIGAR lit. We can just make out a MAN in bed, as - SAWYERS tugs open the CURTAINS, revealing - - WINSTON CHURCHILL (65), in BED, with the BREAKFAST TRAY on his lap, in a pink silk dressing-gown (naked beneath). His dispatch box, piled high with telegrams, stands open by his bed . His marmalade cat, TANGO, sits at the end of the bed, as WINSTON reads a dispatch and dictates...
    WINSTON
    To the French Ambassador. Come on -
    WINSTON looks up at ELIZABETH, to see if she is writing this down. She's not -
    WINSTON
    - telegram!
    ELIZABETH realises, to her horror, that the dictation has already begun, and she hurries to the TYPE-WRITER, which has already been loaded with a sheet...She begins to type FAST, in short bursts -
    WINSTON
    (dictating)
    With German forces crossing into Holland...Holland alone...request reassurance...that French forces will now move--move at once--to protect Belgium. Stop. Read!
    ELIZABETH
    (nervously)
    "To--to the French Ambassador. With German forces crossing into Holland...Holland alone... request reassurance that -
    WINSTON
    - immediate reassurance -
    ELIZABETH adjusts the typewriter's carriage and paten and types the word "IMMEDIATE" above the previous text...
    ELIZABETH
    "- immediate - reassurance - "
    WINSTON
    " - that -" Go on - "- that "
    SAWYERS enters, as ELIZABETH struggles to re-set the carriage.
    ELIZABETH
    " - that - "
    The BEDROOM TELEPHONE rings -
    SAWYERS
    French Ambassador sir -
    WINSTON
    Monsieur Ambassador!
    (pause)
    Ah. They've already invaded Belgium.
    (pause)
    I will convey your plea to the Prime Minister at once. Yes, the situation is still very confused. Goodbye.
    WINSTON hangs up. A concerned pause, and then -
    WINSTON
    Holland and Belgium.
    ELIZABETH types this - tap,tap,tap,tap -
    WINSTON
    No, no, no.
    ELIZABETH
    (confused)
    Sir?
    WINSTON
    Scrap that. New telegram.
    In a fluster, she pulls out the old PAGE from the TYPEWRITER CARRIAGE and quickly inserts a new page, as -
    WINSTON
    To General Ismay...
    WINSTON grabs his WHISKEY and SODA, as - the PHONE rings again. SAWYERS re-appears.
    WINSTON
    Dammit Sawyers! What is it now?!
    SAWYERS
    Your son.
    WINSTON, his concentration broken, goes to the PHONE.
    WINSTON
    (into Phone)
    Randolph, quickly -
    (listens)
    Last night they said I may be made Prime Minister today. But that was yesterday. Let's see what Neville does today. Thank--thank you my boy. Keep buggering on!
    Puts down the phone. Turns to look at ELIZABETH.
    WINSTON
    Now...
    Sips his SCOTCH. This calms him.
    ELIZABETH LAYTON
    General Ismay...
    Moving to the end of the bed -
    WINSTON
    Ah, General Ismay.
    (to Sawyers)
    Sawyers - get rid of this will you?
    Winston gestures to Sawyers to move his tray away and then swings his legs - indecorously! - out of bed. ELIZABETH quickly turns her face away! WINSTON then begins to pace -
    WINSTON
    In the light of today's events, the time is ripe for many preparations to be made...
    (beat)
    Are you striking those typewriter keys in a normal fashion? It's awfully loud, I can't think!
    (beat)
    Read it back.
    ELIZABETH
    Ahh--To General Ismay. In the light of today's events, the time is right for many prep -
    WINSTON
    RIPE! Not RIGHT! God's teeth girl! I said ripe, ripe, ripe - P-P-P! The last sentence...
    ELIZABETH LAYTON
    (shaken)
    The--the time is ripe...
    WINSTON
    For! FOR!
    ELIZABETH LAYTON
    (her nerve broken)
    ...many...many...many...
    WINSTON
    How many "many"s did you write?! One many!
    (sighs)
    "For...for MANY preparations-- to be made..."
    He walks up to her and looks over her chair, and is horrified to see -
    WINSTON
    Single-spaced? What are you doing?! What are you doing?!
    ELIZABETH
    Someone set it on single-spaced and before I realised -
    WINSTON
    Then why did you persist?!
    ELIZABETH
    I -
    As she starts to rush out -
    WINSTON
    Tell Evans to send me someone who can do it right the first time! RIGHT! T-T-T-T!

INT. HALLWAY/ CHARTWELL - DAY
    ELIZABETH comes down the stairs, and stops, her face tear- stained. CLEMENTINE CHURCHILL - WINSTON's WIFE, 55 YEARS OLD - beautiful, elegant, highly-strung, is at that moment crossing the hall, with a HANDFUL of BROWN ENVELOPES. She sees ELIZABETH.
    CLEMMIE
    Ah. He shouted at you. Did he shout at you?
    ELIZABETH
    Yes, but I....
    CLEMMIE
    He can be an awful brute.
    ELIZABETH
    No! I made too many mistakes.
    CLEMMIE
    I think you were nervous. And he has a knack for drawing out the very worst in those trying to help him the most.
    ELIZABETH
    Oh it's not him. It's me. He's - he's -
    CLEMMIE
    He's just a man, like any other. Wait here.
    CLEMMIE climbs the stairs.

INT. BEDROOM/ CHARTWELL - DAY
    CLEMMIE enters - WINSTON (on his knees) is looking for Tango the cat under his bed.
    CLEMMIE
    My Darling?
    WINSTON
    The War Cabinet has been called. The bloody cat is under the bed again.
    CLEMMIE indicates that SAWYERS should go and moves around WINSTON tucking his shirt in.
    CLEMMIE
    Can I tell you something that I feel you ought to know?
    He looks at her -
    CLEMMIE
    I've noticed a recent deterioration in your manner. You're not so kind as you used to be. You've become rough, sarcastic, over-bearing and rude.
    WINSTON
    Is this about the new girl?
    CLEMMIE
    If the King asks you to become Prime Minister -
    WINSTON
    We don't know that -
    CLEMMIE
    I don't want you to be disliked.
    WINSTON
    More than I already am?
    CLEMMIE
    Darling, you may be on the brink, the brink--of having tremendous power, surpassed only by the King. With such power you really must try to be more kind and, if possible, calm. I want others to love and respect you as I do.
    Clemmie falls back in the bed, shortly joined by Winston- they share a moment of fondness.

EXT. CHARTWELL - DAY
    WIDE SHOT of Chartwell bathed in sunshine. ELIZABETH LAYTON, with hat and coat now on, is attempting to make a discreet escape from the house but is stopped by a MOTORCYCLE COURIER with a telegram to deliver. We do not hear what is said. CLOSE-UP on the telegram turning in ELIZABETH'S hands as the COURIER rides away. ELIZABETH looks back to the house, makes her decision and re-enters the lair.

INT. STAIRS / CHARTWELL - DAY
    ELIZABETH climbs the stairs holding a telegram, braced to once more enter the Lion's Den. She enters -

INT. BEDROOM/ CHARTWELL - DAY
    - and finds WINSTON, CLEMMIE, JOHN EVANS, SAWYERS and a MAID - all listening with rapt attention to a RADIO BROADCAST.
    BBC RADIO ANNOUNCER
    "This is BBC Home Service. Here is a short news bulletin. The German army invaded Holland and Belgium early this morning, by land, and land parachutes--
    ELIZABETH
    There's a telegram.
    JOHN EVANS
    Sssshhh!
    BBC RADIO ANNOUNCER
    ..."The Armies of the Low Countries are resisting. An appeal for help has been made to the Allied governments and Brussels says the Allied troops are moving to their support..."
    ELIZABETH
    It's from the Palace.
    All eyes turn to look at her, as if an elephant has entered the room. A silent beat in which no-one breathes.
    WINSTON
    Thank you, Miss...?
    ELIZABETH
    Layton.

INT. STUDY/HALLWAY, CHARTWELL - DAY
    CLEMMIE hands WINSTON his watch, glasses, cigar case, matches and a sugar cube.
    CLEMMIE
    You're shaking.
    WINSTON
    So are you!
    It's true CLEMMIE is just as nervous -
    CLEMMIE
    You from excitement--I from terror. You have been wanting this your entire adult life.
    WINSTON
    No--since the nursery.
    CLEMMIE laughs.
    WINSTON
    But do the public want me?
    CLEMMIE
    It's your own Party to whom you'll have to prove yourself.
    WINSTON
    I'm getting the job only because the ship is sinking. It's not a gift, it's revenge.
    CLEMMIE
    Let them see your true qualities. Your courage...
    WINSTON
    ...My poor judgement.
    CLEMMIE
    ...Your lack of vanity.
    WINSTON
    ...My iron will.
    CLEMMIE
    (in playful rebuke)
    ...Your sense of humour.
    WINSTON
    Ho Ho Ho!
    CLEMMIE
    Now go.
    WINSTON
    Go?
    CLEMMIE
    Be.
    WINSTON
    Be?
    She touches his face tenderly -
    CLEMMIE
    Yourself.
    WINSTON
    Which self?
    CLEMMIE walks away. WINSTON turns to a wall on which are hung many HATS - (Royal Naval Yacht Club Cap, Admiral's hat with plume, aviator helmet with goggles, riding hat, pith helmet, French WW1 helmet, fez, Homburg, top hat, etc ) all on display like HUNTING TROPHIES.
    WINSTON
    (to himself)
    Which self should I be today?
    WINSTON surveys the collection, then plucks the TOP HAT from its hook -
    WINSTON
    One should have had power when a young man. When wits were sharp, sinews strong. Oh well.
    He returns to her -
    WINSTON
    Lead on Macduff-- When youth departs-- may wisdom prove enough.
    They kiss, and she gives him a silver BOX OF MATCHES, embossed with loving message from his children.

EXT/INT. PRINCES STREET/ WINSTON'S CAR - DAY
    WINSTON, in the back seat, (with JOHN EVANS in front) looks out the window at the human traffic - seems like he's in a gold-fish bowl, disconnected. He watches as - MEN IN BOWLER HATS and YOUNG WOMEN in SUMMER DRESSES walk to work.
    JOHN EVANS
    Hardly seems like there's a war on at all.
    THREE DELIVERY BOYS ride by on bicycles, notice him and wave excitedly.
    WINSTON
    How odd it is.
    JOHN EVANS
    Sir?
    They stop, waiting behind a BUS.
    WINSTON
    You know--I have never ridden a bus. Never queued for bread. I believe I can boil an egg but only because I saw it done once.

EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY
    WINSTON's car approaches the Palace gates, which are open. The CAR drives up to the PALACE. WINSTON gets out and he and EVANS enter the PALACE -

INT. PALACE ENTRANCE - DAY
    A grand hall. Winston removing his hat and coat, hands his cane and gloves, then hat to a LIVERIED DOORMAN whilst a LIVERIED STAFF MEMBER waits nearby.
    WINSTON
    The only time I tried to ride the Underground was during the General Strike. Clemmie dropped me at South Kensington station. I went down-- but I got lost and came straight back up. Awful!
    (girding himself)
    Well, "Here we go"...
    EVANS
    Good luck sir.
    WINSTON strides away, following the EQUERRY.

INT. STATE CHAMBERS/ BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY
    KING GEORGE VI (agitated, troubled) speaks with the ill, weak, outgoing PRIME-MINISTER NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN. CHAMBERLAIN watches the KING.
    GEORGE VI
    Why not Halifax? I favour Halifax.
    CHAMBERLAIN
    I wanted Halifax. The Lords wanted Halifax. Halifax wanted Halifax.
    GEORGE VI
    Then--then why have I been forced to send for Churchill?
    CHAMBERLAIN
    Because he's the only member of our party who has the support of the Opposition.
    GEORGE VI
    His record is a litany of catastrophe. Gallipoli, 25,000 dead. The India Policy. Russian Civil War. The Gold Standard. The the the Abdication. And now this Norway 'adventure'. What, eighteen hundred men?
    CHAMBERLAIN
    One aircraft carrier, two cruisers, seven destroyers and a submarine.
    GEORGE VI
    Winston lacks judgement.
    CHAMBERLAIN
    He was right about Hitler.
    GEORGE VI
    Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.
    EQUERRY enters.
    EQUERRY
    First Lord of the Admiralty, Mr Winston Churchill!
    GEORGE VI
    Early.
    CHAMBERLAIN
    Keen.
    GEORGE VI
    I accept your resignation--but I want you to know--how--cruelly I think you've been treated.
    CHAMBERLAIN
    Thank you Your Majesty.
    He and GEORGE shake hands.
    EQUERRY
    This way, my Lord.
    The KING waits - SIGHS deeply, until... We hear footsteps approaching. WINSTON enters.
    WINSTON
    Your Majesty.
    GEORGE VI
    Mr Churchill.
    GEORGE VI
    I believe you know why I--I I have asked you here today.
    WINSTON
    Sir, I simply can't imagine why.
    GEORGE VI
    It is my duty to-to-to invite you to take up - the position of of Prime Minister of this United Kingdom. Will you form a government?
    WINSTON
    I will.
    GEORGE VI
    Very well.
    WINSTON bows, and when the KING offers his hand, WINSTON kisses it. WINSTON rises.
    GEORGE VI
    That was--quite easy.
    WINSTON
    Yes.
    They stare at each other in uneasy silence.
    WINSTON
    I believe we are to meet regularly.
    GEORGE VI
    Once a week, I'm afraid. How are you on--on--on Mondays?
    WINSTON
    I shall endeavour to be available on Mondays.
    GEORGE VI
    Four o'clock?
    WINSTON
    (resolutely)
    I nap at 4.
    GEORGE VI
    Is that--permissible?
    WINSTON
    No. But necessary. I work late.
    GEORGE VI
    Then perhaps lunch?
    WINSTON
    Lunch! Mondays.
    (WINSTON bows)
    Your majesty.
    GEORGE VI
    Prime Minister.
    When WINSTON backs out of the room, the KING anxiously lights a cigarette, and broods.

EXT. 10 DOWNING STREET - DAY
    WINSTON pulls up in his PRIVATE CAR, alights, (followed by EVANS) waves at the PRESS, an effortless SELF-PUBLICIST, at total ease in the spotlight. Ever the showman - taps the NUMBER 10 on the famous front door with his walking stick for the amusement of the PHOTOGRAPHERS -
    PHOTOGRAPHER
    Prime Minister? First order of business, sir?
    WINSTON
    A glass of Pol Roger!
    He enters the building, and -

INT. HALLWAY/ 10 DOWNING STREET - DAY
    - is greeted by EDEN.
    EDEN
    Prime Minister!
    WINSTON
    Anthony.
    EDEN
    How was the K-k-king?
    WINSTON
    Anxious. Never forgiven me for supporting his brother's marriage to Wallis Simpson.
    WINSTON and EDEN step into his office, with WINSTON closing the door on EVANS in the hallway.

