Sunday, November 22, 2009

Churchill, Romola and Stephen.


Remember Romola Garai from the latest Emma and the young girl in Atonement? She has just made a film with Stephen Poliakoff – a mystery thriller – Glorious 39 which promises to be next in line of exciting British films released in the last year. A fan, already I predict Romola will be the next Keira Knightley. Interestingly she has had no formal dramatic training.


A coincidence is that the film is set in pre- war Britain in 1939 and Churchill was mentioned as Romola and Stephen were interviewed by Andrew Marr. Yesterday – I was researching Churchill’s speeches – we always knew he was in two minds about our ‘noble allies‘ the Russians, but he actually said in 1939:-


I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia. It is a riddle wrapped in mystery inside an enigma


The bridges in Cumbria were always special to MTL and me after a momentous walking holiday in 1949. Today they are all closed until they have been checked for safety and:

Still falls the Rain
Dark as the world of man,
Black as our loss
Blind as the nineteen hundred and forty nails
Upon the Cross


Edith Sitwell 1887-1964

13 comments:

sablonneuse said...

We have been watching the situation in Cumbria with sadness. Those poor people left hoeless. it's bad enough anytime but just before Christmas somehow makes it so much worse.

Barlinnie said...

Churchill was years ahead of his time Pat, and he knew much more than will ever be uncovered from his personal archives.

Did you know that he very rarely smoked any of the cigars he was pictured with?

Kim Ayres said...

For some reason, I can't abide Keira Knightley. There's something about her pout which irritates me - it's always felt like the limit of her acting ability - she can pout while looking fearful or normal or upset. I never see her acting, only those lips curling about in a world of their own.

My apologies if she's your grandaughter...

Pat said...

Sandy: the trouble is how long it takes for their homes to become habitable again. The last time - in the Midlands - people were living in caravans under very unpleasant conditions for months and months.

Jimmy: no wonder he lived to such a ripe old age even if he was a bit loopy at the end. Was the drink a myth also?

Kim: she is certainly very angular - shoulders like coat hangers. If she were my grand-daughter I would have to kill you. I have only seen her in Atonement and whilst I appreciate her work I don't warm to her. Romola is a different story and I hope she achieves the same renown.

Anonymous said...

The Churchill buff in you will enjoy this perhaps.

As for British actresses, my personal pantheon is Jane Seymour, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Keira Knightly, in that order. Quite frankly, the EMBLOS wonders about my affection for those three. To be blunt, it shall take much for anyone else to join that triumvirate.

Cheers.

Pat said...

Randall: that's a great link. For sure in 1939 cometh the hour cometh the man - or words to that effect.
Great choice Kristin S T who I always think of as French - maybe she was just married to a French man but I adore her style.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

I have only seen her in "Atonement" so I have no real sense yet of what kind of career she will have. But I cerainly wish her well! The younf actress that played the same character as a little girl--(Her name is too difficult for me...lol) I think will definitely have a stunning career...And I think, in fact, she already is having it...!

Churchill...Larger Than Life! Have you seen "INTO THE STORM"? I thought it was very good, though quite 'talky', if you know what I mean. The actors were Wonderful!

OldLady Of The Hills said...

In regard to the floods---It is just horrible! I feel for all the people who are going through this.

Pat said...

Naomi: I haven't seen 'Into the Storm'. I'll google it.

DILLIGAF said...

It is a bit damp up there. Hope there's no more loss of life.

The climate just has to be changing. This isn't 'normal' weather.

neena maiya (guyana gyal) said...

Churchill was a Saggitaurean. Why am I not surprised? :-D

Charlie said...

Neither Churchill nor Truman trusted Stalin, and they planned the dropping of the atomic bombs without the inclusion of Stalin.

Rain, rain, rain for the U.K., none for the American Southwest--we have had a total of 2.78 inches since January 1st.

Pat said...

FourD: torrenting down just now - so much for shopping!

GG:so is my son but he doesn't smoke cigars:)

Charlie: my back porch is awash.
The power of propoganda; we kids believed Stalin was a wonderful man and like a sweet old bear.