Darkest Hour (2017) - Churchill & Roosevelt Scene (5/10) | Movieclips

Darkest Hour - Churchill & Roosevelt: Desperate for assistance in getting troops out of Dunkirk, Churchill (Gary Oldman) politely asks President Roosevelt (David Strathairn) to make good on a deal to send ships to the UK.
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FILM DESCRIPTION:
The fate of Western Europe hangs on Winston Churchill in the early days of World War II. The newly appointed British prime minister must decide whether to negotiate with Hitler or fight on against incredible odds. During the next four weeks in 1940, Churchill cements his legacy as his courageous decisions and leadership help change the course of world history.
CREDITS:
TM & © Universal (2017)
Cast: Gary Oldman, David Strathairn
Screewriter: Anthony McCarten
Director: Joe Wright
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[@Mike-tb9xq]

bloody convincing Roosevelt voice.

[@SkullPrism]

David Straitham

[@Marcus51090]

That is the real call lol that’s the real Roosevelt

[@yawgmoth6568]

@@Marcus51090 David Strathairn provides the voice

[@groundfx9333]

Christian van Laak oh so thats what they teach people in Germany

[@Eri76]

@Christian van Laak I'm sorry, who started the war, beg your pardon? On the 1st of September, I mean. That's when the war started.

[@lukaszpokoju]

Winston Churchill experiencing customer care tribulations before the ages.

[@Adam-vo6tv]

"We're sorry, but there's nothing we can do. Now let me transfer you to our transfer department."

[@declanroberts8934]

You should his phone call with the British Raj.

[@jimmy2k4o]

Christian van Laak and where exactly do you come from. War started because there’s something rotten in Germany’s spirit, and we had to smack them down for a second time in 40 years. Only thing Germany is useful for is trying to sink Europe with your war guilt.

[@Pliam961]

@Christian van Laak We didn't invade Austria, Germany did. We didn't invade Czechoslovakia, Germany did. We didn't invade Poland, Germany did. We didn't invade the Benelux countries, Germany did. We didn't invade France, Germany did. We didn't murder 11 million people because of their race, ideology or orientation, Germany did. We didn't set up a dictatorship that killed people because people disagreed, Germany did. Hitler wanted an alliance with the British, it's there in Mein Kampf. The only country Hitler had respect for besides Germany was Great Britain, but Britain didn't take the easy way out. Britain could've very well still remained an enormous global power, but no. Unlike Germany, Britain stood on principle, and sacrificed its position as the world's pre-eminent power just so you could spout your utterly useless bullshit.

[@bondvillain678]

@@Pliam961 i dont see a point in arguing with you but let me put the fact that britain colonized half the world and turned it into dark ages thats alot more horrible than what germany "did"

[@8ballyt995]

"In more ways than you can possibly know" That line really hurts

[@scootergrant8683]

The fact that being too late applies in so many facets.

[@sethbangard5194]

The whole scene is just so sad with his wavering voice and the hopeless look in his eyes as he hears he’s basically alone and his allies aren’t that concerned for his nation or citizens

[@stanleyzu7914]

It's a great line bc america has been untouchable

[@stevebobmcjocksock4021]

@@stanleyzu7914 That doesn't make sense

[@_Tristen_]

@@stevebobmcjocksock4021 im assuming he means at the time, and still now, America has truly had no idea what it means to be on the brink of utter defeat.

[@PlagueDemon6]

"You can always count on the Americans to do the right thing.. After they've tried everything else" - Sir Winston Churchill

[@chefception2928]

Plague Demon correct

[@mynamejeff785]

@@aland317 The Germans were the Aggressors, they started the fight and we finished it

[@aland317]

@@mynamejeff785 ...and "we" finished it ?....yes after the US got invloved, and Monty and crew figured out they now had an unending supply of equipment and men, it was easy to sacrifice American GI'S under incompetent British command....and BTW it is called a "World War" for a reason. Yet the RN and RA were no where in sight in the Pacific...!

[@Malos_]

@@aland317 *Appeasement*

[@toja3333]

Plague Demon I think there should be statue of Churchill Roosevelt Hitler and Stalin holding hands together as nice family they were

[@charliehowes7624]

Just imagine the amount of stress that Churchill faced for the few years that Britain and its empire stood alone.

[@soyusmaximus7176]

Just one, actually. British troops forced off the continent in June 1940, Hitler attacks Russia in June 1941.

[@sausagejockyGaming]

@@soyusmaximus7176 Britain was fighting alone in North africa, asia and europe for a year where every other country wouldve surrendered, just look at the blitz, our home nation and mainly capital bombed every day and night for literal years with no pausing, but we didnt surrender other countries (france) had the thought of being bombed and surrendered.

[@joshuagrover795]

The only barrier that saved Britain from invasion in 1940 was the English Channel.

[@sirdouglashaig967]

@@joshuagrover795 And the Royal Navy

[@bondvillain678]

Germany was fighting alone as well

[@cosmicwisp9595]

"Got me there I can't swing it, no planes" "But we payed for them with the money that we borrowed from you."