INT. OFFICE/ 10 DOWNING STREET - CONTINUOUS
    EDEN
    You only have to meet him once a week.
    WINSTON
    That's like saying you only have to have your tooth pulled once a week.
    EDEN takes out a pen, opens a notebook -
    EDEN
    Composition of your War Cabinet. Who should sit on it?
    WINSTON
    Chamberlain. And the Reverend "Holy Fox" -
    EDEN
    (writes)
    Halifax. Keeping your enemies close?
    WINSTON
    More than that, without them the party will get rid of me.
    (beat)
    And that sheep in sheep's clothing, Attlee.
    MARY, CHURCHILL's 18 year old daughter, appears in the doorway.
    MARY CHURCHILL
    Come on Daddy--everyone's waiting.
    WINSTON
    Be there in a jiffy, my love.
    MARY exits.
    EDEN
    I heard that before you were asked, they offered it to Lord Halifax.
    WINSTON
    (shakes head)
    I doubt that. Halifax would never turn it down. He's the fourth son of an Earl. Fourth sons turn nothing down.
    EDEN
    I only wish the position had come your way in better times, sir. You have an enormous task ahead of you.
    WINSTON
    I hope it's not too late. I am very much afraid it is. But we can only do our best.

INT. LIVING ROOM/ 10 DOWNING STREET - DAY
    CLEMMIE and the CHURCHILL CHILDREN wear GAS-MASKS as they shout -
    CHURCHILL CHILDREN
    HURRAY!
    RANDOLPH CHURCHILL
    Hip Hip -
    CHURCHILL CHILDREN
    HURRAY!
    WINSTON enters - and stops, aghast, and stares at his family -
    WINSTON
    Good lord, what a frightful sight!
    CLEMMIE, SARAH CHURCHILL (26), DIANA CHURCHILL(31), RANDOLPH CHURCHILL (29) and his WIFE PAMELA (pregnant), and MARY CHURCHILL (18) all pull off their GAS MASKS, grab their glasses of CHAMPAGNE, then converge on him and kiss him. He stares at them, a SMILE FORMING AT LAST, deeply touched, actually. He is presented with a glass of champagne.
    CHURCHILL
    Thank you. Thank you.
    PAMELA raises her glass -
    PAMELA
    A toast! Come on!
    DIANA
    Yes!
    Mary makes her way to sit on a cushion on the floor next to Winston. She looks proudly at WINSTON -
    CLEMMIE
    My darling husband--Something you all might not know is that on the eve of our marriage I got "cold feet"--but as I'd already called off two engagements by the age of 21 I was in danger of gaining a reputation for being a 'bolter'-- and it would've been poor form to call off a third!
    LAUGHTER. WINSTON smiles.
    RANDOLPH
    Hear hear.
    DIANA
    Lucky for Daddy.
    CLEMMIE
    But the real reason for my wintry feet was because I knew, even then, that his priority would be public life. It worried a young girl greatly--this wretched thought of coming second, eternally. But so it has proven to be. And in due course (Mary takes Winstons hand) our children would also have to make their own peace with this same fact.
    (directly to Winston)
    We all did, you see, in our own ways. And now, today, we all receive our reward--proof that our small sacrifice was for a far, far greater good. I give you, your father, my beloved husband - the Prime Minister.
    ALL
    Prime Minister!
    They raise their GLASSES in a toast -
    CHURCHILL
    Here's to--(thinks) not buggering it up.
    FAMILY
    Not buggering it up!

EXT. BIG BEN / LONDON - DAY
    BIG BEN starts the WESTMINSTER CHIME -
    CAPTION:
    MONDAY, MAY 13, 1940

INT. WESTMINSTER HALL/ PARLIAMENT - DAY
    WINSTON approaches EDEN in the ancient hall and together they climb the steps beneath the great gothic WINDOW.
    WINSTON
    Belgium was a ploy. They just punched through the Ardennes into France and crossed the Meuse in under 24 hours!
    EDEN
    No-one can cross the Meuse River in 24 hours.
    WINSTON
    Apparently the Germans can.

INT. CLOCK TOWER - DAY
    BIG BEN strikes the hour - 3 PM.

INT. COMMONS/ PARLIAMENT - DAY
    To the sound of the distant BELLS, WINSTON enters, with EDEN, and small knuckle-knocking on woodwork, mainly from the LABOUR benches. WINSTON looks around, not actually surprised at the contemptuous reception.
    WINSTON
    (to EDEN)
    Contempt. Well, you have to start somewhere.
    In the LORDS GALLERY, above, HALIFAX enters and looks down at proceedings, and on - WINSTON, looking at his FOB-WATCH. The HUBBUB dies down and WINSTON puts on his GLASSES.
    SIR SAMUEL HOARE
    (whispered, to SIMON)
    Here we go.
    WINSTON reaches into his waistcoat for his TYPED SPEECH, then delivers his MAIDEN SPEECH as PRIME MINISTER...
    WINSTON
    Mr Speaker. On Friday evening last-- I received His Majesty's commission to form a new administration...
    ANGLE ON: CONSERVATIVE MP's, all looking worried.
    WINSTON
    ...It was the evident wish and will of Parliament, and the Nation, that this should be conceived on the broadest possible basis, and that it should include all parties.

INT. BEDROOM / 10 DOWNING STREET - DAY
    CLOSE ON: TYPED PAGE (with TEXT) being rapidly tugged from a TYPEWRITER CARRIAGE (to a LOUD explosive ratchet-whirr)!!! CUT TO:
    WINSTON (O.S.)
    A War Cabinet has been convened...
    CLOSE ON: TYPE-WRITER keys typing..."A War Cabinet has been convened" - WIDE: ELIZABETH TYPES, as WINSTON dictates -
    WINSTON
    Correction - "has been formed" -
    ELIZABETH adjusts the PATEN, then types - "formed" above "convened" -

INT. COMMONS/ PARLIAMENT - DAY
    WINSTON
    - has been formed--of five members -

INT. BEDROOM/ 10 DOWNING STREET - DAY
    WINSTON
    ...representing, with the Opposition parties, the unity of the Nation.
    CUT TO: CLOSE ON: A FRESHLY TYPED PAGE (ROUGH DRAFT) is set down on the desk by ELIZABETH's hand. The stationary bears the Prime Minister's monogram, and we see typed TEXT plus several phrases struck out (between parentheses). The CAMERA moves in on the paragraph that reads... "The three party Leaders have agreed to serve, either in the War Cabinet, or in (positions of authority\*) high executive office." (\* denotes struck through phrase)
    ELIZABETH (O.S.)
    The three party Leaders have agreed to serve, either in the War Cabinet-

INT. COMMONS/ PARLIAMENT - DAY
    ELIZABETH (O.S.)
    - or in high executive office.
    WINSTON
    - or in high executive office.
    WINSTON
    The three fighting Services have been filled.

INT. HALLWAY/ 10 DOWNING STREET - DAY
    OUTSIDE the BATHROOM DOOR - ELIZABETH LAYTON waits, with a PAD and PAPER, taking down his dictation...
    WINSTON
    Sawyers is she there?
    ELIZABETH
    Yes she is.. I mean, I am
    WINSTON (O.S.)
    Don't come in!
    SOUNDS of him taking a BATH, the SPONGE being squeezed over his head...She starts to move away, but is arrested by -
    WINSTON (O.S.)
    Don't go away!
    ELIZABETH LAYTON
    No, no--I'm still here.
    WINSTON (O.S.)
    "With this agreement, I now invite the House -
    (water sounds)
    - by the resolution which stands in my name, to record its approval, and to declare its confidence in the new government."
    Sound of WINSTON getting out of the BATH.
    WINSTON (O.S.)
    Miss? I'm coming out in a state of nature!
    ELIZABETH LAYTON flees, as the DOOR opens and as WINSTON (naked) looks up and down the HALLWAY to see where his TYPIST has gone.

INT. COMMONS/ PARLIAMENT - DAY
    WINSTON
    I now invite the House by a resolution to declare its confidence in the new government.
    ANGLE on the CONSERVATIVE PARTY - unimpressed. KINGSLEY-WOOD advises A JUNIOR CONSERVATIVE, ERNLE HASTINGS.
    KINGSLEY WOOD
    Look to Chamberlain's handkerchief. If he waves it at the end of Churchill's speech, we show approval, if not, keep quiet.
    ERNLE HASTINGS looks over at CHAMBERLAIN. CHAMBERLAIN, still on the front bench but not in the PM's chair, draws a WHITE HANDKERCHIEF out of his BREAST POCKET and folds it in his LAP. ERNLE HASTINGS nods - understanding.
    WINSTON
    It must be remembered that we are in the preliminary stage of one of the greatest battles in history...

INT. OFFICE/ 10 DOWNING STREET - NIGHT
    CLOSE ON: A HEAVILY MARKED-UP PAGE of TYPED SPEECH (ROUGH DRAFT) much worked-over, annotated, altered - with WINSTON's HAND just then adding the latest change in the margins...we see his HAND write (in his tiny cursive scrawl) - and that many (arrangements\*) preparations have to be made here at home.
    WINSTON (O.S.)
    ...and that many preparations have to be made here at home.
    WIDE: WINSTON, alone in his OFFICE, hunkered at NIGHT, goes through the speech, meticulous, obsessive, a perfectionist.
    WINSTON (O.S.)
    Sir, I take up my task with buoyancy and hope -

INT. OFFICE/ 10 DOWNING STREET - DAY
    CLOSE ON: The TYPEWRITER hammers typing the CLEAN (FINAL) DRAFT of the speech, on SMALLER SHEETS of PAPER, the TEXT now set out like BLANK VERSE in a POEM, or in the BIBLE, each phrase spaced apart from the next - and say to the House, as I said to those who have joined the government -
    WINSTON (O.S.)
    - and say to the House, as I said to those who have joined the government -

INT/EXT. WINSTONS CAR, PARLIAMENT - DAY
    WINSTONS car is stationary in the internal courtyard at Parliament. WINSTON, in the back seat (with ELIZABETH LAYTON in the front, her TYPE-WRITER on her knee, typing away) dictates.
    WINSTON
    - I have nothing to offer but blood, toil--tears--and sweat.
    EXTREME CLOSE ON: her keys typing: "sweat!" CLOSE ON: The PAGE being tugged from the TYPEWRITER. WINSTON alights the car, and ELIZABETH passes the PAGES of the SPEECH, which he grabs, then hurries away.

INT. COMMONS/ PARLIAMENT - DAY
    ANGLE ON: ERNLE HASTINGS, unable to take his eyes off CHAMBERLAIN, waiting for the HANDKERCHIEF to be waved. ANGLE ON WINSTON: readying himself for the final assault!
    WINSTON
    We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. You ask, what is our policy? I say it is to wage war by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength God can give us--to wage war against a monstrous tyranny never surpassed in the dark and lamentable catalogue of human crime.
    ANGLE ON: HALIFAX, in the GALLERY - he shoots a look to CHAMBERLAIN.
    WINSTON
    That is our policy. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word. Victory - victory at all costs, victory in spite of terror, victory however long and hard the road may be. For without victory, there is no survival.
    WINSTON feels he must have won them over, but his confident smile fades as he realises he stands alone. Small KNUCKLE-KNOCKING begins - but it is MUTED. SIMON and HOARE and the other CONSERVATIVE PLOTTERS all look to CHAMBERLAIN, as he - - puts his WHITE HANDKERCHIEF back in his BREAST POCKET!!! The TORIES sit back - NONE APPLAUD. EXT - ROSE GARDEN/ DOWNING STREET - DAY CHAMBERLAIN, attempting to catch his breath, sits on a bench looking across the rose in bloom so ripe they're almost rotten. HALIFAX sees, then approaches CHAMBERLAIN.
    HALIFAX
    "Our policy is to wage war--At all costs--No survival". Winston is incapable of pronouncing the word peace, let alone engaging in peace talks.
    He sits next to CHAMBERLAIN.
    CHAMBERLAIN
    Awful, the thought that I shall never see my country at peace again.
    HALIFAX
    Neville?
    CHAMBERLAIN turns and faces HALIFAX - ashen faced.
    CHAMBERLAIN
    I have cancer.
    HALIFAX
    Oh Neville.
    CHAMBERLAIN
    Winston must be removed from office.
    HALIFAX
    How?
    CHAMBERLAIN
    A vote of "no confidence".
    HALIFAX
    If we can get him to declare that he refuses to consider a negotiated peace with Germany then perhaps you and I will have grounds to resign. The party wont stand for that, you're still the chairman for heavens sake, that will force a vote of "no confidence" in his leadership and he'll be finished.
    CHAMBERLAIN
    And would you agree to be Prime Minister?
    HALIFAX
    With Winston out of the way ... who can say, but the important thing, Neville, is that your policies, of peace and the protection of this nation, would be back on the table.
    CHAMBERLAIN
    On record.
    HALIFAX
    Pardon?
    CHAMBERLAIN
    He must declare on record his refusal to engage in peace talks, we must have it in writing.
    HALIFAX's eyes glisten with renewed purpose.

EXT. HM TREASURY - LONDON - DAY
    ELIZABETH LAYTON makes her way to work, but today it's a new location - the grand TREASURY BUILDING in WHITEHALL, crossing, through traffic, Horse Guards Road and entering through the pillared main doors...

INT. TREASURY - CONTINUOUS
    ECU - Elizabeth's hand signs the Official Secrets Act which is duly stamped. An elderly CIVIL SERVANT hands her a security pass. JOHN EVANS meets ELIZABETH in the lobby and leads her down to an INCONSPICUOUS DOOR where a SOLDIER checks her security pass.

INT. WAR ROOMS/ UNDERGROUND BUNKER - DAY
    EVANS leads ELIZABETH down a narrow staircase that leads to the SECRET WAR-ROOMS, the underground nerve centre of BRITISH HIGH COMMAND. But the place is very humble, low ceiling and narrow hallways, the rooms small. No hint of luxury here. Austerity Britain.
    JOHN EVANS
    Follow me.
    ELIZABETH
    What goes on down here?
    JOHN EVANS
    That's a need to know. And you don't.
    JOHN EVANS keeps walking at a brisk pace through the telephonists room. ELIZABETH, clocking her surroundings, notices a door with a dial lock that reads "VACANT".
    ELIZABETH
    The lavatory?
    EVANS
    For the PM's use only.
    EVANS leads her down the corridor, through a narrow room of bunk beds...John Evans gestures towards them.
    EVANS
    Sleeping quarters, for when you miss the last train.
    They pass the MAP ROOM -
    JOHN EVANS
    That's the Map Room. No women allowed.
    ELIZABETH LAYTON
    What department is this?
    JOHN EVANS
    Indiscretion in conversation, or any other form, within or without these rooms regarding what happens here is a statutory offense and punishable by up to two years imprisonment with hard labour. Clear?
    ELIZABETH
    Crystal.
    JOHN EVANS
    Good.
    Elizabeth follows Evans as they stop at the War Cabinet Room.
    JOHN EVANS
    That's the War Cabinet room--never! Don't mean to be rough on you but them's the rules.
    They arrive at the TYPISTS POOL ROOM, full of NINE bust TYPISTS.
    JOHN EVANS
    This is the typists room, you are allowed in here.
    TYPISTS
    (In Unison)
    Good Morning Sir.
    And then indicates another Room - the door is ajar, its no bigger than a shoe-box!
    JOHN EVANS
    And here's you.
    ELIZABETH enters the tiny, windowless room not much bigger than a cupboard, containing only a desk and a chair. CUT TO: She arranges her effects - a BLACK PEN, a RED PEN and a HOLE PUNCH on her desk, and then sets carefully a PHOTOGRAPH of a HANDSOME SOLDIER.

