There was something strange in watching Brendan Gleeson, a fine actor, playing the role of Churchill. It wasn't just that Gleeson had played one of Ireland's great Heroes, Michael Collins, in RTE's excellent Drama, The Treaty, but also I think because Gleeson had also played one of Ireland's great criminals, The General. Gleeson fills such roles with incredibel ease. Yet despite his wonderful portrayal of a politician who has long held a fascination for me, the actual program fell down in a number of areas.

For one it was too bitty and patchy for my tatstes, the 90 minutes seemed far too little to allow for a proper exploration of the 1940-1945 period. The challenges Churchill faced seemed relatively benign in this program. The odd moment of true drama like for instance when Churchill, Atlee and Arthur "Bomber" Harris discuss the tactic of area bombing made it worth watching. All told though, Churchill, was done no favours by the piece although, to be fair, his dedicated to the defense of Britain emerges strongly.

Although I can accept I am a biased reader when it comes to Chruchill, but if you wanted to read a comprehensive text that is complimentary to his character while accepting of his flaws, Roy Jenkins Churchill is a very worthwhile read.

Eoin