[@jb76489]

RedGen Gaming kinda like how in ww1, Britain just stole a dreadnought they built for turkey

[@KingGhidorah777]

jb76489 Turkey didn't exist in WW1. It was the filthy Ottoman Empire

[@jb76489]

TheDalekslayer saying turkey in reference to the Ottoman Empire is a colloquialism

[@UKOGBN]

It was 2 ships , Sultan Osman and Reşadiye . That also dosen't include another first class battleship, two scouts, four torpedo boat destroyers, two twin screw submarine boats and a floating dock they lost after they sided with Germany. But they did receive 48 million in sterling worth of munitions.

[@UKOGBN]

That's misleading,The Neutrality Act of 1939 allowed states at war to buy arms from the US . so that scene in the movie has been embellished . It wasn't money we borrowed from the US at all for the very simple fact The Johnson Act of 1934 prohibited credit loans to any nation with owed debt to the US, that included Britain who still owed the US for loans from the 1st WW. This movie is set in June it was 6 months later the Lend Lease Act came into effect in December. Until December Britain paid in hard cash for all arms it brought from the US including those planes.

[@kidpeligro7878]

When I watched this scene the 1st time, I felt really bad for Churchill. His facial expressions and voice as if he is on the verge of tears conveyed a sense of desperation. Even though we all know Allies and Britain won the war, you still felt the general feeling of helplessness and urgency to do something.

[@lewistaylor2858]

don't feel sorry for Churchill, he wanted this.

[@stevencassidy6982]

while the Americans sat on their hands

[@Mason-zp8yb]

@@stevencassidy6982 Not our problem, funny how people hate America until they need us to bail them out of a war.

[@Tsunami0950]

@Anatoly Dyatlov I love how you refuse to take into account the thousands of global issues that have occured because of European colonization. Many countries in Africa are in turmoil because of border conflicts, all created by the Europeans.

[@alexbrown6922]

@J M or maybe Hoover was told about it by British spies and did nothing with the information. But I guess then an American would be to blame and that simply won't do!

[@freebird264]

"But we payed for them, we payed for them with the money that we... that we borrowed from you." - Every American and British economical debate since WW1.

[@janehrahan5116]

@Berb Merley he said since ww1...

[@danielwoodruffe2938]

Free Bird Britain repaid its war loans (with interest), unlike the scores of fascist juntas and tinpot dictators the US propped up over the decades ??

[@Thorny5718]

Britain never borrowed in WW1 , the money from the huge empire was not massively effected then. Very small amounts. Every penny that was borrowed by Great Britain was paid back, with INTEREST! The first part of the war 39’ to late 40’ was a real tough time for us, we was alone, and having to fight the Italians too. It is good how it captures Winstons desperation in those early days, so much equipment was lost in the defence of France and the retreat to Dunkirk. The USA was the obvious choice, sat 1000’s of miles away and untouched by any trouble. Plus there has always been a special bond. Britain never recovered from WW2, hence the collapse of the Empire 50’s - 70’s. Through out the war we was sending supplies to the USSR whilst we was still borrowing ourselves! We piled countless amounts of money and aid into Europe post war to help get it back on its feet, including Germany. People forget this country gave so much, we was still on rationing into the 1950’s!! That’s how much the war affected us.

[@landochabod7]

I know it sounds funny, but it's perfectly normal. I read the American Revolution was supplied, I'm not sure whether as a loan or a gift, by the French, and John Adams secured a loan from the Dutch as well. Clearly, as long as you loan money to someone to buy something, you have an interest in being the one who's selling that thing as well: more business for your companies and more jobs for your people. Of course, you might end up losing money, but that's true of any loan.

[@Richtofenfan]

No you fools the German kid for some reason swung at the Russian kid at some point whilst both the American and the British kid watched and laughed in amusement as he screamed “Vodka is better than Schnapps!”

[@brynmormeredith6270]

The old-fashioned, long-distance telephone line was an equally engaging character in this scene. Love all those eerie, desolate whistling sounds and the tinnitus-like high notes coming and going like spectres; and the almost industrial clicks, hums and chopping noises as Churchill and Roosevelt conversed.

[@MathasarSalazar2]

I 1,000% agree with this. It was sooo eerie and made it a completely different atmosphere to show that they are really alone... I wonder if FDR and Churchill had better conversations than this, later.

[@20PhantoM07]

I saw a show once that mentioned a secure line Churchill had with Roosevelt, it had an encryption device called the Green Hornet and nobody could listen in on it, thought i can’t find any more videos on the subject.

[@Anygodwilldo]

Zoom meetings nowadays haven't improved much😀

[@richardhall9815]

Back in the days before transatlantic telephone lines - all trans-ocean calls had to be carried over the airwaves, making them susceptible to atmospheric distortion and interference.

[@chrisnasif4156]

Really amplifies how far separated Britain was from her last standing ally. As if calling desperately for help from deep space, knowing your only hope is all but out of reach.

[@skyboy4341]

ITS OKAY GUYS IN HEARTS OF IRONS 4 I SUPPLIED THE BRITISH WITH LOTS OF STUFF

[@militarian9759]

Until they spam your screen with call to arms and invite to faction lol 😂

[@theninkyn0nk463]

Thank you so much for your contribution. I salute you sir.