INT. MAP ROOM/ WAR ROOMS - NIGHT
    The CHIEFS OF STAFF brief WINSTON: IRONSIDE for the ARMY, DOWDING (a New Zealander) for the AIR FORCE, and a NAVAL ADMIRAL (DUDLEY POUND). CHAMBERLAIN and HALIFAX are also present - as other OFFICERS all crowd in and look up at - THREE LARGE OPERATIONS MAPS of EUROPE hang on three different walls, each full of pins and strings to show positions - ONE for the ARMY, ONE for the NAVY, ONE for the AIR-WAR. Down the centre of the room runs a long table bearing MULTIPLE TELEPHONES of different colors which are always RINGING...and being answered by OFFICERS of the three services. The BRIEFING begins in front of - the ARMY MAP - showing (with pins and colored string) how far WESTWARD the GERMAN LINE has advanced.
    GENERAL IRONSIDE
    Belgium and Holland may fall any hour.
    WINSTON
    The French?
    GENERAL IRONSIDE
    The entire French ninth army--some two hundred thousand men--have capitulated.
    HALIFAX
    All of them?!
    GENERAL IRONSIDE
    Capitulated. Surrendered. Deserted. It was a rout. All our land forces, roughly 300,000 men, are now in full retreat.
    WINSTON
    (to DOWDING)
    Air-cover? For our troops?
    AIR MARSHALL DOWDING
    The Luftwaffe control the skies. We simply don't have enough planes to challenge them. In fact, I strongly recommend we stop sending our precious fighter-planes to be wasted in France--save them for our own defence.
    WINSTON moves to the NAVAL MAP, showing WARSHIP DEPLOYMENTS...
    WINSTON
    And our navy--sits idle, neutralized, useless.
    NAVAL ADMIRAL POUND
    Our fleets no sooner come within their range than we come under blistering air attack.
    WINSTON
    Their speed is devastating.
    WINSTON returns to the ARMY MAP -
    GENERAL IRONSIDE
    Panzer tanks. Plunging rapidly westward, through the centre.
    WINSTON
    But they will have to pause for fuel supplies.
    IRONSIDE looks at GENERAL ISMAY.
    GENERAL IRONSIDE
    Ismay?
    ISMAY
    This is not the last war, Sir. Their tanks can stop for fuel at a petrol station.
    WINSTON
    Petrol station?
    GENERAL IRONSIDE
    The road to Paris now lies open. 7 million refugees are on the move. Collectively we are looking at the collapse of Western Europe in a few days.
    ISMAY
    Should the public be told?
    WINSTON
    Not yet. First, we must rouse our old friends to an heroic resistance. France must be saved.
    CAMERA moves in on the MAP... Over this, we start to dissolve in - - footage of a FLAMINGO PASSENGER PLANE in flight - - as the MAP itself dissolves into - - a real rural LANDSCAPE, as seen from above...

EXT. AERIAL/ SKIES OVER FRANCE - DAY
    WINSTON's FLAMINGO PASSENGER PLANE flies over FRENCH FIELDS. The PLANE is soon joined by two SPITFIRE FIGHTER ESCORTS, one on each wing.

INT. FLAMINGO/ CIVILIAN PASSENGER PLANE - DAY
    We see pilots in the cockpit looks down, a drink is poured and is taken to Winston as he looks down - His face goes grey as he sees - for the first time - CIVILIAN REFUGEES, long meandering columns of desperate humanity. On BOARD with WINSTON - ISMAY, DOWDING and IRONSIDE. The SHOCK of this plays on his face. WINSTON's POV of: the vast tragedy. Amongst straggling vagabonds and columns of refugees. Signs of the GERMAN conquest - abandoned TANKS and ARTILLERY stand in flames. CLOSE ON: A YOUNG REFUGEE BOY (his POV) looks up at WINSTON's PLANE. He holds his left hand up to his left eye to look at the plane. UP WITH CAPTION: THURSDAY MAY 16
    WINSTON
    This can't go on. Must not.

INT/EXT. FRENCH AIRCRAFT HANGER - DAY
    A LARGE DELEGATION of CIVILIANS and MILITARY await WINSTON, as WINSTON alights the PLANE and approaches down a long RED CARPET. PRIME MINISTER REYNAUD steps forward and shakes WINSTON's hand.
    WINSTON
    (to REYNAUD)
    Brace yourselves, I am about to add to your terrible suffering-- by speaking French.
    They sit at a long table in the hangar.
    WINSTON
    (in bad FRENCH)
    Bien que notre situation soit très grave ce n'est pas la première fois que nous faisons face à une crise, ensemble.
    Subtitles: Although our plight is grave, this was not the first time we has been in a crisis together.
    REYNAUD
    Perhaps in English, Prime Minister.
    WINSTON
    (after a moment's offence)
    We have--we have survived crises before, and I am confident we will survive this one. Tell me how you plan to counter-attack.
    REYNAUD
    There is no plan.
    Silence - then...
    WINSTON
    (in FRENCH)
    You must counter-attack. Premier, you must!
    WINSTON
    (in ENGLISH)
    You must counter-attack!
    Vous devez contrattaquer! Il le faut! Gentlemen--I do not believe this Panzer breakthrough is a real invasion.
    REYNAUD
    Not a real invasion?
    Stupefied looks from the FRENCH and ISMAY alike.
    DALADIER
    (in FRENCH)
    Tell this to the families of the dead perhaps.
    REYNAUD
    We sincerely appreciate your efforts and optimism, but--we have lost.
    WINSTON seems unable/unwilling to process this -
    WINSTON
    As long as--as their tanks are not supported by infantry units they are merely little flags, stuck on the map, because the tank crews are unable to support themselves. No, I refuse to see in this spectacular raid of the German tanks a real invasion.
    Silence to this. Is WINSTON losing his mind?

EXT. FRENCH-AIRFIELD - DAY
    WINSTON's FLAMINGO takes off.

INT. FRENCH STAFF-CAR/ FRENCH AIRFIELD - DAY
    REYNAUD and DALADIER, side by side in the car, watch WINSTON's FLAMINGO climbing into the sky -
    REYNAUD
    (in FRENCH, with SUBTITLES)
    Il Devine! Delusional! (He's delusional)
    DALADIER
    C'est Anglais (He's English.)

INT. PARLIAMENTARY LIBRARY - DAY
    SIR JOHN SIMON and LORD LONDONDERRY walk and talk along the libary gallery -
    SIR JOHN SIMON
    He's an actor. In love with the sound of his own voice.
    LONDONDERRY
    Oh I love to listen to him--but we must never take his advice. Has a hundred ideas a day. Four are good, the other 96 downright dangerous.
    SIR JOHN SIMON
    His father was a great orator but...
    LONDONDERRY
    Until he lost his mind to syphilis -
    SIR JOHN SIMON
    How nations suffer for the sins of their fathers.
    Across the AISLE, STANHOPE is also talking about CHURCHILL with SIR SAMUEL HOARE -
    STANHOPE
    My opinion? At this critical juncture for the empire, we have a drunkard at the wheel.
    SIR SAMUEL HOARE
    Wakes with a scotch, bottle of champagne at lunch, another at dinner, brandy and port till the wee hours...I wouldn't let him borrow my bicycle!

INT. TREASURY TOILETS - DAY
    KINGSLEY WOOD is talking to a COLLEAGUE -
    KINGSLEY WOOD
    He's a Conservative, who defects to the Liberals--lobs grenades at us for 10 years--then flops Conservative again, as it bloody suits him! Sorry, but--he stands for one thing: himself!

INT. CHAPEL - DAY
    HALIFAX is sitting with KING GEORGE VI.
    HALIFAX
    We might have to replace him, Bertie.
    KING GEORGE VI
    Replace him?!
    HALIFAX
    We must strive for peace--for every son and daughter of this land so that we may emerge from this crisis with something recognisable as 'home.'
    KING GEORGE VI
    Spoken like a true Prime Minister.

INT. KITCHEN/ 10 DOWNING STREET - DAY
    YELLOW POWDERED EGGS are being MIXED with WATER, then fried then slopped onto a plate as SCRAMBLED EGGS. On a BREAKFAST TRAY (once more)are set - (in rapid cuts) BACON and POWDERED EGGS, SCOTCH and SODA, a GLASS of WINE...
    CAPTION:
    SUNDAY, MAY 19, 1940

INT. DRESSING ROOM/BEDROOM/ 10 DOWNING STREET - DAY
    JOHN EVANS stands outside the LOO (whose door is closed), with a note-pad and pen, ready to record WINSTON's instructions.
    JOHN EVANS
    Sir, you need to reply to the Lord Privy Seal.

INT. LOO/ 10 DOWNING STREET - DAY
    WINSTON sits on the TOILET, reading a French newspaper whose front page shows a picture of FRENCH SOLDIER with his arm around his FRENCH SWEETHEART, holding up his fingers in a V- FOR-VICTORY gesture (palm-outward). The headline is "V POUR LA VICTOIRE". Winston is sitting on the toilet.
    WINSTON
    The Privy Seal?
    JOHN EVANS
    Yes sir?
    WINSTON
    (reading)
    "V for Victory"
    WINSTON closes the newspaper, stands -
    WINSTON
    Tell the Lord Privy Seal -

INT. DRESSING ROOM/BEDROOM/ 10 DOWNING STREET - DAY
    WINSTON (O.S.)
    - tell him I'm sealed in the Privy -
    We hear a flush and then WINSTON appears, wearing his pink silk dressing-gown.
    WINSTON
    - and I can only deal with one shit at a time!
    He goes into the bedroom, followed by EVANS, where we find - ELIZABETH LAYTON, typing at the nearby desk, and - ANTHONY EDEN, seated in a chair beside the bed, reading WINSTON'S TYPED SPEECH...
    WINSTON
    Don't spare me, Anthony--be frank.
    EDEN
    Mmmmm.
    As EDEN reads, WINSTON stares at him, awaiting his reaction.
    WINSTON
    (to EDEN)
    I think it's rather good. The ending especially.
    When EDEN says nothing the wait becomes agonizing. EDEN finishes reading the speech, turns over the last page to see if there is more on the back. There isn't. WINSTON waits for the verdict. EDEN takes off his glasses slowly and looks up at a hopeful WINSTON -
    EDEN
    I don't think so.
    WINSTON
    You don't think so, what?
    EDEN
    You're suggesting we're--somehow-- winning.
    (beat)
    We're not.
    WINSTON
    No but...it will inspire them.
    WINSTON
    You don't understand -
    EDEN
    Winston, I know -
    WINSTON
    (stubbornly)
    - no, no, no. I am going to imbue them, Anthony, with a spirit of feeling they don't yet know they have!
    Silence. Stalemate. EDEN looks gravely concerned.
    EDEN
    You asked my opinion. I caution against it.
    WINSTON stares at his trusted ally, his hopes fading, until - he snaps his finger, pointing at EDEN -
    WINSTON
    Cicero!
    He's on the move again - heading out of the bedroom, with EVANS and LAYTON, and finally EDEN, forced to follow...

INT. HALLWAY/ 10 DOWNING STREET - DAY
    WINSTON
    "Live as", "Live as brave men" - da,da,da - "and if fortune is adverse, something, something, something
    He then enters the -

INT. LIBRARY/ 10 DOWNING STREET - DAY
    WINSTON
    (shouting)
    CLEMMIE!!! CAT!!!
    CLEMMIE!!!
    As he looks for his book in the library he finds CLEMMIE...STRESSED, struggling to cope, busily writing CHEQUES.
    WINSTON
    Cat--my copy of Cicero. Did you shelve it?
    CLEMMIE
    Did you hear what I said?!
    WINSTON
    What's that?
    CLEMMIE
    We're broke.
    WINSTON
    Everybody out! Get out!
    He shooes JOHN EVANS, ELIZABETH and EDEN from the room as if they were cats.
    CLEMMIE
    I dare not write another cheque.
    WINSTON
    I'll economise - only four cigars a day!
    CLEMMIE
    You're insufferable!
    (beat)
    Was there something else? Anything?
    WINSTON
    Yes, my love for you.
    CLEMMIE
    How much have you had to drink this morning?
    He goes to her, drawing up a chair, close -
    WINSTON
    I see you now as I first saw you in nineteen hundred and four across a crowded dance-floor. I simply stood- -speechless.
    CLEMMIE
    I must have been very beautiful to have achieved that miraculous effect.
    WINSTON
    Four years till we saw each other again.
    CLEMMIE
    They went by in an absolute flash.
    WINSTON
    You didn't lack for admirers. Your fidèle serviteur in Sidney Peel.
    CLEMMIE
    Brilliant man.
    WINSTON
    Lionel Earle.
    CLEMMIE
    Wonderful dancer.
    WINSTON
    And then--at Lady St Hellier's dinner party--who should show up?
    CLEMMIE
    Pig. (little snort)
    WINSTON
    The same.
    They look at each other, their faces very close.
    CLEMMIE
    Are we terribly old?
    WINSTON
    Yes. I'm afraid you are.
    She LAUGHS and pushes him away. Winston takes her hand.
    WINSTON
    Will you hear me read my speech for tonight's broadcast?

EXT. 10 DOWNING STREET / TREASURY - DAY
    WINSTON emerges and is accosted by... the PRESS.
    TERENCE BIRKEMP
    Prime Minister - the situation in France - Is it true we're in full retreat? Is France lost?
    He fires the REPORTER a steely look of rebuke and then spins, faces their CAMERAS, takes his CIGAR out of his mouth with INDEX and SECOND finger and makes, for the CAMERAS, his first- ever V-FOR-VICTORY SIGN (but PALM-INWARD, the RUDE VERSION). WINSTON crosses the road, practising a tongue-twister as he enters the TREASURY.

INT. WINSTON'S OFFICE/ WAR ROOMS - NIGHT
    WINSTON sitting on his bed, is AGITATED, UNEASY, UNSURE now about the speech he is to deliver on RADIO. ELIZABETH LAYTON sits at a desk in the corner holding files and paperwork. Two MICROPHONES sit on a table. An ACTOR also stands by. The Producer guides Winston to his desk.
    BBC PRODUCER
    So--if you will sit here - at your desk
    WINSTON
    Mmmmm.
    WINSTON sits, studying with CONCERN the SPEECH lying on the table in front of him, and taking out his PEN.
    BBC PRODUCER
    - and speak slowly and clearly. Into the microphone.
    WINSTON starts to jot last-minute CHANGES to the SPEECH. Increasingly PRESSURISED, he CROSSES OUT the CHANGES he just made, and tries to write alternatives. He's clearly in a state.
    BBC PRODUCER
    So--if you are ready--on the stroke of 9 the light will go red, and we shall go live to the nation. Nine O Clock. Red light. You begin. Yes?
    But WINSTON isn't ready. He's too busy trying to rewrite his speech The SWEEP SECOND HAND on the WALL CLOCK approaches 12. The PRODUCER, and ELIZABETH, become very concerned now as the last seconds vanish -
    BBC PRODUCER
    Prime Minister? Are we ready?
    WINSTON
    (to himself)
    One moment, one moment -
    BBC PRODUCER
    We are going live. Prime -
    WINSTON
    (exploding)
    I SAID ONE MOMENT, DAMN YOU!
    This eruption stuns the PRODUCER and ELIZABETH.
    WINSTON's hand, holding the PEN, shakes now with indecision as he fails to think of the right words in time -
    BBC PRODUCER
    Four--three--two--one...
    On the stroke of 9 pm, the light goes RED, bathing him in red light. They are LIVE. SILENCE. TOTAL SILENCE. The PRODUCER is now in a panic. WINSTON seems frozen for a second, until - WINSTON takes a breath and begins...
    WINSTON
    "I speak to you for the first time as Prime Minister in a solemn hour for the life of our country, of our Empire, of our allies, and, above all, of the cause of Freedom. A tremendous battle is raging in France and Flanders."
    ELIZABETH sighs relief, then follows on her carbon copy, mouthing the words, many of which she knows by heart. CAMERA follows the WIRES that lead out of the office, down the corridor, and into the TRANSMITTER ROOM. Reveal BBC Radio Recorder men.

INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - NIGHT
    CLOSE ON: A RADIO. PULL BACK to reveal: The KING, looking up from the PAPER, as he listens to WINSTON's speech on the radio, and studies his FRAMED FAMILY PHOTOS of his CHILDREN...Princesses ELIZABETH and MARGARET.
    WINSTON (O.S.)
    "The Germans...by a remarkable combination of air bombing and heavily armored tanks, have broken through the French defenses north of the Maginot Line, and strong columns of their armoured vehicles are ravaging the open country..."
    CLOSE ON: NEWSPAPER - the HEADLINE reads: IN CONTROL, SAY FRENCH Despite Nazi Raid

INT. FOREIGN OFFICE - NIGHT
    HALIFAX sits at the table, a minister standing behind him as they listen to Winston's radio address
    WINSTON (O.S.)
    "...which for the first day or two was without defenders...But!...I have invincible confidence in the French Army and its leaders. Only a very small part of that splendid Army has yet been heavily engaged; and only a very small part of France has yet been invaded...Side by side, the British and French peoples--have advanced..."
    HALIFAX is disgusted by this DISTORTION of the facts.
    HALIFAX
    "Advanced"?! How bloody dare he!

EXT. FRENCH BATTLEFIELD - EVENING
    AERIAL SHOT OF: the BRITISH and FRENCH armies in retreat - leaving behind SMOKING TRUCKS and ABANDONED ARTILLERY. TRACKING OVER this ravaged landscape, we see- CUT TO: - the abstracted landscape of a human CORPSE...
    WINSTON (O.S.)
    "...the British and French peoples-- have advanced--to rescue not only Europe, but mankind from the foulest and most soul-destroying tyranny which has ever darkened and stained the pages of history.
    ...until an EYE is revealed in CLOSE-UP, staring into CAMERA.

INT. WINSTON'S OFFICE/ WAR ROOMS - NIGHT
    CLOSE-UP ON: the RED RECORDING LIGHT.
    WINSTON
    "But now one bond unites us all - to wage war until victory is won, and never to surrender ourselves to servitude and shame, whatever the cost and the agony may be...Conquer we must, as conquer we shall."
    CLOSE-UP ON: WINSTON's FACE...
    ELIZABETH LAYTON
    Well done, sir.
    WINSTON sits back - UNHAPPY. CLOSE-UP ON: the RED RECORDING LIGHT goes off. The BROADCAST is over.

INT. LIBRARY/ NUMBER 10 DOWNING STREET - NIGHT
    CLEMMIE turns off the RADIO, concerned.

INT. CORRIDORS - WAR ROOMS - NIGHT
    WINSTON, UNHAPPY, walks up to a DOOR, enters it -

INT. TUNNEL/ BENEATH 10 DOWNING STREET - NIGHT
    - then walks down the long tunnel (connecting the WAR ROOMS with DOWNING STREET) until, at its end, he enters an ELEVATOR-

INT. ELEVATOR/ 10 DOWNING STREET - NIGHT
    - WINSTON rides the ELEVATOR upward -

INT. MAIN HALLWAY/ 10 DOWNING STREET - NIGHT
    - WINSTON exits the ELEVATOR, and begins to climb the stairs -

INT. LIVING ROOM/ 10 DOWNING STREET - NIGHT
    CLEMMIE
    You did marvelously.
    WINSTON
    For the last ten years I was the only one who told them the truth. Until tonight. There's no advance. It's a shambles. We're in full retreat.
    CLEMMIE
    Would you be serving them tonight by denying them sleep, terrifying their children?
    WINSTON
    Even if the terror is coming?!
    CLEMMIE
    Because it's coming! There is time enough for truth.
    He nods, accepting this. He walks off, still anxious. She watches him go, worried.

INT. KITCHEN/ WAR ROOM - DAY
    The front page of a newspaper: a PHOTO of WINSTON doing his V FOR VICTORY SIGN (palm inward). ELIZABETH LAYTON, leaning by the door, reading the paper. At her side stands another typist, SYBIL, reading another copy of the same PAPER - ELIZABETH is giggling - WINSTON passes the doorway in the corridor, then re-appears -
    WINSTON
    What's so funny?
    ELIZABETH
    Prime Minister sir -
    WINSTON
    Go on. What is it?

INT. CORRIDORS - WAR ROOMS - DAY
    ELIZABETH steps out into the corridor so they can have some privacy -
    ELIZABETH
    Not sure if you know this but-- the way you are doing your V For Victory sign--well, in the poorer quarters that gesture means--something else.
    WINSTON
    What does it mean?
    ELIZABETH
    Wouldn't like to say sir.
    WINSTON
    I was captured by the Boer. I spent time in a South African prison.
    ELIZABETH
    Up yer' bum. Sir.
    WINSTON
    Up yer' bum?
    WINSTON roars with LAUGHTER - which sets ELIZABETH laughing -
    ELIZABETH
    The way you do it, sir. Yes sir.
    (demonstrates)
    But if you turn it around -
    (palm out)
    - that's fine.
    WINSTON
    I see.
    ELIZABETH
    Wouldn't like millions of people to take it the wrong way.
    WINSTON steps away, still chuckling -
    WINSTON
    Up yer' bum!

INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE / WINSTON'S OFFICE, WAR ROOMS - DAY
    KING GEORGE speaks into the TELEPHONE -
    KING GEORGE VI
    Don't wish to take too much of your time.
    (pause)
    I heard you--on the--wireless.
    WINSTON
    Was I comprehensible?
    KING GEORGE VI
    The public need to be led, not misled--not left to work it out for them-themselves.
    WINSTON
    Right. Will that be all, your majesty?
    KING GEORGE VI
    Yes. Good day Prime Minister. (click)
    WINSTON puts down the PHONE and turns to EVANS.
    WINSTON
    I believe I've just recieved a royal rap on the knuckles.

INT. WAR CABINET ROOM/ WAR ROOMS - DAY
    CAPTION:
    WAR CABINET MEETING 1
    SATURDAY, MAY 25, 1940
    PRESENT: 17 PERSONS. The Main War Cabinet, minus WINSTON (CHAMBERLAIN, HALIFAX, GREENWOOD, ATLEE) and the FOLLOWING (ALEXANDER, SINCLAIR, COOPER, CADOGAN, ANDERSON, POUND, DOWDING, IRONSIDE, BRIDGES, ISMAY, NICHOLL, WILKINSON)
    CABINET SECRETARY BRIDGES is helping to seat everyone as they move around the table looking for their placement card.
    CABINET SECRETARY BRIDGES
    (indicating to HALIFAX's seat)
    Foreign Minister?
    A NEW MAP shows the NEW POSITIONS of BRITISH TROOPS. SURROUNDED at DUNKIRK. Finally, WINSTON enters, shakes the hands of IRONSIDE and ISMAY first, but has less enthusiasm for ATTLEE and GREENWOOD, and nothing for CHAMBERLAIN and HALIFAX, who do not expect to have their hands shaken.
    WINSTON
    Tiny, good to see you.
    (to ISMAY)
    Pug. Welcome to the War Cabinet, such as we are.
    (to ALL)
    Please, sit.
    He sits.
    WINSTON
    War is usually a catalogue of blunders, and this one is proving no exception.
    (beat)
    General - its all yours.
    IRONSIDE
    You have this morning's report in front of you -
    WINSTON
    Yes. General -
    IRONSIDE
    - if you turn to page 3 - Ummm - so on page 3 - are we all Looking at page 3? - no, the other document - second paragraph down -
    WINSTON, agitated, reeling from the royal reprimand, taps his wedding ring finger on the side of his chair impatiently -
    GREENWOOD
    Second?
    IRONSIDE
    Yes, the second--no, page -
    WINSTON can stand it no longer -
    WINSTON
    (his patience snapping)
    Edmund!--why don't you just tell us- -please--in your own words-- what kind of mess we are looking at here. What's going on?
    IRONSIDE
    Right. (beat) As of 2200 hours last night--the Germans have encircled sixty British, Belgian and French divisions. On our part all our forces under Lord Gort have now withdrawn, or are trying to withdraw, to the French coast, to Dunkirk, where we cannot reach them. Ships sunk by the Nazis block the harbour entrance and the Luftwaffe control the skies above.
    CHAMBERLAIN
    How many of our men are trapped?
    IRONSIDE
    All of them.
    (pause)
    Our nation's entire professional soldiery. And...
    (pause)
    ...we can see no clear way to rescue them.
    Silence -
    WINSTON
    General--are you telling me that we shall have lost the British army by the next few days?
    IRONSIDE
    That's correct.
    ATTLEE
    What are the French doing?
    IRONSIDE
    Premiere Raynaud sent a radio message. He expects the defence of Paris will soon fail.
    WINSTON
    We must counter-attack. Anyone?
    (silence)
    Surely -
    IRONSIDE
    The German forces are superior in every regard and are only fifty miles from the coast. They are pushing us into the sea.
    ATTLEE
    Fifty miles! Good God!
    GREENWOOD
    For a German tank, two days.
    WINSTON
    They must not reach the sea! Not before we evacuate our men! General Ismay? What have you got for us?
    Everyone looks at ISMAY.
    ISMAY
    As it stands--I cannot see that we have much hope of getting any of our forces out in time.
    A gasp in the cabinet. WINSTON takes this news badly.
    WINSTON
    Not a man? We cannot be so totally at their mercy!
    REACTION HALIFAX: Only just holding his tongue. He looks at CHAMBERLAIN, who does not maintain the look.
    WINSTON
    General. What is our next step?
    IRONSIDE
    I'm not sure, sir, that we have one.
    Silence. A pall settles. ISMAY looks at IRONSIDE, who says nothing. CHAMBERLAIN and HALIFAX also exchange a look.
    WINSTON
    So? So where are we to look for salvation?
    (silence)
    Anyone? Come on! Speak!
    IRONSIDE
    We still have a Garrison at Calais. 25 miles to the west.
    WINSTON
    Well why didn't you say so?! How many men do we have there?
    IRONSIDE
    4,000. More or less.
    WINSTON
    Then have them go east--engage with the German columns moving on Dunkirk. Buy us some time. Draw the Nazi focus away from Dunkirk whilst we execute a maritime evacuation of our forces. Ironside--is that possible?
    IRONSIDE
    It would mean a huge sacrifice.
    ATTLEE
    Four thousand young men!
    WINSTON
    To save 300,000!
    (pause)
    Under whose command is the Calais Garrison?
    ISMAY
    Brigadier Nicholson.
    Silence. The burden falls on Winston...
    WINSTON
    Very well--tell...
    A hint of UNCERTAINTY here, as WINSTON taps his SIGNET RING on the wooden arm of his chair.
    WINSTON
    ...tell--Nicholson--that it is of the greatest importance to this island that his garrison draw the enemy's tanks and artillery and bombers away from Dunkirk--invite their wrath--and to--to fight on if needs be until--until the destruction of his command.
    A PALL settles over the room. Almost a GASP.
    ATTLEE
    It's suicide.
    HALIFAX, emotions rising, can stay silent no longer.
    HALIFAX
    Prime Minister! I have reservations...
    WINSTON
    Who is free of reservations?
    HALIFAX
    ...about such a fateful course when we have the option of a peace offer.
    WINSTON
    What peace offer?!
    HALIFAX
    The Italians have offered to mediate between ourselves and Germany. And I indicated that provided our liberty and independence were assured, we would consider any proposal.
    WINSTON
    With Hitler holding the whip hand do you really think he would honour our liberty and independence?
    HALIFAX
    It would be in his interest to do so. He -
    WINSTON
    The only thing to do is to show that maniac that he cannot conquer this country, and for that we need an army. General, tell Brigadier Nicholson, "The Germans must not reach the sea! Not before we get our boys off that bloody beach!"
    (pause)
    I take full responsibility.
    HALIFAX
    Really?
    WINSTON
    (temper exploding)
    REALLY! YES! It is the reason I sit in this chair!
    HALIFAX
    Surely--before we send 4,000 men to their graves, we must explore -
    WINSTON
    (frustrated)
    What is this?!
    HALIFAX
    What is your mind on the principle of peace talks? Do we take it for example, that you preclude yourself from even considering engaging in such negotiations?
    A TENSE SILENCE. ANGLE ON: the TWO SECRETARIES, pencil's raised, waiting to record WINSTON's reply. WINSTON, aware that history is listening, senses a TRAP -
    WINSTON
    I should like to speak to Viscount Halifax and Mr Chamberlain alone.
    (to IRONSIDE)
    Issue the order to the Calais Garrison. Confirm it has been done.
    (to BRIDGES)
    Bridges! You too! Out! Hop it!
    BRIDGES puts down his pencil. Consternation from those departing at this breach of protocol.

INT. CORRIDOR - WAR ROOMS - DAY
    At the end of the line of unneeded WAR CABINET members filing out, comes the disgruntled BRIDGES with his TWO SECRETARIES.

INT. WAR CABINET ROOM/ WAR ROOMS - DAY
    WINSTON lights his CIGAR, and takes his time, slowly approaching the HALIFAX seated at the back of the room.
    HALIFAX
    Winston. We are facing certain defeat on land--the annihilation of our army--and imminent invasion! We must be rational!
    WINSTON
    We are a sea-going nation. Have been since the Bronze Age. The Channel is ours--our moat--our battlement and the German doesn't recognise an expanse of water greater than a bloody lake! They have first to reach this island -
    HALIFAX
    - which will be full of terrified men, women and children, whom we have failed, despicably, in our duty of protection. Germany has won- -we are entirely defenceless -
    WINSTON
    And who's fault is that ?!
    CHAMBERLAIN averts his face.
    HALIFAX
    - facing the largest army the world has seen. Furthermore, once France falls, Germany can concentrate on aircraft production and they will then have the French fleet as well! What is to stop Hitler then? Words? Words, Winston? Words alone?
    (beat)
    If you will not permit any talk of peace then I will be forced -
    CHAMBERLAIN steps in, to stop Halifax from resigning.
    CHAMBERLAIN
    Might we not allow Edward simply to meet the Italian ambassador, Bastianini--discuss their possible role as mediators between us and Germany, and find out their price?
    WINSTON is calmed by CHAMBERLAIN's manner -
    WINSTON
    Bastianini? Ha! A man about whom we might say there is less to him than meets the eye.
    WINSTON looks at HALIFAX, and sighs -
    WINSTON
    I remain opposed to any negotiations -
    CHAMBERLAIN
    - of course -
    WINSTON
    - which might lead to a derogation of our rights and power.
    HALIFAX
    AS DO WE ALL! There is no question that our sovereignty is non- negotiable!
    CHAMBERLAIN
    Winston?
    With nowhere left to turn - WINSTON gives a slow inclination of the head, and then - NODS.
    CHAMBERLAIN
    Good. Thank you.
    WINSTON
    ...but! No-one outside this room must ever know.
    CHAMBERLAIN
    Of course.

