The Churchills DVD

Presented by historian David Starkey, the fascinating historical documentary THE CHURCHILLS makes its DVD debut onSeptember 5, 2017 from Athena, an RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE) brand. David Starkey uncovers the links between Britain’s two greatest war leaders, both called Churchill: Winston, who defeated Hitler, and his ancestor John Churchill, who faced down Louis XIV of France. This DVD 1-Disc features 3 episodes ($34.99, Amazon.com). The Churchills made its U.S. premiere in July 2017 on Acorn TV. Called a “glorious streaming service… an essential must-have” (The Hollywood Reporter), Acorn TV is North America’s most popular and largest streaming service focused on British and international television.

Eminent historian David Starkey (Monarchy) tells the parallel stories of the two greatest war leaders in British history, both of whom were named Churchill. It is well known that Winston Churchill led Britain and her allies to victory against Hitler in World War II; less well-remembered is John Churchill, first Duke of Marlborough, who battled a much earlier would-be dictator of Europe, the Sun King Louis XIV of France.

John Churchill was not only Winston’s ancestor, but he was also his inspiration and subject; Winston was a writer and historian before he was Prime Minister, authoring a massive, million-word biography of John Churchill, titled Marlborough: His Life and Times. Starkey argues that it was the decade he spent immersed in history, working on Marlborough that turned Winston from a politician into a great statesman, and prepared him for the immense task of leading the nation against Nazi Germany.

An honorary fellow at Cambridge University and a member of London’s Society of Royal Antiquities, David Starkey (CBE) has taught history at the London School of Economics, written more than a dozen books, and presented many acclaimed television documentaries, including the 16-part series Monarchy available on Acorn TV.

Street Date: September 5, 2017                      SRP: $34.99

DVD 1-Disc: 3 episodes – Approx. 150 min. – SDH Subtitles – UPC 054961260096

My Thoughts

This series presents the history of two historical figures who both shared the Churchill name. Narrated by David Starkey, we first take a look at the life of John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough. He fought a dictator much like Winston Churchill who found inspiration in the actions of his ancestor when he fought Hitler.   This series includes three fabulous episodes. 

1- The first episode takes us to Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. We learn that Winston Churchill often visited the estate and even wrote a biography about his ancestor John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough.

2 - By using his ancestor''s words and actions as a guide, Winston is able to predict that the Nazis would cause WWII. 

3 - During WWII, Winston becomes prime minister and studies the duke's war strategies and used them in his battle against the Nazis.

I really enjoyed this documentary. It was interesting comparing the parallels between two different men who lived centuries apart, but who shared the same blood and the same desire to fight for justice. David Starkey was an amazing narrator. The reenactments were superb, and I learned some interesting new things I wasn't aware of before.