[@dog811]

Not the hero we deserve but the one we needed

[@Delogros]

I just got Sweden to join the allies when I was playing Canada, massively reinforced Malmo with 11 infantry, 4 armoured and 4 mechanized divisions and it took so many of the German resources to try and take it that they never broke the French, WW2 won by early 41 muhahaha.

[@skyboy4341]

@@Delogros i played as us once and staged a coup in italy to distract the italians and pushed through Sicily

[@paulinotou]

"I guess you could push them, the damn thing has wheels" lol what a wise ass.

[@fearferocity1947]

"But we payed for them with the money that we borrowed from you." lol....

[@militarian9759]

War plan red in a nutshell

[@UKOGBN]

That scene is a load of made up rubbish, presumably put in to try and push home the dire situation Churchill was in , Britain did not borrow cash from the US until December with Lend Lease , this movie is set in June....

[@imcintyre01]

Ukogbn W for the land lease yes, but (including in WW1) this arrangement has often been the status quo between America and the European allies.

[@nanyafahkinbiznes1352]

America lent money to most European countries involved in the war to rebuild the damages which also lead to the Fall of WS.

[@wolfder6661]

TheClassofLefkowitzChannel and now where the best of friends then again I mean we could have befriended the soviets if war plan red happen

[@Brokenlikefour]

I think David really nailed the Roosevelt voice!

[@imcintyre01]

(Virginian) Mostly on spot, but was a bit off in a couple of places.

[@hd74xlhs]

the calmness of Churchill while talking with Roosevelt is amazing... I would find it highly unlikely I could remain the same while asking an ally for assistance knowing my country is in dire straits. this is just one part of an overall excellent movie!

[@Fedaykin24]

The United States of America at that time was not an ally, they were firmly neutral as far as domestic American politics was concerned. Roosevelt was pushing the very edge of what he was able to get away with at the time with what support he was able to offer to the United Kingdom. Until the 1940 Congressional elections which shifted American political sentiment in support of the UK he had little room to manoeuvre. Churchill being calm or not was not a particular factor in this situation, the UK was begging help from an isolationist US.

[@mrlips1568]

not just the country, possibly the world

[@kailashpatel1706]

I watched this with cold fury...it shows you the myth of the UK-US special relationship...if its historically accurate...its an outrage..

[@bobpage6597]

@@kailashpatel1706 Don't allow the actions of politicians to cloud your view. When British & American troops are on the ground, chewing the same dirt together.......there is no stronger bond between brothers!

[@kailashpatel1706]

Not true. Plenty of evidence the British forces disliked the way the Americans behaved in Iraq at the Special forces level..

[@kinostrong6724]

That Roosevelt voice over on point.

[@superwhiterice8640]

Went to London a couple years ago, and walking through the actual bunker and getting to see the exact room and telephone this conversation was taken on, had me awestruck.

[@gabomur]

Where is that

[@hockey1freak]

@@gabomur Churchill War Rooms

[@randomamerican5065]

Roosevelt always wanted to help the British but congress wouldn’t allow him to provide any military aid. Pearl Harbor was just what Roosevelt needed to get Congress to allow him to help the British

[@UKOGBN]

Actually he did help both the UK and France with the provision of the ''Cash n Carry'' legislation amendment added to the 1937 Neutrality Act, The US could export arms to the UK and France so long as they did not travel on US ships to those nations.

[@sarcharasticperson442]

@@UKOGBN Also in the 1940 there was a destroyers for bases deal that provided 50 destroyers for Britain for british bases in the atlantic and pacific.

[@osamabinladen824]

Why

[@jamieholtsclaw2305]

Yes. That's true. FDR himself would have sent everything he could (and later did). The scene is meant to show how feeble American help was right when Britain needed it most.

[@elstevobevo]

Also, J. p . Kennedy hated Churchill and he was the go between.

[@LittleB2007]

I think it was not so much the speeches and yelling scenes as the quiet ones like this that won Oldman the Oscar. Here he expresses all sorts of subtle emotions for two and a half minutes in one uninterrupted closeup shot. It's even more impressive when you consider the heavy prosthetics he had to act through. Just amazing

[@Carphil07]

Agreed, this was my favorite scene of the movie. two of the most powerful men in the world casually talking about lending some planes which may be the key to preventing the collapse of civilization

[@antonioacevedo5200]

What are you talking about? this is actual footage. No way mortal actors could replicate this.

[@hansostlund4626]

mr Avecado youre right🎉🎉😂😂

[@edvinparmeza1298]

F.D.R: "It must be late there" W. Ch: "In more ways that you could possibly know" That's eerily deep

[@daredemontriple6]

The most hurtful part of this scene is knowing just how well Roosevelt knew the situation and just how much he wanted to help. But he had to play the political game, the American people did not want to go to war and what was happening in Europe was none of their concern. For years Roosevelt deliberately 'misread that particular treaty' and 'forgot about that specific ruling' and such to put as much support through to the UK as he could. Constantly finding loopholes and bending the rules to give aid whee possible. Until finally, with Pearl Harbour, he had a silver bullet. Now nothing could stand in his way and at last he could throw the 'power and might' as Churchill put it, of the new world behind the rest of the allies!