INT. CORRIDOR - WAR ROOMS - NIGHT
    WINSTON walks through the corridors - then approaches and opens a SMALL LAVATORY DOOR. As he enters - CLOSE ON: The door's lock, which slides from "VACANT" to "ENGAGED".

INT. TRANS-ATLANTIC TELEPHONE ROOM/ WAR ROOMS - NIGHT
    Inside, it's no LAVATORY. It is actually - a secret PRIVATE TELEPHONE SYSTEM, linking WINSTON with the ROOSEVELT WHITE HOUSE. WINSTON, seated, holding the receiver, takes a few moments before he lifts the phone to his ear -
    WINSTON
    Mr President?
    ROOSEVELT
    Winston!
    WINSTON
    How are you Franklin?
    ROOSEVELT
    Fine. Fine. How are you Prime Minister?
    WINSTON
    I am phoning about--about your Navy ships. If you were to loan us just 50 of your older Destroyers I feel sure -
    ROOSEVELT
    Ah! Yes!
    WINSTON
    - even 40 would -
    ROOSEVELT
    Well I -
    ROOSEVELT
    - I did ask around, but just not possible I'm afraid. The Neutrality Act we signed last year has tied my hands. Just can't swing it. I tried.
    WINSTON
    Then--can I--do I have your permission to send an aircraft carrier to pick up the P-40 fighter planes we purchased? Mr President.
    ROOSEVELT
    (wincing, hating not being able to help)
    You got me there again. New law-- preventing trans-shipment of military equipment.
    WINSTON
    But we've paid for them--with the money we borrowed from you!
    ROOSEVELT
    (anguished)
    So sorry, Winston.
    WINSTON
    I need not impress upon you the trouble faced by the Western Hemisphere. Without your support, in some fashion...
    Silence. A tense moment...
    ROOSEVELT
    I know. I know. You are on my mind day and night.
    (pause)
    Look. We could--possibly...
    But words fail the hampered ROOSEVELT and his voice trails off.
    WINSTON
    Mr President--we are facing the gravest odds!
    ROOSEVELT
    ...we could take your planes to about a mile from the Canadian border--and then if you send across a team of horses from Canada-- nothing motorized--then you could pull 'em over the border yourself. How does that sound?
    WINSTON
    Horses? You said "a team of horses"?
    ROOSEVELT
    I guess you could push 'em yourself. The damn things have wheels. Up to you.
    WINSTON is speechless -
    ROOSEVELT
    We could do that.
    (silence)
    Prime Minister?
    WINSTON covers the PHONE, bunches his fist, swallows his RAGE, and then speaks again, as calmly as he can-
    WINSTON
    Anything you can do at this time would be welcome.
    ROOSEVELT
    Goodnight to you Winston.
    (feeling WINSTON's pain)
    It must be late there?
    WINSTON
    In more ways than you could possibly know.
    He puts down the phone and sits back in his chair - stunned, fuming. But as he stews, he slowly - slowly - conceives an idea, a new IDEA!

INT. MAP ROOM / WAR ROOMS - NIGHT
    WINSTON enters and strides past the staff, making for the LARGE MAP of EUROPE. He puts his finger on the FRENCH COAST, at DUNKIRK, encircled by RED THREAD. And then looks at ENGLAND, the COAST, and then taps DOVER on the map. He turns, sees the DOZEN colorful TELEPHONES and addresses a NAVAL MAP-ROOM OFFICER -
    WINSTON
    Get me Vice-Admiral Ramsay on one of these.

EXT. DOVER CASTLE - PRE-SUNRISE (5 AM)
    HIGH AERIAL of the CASTLE atop the famous WHITE-CLIFFS.

INT. ADMIRAL RAMSAY'S BEDROOM/ TUNNELS/ BENEATH DOVER CASTLE
    - NIGHT ADMIRAL RAMSAY is woken by a STAFFER.
    STAFFER
    Admiral Ramsay?
    RAMSAY
    Huh?
    STAFFER
    It's the Prime Minister.

INT. DYNAMO ROOM/ TUNNELS/ BENEATH DOVER CASTLE - NIGHT
    RAMSAY, on the PHONE with WINSTON.
    WINSTON (O.S.)
    Bertie? I hope I didn't wake you.
    RAMSAY
    Of course not. I was just reading the Bible.
    (INTERCUT, as necessary with - )

INT. MAP ROOM/ WAR ROOMS - NIGHT
    WINSTON, on a PHONE, studies the COAST of ENGLAND.
    WINSTON
    Exodus?
    (smiles)
    We need to evacuate our boys, Bertie. The Navy is saying that with one cruiser and six destroyers, and with the Luftwaffe controlling the skies above, we'll be lucky to get 10% out. I want you to order an assembly of boats.
    RAMSAY
    Boats?
    WINSTON
    Yes. Civilian boats, as many as you can get your hands on. Country's full of boats--let's put 'em to use. Bertie? You there?
    RAMSAY
    (sceptical)
    Rrrr-ight.
    WINSTON
    - anyone with a pleasure craft bigger than 30 foot that can get to France. Longley's clipper, Fearnley's gin palace, any half- rotten fishing boat that'll float.
    RAMSAY
    Mmmm-hmmm.
    WINSTON senses BERTIE's reticence...and makes a different appeal...
    WINSTON
    Help me stage this thing, Bertie. We must at least try to bring some of our boys home.
    After a pause -
    RAMSAY
    I will have the BBC issue the order.
    WINSTON starts to put the phone down, and then remembers something -
    WINSTON
    Oh-- Bertie--still there?
    RAMSAY
    Sir?
    WINSTON
    We need a name--for this Operation.
    RAMSAY looks around him - a blazon on a generator says "DYNAMO".

INT. CORRIDOR/ WAR ROOMS - DAY
    CAPTION:
    WINSTON walks OFFICE, whose his fury, the WINSTON PULLS
    SUNDAY, MAY 26 1940
    with EDEN, but then they pass an OFFICER's DOOR is open - and it's then that he hears, to sound of a RADIO playing a SPEECH BY HITLER! THE DOOR SHUT, silencing the dictator.
    WINSTON and EDEN look at each other, then walk on, and stop before entering the WAR CABINET ROOM, (as if before taking the stage). WINSTON takes a deep breath and tries to shake off his worries. Only then does he enter, followed by EDEN -

INT. WAR CABINET ROOM/ WAR ROOMS - DAY
    WAR CABINET MEETING 2. PRESENT: 17 PERSONS. The Main War Cabinet (CHURCHILL, CHAMBERLAIN, HALIFAX, GREENWOOD, ATLEE) and the FOLLOWING (EDEN, ALEXANDER, SINCLAIR, CADOGAN, ANDERSON, POUND, DOWDING, IRONSIDE, BRIDGES, ISMAY, NICHOLL, WILKINSON) A tense atmosphere - faces riven with doubt. The CABINET is standing, conferring anxiously with each other......but then fall silent when WINSTON and ANTHONY EDEN enter.
    WINSTON
    Good day. I've asked the Minister for War to join us.
    HALIFAX and CHAMBERLAIN share a look - this doesn't bode well. All sit. WINSTON looks around the table - sees the fear and doubt and nervousness in his CABINET right away. WINSTON starts to tap his SIGNET RING on his right hand on the wooden arm of his chair, until -
    WINSTON
    Obviously--we are in a dangerous situation. But - I am assured by the French Premiere that while some German tank units have reached the sea, the situation generally seems to be well in hand.
    No-one looks at all convinced by this - CLOSE ON: the wooden arm of WINSTON's chair - the varnish has worn away from three weeks of such anxious tapping.
    GREENWOOD
    Prime Minister. You don't believe that.
    ATTLEE
    France will fall.
    GREENWOOD
    Yes.
    ATTLEE
    And invasion of this island will follow.
    WINSTON changes the subject -
    WINSTON
    What news from Calais?
    ATTLEE
    What?
    IRONSIDE
    The Garrison attacked, but was forced back and is now surrounded on all sides. They are being shelled and bombed mercilessly. Casualties are at sixty percent.
    The CABINET all shake their heads - all look to have lost FAITH in WINSTON. CHAMBERLAIN nods at HALIFAX -
    HALIFAX
    On the question of peace talks -
    WINSTON
    - We must hold our nerve. Signal only that we are going to fight it out to the end. A peace offer telegraphs our weakness.
    CHURCHILL looks to EDEN for support -
    EDEN
    Agreed.
    WINSTON
    And even if we were beaten--we should be no worse off than we should be if we were now to abandon the struggle. Let us therefore avoid being dragged down the slippery slope with talk of a negotiated peace.
    HALIFAX
    Slippery slope? The only -
    WINSTON
    -I suspect Germany and Italy -
    HALIFAX
    -the only slippery slope -
    WINSTON
    -want to get us so deeply involved in negotiations that we should be unable to turn back!
    HALIFAX
    Oh nonsense! Bastianini informed me-
    WINSTON
    The approach -
    HALIFAX
    - The only slippery slope -
    WINSTON
    WILL YOU STOP INTERRUPTING ME
    WHILE I AM INTERRUPTING YOU!?
    When I chose my War Cabinet I took great care to surround myself with old rivals. I may have overdone it.
    Only GREENWOOD and ATTLEE and EDEN smile. HALIFAX and CHAMBERLAIN look exasperated.
    WINSTON
    Viscount Halifax--the approach you proposed is not only futile, but involves us in a deadly danger.
    HALIFAX
    THE DEADLY DANGER HERE IS THIS
    ROMANTIC FANTASY OF FIGHTING TO THE
    END!!! What is "the end" if not the destruction of all? There is nothing heroic in going down fighting if it can be avoided. Nothing even remotely patriotic in death or glory if the odds are on the former; nothing inglorious in trying to shorten a war that we are clearly losing.
    WINSTON cannot bear this talk -
    WINSTON
    Europe is still -
    HALIFAX
    Europe is lost!
    HALIFAX
    And before our forces are wiped out completely this is the time to negotiate, in order to obtain the best conditions possible. It would not be in Hitler's interests to insist on outrageous terms. He will know his own weaknesses. He will be reasonable.
    WINSTON cannot bear this talk -
    WINSTON
    When will the lesson be learned? How many more dictators must be wooed, appeased--Good God, given immense privileges, before we learn!--that you can't reason with a tiger when your head is in its mouth!
    WINSTON rises and walks out. HALIFAX, escaping CHAMBERLAIN's grip on his forearm, alone chases WINSTON...into -

INT. SMALL CORRIDOR TO TUNNEL/ WAR ROOMS - DAY
    HALIFAX pursues WINSTON into the vestibule-
    HALIFAX
    PRIME MINISTER -
    WINSTON turns back to him - they are now enclosed in the vestibule.
    HALIFAX
    Winston! Yesterday you gave permission for -
    WINSTON
    What permission?
    HALIFAX
    - for me to meet -
    HALIFAX
    -
    WINSTON
    with Bastianini -
    WINSTON
    - the theoretical ex-
    WINSTON
    -ploration -
    HALIFAX
    - theoretical?! -
    WINSTON
    - of what price Italy would ask. No more. I did not sanction-
    HALIFAX
    If you will not allow any further exploration of a peace agreement, then--you will have my resignation.
    WINSTON
    Don't be absurd. I need you Edward. You know I do!
    HALIFAX
    I will not stand by to watch another generation of young men die at the bloody altar of your hubris!
    WINSTON
    And you would have us die as lambs!
    HALIFAX
    Was Gallipoli not enough for you?!
    WINSTON
    (angry)
    How dare you?! Our troops were chewing barbed wire in Flanders! I saw it! Opening a second front, outflanking the Turks, was a serious military idea - and it could've damn-well worked if - the Admirals and First Sea Lord hadn't dithered away our element of surprise!
    Silence. WINSTON realises he's gone too far. Totally lost his poise. He calms himself. But too late. HALIFAX, undaunted, fixes WINSTON with a cold judicial eye -
    HALIFAX
    The choice is yours. You have 24 hours to enter into peace talks, or I resign.
    HALIFAX walks back into the war rooms. WINSTON, regretful for his display of temper.

INT. HALLWAY/ 10 DOWNING STREET - DAY
    WINSTON emerges from the ELEVATOR, to find - - the YOUNG CONSERVATIVE MP, ERNLE HASTINGS, waiting for him at the bottom of the stairs.
    ERNLE HASTINGS
    Prime Minister. I wonder if we might schedule you to address the Outer Cabinet?
    WINSTON climbs the stairs, without saying a word.

INT. TREASURY TOILETS - DAY
    HALIFAX, energized, and CHAMBERLAIN, looking unwell, confer as CHAMBERLAIN dampens a handkerchief and dabs his head with cold water...
    HALIFAX
    I told him. It shook him.
    CHAMBERLAIN
    Imagine it did.
    HALIFAX
    Gave him 24 hours--I don't expect him to agree, so I will resign first. You then join me. That's critical if we are to trigger a revolt in the chamber. I'll announce it. The King will back us.
    HALIFAX nods. CHAMBERLAIN now mentors him, paternally -
    CHAMBERLAIN
    Be sure of your motives, Edward. Country first! Country First always. Career third, fourth-- after family, and church - and, in your case (small smile) - fox hunting. Come.
    CHAMBERLAIN bravely leads an emotional HALIFAX out of the BATHROOM.

EXT. WESTMINSTER/ LONDON - NIGHT
    HIGH-ANGLE WIDE-SHOT of LONDON - then PAN to reveal RADIO AERIALS, as we hear -
    RADIO ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
    "Today, the Admiralty have made an Order requesting all owners of self- propelled pleasure craft, between 30' and 100' in length, to send all particulars to the Admiralty, immediately -

INT. LIBRARY/ 10 DOWNING STREET - NIGHT
    WINSTON listens to the RADIO BROADCAST:
    RADIO ANNOUNCER
    "- if they have not already been offered or requisitioned."
    WINSTON turns off the RADIO, turns to face ELIZABETH LAYTON who sits at her type-writer, waiting. They look at each other.
    CHURCHILL
    (dictating)
    To Brigadier Nicholson, 30th Infantry Brigade. Calais.
    CHURCHILL
    Every hour you continue to exist is of the greatest help to our forces at Dunkirk. Have the greatest possible admiration for your splendid stand. Your evacuation however--your evacuation will not, repeat not, take place. Signed...
    ELIZABETH LAYTON, has stopped typing. CHURCHILL, looks up and sees tears in her eyes. He goes to her, offering a handkerchief.
    CHURCHILL
    Here.
    (softening)
    What is it?
    ELIZABETH LAYTON
    May I be excused?
    CHURCHILL
    You may not. Tell me what this is about.
    ELIZABETH LAYTON
    No-one tells us anything. It's all classified and--we hear scraps and it's worse than knowing nothing.
    CHURCHILL
    What would you like to know?
    She stares into his eyes -
    ELIZABETH LAYTON
    How many men will survive?
    He stares at her - it's the great PUBLIC QUESTION. It deserves an answer.
    CHURCHILL
    Come with me. Come on.

INT. TUNNEL/ BENEATH 10 DOWNING STREET - NIGHT
    WINSTON leads ELIZABETH down the long tunnel -

INT. CORRIDOR/ WAR ROOMS - NIGHT
    - ELIZABETH follows WINSTON to the MAP-ROOM.
    CHURCHILL
    Come in.
    ELIZABETH
    No. I'm not allowed in the Map Room.
    CHURCHILL
    You are now.

