Watch Churchill's Bodyguard

2005
1 Season
8.0 (73)

Churchill's Bodyguard is a British historical television series that originally aired in 2005. The show portrays the life of the iconic British statesman, Winston Churchill, during one of the most tumultuous periods in modern human history - World War II. The series focuses on the life of Churchill and the people who protected him, also known as his bodyguards. The show is set during the years of 1939-1945, covering Churchill's rise to power and his time as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Throughout six episodes, we follow the fictionalized story of a young British intelligence officer, Captain Tom Elliott, who is assigned to be one of Churchill's bodyguards.

The role of Winston Churchill is played by the distinguished and experienced British actor, Robert Powell. Powell does an admirable job portraying one of the most recognizable figures of the 20th century, and his performance is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the show.

Dennis Waterman plays the role of Captain Tom Elliott, Churchill's bodyguard, and the protagonist of the series. Waterman delivers a solid performance, bringing depth and humanity to the character, even as he completes his duties through the most challenging of situations.

Alongside Waterman and Powell, there are numerous talented actors who bring the show to life. John Tradewell plays the character of Walter Thompson, Churchill's chauffeur, and the trio of him, Elliott, and Powell makes for an engaging watch as they navigate the sometimes unpredictable life of their boss amidst air raids and wartime demands. David Burke also stars as the character of Captain Ramsay, who is instrumental in ensuring Churchill's safety.

The show is a fascinating historical mini-series, offering viewers an intimate look into the life of the man who helped guide the United Kingdom through the war. Churchill's Bodyguard neither sugarcoats nor demonizes Churchill - instead, it presents him as a human being with flaws and quirks, as well as impressive leadership skills.

The series does an excellent job of depicting the historical context of the time, and the incredible tension as Britain faced almost constant attack from Axis powers. The show captures the everyday struggles of British citizens during wartime, as well as the critical decisions that Churchill had to make to retain Britain's position in the war.

The production values of the series are excellent, with some beautiful cinematography capturing the era in stunning detail. The show's costume and set designs are all beautifully done and help to transport the audience back to the 1940s.

One notable aspect of the series is the tension that arises from Tom Elliott's strong moral compass, which creates conflicts with some of the less-than-ethical operations in which British intelligence was engaged. This friction adds an additional layer of complexity to the series, as it delves into the moral ambiguities of espionage and wartime ethics.

Churchill's Bodyguard is a must-watch for anyone interested in British history or World War II, and it's a wonderful tribute to one of the most significant figures of the twentieth century. The show combines exceptional acting, solid writing, and impressive production values to create an engaging and insightful look into the life of Winston Churchill and the people who protected him.

Overall, Churchill's Bodyguard is a fascinating historical drama that will appeal to anyone with an interest in World War II history or British culture. The series offers a unique and captivating look at the life of Churchill, combined with high production values and immersive attention to detail. It's a great watch for anyone who wants to learn more about this critical period of modern history.

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Seasons

13. Love Him to Death

January 1, 2005

V-E Day brings relief to the country but no respite for Walter. Jubilant crowds clamoring to touch their heroic Prime Minister pose almost as great a security risk as Nazi assassins had. Only later does Walter have the opportunity to reflect on his nearly 20-year relationship with the employer who had become his friend.

12. The Sewer Bomb

January 1, 2005

Only months after the D-Day invasion, the desperate Reich answers with a terrifying new weapon--V-2 rockets screaming into London. The stress affects even Churchill's normally unshakeable bodyguard, who spends weeks in a convalescent home. At a conference in Athens, however, the threat comes not from above, but from below, as security forces uncover a ton of explosives secreted near Churchill's hotel.

11. The Kiss of Life?

January 1, 2005

Returning from the Tehran Conference, a sick, exhausted, disheartened Churchill survives his darkest night, with Walter keeping vigil at his bedside. Could Churchill have died of pneumonia that night in Tunisia?

10. Suicide Attack in Tehran

January 1, 2005

After two Atlantic crossings and two trips across the length of the Mediterranean, Churchill grows increasingly frustrated with Roosevelt and suspicious of Stalin. When the three leaders meet in Tehran in 1943, the Germans launch operation Longjump--a plot in which elite commandoes parachute into the city, bent on assassination.

9. Winston's Double

January 1, 2005

In 1942, Churchill crisscrosses North Africa and the Middle East and confers with Stalin in Moscow-logging much of the 200,000 miles he would travel during the war, under constant threat from assassins and Axis aircraft. In one instance in Algiers, General Dwight D. Eisenhower resorts to deception to keep Churchill safe.

8. Attack at the Flying Boat Dock

January 1, 2005

Running a gauntlet of U-boats in the North Atlantic, Churchill and Walter set sail for American in an unescorted ship to plot Allied strategy with Franklin Roosevelt. Disaster comes closest, however, as the Prime Minister prepares to board a flying boat for the trip home and a crazed gunman lurks nearby.

7. Surviving the Blitz

January 1, 2005

The early days of the war bring some of Churchill's most difficult--and dangerous--decisions. As bombs rain down on London, the Prime Minister stubbornly insists on walking the streets among the people, watching air raids from rooftops, and visiting anti-aircraft battalions, with only Walter to protect him from the terror above.

6. Dangerous Travels

January 1, 2005

After returning to government and leading the Admiralty, Churchill ascends to the Prime Minister's post on the very day that Hitler invades the Low Countries. He immediately embarks on an aggressive campaign of personal diplomacy. Much to Walter's worriment, his travels include six trips to France on flights well within range of Luftwaffe fighters.

5. Nazi Sniper Plan

January 1, 2005

With the Conservative party driven from power, Churchill enters his "wilderness years." Nevertheless, his outspoken opposition to the Nazis earns him Hitler's lasting fear and enmity. In the run up to war, Hitler's assasins attempt a preemptive strike on the English politician who harbors no illusions about Germany and would stand up to the Fuhrer.

4. Indian Nationalist Assasin

January 1, 2005

Resuming his tour after his convalescence, Churchill wins the hearts of Americans everywhere he goes. Not everyone is in thrall, however. The Indian secret societies still stalk him and come uncomfortably close to carrying out their deadly plans.

3. Nearly Killed in New York

January 1, 2005

Churchill's resistance to self-rule in India makes him a target for terrorists. Under this ominous cloud, he and Walter set off on a lecture tour of the States. But when danger finally strikes, seriously injuring Churchill, it comes from an unexpected and far more mundane quarter.

2. Lawrence and Walter Save the Day

January 1, 2005

Walter accompanies Churchill to the Cairo Conference, which shapes the future of the entire Middle East. In their travels, they face rabid, rock-throwing crowds and meet Lawrence of Arabia--the one man who commands enough respect to shepherd them to safety.

1. Walter Meets Winston

January 1, 2005

From working-class roots, a former telegraph messenger boy comes to guard one of Britain's most flamboyant and controversial politicians. Walter doesn't serve long before he counters the first deadly threat to Churchill--IRA gunmen lurking on the route to Whitehall.

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