[@jwatt1800]

The most interesting part is after Pearl Harbor Churchill actually pretty much invited himself to Washington. FDR didn’t even find out he was coming until he was almost there. He stayed for almost a month and become bros while drinking and making plans for the war.

[@sam93931]

Fascinating isn't it!

[@annaisabelle6920]

Personally, FDR was a man of component because every piece of his agenda (ranging from the "New Deal" to the legalized detainment of Japanese-American families) suffices what every man, woman and child in America during the 1930s and early 40s eventually went through (regardless of white, black, Latino or Asian).

[@Bitchslapper316]

The most amusing part about this is that pearl harbor wouldn't have gotten the U.S involved in the European war, Germany didn't attack pearl harbor. After the attack Hitler decided to declare war on the U.S first. As historian Mark Felton puts it "In a colossal act of stupidly Hitler declared war on the united states"

[@annaisabelle6920]

@@Bitchslapper316 Hm...

[@Dumpstermuffin1]

Pull the planes across the border with horses...Roosevelt trying to find a loophole on the neutrality law

[@seanjohn2312]

Atleast he was trying to help.

[@yatsumleung8618]

There IS a loophole. Hence they built many airfield with runways spanning across the border. The planes would land on the US side and can either taxi or pushed over to the Canadian side for delivery.

[@strada21_]

@@yatsumleung8618👍🏼

[@jacobeyres8778]

As the saying goes: The war was won by American Steel, Soviet Blood and British Intelligence

[@hamzamahmood9565]

Took 3 to match one: Hate

[@mahfudmahmuddin3161]

And french white flags all around its borders

[@dunneincrewgear]

British intelligence? Isn't that an oxymoron?

[@gewalfofwoofia8263]

They all bullied Germany in the first World War. So the irony of them being on the receiving end in the second, well...

[@tap1148]

@@dunneincrewgear Isaac Newton

[@pwgearedturbofan2348]

I really loved this scene. It added to the dire nature of the situation and illustrated Churchill's isolation, fear, and helplessness. Even your ally and friend can't/won't help you out in a catastrophically dangerous situation.

[@dannyhernandez2203]

Perhaps it was the bottle of brandy Mr Churchill had for breakfast every morning.

[@ohno6528]

@@dannyhernandez2203 what?

[@JohnJohn-pe5kr]

@@ohno6528I went to Churchill’s war room and the guide said that Winston drank constantly.

[@MartinSage]

I laughed when he says “ We PAIDED FOR THEM!! With the money we borrowed from you!”

[@SortOfABigDeal]

“Horses? Did you say horses?” “Well you could just push it, the thing has wheels, you know.” Savage.

[@jjrj8568]

"Up to you"

[@DeckardCain1986]

Was it really an option Roosevelt was giving to Winston? Or was he joking?

[@SuzutakeJP]

Deckard Cain No, he was genuinely suggesting that, because of the American Neutrality act I don’t think they can just pick them up

[@echo4428]

@@DeckardCain1986 no it was real. And the UK did do it.

[@Kardamitiano]

@@DeckardCain1986 Someone correct me if I'm wrong but there were horse towed artillery in WW2. So quite possible he wasn't joking.

[@8ballyt995]

2:48 is genius

[@generalgrievousproductions]

"Well I guess you could push them yourself. Damn planes have wheels!" I'm dead AF 😂😂🤣🤣

[@KingandServant]

The acting at 1:43... voice and facial expression are out of this world

[@grumpymonkeyenterprises6413]

I love how Roosevelt is just like “ sorry old chap, my hands are tied old boy” 😂

[@stevencooper4422]

Roosevelt's advisors specifically wished to see an end to the British Empire as it traditionally stood. Bretton Woods is an example of this even after the war had ended. Morgenthau was quite the individual...

[@SwatChief]

This is in my opinion the best scene in this film. It does an incredible job of capturing in one scene the pressure, frustration, and desperation that Churchill is feeling at this time in the war.

[@dustinplatt6882]

UK: We need armaments. US: _sigh_ this new treaty has our balls UK: 😥 _Pearl Harbor_ UK: 😀

[@softdrink-0]

After Pearl Harbor public support to intervene in the war increased.

[@bergthe89th12]

American public support to aid UK was already high before Pearl Harbor.

[@dextercochran4916]

*More like:* UK: We need armaments. US: sigh this new treaty has our balls UK: 😢 *Pearl Harbor* UK: 😳 Germany: DEUTSCHLAND UBER ALLES!!! declares war with no prior planning UK: 😃

[@commandercritic9036]

Berg the 89th agreed, but the attitude of isolationism was also high. After Japan attacked America unprovoked, that attitude evaporated, leaving only anger, hate, and the desire to help the beleaguered allies behind

[@Caseytify]

Amazing. Apparently everyone here forgot about the Lend-Lease Act. Churchill always made it a point to state that the 50 destroyers & British bases were not linked. FDR was working overtime behind the scenes trying find a way to help Britain that the isolationists couldn't block.

[@GeneralGouda]

I felt bad for Churchill in this scene, he was really counting on help from the US. Unfortunately at the time, Congress really wanted no part of the war. FDR and Churchill had an amazing relationship, they understood each other which really paved the way for them destroying the third reich in ‘45.