INT. MAP ROOM/ WAR-ROOMS - NIGHT
    She enters the MAP ROOM, which is manned with MALE personnel who look askance at ELIZABETH. WINSTON shows her the ARMY MAP of WESTERN EUROPE. The BRITISH FORCES are represented, surrounded by GERMAN troops at the seaside town of DUNKIRK.
    WINSTON
    The German army now controls every French port except Dunkirk, here--and Calais, here to the west, where a garrison is drawing fire and delaying the German advance on Dunkirk.
    She nods.
    WINSTON
    At both points our troops are encircled. We're still trying to clear Dunkirk harbour of wrecked ships so we can then land the boats we need to get our boys off those beaches, but enemy planes are attacking us constantly. Our only hope in Dunkirk is thick cloud cover to thwart these attacks, but-- the skies remain clear. Even then I am told we will need a miracle to get even 10% of our men out.
    She is shocked -
    WINSTON
    Courage, Miss Layton--courage.
    ELIZABETH
    How long have they got if we don't rescue them?
    WINSTON
    One, maybe two days.
    ISMAY enters -
    WINSTON
    General?
    ISMAY
    News from Calais, the 30th Infantry, sir. They've retreated to the town's citadel... As a last and probably hopeless stand-the order "Everyman for himself' has been given.
    WINSTON
    (As he exits)
    Good.

EXT. CALAIS - NIGHT
    The CITADEL rises, ancient and proud above the town, as - - a GERMAN RECONNAISSANCE PLANE flies a circle over the CITADEL and lays a CIRCLE OF WHITE SMOKE.
    ISMAY (O.S.)
    ... as a last, and probably hopeless, stand. The order, 'every man for himself' has been given.

INT. CITADEL/ CALAIS - NIGHT
    BRIGADIER NICHOLSON, surrounded by the DEAD and WOUNDED, reads the dispatch from CHURCHILL - grim reading. He lowers it, stricken, afraid, as he hears...the DRONE of 50 GERMAN BOMBERS rising...coming closer...closer...He looks up into the dark skies...

EXT. GERMAN BOMBER - NIGHT
    From the POV of a GERMAN bomber, at high altitude - - the CIRCLE OF SMOKE comes beneath it, and in the middle of the circle, perfectly targeted far below, the CITADEL. Into the CIRCLE of SMOKE the BOMBER drops its PAYLOAD.

INT. MAP ROOM/ WAR ROOMS - NIGHT
    ECU on: WINSTON's EYES, as if -while staring at the map- he is witness to this defeat...

EXT. CALAIS - NIGHT
    The BOMBS fall on the town, and at last the CITADEL itself takes a DIRECT HIT. It crumbles, and falls...

INT. WINSTON'S STUDY / 10 DOWNING STREET - NIGHT
    ECU ON: A MILITARY DISPATCH, that reads: CALAIS FALLEN. NUMBERS OF DEAD OR CAPTURED UNCERTAIN. GENERAL GORT. Across the room, WINSTON is at his desk, immobile, nursing a glass of whiskey and soda, as, - - CLEMMIE enters - and looks at him, with concern.
    CLEMMIE
    (worried)
    Go to bed, Pig.
    He gives no reply -
    CLEMMIE
    You must sleep.
    WINSTON
    Leave me, Clemmie.
    CLEMMIE
    The opportunity for doing so passed a long time ago.
    She gets an idea, and exits urgently, leaving him alone.

INT. OFFICE/ 10 DOWNING STREET - MORNING
    WINSTON, in his SILK ROBE, still sits at his desk. The curtains are drawn. It's MORNING. He walks to a TELEPHONE and dials - ADMIRAL RAMSAY.
    WINSTON
    Bertie--what's been the response?

EXT. BATTLEMENTS/ DOVER CASTLE - DAY
    ANGLE ON: 5 SMALL CRAFT, arriving at DOVER - a packet boat, a yacht, a fishing boat, a skiff... ANGLE ON: RAMSAY, talking into a FIELD TELEPHONE, watching from atop DOVER CASTLE.
    ADMIRAL RAMSAY
    It will take time. It's too soon to judge.
    WINSTON
    How many boats so far?
    ADMIRAL RAMSAY
    It will take time.
    WINSTON
    The request for civilian boats was not a request, Bertie. It was an order!
    In frustration, WINSTON slams down the PHONE, as - - SAWYERS, the VALET, enters and draws the curtains. As LIGHT floods the room--
    CAPTION:
    MONDAY, MAY 27, 1940

EXT. 10 DOWNING STREET - DAY
    A CROWD of ON-LOOKERS are gathered there, as - - WINSTON, emerges to get into a GOVERNMENT CAR. He is angst- ridden now, gives the (POLITE) V-FOR-VICTORY SIGN, (PALM-OUT) but his heart isn't in it. Hunch-backed, his eyes downcast, he gets in his GOVERNMENT CAR.

INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY
    WINSTON and the KING at lunch at a DINING TABLE. WINSTON eats heartily. The KING, with little appetite, smokes, watches WINSTON wash down the food with hearty gulp of champagne.
    GEORGE VI
    (pours drinks)
    How do you manage drinking during the day?
    WINSTON
    Practice.
    After another silence -
    GEORGE VI
    I have been asked--if plans should be drawn--to evacuate my f-family and I--to Canada. I wish to know the opinion of our prime minister.
    WINSTON
    My opinion? My opinion would be that you must do what you feel is right for yourself, your family, and for the country. Your survival is paramount. Prime Ministers--we seem to come and go at an astonishing rate.
    GEORGE VI
    Your--p-position in parliament, I hear, is not strong.
    WINSTON
    My party resents how Chamberlain was pushed aside. And many others doubt me. I was not a popular choice.
    The KING nods - he himself resented WINSTON - and he turns away briefly, in embarrassment.
    WINSTON
    They want Halifax still. But why get rid of the organ grinder and replace him with the monkey.
    GEORGE VI
    Lord Halifax is a close personal friend of mine!
    WINSTON
    I am unwanted. I've never been trusted since the Gallipoli campaign. Unwanted.
    GEORGE VI
    Perhaps--it is because--you scare people.
    WINSTON
    Who?!
    GEORGE VI
    You scare me.
    WINSTON
    (scarily)
    What?! What nonsense! What could be scary about me?
    GEORGE VI
    One never knows what is going to come out of your mouth next. Something that w-will flatter-- or wound.
    WINSTON
    My emotions are unbridled.
    WINSTON drops some meat into the mouth of a CORGIE waiting at WINSTON's feet for food.
    WINSTON
    A wildness. In the blood. I share it with my father.
    (beat)
    Mother also. We lack the gift of-- temperance.
    GEORGE VI
    Were you close--to your parents?
    WINSTON
    My mother was glamorous--but perhaps too widely loved.
    This draws an eye-brow rise from the King.
    WINSTON
    My father--to me was like God-- busy elsewhere.
    The KING smiles. He cannot help but like this man.

INT. CORRIDOR/ WAR ROOMS - DAY
    WINSTON walks through the MEN and WOMEN en route to his OFFICE. He stops before ELIZABETH LAYTON - looks into her eyes. She can see the DOUBT, the SADNESS, the PAIN.
    WINSTON
    Miss Layton.
    ELIZABETH LAYTON
    Sir.
    WINSTON
    Reach--I need to reach--speak to...
    ELIZABETH LAYTON
    To?
    WINSTON
    3pm.
    ELIZABETH LAYTON
    3pm, sir?
    WINSTON
    Ask Bridges to summon the--the uh-- the War Cabinet for 3pm. Thank you.
    She watches him walk away - - only for WINSTON to be stopped by JOHN EVANS with a COMMUNIQUE.
    JOHN EVANS
    Sir!
    WINSTON
    What is it?
    JOHN EVANS
    Sir-from Lord Gort, in France.
    WINSTON reads the message -- his EYES WIDEN.
    WINSTON
    Belgium has fallen. They will surrender at midnight. France will soon follow suit.
    REACTION WINSTON: Shock.

INT. WAR CABINET ROOM/ WAR ROOMS - DAY
    WAR CABINET MEETING 3. PRESENT: 9 PERSONS. The Main War Cabinet (CHURCHILL, CHAMBERLAIN, HALIFAX, GREENWOOD, ATLEE) and the FOLLOWING (EDEN, CADOGAN, IRONSIDE, BRIDGES.) A FILM REEL is projected onto a SCREEN. We see images of GERMAN SPEEDBOATS. We see the NAZI leadership, holding maps, pointing out to sea toward Britain...We see a giant LONG- RANGE SUPER CANNON being revealed by GERMAN soldiers. Over this, we hear -
    IRONSIDE
    We have received reports that the most probable method of attack, which Germany might employ against this country, is a large fleet of fast motor boats, possibly up to 200, carrying 100 men apiece to carry out a seaborne raid on a large scale. By this means a considerable force of the enemy could be landed at many points on the coast simultaneously with air- borne raids inland. We do not feel that by naval or air action we could prevent such a landing.
    HALIFAX
    Could you repeat that?
    HALIFAX turns to look hard at WINSTON.
    IRONSIDE
    We must prepare for the imminent invasion of our island.
    The shock registers on all the faces. Hold on ANTHONY EDEN, as he lowers his HEAD. BRIDGES opens a BOTTLE of WHISKEY and starts to pour into tumblers for the non-military personnel. Silence, as IRONSIDE sits. Silence. Lost looks. General state of high anxiety. They look to WINSTON for leadership - and he appears to be about to say something in response to this black news - BUT NO WORDS COME. After this awkward silence - HALIFAX looks directly at WINSTON -
    HALIFAX
    Let the record state--that I have received word from the Italian Embassy in London that Italy is prepared to mediate a resolution between Britain, its Allies, and Germany.
    The CABINET SECRETARY, records this statement for history. WINSTON fumes that this has been put on the record and stares with anger at HALIFAX. WINSTON has been totally put on the spot!
    WINSTON
    (sunk by the news)
    Perhaps--then--
    The CABINET waits on the final INEVITABLE words -
    WINSTON
    --the time for such an offer from us is -
    HALIFAX nods at CHAMBERLAIN - success, surely! But WINSTON still can't speak the words they ache to hear.
    WINSTON
    - is when Germany has made an unsuccessful attempt to invade this country.
    HALIFAX throws his GLASSES on the table in DISBELIEF!
    CHAMBERLAIN
    Unsuccessful?!
    HALIFAX
    Then you leave me no other option -
    CHAMBERLAIN
    (cutting him off)
    Winston--you are refusing to grasp the realities of how precarious our position is! Our entire army is about to be wiped out! Terms! Must! Be struck!
    Silence. WINSTON has no room left in which to move. ALL FACES examine his. WINSTON looks finally to ANTHONY EDEN - his staunchest supporter.
    WINSTON
    Anthony?
    EDEN's face is pained - as he retains a MEANINGFUL SILENCE. CHURCHILL looks to each MAN around the room, and their faces proclaim their support of HALIFAX's view. UTTERLY ISOLATED - WINSTON has no choice now.
    WINSTON
    Then...
    (pause)
    Then it seems...
    (pause)
    ...we have no choice but to at least consider the path of negotiation.
    CHAMBERLAIN and HALIFAX share an astonished look!
    WINSTON
    If Hitler's peace terms are-- overlordship of Central Europe and return of certain German colonies -
    (pause)
    - and if he will leave us our independence, then - then I would be thankful to get out of our present difficulties. It's quite unlikely that he will make any such offer, but...
    WINSTON looks at the CABINET SECRETARY who records for posterity his every word -
    WINSTON
    ...if I were told what the German terms were, then--I would be-- prepared---to--to consider them.
    The SECRETARY notes down this historic concession, and WINSTON observes this.
    HALIFAX
    Thank you. Prime Minister.
    CHAMBERLAIN nods at HALIFAX. They have prevailed.
    HALIFAX
    (triumphant)
    I shall prepare a draft memorandum at once.
    Finally, WINSTON nods. CHAMBERLAIN and HALIFAX look at each other again - victory!

EXT. TREASURY DRUM - DAY
    HIGH WIDE-SHOT as WINSTON walks through the TREASURY DRUM toward DOWNING STREET. MILES ALDRIDGE, a lone photographer calls out -
    MILES ALDRIDGE
    Mr. Churchill! One picture, one picture, come on sir, one picture! How about a smile, Prime Minister?
    WINSTON steps toward him, and then DELIBERATELY gives the RUDE VERSION of the V-FOR-VICTORY sign (PALM-INWARD). Winston walks on.

INT. BATHROOM/ TREASURY - DAY
    CHAMBERLAIN, alone, steadies himself against a wall - his health is fading. He takes out his bottle of MORPHINE and drinks.

INT/EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - NIGHT
    KING GEORGE walks out on to a BALCONY and looks down the MALL in BLACKOUT, as his EQUERRY joins him...
    GEORGE VI
    I was--ju--just imagining never standing--here again. Perhaps because I am no longer alive, or-- or because the palace itself-- is gone.
    EQUERRY
    Canada. You must decide, sir. You could rule in exile.
    GEORGE VI
    Truly? Is that my fate?
    (pause)
    You know what? I feel angry. In this moment I'm aware of feeling-- bloody angry.
    The EQUERRY studies him, as he studies the MALL.

INT. ELIZABETH'S "SHOE-BOX" ROOM/ WAR ROOMS - NIGHT
    ELIZABETH LAYTON waits, her fingers at the ready. She sneaks a glance at the CLOCK on her DESK - it is 1.30! WINSTON is in a BLACK MOOD. He struggles to DICTATE a SPEECH...
    WINSTON
    I have...come to...to wonder...in... recent days...whether it was...my duty...
    ECU of: the TYPEWRITER hammers typing "duty" -
    WINSTON
    - to consider...
    EVANS enters, carrying a TRAY holding a glass and a bottle. Elizabeth yawns.
    WINSTON
    ...consider...entering...
    EVANS is standing there staring at WINSTON, waiting to knock off for the night. WINSTON notices -
    JOHN EVANS
    Will that be all for tonight, sir?
    WINSTON ignores him.
    WINSTON
    ...entering into negotiations with...
    (unable to speak the dreaded name)
    ...that...corporal...no...
    EVANS departs without an answer, as - WINSTON pours himself a SCOTCH and mumbles to himself -
    WINSTON
    ...gangster--no--tyrant... ...monster of wickedness, no...
    WINSTON, wanting more inspiration, turns over a NEWSPAPER and on the COVER is - a LARGE PHOTO of ADOLPH HITLER. WINSTON looks at HITLER'S FACE with LOATHING -
    WINSTON
    ...butcher--no good--monstrous savage?--bloodthirsty guttersnipe!-- housepainter...
    (throws newspaper on the ground)
    HOUSEPAINTER!
    (his head clears)
    Where were we? Where - ?
    WINSTON, hearing no sound of typing, turns - and sees ELIZABETH LAYTON staring at her TYPEWRITER, frozen -
    WINSTON
    Well?
    ELIZABETH
    (softly)
    I didn't understand you, sir.
    He doesn't reply. She finally adds -
    ELIZABETH
    You were -
    WINSTON
    Were?
    ELIZABETH
    You were - mumbling.
    WINSTON
    Mumbling.
    ELIZABETH
    Yes sir.
    WINSTON, crosses to the other side of her and sits down -he picks up a FRAMED PHOTO of A HANDSOME YOUNG SOLDIER from her desk.
    WINSTON
    Your beau?
    ELIZABETH maintains her composure with true grit during the following exchange -
    ELIZABETH
    My brother.
    WINSTON
    Where is he now?
    ELIZABETH
    He was falling back on Dunkirk but he never made it.
    This rocks WINSTON to the core. He studies ELIZABETH, stirred by the beauty of her sad face.
    ELIZABETH
    What?
    His eyes moisten - at all she represents, innocence and loss and courage and purity.
    WINSTON
    I'm just looking at you.
    She turns back to her TYPE-WRITER and sits there waiting, until - feeling awkward - she offers -
    ELIZABETH
    Shall I read back what we have?
    WINSTON
    Please.
    ELIZABETH
    "I have come to wonder in recent days whether it was my duty to consider entering into negotiations- -with..."
    WINSTON ponders his next line - but again, NO WORDS COME.
    WINSTON
    With...