[@tporter4333]

The atmosphere used in this scene to convey the hopelessness and fear he felt in this moment was genius

[@daustin8888]

I felt like a fly on the wall in this scene. It really did a good job capturing the anxiety and uncertainty that Churchill and England were feeling at the time.

[@carterm873]

“50 old destroyers, even 40 would do.” He’s so desperate it makes you feel bad

[@robertheisenberg6867]

Yeah that’s what “American” used to sound like. Those accent today exist in the southern part of US and old Afro-American. This is fantastic

[@davidw.2791]

Robert Heisenberg Which state was FDR raised in?

[@irkhanbasc]

FDR was raised in Hyde Park, N.Y., in the Hudson valley north of NYC. He was educated at Groton and Harvard, so that probably explains the accent.

[@piusx8317]

Robert Heisenberg John Kerry is a good example of an upper class American accent

[@charlesramirez587]

Mid Atlantic accent like his cousin Theodore not a Virginian accent nor southern drawls, this accent was Northern US mostly in New England and new york aristocracy.

[@baneofsinstheoneandonly8477]

These days accents sound gay and feminine ugh

[@sr.royaldoge5275]

The graveness of the situation gives me chills, this scene is great.

[@VegasViking420]

They captures the dire helplessness of Churchill's situation perfectly. Imagine that feeling, alone in the silence, with impending doom from a monsterous enemy waiting at the door, and nobody to rely on for help...... a team of horses.....

[@antonioacevedo5200]

The last few seconds of the scene really capture Churchill's feeling of being alone and abandoned.

[@Soundwave3591]

For everyone dumping on the US for not doing more early in the war, take into account that at the time this phone call took place, the entire US army only consisted of about 260,000 men, armed with WWI-vintage equipment and ammunition. The British Expeditionary Force evacuated from Dunkirk was larger, and that wasn't even the entire British Army.

[@0saintclark0]

Well Yeah, but only because Britain had drafted every man of age whereas America had not because they were not at war at the time-

[@Jake-dt7je]

i agree with you

[@coyoteduster8919]

not to mention america was suffering from the depression

[@tylergordon1212]

Soundwave3591 very true nobody ever wants to take into account we didn’t really have a standing military ready to fight at this time. The army had maybe 250,00 people the navy probably if lucky 100,00 including the marine corps so that’s only 350,000 people. At this stage we wouldn’t have really been a help, we were still really struggling with the depression.

[@GamerFish99]

@@coyoteduster8919 So was the rest of the world, and the US had recovered by then.

[@charliedallachie3539]

As an American I felt sad in this scene.... it’s like leaving your brother to get mugged when you could help

[@maxdecphoenix]

You shouldn't. Your ancestors left Europe for a good reason. Far from being a 'brother', European allies are just those trashy, drunk family members who can't stop getting in to fights over nothing who you don't want around. The fallout from these choices is still going on today. Once the war was settled, the occupation had to be settled. Which directly led into the cold war. Which directly led to NATO. Which has led to the U.S. covering the defense budget for Europe for the preceding 80 years, which has now led directly into the conflicts between Russia and Crimea and Ukraine. Roosevelte's insistence to involve the U.S. in this war, gave U.S. politicians a taste for influence and control that they have never tired of.

[@lennonkelly-james2693]

​@@maxdecphoenix Their ancestors left Europe because they were salty about not being able to force their idiotic doctrines on the masses. The US is the only NATO country to trigger article five and gets into needless wars all of the time which is why becoming an ally of England Jr is suicidal.

[@landonsmith3354]

This movie has some of the best directing I've ever seen

[@stephenjackson6111]

It's interesting the lengths President Roosevelt had to go through to help the Allies. They did indeed have to move purchased aircraft to the Canadian border, and under the Neutrality Laws only civilians could transport them across on the ground. They could not legally be flown, though they could have been crated and delivered by train or freighter. FDR also could not provide the ships requested at this time which were desperately needed to fight the U-boats, as the isolationists in Congress would never have allowed it. It was only after the 1940 elections and the swing of sentiment towards the Allies after the fall of France that Roosevelt could negotiate the "destroyers for bases" deal, providing 50 old destroyers and 10 new Coast Guard cutters to the Allies. Only then could he propose lend-lease.

[@sirtrollalot7762]

An interesting story that I have heard is that so many Americans were disgusted with how their government refused to get involved in the war that they joined Canadian regiments and in turn became commonwealth soldiers. Thus able to fight in the war.

[@franzibe5620]

Stephen Jackson wait can you simply tell me why Roosevelt couldnt hand over the P-40 planes that Britain purchased from them?

[@stephenjackson6111]

The various Neutrality Acts of the 1930s, pushed by Republicans and Southern Democratic isolationists, at first prevented ALL transfers and sales to to nations at war, but Roosevelt chipped away at them and by late 1939 the Allies could purchase with cash (or loans from American banks). However, direct transshipment of military equipment were still banned. Having civilians drag them across the border was a clever evasion of the spirit of the law while technically not violating the letter of it. Here's a contemporary news article and photo: 56755.blogspot.com/2007/07/ww-ii-planes-cross-border-by-pembina.html

[@akreebs93]

Their were also American pilots who went over and flew for the RAF.

[@Fedaykin24]

Agreed it was a complex issue which is easy with our modern eyes to not understand American national sentiment at the time. It is a mark of Roosevelt's quality as a man that he pushed the very edge of what he could get away with to help Britain at the time. The Destroyers were largely symbolic rather than particular use as they were old and obsolete. Modern new Destroyers supplied under Lend Lease later in the war were of course very useful to the Royal Navy. Britain paid a heavy price for the war materials America supplied giving up not only international basing rights but also the Crown Jewels of our military industrial secrets from advanced radar technology through to breakthroughs in SONAR.

[@fullanalysis93]

The directing and cinematography of this scene is just great.

[@yatsumleung8618]

1:45 Fun fact. To circumvent this rule, the US and Canadian governments built many airports with runways spanning the border, one end at each country. The pilots would just land on the US side and taxi to the Canadian side for delivery. Or they can just stop short of the border (middle of the runway) and push the planes across.

[@fernandomurillo9272]

The stress Churchill must of had at that time. Can not feel the loneliness he had trying to keep things alive

[@mikediamond437]

Much respect to the Brits, tough bastards.

[@DylansPen]

No one could blame Churchill for being beside himself at this moment, Britain stands alone against Germany and is losing. It must have almost felt like begging Roosevelt to do something. Nothing but respect for the Brits who fought on alone until December 1941.

[@benrogers9693]

Man when he said, “in more ways than you could possibly know.” I felt that!!

[@ClaireIamma]

This scene is incredible, ‘cause two greatest men of that time had a conversation to help and to save them. Seems a little and simple chat, but in real...

[@DaftSwank]

This was the most agonizing and heartbreaking scene - and the reason why Gary Oldman won a Best Actor Oscar!

[@ET_Bermuda]

I don't know why I keep watching this particular scene. It mesmerizes me.

[@bcampbell4987]

Great Franklin Roosevelt impression. I absolutely love this movie.

[@redlizerad8268]

WW1 and WW2 was definitely the climax of human history. Never before had we ever seen anything like this on such a large scale and had such large impact on us as a species.

[@Lords1997]

This part makes me so sad. I could feel the frustration & how Churchill was doing all he could do, his back against the wall. Literally the fate of his nation, it’s empire, & of the freedom of millions on his shoulders.

[@PASTA_ANDBACON123_PANTS]

0:45 you can hear FDR put his face in his hands. He must’ve been gutted having to no to him.

[@razzamatronic9882]

2:35 is one of my favorite scenes of all movies I've ever watched

[@Kardia_of_Rhodes]

For those wondering if American Intervention in 39 would've helped change the outcome: The US Military in the late 30s and early 40s was so badly underfunded that General Patton was known to visit his local hardware store to acquire the parts necessary to maintain his tanks. There were also several cases of Machine Gun Crews being trained with 2x4s and not actual machine guns.

[@AllThingsCubey]

Yes but their industry was VAST. Britain wasn't asking for their current hardware. We were either asking for things they were already close to done with (small, very old destroyers) or new equipment coming off the production lines that were rapidly growing in speed and size.

[@godusopp2752]

@@AllThingsCubey Exactly this "americas army was small" arguments are nonsense, we didn't have force conscripture so our army was always small. same with the bef pre war, But america has the ability to mobilize like no other, we have almost infinite resources and millions of men

[@mharley3791]

⁠@@godusopp2752the problem was the scale of the resources needed would require significant funding, which would have to go through congress. There was no way in hell it was passing, especially in this scene states that congress passed another law preventing military aid. I think people downplay how deeply the American people did not want to go to war.

[@inigobantok1579]

Like how you phrase turning a civilian peacetime economy into a war economy to a flip of a coin. That's not how transition of resources was done at that point​@@godusopp2752

[@ejnorman8781]

A tour guide at the War Rooms said Churchill was jumping for joy in the hallways when he heard the news about Pearl Harbor. Not because of the deaths of course but because he didn’t have to have these sort of phone calls anymore.

[@wilverbal]

Two amazing performances. Just brilliant.

[@fredocarroll]

Since dozens of comments quote the same line while making the same usage error, permit me to point out something once for all of them. The British *paid* for the fighters, _not_ *payed* for them. *Paid* is the past tense of _pay_ used when discussing a transaction exchanging goods or currency holding value. *Payed* is the past tense of the _nautical_ uses of _pay_ and nothing else. So, "He *paid* for the book," means that someone provided money or goods/services in exchange for a book. Conversely, "She *payed* out the rope," means that someone put slack in the rope in order to lengthen the line. It can also be used to refer to caulking seams with pitch or tar.

[@holyromanempireball465]

I like how roosevelt did his best to come up with ideas to send supplies to the British despite the neutrality document being signed, does to show you that he really did care about the British cause

[@holyromanempireball465]

@Alejandro Valdovinos what do you mean sadd

[@tacoheadmakenzie9311]

@@holyromanempireball465 It means that he can't spell "sad".