EXT. ROOF TOP/ DEFENCE MINISTRY - NIGHT
    WINSTON emerges on to the ROOFTOP of the building, and proceeds to LIGHT UP a CIGAR as he takes in the CLEAR NIGHT SKY above him.
    WINSTON (O.S.)
    ...with...
    He then hears a DRONE... it is a SINGLE SPITFIRE on NIGHT PATROL. It comes into view, slowly crossing the sky. WINSTON watches this GHOSTLY SIGHT come and go. The little plane looks very small in such a big expanse of sky... His eyes are WET with TEARS, as he ANGRILY GRINDS OUT his CIGAR. The CAMERA rises up - up - into an AERIAL SHOT of - - WINSTON on the ROOF until - WINSTON is no bigger than a TOY LEAD SOLDIER.

INT. SPARE ROOM/ 10 DOWNING STREET - NIGHT
    CLEMMIE enters and sees - WINSTON, sitting on a large boat- shaped bed in the dark staring into space, amid UNPACKED BOXES. He's at a very low ebb.
    CLEMMIE
    Darling, Winston, Darling?
    No answer. She goes to him. He's clearly in trouble -
    WINSTON
    I -
    CLEMMIE
    Shhh. Shhh. You've the full weight of the world on your shoulders. But these inner battles, darling -
    WINSTON
    I can't -
    CLEMMIE
    - I know, I know - but they have actually trained you for this moment. You are strong because you are imperfect. You are wise because you have doubts. From this uncertainty the wisest words will come. Now. I will let him in.
    WINSTON
    Who?
    CLEMMIE
    The King.
    WINSTON
    Which King? Our King?
    CLEMMIE
    Well if it isn't him, it's a wonderful impersonation.
    CLEMMIE closes the door. WINSTON looks DISHEVELLED, his suit RUMPLED. A Mess. He makes a small effort to tuck in a shirt and buttons his waistcoat. KING GEORGE VI enters - the most 'proper' man in Europe. The height of manners and decorum. Wears an IMPECCABLE SUIT.
    KING GEORGE VI
    Mr Churchill--I hope you can for-- give the late hour but your wife thought tonight would be a good time.
    Winston is standing by the bed.
    KING GEORGE VI
    Shall we sit?
    The KING sits in an ARMCHAIR. Winston sits on the bed. WINSTON makes a futile effort to put on his public face...
    WINSTON
    Something to drink? Er -
    KING GEORGE VI
    No, thank you.
    WINSTON remains seated on the edge of the bed.
    KING GEORGE VI
    I received a visit...
    WINSTON
    From?
    KING GEORGE VI
    Viscount Halifax.
    (beat)
    It appears--the prospect of a peace deal with Hitler--has increased dramatically.
    WINSTON
    Later today I will address The House. The war cabinet is drafting a letter to Mussolini, asking him to broker talks with Herr Hitler.
    GEORGE VI
    Then Halifax was correct.
    WINSTON
    I should like to know your mind.
    GEORGE VI
    It would be helpful to know yours first.
    WINSTON
    Mine? I should like to know it myself.
    (beat)
    Nations which go down fighting rise again, but those which surrender tamely are finished.
    GEORGE VI
    Belgium?
    WINSTON
    Collapsed.
    GEORGE VI
    Norway -
    WINSTON
    Holland. France any hour.
    After a hard silence -
    GEORGE VI
    And the mood of parliament?
    WINSTON
    Fear. Panic.
    GEORGE VI
    And are you not afraid? At all?
    WINSTON
    I am most terribly.
    GEORGE VI scrutinizes him closely -
    WINSTON
    Our defeat in France is the most crushing in the history of the Empire. Support among my party for a campaign of resistance has collapsed.
    Finally - GEORGE has heard what he has wanted to hear, and so makes his pledge - He moves to sit next to Winston on the bed
    GEORGE VI
    You have my support.
    WINSTON cannot believe his ears.
    WINSTON
    Your Majesty?
    GEORGE VI
    You have my support.
    (pause)
    I must confess, I had some reservations about you at-at first. And while some in this country might have dreaded your appointment, none dreaded it like- like Adolph Hitler.
    WINSTON - speechless.
    GEORGE VI
    Whomever can strike fear into that brute heart is worthy of all our trust. We shall work together. You shall have my support. At any hour.
    (passionate)
    Beat the buggers.
    WINSTON
    I fear I may be defeated.
    GEORGE VI
    You--you once gave me some advice. Perhaps I can give you some. Go to the people. Let them instruct you. Quite silently, they usually do. But tell them the truth. Unvarnished.
    WINSTON
    I shall speak to parliament, but without support in my own party, I must sue for peace.
    GEORGE VI
    You warned us this day was coming. We failed to listen to you. Lift us up, Mr Churchill.
    WINSTON
    On certain matters I have few people with whom I can talk frankly.
    GEORGE VI
    Perhaps now we have each other?
    WINSTON
    I no longer scare you?
    GEORGE VI
    Only a little. I can cope.
    WINSTON
    Yes you can. Your majesty.
    They remain sitting there, side by side on the boat-shaped bed, friends hereafter.

INT. DYNAMO ROOM/ BENEATH DOVER CASTLE - MORNING
    CAPTION:
    RAMSAY, dressed in UNIFORM, is on the phone to -
    ENGLISH COAST, TUESDAY, MAY 28
    INT. WINSTON'S BEDROOM/ 10 DOWNING STREET - MORNING
    - WINSTON, in bed, taking the call.
    (INTERCUT, as necessary - )
    RAMSAY
    We are ready. More or less.
    WINSTON
    More or less what, Bertie? Give me a number!

INT. DYNAMO ROOM/ BENEATH DOVER CASTLE - MORNING
    RAMSAY opens the METAL FRENCH DOORS and steps out onto -

EXT. BALCONY/ DYNAMO ROOM/ BENEATH DOVER CASTLE - MORNING
    RAMSAY's POV OF: over 800 SMALL boats, the "LITTLE SHIPS", ARRIVING or MOORED. NAVAL officers and VOLUNTEERS board them. A RAG-TAG ARMADA.
    RAMSAY
    In total--860 vessels. The biggest civilian fleet ever assembled.
    WINSTON
    May God watch over them all.
    The SHOT PULLS AWAY from RAMSAY on the BALCONY -
    RAMSAY
    Operation Dynamo waits upon your command...
    - and we reveal - that the BALCONY of his BEDROOM is cut right into the cliff-face of THE WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER!
    WINSTON
    Admiral--you may initiate Dynamo.
    - CAMERA pulls back and back - until we see the ENTIRE ENGLISH COASTLINE, complete with the "DYNAMO" FLEET.

EXT/INT. PRINCES STREET/ WINSTON'S CAR - DAY
    WIDE SHOT of - WINSTON's CAR, moving slowly through the rainy street. WINSTON, in the back seat, looks out the window at the human traffic - seems like he's in a gold-fish bowl, disconnected. He watches as - MEN IN BOWLER HATS and YOUNG WOMEN in SUMMER DRESSES walk to work. As they rush through the rain shielding themselves with umbrellas and newspapers. WINSTON, with an UNLIT CIGAR in his mouth, searches his pockets for a MATCH. But he can't find his matches. When the CAR stops at a RED LIGHT - - TOM LEONARD hears the car door slam. He turns, looks back, WINSTON has jumped out of his car. Tom Leonard opens his door and stands looking around for Winston, as crowds rush past in the pouring rain.

INT. WAR CABINET ROOM/ WAR ROOMS - DAY
    BRIDGES puts down the TELEPHONE and turns to the ASSEMBLED WAR CABINET -
    BRIDGES
    We've lost the Prime Minister!

INT. ST JAMES PARK UNDERGROUND - DAY
    The CROWD of COMMUTERS parts to reveal - WINSTON, closely studying the UNDERGROUND MAP, trying to work it out, until he is RECOGNISED for the FIRST TIME. A great commotion starts, as people watch respectfully their PRIME MINISTER trying to work out how to use the TUBE. ANGLE ON: WINSTON, studying the MAP, lighting a CIGAR, as - - a TEENAGE GIRL stands beside him. She looks at the MAP too. WINSTON notices her.
    WINSTON
    Do you know how to use this thing?
    TEENAGE GIRL
    Yes -
    (recognising him, her eyes widen)
    - yes sir.
    WINSTON
    So--tell me--how do I get to Westminster?
    TEENAGE GIRL
    Westminster? Um, the District Line. East. One stop.
    WINSTON
    District Line. East. One stop. Doesn't sound so hard.
    TEENAGE GIRL
    No, sir.
    WINSTON stalks off, taking the steps down, down. Now everyone is stopping to let him go by - PEOPLE are STUNNED SPEECHLESS.

INT. PLATFORM/ DISTRICT LINE EASTBOUND/ ST JAMES PARK TUBE - DAY
    WINSTON arrives on the PLATFORM as a TRAIN arrives. The busy CHATTER dies down at once - as everyone recognizes WINSTON.
    WINSTON
    So--this is the Underground!
    He BOARDS.

INT. DISTRICT LINE TRAIN - DAY
    He boards the TRAIN with an UNLIT CIGAR in his mouth. COMMUTERS look up and FALL SILENT at once, all RISING to their feet, as if a Lady has entered a room. WINSTON tips his HAT to them.
    WINSTON
    What are you all staring at? Have you never seen a Prime Minister ride on the Underground before.
    When he sits, the COMMUTERS follow suit. The TRAIN doesn't immediately start going. He waits. Then he looks around him. EVERYBODY is doing their best to be well mannered and not stare, but all are failing! They immediately avert their eyes from WINSTON. WINSTON remembers his unlit CIGAR -
    WINSTON
    Does anyone have a match?
    Down the CARRIAGE an OLD MAN shakes a box of matches. WINSTON rises and goes to him. The OLD MAN strikes a match on the THIRD STRIKE. With a SHAKING HAND he lights WINSTON's CIGAR.
    WINSTON
    Thank you.
    WINSTON offers his hand...
    WINSTON
    What is your name?
    OLD MAN
    Oliver Wilson, sir.
    WINSTON
    And what do you do Mr Wilson?
    OLD MAN
    Brick-layer, sir.
    WINSTON
    Good!
    (loudly)
    We shall have great need of brick- layers soon! Business will be looking up!
    The GROUP laughs, as - the TRAIN lurches into MOTION.
    WINSTON
    Progress!
    The mood of REVERENCE lightens now, as WINSTON goes to - - a WOMAN WITH A BABY, touches its head.
    WINSTON
    How old?
    WOMAN WITH BABY
    Eight months, sir. He looks like you.
    WINSTON
    Madam, all babies look like me.
    The causes widespread DELIGHT. Another woman steps up to shake his hand -
    WOMAN WITH BABY
    Mrs Jessie Sutton.
    Everyone has got the hang of this now, and don't need to be spoken to. They step forward in close order -
    YOUNG WOMAN
    (shaking WINSTON's hand)
    Abigail Walker.
    WEST-INDIAN MAN
    (shaking WINSTON's hand)
    Marcus Peters.
    YOUNG IRISH WOMAN
    (shaking WINSTON's hand)
    Agnes Dillon.
    YOUNG MAN
    (shaking WINSTON's hand)
    Maurice Baker.
    MIDDLE AGED WOMAN
    (shaking WINSTON's hand)
    Alice Simpson.
    MIDDLE-AGED WOMAN
    (shaking WINSTON's hand)
    Miss Margaret Jerome.
    WINSTON
    My mother was a Jerome--I expect we are closely related!
    Laughter. He now switches into SPEECH MODE, switches on the inner lights -
    WINSTON
    And how are you all bearing up?
    A great hearty response.
    WINSTON
    Of good spirits? Just as well!
    (laughter)
    We will need them!
    WINSTON
    Now let me ask you all something-- which has been weighing on my mind. Perhaps you can provide me with an answer.
    A hushed SILENCE again - they wait. He studies their faces, reading their minute expressions -
    WINSTON
    The British people. What is their mood? Is it confident?
    YOUNG MAN
    Very.
    OLD MAN
    Some people say it's a lost cause.
    WINSTON
    Lost causes are the only ones worth fighting for. Now let me ask you this--if the worst came to pass, and the enemy were to appear on these streets, what would you do?
    YOUNG MAN
    Fight.
    MIDDLE AGED WOMAN
    Fight the fascists!
    OLD MAN
    Fight them with whatever we can lay our hands on!
    IRISH WOMAN
    Broom handles if we must!
    YOUNG WOMAN
    Street by street!
    WEST-INDIAN MAN
    They'll never take Picadilly!
    WINSTON
    Ha!Ha! Never Picadilly indeed!
    The public laugh. WINSTON SMILES, proud of these people -
    WINSTON
    And what--what if I put it to you all--that we might - if we ask nicely - receive very favourable terms from Mr. Hitler if we enter into a peace deal with him right now? What would you say to that?
    ALL
    NEVER! NEVER!
    A pause, and then -
    ALL
    NEVER! NEVER!
    When SILENCE returns, one (young) voice chimes in, late -
    YOUNG GIRL
    Never!
    WINSTON turns to look for the source of the voice and he sees, and moves toward, one YOUNG GIRL...
    WINSTON
    Will you never give up?
    YOUNG GIRL
    Never.
    Touched, he crosses and sits down opposite the child -
    WINSTON
    (to YOUNG GIRL)
    "Then out spake brave Horatius, The Captain of the gate: To every man upon this earth Death cometh soon or late. And how can man die better Than facing fearful odds - "
    WEST INDIAN MAN
    "- for the ashes of his fathers And the temples of his gods."
    Everyone is moved. WINSTON, himself, has tears in his eyes. He wipes his eyes with a handkerchief.
    YOUNG GIRL
    Are you crying?
    WINSTON
    I blub a lot. You'll have to get used to it.
    The TRAIN stops.
    WINSTON
    What stop is this?
    MIDDLE AGED WOMAN
    Westminster.
    WINSTON
    That's my stop.
    Before stepping off the TRAIN he stops to look into the faces of the good, brave, true people. Emboldened by their simple courage, he exits.