[@kenp2218]

Roosevelt and his advisors saw what was going on in Europe, and could read the writing on the wall. But they could only do so much until the majority of US citizens were ready and willing to fight. Like Churchill, Roosevelt was a Very Good Communicator in his own right! His fireside chats during the Great Depression were very uplifting to the nation. When he felt the public mood was ready, he and his administration pushed through the Lend/Lease Act - his analogy was simple and direct, he basically said: "suppose your neighbor's house is on fire, and he needs a hose to put it out. You don't ask your neighbor to pay for the hose while his house is burning, you let him use your hose to put out the fire, so it doesn't spread to your house.

[@tomben6180]

@@kenp2218 I’m British and an amateur historian and this is absolutely true.

[@zakapholiac9377]

Couldn’t even imagine what Churchill was going through the first couple years of the war. Back against the wall and being given no lifeline

[@drewnash8113]

"But we payed for them with the... with the money we borrowed from you..."

[@jamesmason8436]

*paid. Can anyone spell down here?

[@MrJoshua1875]

That's made up

[@TheGreekDream43]

The atmosphere OMG the feeling it’s like something really really evil is waiting for Churchill

[@originaldon5001]

Yesterday I was at the Winston Churchill warroom museum, and the shot at 2:33 is exactly the office he had underground. This is such a perfect portrayal of the actual events!

[@johnbattle1764]

this is the saddest scene in the movie to me

[@jimboa20]

Roosevelt really wanted to do more to aid Britain, but had his hands tied in being more overt in helping. That being said, the United States did keep Britain running with supplies while Germany pounded at the gates.

[@bighands69]

Roosevelt had many flaws with even those in his party not liking him. They nicknamed him the tyrant.

[@bighands69]

@Gen. JFH They called him the tyrant because he tried to expand and pack the supreme court.

[@billyconnolli8224]

@@bighands69 He incarcerated over 120,000 innocent Japanese American citizens during the war. Seems pretty tyrannical to me.

[@Senaleb]

@@billyconnolli8224 in fairness...japanese spying was a real issue back then. Pearl Harbor sort of proved the point I'd think. It wasn't an easy decision by any measure.

[@billyconnolli8224]

@@Senaleb That makes sense. It still wasn't right but I can understand that reasoning. That's fair enough.

[@abphoto]

When Pearl Harbour was bombed, Churchhill popped a glass of champagne and said Here come the Americans.

[@tomservo5347]

I must say, thanks to my Dad that always watched British shows on public television (back in the old days when we had 4 or 5 channels) and him being a bit of an Anglophile I got to hear and experience British culture in a limited extent. Even more odd is my Dad is a Midwest US farmer with a German wife he met because of getting drafted. There's a charm to Brits that's there-but hard to pinpoint. The mastery of the understatement? The dry humor? Obsession with tradition? Despite our differences we made do with one of the best alliances in history. (A familiar tie with you guys once being 'the mother country'.) I've recently found out that I have ancestral DNA from the Mersey and North London areas along with great-great grandparents of the full Welsh persuasion. My wife and I have recently become familiar with the little band of soldiers from 'Walmington-On-Sea' and love it!

[@CT--gs1wj]

Completing the focus "Destroyer for Bases" in Hoi4 be like...

[@Gotobar]

“Well I guess you could push them yourself, the damn things HAVE wheels”

[@haraldisdead]

This scene made me feel right back at home

[@versistroni]

And the oscar goes to, the Roosevelt voice guy

[@fredlandry6170]

Horses pulling planes across the Canadian border. 🤣🤣🤣

[@-RunninNGunnin-]

That's a bloody good plan.

[@KWSpence]

“We payed for them…with the money we borrowed from you” I AM DECEASED 😂

[@aprilkalcsa9336]

Gary Oldman is an absolute genius! No actor, past or present, can touch him.

[@alexandergrigorov2594]

‘ I know I know you are in my mind day and night’ ... supportive @pouts as ever

[@TheFlutecart]

Without the tenacity and sheer indomitability of Churchill and the Brits, the world would be a much different place today. One the bravest moments in all of history. When I'm facing the impossible, there is a Churchill inside that won't let me give up.

[@stevencooper4422]

Bro, I'd rather be speaking German than be forced to celebrate pride month every year. If our ancestors saw what would become of supporting the Soviets we would never have fought.

[@leonpennington1648]

We came so close to capitulating!!!!! But we didnt, God bless Churchill!!!!! :p

[@jjrj8568]

So close only from the perspective of the cowards and the traitors. Churchill was ready and willing to fight since the beginning.

[@maytheoddsbeinyourfavour]

@@jjrj8568 Not really, after the fall of France there was a lot of opposition in continuing the war. It was only Churchill’s speeches and determination that kept the nation going. If the US had never entered the war, Britain would have slowly been strangled by German submarines, most likely forcing them into a peace conference.

[@luiseduardo586]

I just find fascinating all the noises of static and buzzing of that call.

[@SuperZombieBros]

You can tell how worried Churchill is in this scene.

[@ranabanik1354]

Everyone talking about history and war efforts. But no one talked how amazing performance has Gary Oldman has shown in his masterpiece act as Winston Churchill.

[@evalig871]

Rana Banik that is literally one of the main talking points throughout all these clips what

[@deganhardt77]

knowing how much fdr wanted to help, but he had his hands tied makes this scene even more poignant.

[@michaelvaldez5095]

Great acting. The despair in Winston’s voice is quite desperate for aid

[@Norcal1990]

this really was the darkest hours

[@JR7noir]

yes

[@Zigian222]

“WE PAYED FOR THEM...with the money we borrowed from you”

[@jamesmason8436]

Paid! We paid for them! Can anyone spell.

[@tubenachos]

Probably the most important phone call in human history so far

[@seanpetaia]

I agreed

[@charlescoleman5509]

I almost thought they sampled Roosevelt’s actual voice from recordings. But it was the actor David Strathairn. Amazing performance.

[@101Spacetime]

Some actors just do not act and are what you see in scenes such as this, the entire character is no longer what you know of Gary Oldman it is Churchill but Gary Oldman is paining him how he thinks, feels, and sees he would have been or was. Incredible acting such as this deserves more than an Oscar, maybe because acting such as this has the individual earn so much money that for their performance a little statuette just as meaningful. Put aside the politics of it all. Amazing acting is what we need again...

[@mikehancho2082]

Winston Churchill stated later in his life that the attack on Pearl Harbor brought him “the greatest joy”. “So we had won after all! England would live; Britain would live; the Commonwealth of Nations and the Empire would live.” “Hitler’s fate,” Churchill continued, “was sealed. Mussolini’s fate was sealed.” “As for the Japanese,” he wrote, “they would be ground to powder.”

[@seanpetaia]

That most mafia way to say it.

[@Jake-rs9nq]

This really did happen, although the planes were only dragged a short distance, just over the actual border. American pilots would land in a field, Canadians dragged them over and took off from the same field.

[@MasterLive013]

The ignominy of this call.

[@jonathan_morgan_st]

It's easy to say this now, 80 years separated from its event, but as an American, this scene shamed me to my core, I can't imagine how let down and alone Mr. Churchill must have felt - how he had the fortitude and will to stare down Hitler and steer his Nation, with England all alone, it's miraculous.

[@mokomothman5713]

"Do you have any ships?" "Well....We have the Town Class!"

[@edwardhale4294]

Zelensky is asking for fighter planes to defend western democracy......'history may not repeat..but it certainly does ryhme" Mark Twain

[@nguyenluan1192]

2:33 oh the frame, we can tell how lonely and helpless he was just by that one frame

[@lettherebelamp5102]

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. And if and I do not for a minute believe our island or a large part of it be subjugated and starving armed and guarded by the British fleet the new World with all its power and might steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old. ✌️ ✌️✌️

[@Negs42]

Lots of words missing

[@FormerlyNYVulgarian]

This scene alone was Oscar worthy.

[@mithikx]

The US public and I believe both Houses were heavily isolationists and wanted to remain neutral, though as I understand it Roosevelt wanted to help the UK and jumped through every loophole out there to not violate the US' "neutrality" stance. IMO it was only after the price was paid in blood by all sides did the US understood the consequences of sitting on the sidelines. I'd like to think as an American that the US would never leave the UK hanging as it were, during the Falklands War Reagan ordered preparations to make the USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2) available for use by the RN as well as having retired USN sailors who knew how to operate the ship crew her and train RN sailors in her operation. The plan was in response to an informal request made by the UK should one of their carriers become inoperable or if sunk. The US is/was supposed to remain neutral regarding affairs and conflicts in South America but of course that plainly was never the case.

[@stupidben999]

Isolationists help evil triumph. They don't deserve freedom & democracy as they are not keen to defend them.

[@Joker-yw9hl]

I love the idea of "the special relationship" but as a Brit, it's quite clear when you look through history that the United States doesn't really throw you a bone without conditions attached. It's kind of fair enough. It'll be interesting to see how America deals with Britain in a trade deal Post-Brexit. Does it throw a bone or rip the UK off for everything it's worth as much as it can. Would be unfortunate if we have to leave negotiations due to US insistence on certain issues

[@zagorith14]

@@Joker-yw9hl That's literally any country though. No country is going to sign up for a deal where they'd get royally screwed. Makes no sense. If the UK decides to leave negotiations because they couldn't formulate a deal that was to both their and our liking, then so be it. That's the way it works. Either go elsewhere for a deal, or keep negotiations until a deal can be settled upon.

[@zagorith14]

@@stupidben999 Except for when the anti-isolationist rhetoric becomes over reaching authority, which then becomes the "evil" that you speak of. Doesn't take much for one thing to become another.

[@zagorith14]

Even then there were a lot of people who wanted us to join the fight. Regrettably, the US let the UK down in WW2. At least at first. Once policies loosened and we were able to provide supplies and boots on the ground, the UK prospects started to change. They needed help, and we let them down. I just hope it won't happen again. Though hopefully a situation won't rise like that again.

[@unfortunateonblitz4984]

"We paid for them with the money that we borrowed from you."

[@Potatotenkopf]

Classic USA

[@-RunninNGunnin-]

It sounds like Roosevelt is doing something like fixing his car while he's on phone :D