INT. WAR CABINET ROOM/ WAR ROOMS - DAY
    WAR CABINET MEETING 4. PRESENT: 17 PERSONS. The Main War Cabinet, minus WINSTON (WINSTON's CHAIR remains empty): (CHAMBERLAIN, HALIFAX, GREENWOOD, ATLEE) and the FOLLOWING (EDEN, ALEXANDER, SINCLAIR, COOPER, CADOGAN, ANDERSON, POUND, DOWDING, IRONSIDE, BRIDGES, ISMAY, NICHOLL, WILKINSON.) All are actively discussing the wording of a PEACE OFFER. HALIFAX, leading the formulation of the offer, looks very pleased with the current situation.
    HALIFAX
    The Memorandum--titled "Suggested Approaches to Italy"--is as follows...
    CADOGAN
    "If Signor Mussolini will co- operate with us in securing a settlement of all European questions which safeguard the independence and security of the allies..."
    CAMERA moves in on: WINSTON's SILVER BOX OF MATCHES. EXT HOUSE OF COMMONS - DAY WINSTON comes up from WESTMINSTER TUBE STATION and crosses to PARLIAMENT.
    CADOGAN (O.S.)
    "...and could be the basis of a just and durable peace for Europe, we will undertake at once to discuss, with the desire to find solutions, the matters in which Signor Mussolini is primarily interested..."

INT. HOUSE OF COMMONS - WESTMINISTER HALL - DAY
    Deep in anxious thought, WINSTON stalks in to the House of Commons and walks down a long hallway....
    CADOGAN ((O.S.)
    .."We understand that he desires the solution of certain Mediterranean questions: and if he will state in secrecy what these are, France and Great Britain will at once do their best to meet those wishes".

INT. STAIRS AND CORRIDORS/ PARLIAMENT - DAY
    To the first floor and is met by a relieved JOHN EVANS -
    JOHN EVANS
    Sir! The War Cabinet is waiting!
    WINSTON
    I am due to address the Outer Cabinet. I haven't spoken to them since the formation of the new government.
    Moving up the HALLWAY, WINSTON and EVANS pass huddled groups of YOUNGER MP's - WINSTON STOPS, thinks, and then turns back to them.
    WINSTON
    Good day.
    (pause)
    I am--about to speak to my Outer Cabinet in my rooms and--I extend the invitation to any of you who would care to join them.
    WINSTON forces a SMILE, then departs. After a moment, the MP's rise, look at each other, murmur, rise and follow him.

INT. COMMITTEE ROOM/ PARLIAMENT - DAY
    The ROOM is now FULL with 40 MEN - CABINET MEMBERS and YOUNG BACK-BENCHERS. WINSTON enters, with JOHN EVANS - shakes the hand of YOUNG CONSERVATIVE MP (ERNLE HASTINGS). The DOORS are CLOSED. WINSTON stands in front of the GATHERING. They wait for him to speak. At first no words come from WINSTON, and then -
    WINSTON
    Later today--I will address the House on the matter of our nation's security.
    (silence)
    At this very moment the War Cabinet is drafting papers that lay out our willingness to enter into peace talks with Herr Hitler, via his lacky, Signor Mussolini.
    (pause)
    I have thought carefully in these last days--whether -
    (pause)
    -whether it was part of my duty-- to consider entering into negotiations with -
    (beat)
    - that Man.
    He puts on his GLASSES and takes out a MATCH-BOOK - on which is written the names of the people he met in the Underground.
    WINSTON
    But then I spoke--with Oliver Wilson -
    (starts to read names from his matchbook)
    - Mrs Jessie Sutton, Mrs Abigail Walker...
    ANGLE ON: the CARD. The names of the TUBE COMMUTERS are all written there... REACTION: MP's, slight confusion as they try to remember who these people are...
    WINSTON
    ...Marcus Peters, Agnes Dillon, Maurice Baker, Alice Simpson, and Miss Margaret Jerome--brave, good, true citizens of this kingdom--and they argued, strongly, that it was idle to think that, if we tried to make peace now, we should get better terms than if we fought it out. The Germans, Mr Baker felt, would demand - in the name of disarmament - our naval bases, and much else. And I think he's right. Jessie Sutton, speaking for many, believes we should then become a slave state, though a British Government - which would be Hitler's puppet - would be set up - under Mosley or some such person.
    ERNLE HASTINGS
    No!
    WINSTON
    And I join with them in asking a further question, a question I put to you: where should we be at the end of all that?
    He SURVEYS their silent UNCERTAIN FACES.
    WINSTON
    (silence)
    Perhaps some might benefit--the powerful might be able to parlay good terms--preserved in their country redoubts, out of sight of the Swastika flying on Buckingham Palace, over Windsor, draped on these very buildings -
    BACK-BENCHER 1
    Never!
    WINSTON
    So I come to you--to learn your minds in this grave hour.
    The FACES of the MP's are RESOLUTE, MOVED, READY TO FIGHT.
    WINSTON
    You see, we do still have immense reserves and advantages...
    A NOISE begins to build in the room, mumbling, turning into shouts, over which WINSTON must shout -
    WINSTON
    ...and it was pointed out to me -
    (holding up list of names from Underground)
    - by my new friends--that you might even rise up and tear me down were I for one moment to contemplate parley or surrender.
    A spontaneous round of emotional applause. It surprises WINSTON. It surprises even those who are applauding.
    WINSTON
    Were they wrong?
    ALL
    NO! NO!
    WINSTON
    Then...then...then -
    The DIN dies down. When silence returns...
    WINSTON
    - then--it appears to be your will also, that if this long island story of ours is to end at last, then it should only be -
    (pause, then powerfully -)
    - when each one of us lies choking in his own blood upon the ground!
    A GIANT HOORAY goes up and the YOUNG MPs RUSH UP to WINSTON, who is soon SWAMPED by MPs shaking his HAND, PATTING HIM on the back - a MASSIVE SIGN OF SUPPORT.

INT. WAR CABINET ROOM/ WAR ROOMS - DAY
    WINSTON somberly addresses the WAR CABINET (plus ANTHONY EDEN).
    WINSTON
    And when I asked to know their minds there occurred a demonstration which, considering the character of the gathering, quite surprised me. There is no doubt that if we falter at all in the leading of the nation we should all be hurled out of office. I am sure now that every Minister on both sides of the house is ready to be killed quite soon, and have all his family and possessions destroyed, rather than give in. In this they represent almost all the people. It falls to me in these coming days and months to express their sentiments. There shall be no negotiated peace...
    (to HALIFAX)
    ..and you must each do now as you see fit.
    (beat)
    I must now address parliament, and I'm yet to write a word of my speech.
    WINSTON grabs his SILVER BOX OF MATCHES left earlier on the table -
    WINSTON
    There's the buggers.
    - then walks out, passing the tall IRONSIDE, and clapping him on the shoulder.
    WINSTON
    "Tiny".
    GENERAL IRONSIDE - having his war at last - smiles.
    IRONSIDE
    Sir.
    EDEN happily follows his LEADER now. REACTION: HALIFAX. BETRAYAL. CHAMBERLAIN avoids HALIFAX's eyes. ATTLEE and GREENWOOD smile.

INT. CORRIDOR - WAR ROOMS / ELIZABETH'S ROOM - DAY
    WINSTON walks toward ELIZABETH LAYTON's "Shoe-Box" room, knocks, opens the door, remains in the doorway -
    WINSTON
    Miss Layton?
    ELIZABETH looks up from her work -
    ELIZABETH
    Sir?
    WINSTON
    I'm in need of you.

INT. WAR CABINET ROOM - DAY
    HALIFAX detains CHAMBERLAIN as the CABINET leaves the meeting -
    HALIFAX
    We must both now resign. Force a vote of no confidence. I have your word?
    CHAMBERLAIN
    Let us--let us go to the Commons first. Join our colleagues. And speak after the Prime Minister's address.
    CHAMBERLAIN takes his coat and leaves HALIFAX worried.

INT. BEDROOM/ 10 DOWNING STREET - DAY
    CLEMMIE is getting dressed, and then turns to look at herself in the mirror, and reveal - - that she is in UNIFORM (Red Cross).
    CLEMMIE
    (to her reflection)
    Here lies a woman, who is always tired--for she lived in a world where too much was required.

EXT. PARLIAMENT - DAY
    CAMERA moves in on WINSTON'S PARKED CAR, and we gradually hear the sound of - TYPING. Through the WINDOW of the CAR we finally see - WINSTON, dictating to ELIZABETH LAYTON, her TYPE-WRITER on her knee going clack, clack, clack. (WINSTON gesticulates as he composes the crucial words.)

INT. COMMONS/ PARLIAMENT - DAY
    WINSTON addresses a PACKED HOUSE of COMMONS. A CROWD of some FIVE HUNDRED listen, with more in the GALLERY. Among the GALLERY crowd, JOHN EVANS. ELIZABETH LAYTON arrives late, and learns over the hand-rail, looking down anxiously at - WINSTON, as he launches his final assault -
    WINSTON
    Turning once again--to the question of invasion--I would observe that there has never been a period in all these long centuries of which we boast, when an absolute guarantee against invasion could have been given to our people.
    ANGLE ON: HALIFAX, in the GALLERY, keenly watching.
    WINSTON
    I have, myself--full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once more able to defend our island home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny -

INT. LIVING ROOM/ DOWNING STREET - DAY
    CLEMMIE, in her UNIFORM, listens to WINSTON's broadcast on the RADIO, as she has her portrait photographed by CECIL BEATON. She is awkward in front of the camera.

INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY
    The KING smokes as he listens to the same broadcast.

INT. HOUSE OF COMMONS CHAMBER - DAY
    WINSTON
    - if necessary for years, if necessary alone. At any rate, that is what we are going to try to do. That is the resolve of His Majesty's Government - every man of them. That is the will of Parliament and the nation. The British Empire and the French Republic, linked together in their cause and in their need, will defend to the death their native soil, aiding each other like good comrades to the utmost of their strength.
    ANGLE ON: ELIZABETH, who is "mouthing" these words, some of which she already knows by heart -
    WINSTON
    Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France--we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island - whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; We shall never surrender, and if, which I do not for a moment believe, this island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old!
    The LABOUR BENCHES begin to wave their papers in the air and call their approval, (it is against Parliamentary etiquette to ever clap in the House of Commons). WINSTON'S children bang their hands on the woodwork. WINSTON's CONSERVATIVE colleagues all look to CHAMBERLAIN. CLOSE ON: HALIFAX, looking down from the GALLERY at CHAMBERLAIN, closes his eyes, knowing what is coming next - - CHAMBERLAIN TAKES OUT HIS WHITE HANDKERCHIEF, and tamps his forehead with it. It's enough. The CONSERVATIVE FACTION, ignited, rises to their feet in THUNDEROUS SUPPORT of WINSTON. REACTION HALIFAX: Defeat. WINSTON turns to ANTHONY EDEN, registering surprise at the strength of support, and winks - EDEN grins and SHAKES his FRIEND's HAND.
    EDEN
    Changed your mind?
    WINSTON
    Those who never change their mind never change anything.
    The UPROAR in the HOUSE continues, those in the gallery begin to throw their parliamentary papers into the air which then rain down into the chamber.
    STANHOPE
    What just happened?
    HALIFAX
    He just mobilized the English language--and sent it into battle.
    Every man is on his feet waving their parliamentary papers and throwing them into the air, shouting and stamping. Smiling with due deference WINSTON takes up his things and walks down the central aisle of the house as papers continue to rain down from the gallery like ticker tape or confetti. As the GREAT DOORS of the COMMONS close behind him - the screen becomes BLACK. Up with END CAPTIONS: ALMOST ALL OF THE 300,000 TROOPS AT DUNKIRK WERE CARRIED HOME BY WINSTON'S CIVILIAN FLEET NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN DIED SIX MONTHS LATER VISCOUNT HALIFAX WAS SOON REMOVED BY WINSTON FROM THE WAR CABINET AND SENT TO WASHINGTON ON MAY 8, FIVE YEARS LATER, BRITAIN AND ITS ALLIES WOULD DECLARE VICTORY WITHIN WEEKS OF VICTORY, CHURCHILL AND HIS PARTY WERE VOTED OUT OF OFFICE BY THE BRITISH PEOPLE. "SUCCESS IS NOT FINAL, FAILURE IS NOT FATAL: IT IS THE COURAGE TO CONTINUE THAT COUNTS."
    WINSTON CHURCHILL
    Roll End Credits.

Summary: In May 1940, the opposition Labour Party in Parliament demand the resignation of British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain for being too weak in the face of the Nazi onslaught. Conservative Party colleagues want Lord Halifax as his successor, but Halifax does not feel it is his time. Chamberlain chooses the only man whom the opposition parties will accept as the leader of a national government: Winston Churchill, the First Lord of the Admiralty, who correctly predicted the danger from Adolf Hitler before the war but has a poor reputation in Parliament because of his role in the disastrous Gallipoli campaign, his views on India, the Russian Civil War, The Gold Standard, his record in the Admiralty and his past defection from the Liberal Party. As Germany invades the Low Countries, Churchill is brusque with his new secretary Elizabeth Layton for mishearing him, which earns him a rebuke from his wife Clementine. King George VI, who is skeptical of Churchill due to his actions during the abdication crisis, reluctantly invites him to form a government. Churchill includes Chamberlain (as Lord President of the Council) and Halifax (as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs). Parliament reacts coolly to Churchill's first speech promising "Blood, toil, tears, and sweat". Chamberlain and Halifax are appalled by Churchill's refusal to negotiate for peace and plan to resign from the government to force a vote of no confidence, creating a situation in which Halifax would likely become Prime Minister. Churchill visits French Prime Minister Paul Reynaud, who thinks Churchill delusional for not admitting that the Allies are losing the Battle of France, while Churchill is furious that the French do not have a plan to counterattack. Although US President Franklin Roosevelt is sympathetic to Churchill's plight, his actions are limited by an isolationist Congress and the Neutrality Acts. Churchill draws ire from his cabinet and advisers for delivering a radio address in which he falsely implies the Allies to be advancing in France, earning him a rebuke from the king. Halifax and Chamberlain continue to push to use Italian Ambassador Giuseppe Bastianini as an intermediary with Germany. The British Expeditionary Force is trapped at Dunkirk and Calais, and Britain begins preparing for a German invasion. Against the advice of the War Cabinet, Churchill orders Brigadier Nicholson in Calais to lead the 30th Infantry Brigade to distract the enemy and buy time for the evacuation of soldiers from Dunkirk. The debacle in France causes the War Cabinet to support negotiating with Germany. Under heavy pressure, Churchill agrees to consider a negotiated peace, but chokes on the words as he tries to dictate a letter requesting talks. George VI unexpectedly visits Churchill, explaining that he has come to support Churchill to continue the war. Churchill's idea to have "civilian boats" evacuate troops from Dunkirk, Operation Dynamo, is initiated. Still uncertain, Churchill impulsively rides the London Underground (for the first time in his life) and asks startled passengers their opinions; they all want to continue to fight Hitler. Churchill addresses the Outer Cabinet and other members of parliament and finds they, too, have little or no desire to surrender. As Churchill prepares to address Parliament, Halifax asks Chamberlain to continue with their plan to resign, but Chamberlain decides first to listen to the address. Finishing his speech, Churchill proclaims "we shall fight on the beaches" should the Germans invade, to resounding support from the Opposition, while the Tory MPs behind him sit silently, until Chamberlain mops his brow with his handkerchief, a prearranged signal that they should support the PM. Churchill exits the chamber to cheers and enthusiastic waving of Order Papers.