The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz

Churchill (1874-1965) is presented as a complex, multifaceted, and larger-than-life character. As the narrative opens, he is already a respected leader but one able to draw criticism for his erratic decisions (one example being the Gallipoli affair during World War I). He is an energetic, dynamic leader and a colorful personality who “galvanizes” those he meets. As he assumes the office of prime minister, it becomes clear that he has a talent for inspiring confidence and hope in people, and his gifts of oratory are second to none. Churchill fully embraces and relishes his office, believing himself to be the right man for the hour and as if he is “walking with destiny” (14).

Throughout the book Churchill shows both a serious and a fun-loving side, as when he sings nonsense songs with his friends at Chequers. He is also full of eccentric quirks, such as his daily baths; his colorful bathrobes, “siren suits,” and other household outfits; and his intolerance of whistling. He can also be strongly emotional at times, openly weeping when meeting with people at the entrance of Downing Street (30) and referring to his family and colleagues as “my children” (85). Despite his grave responsibilities, Churchill has a lively sense of humor and can laugh at his foibles (300).

Although the majority of the public and the political world approves of Churchill’s leadership style, a minority is critical of him. Some colleagues in Parliament regard his public actions as mere playacting: “heroics and hot air” (23). There is a substantial appeasement-minded contingent in Parliament that regards Churchill’s actions as stoking the flames of the Nazis. In addition, some blame Churchill for military failures (such as those in the Middle Eastern campaign) and his reliance on the United States. Churchill on one occasion must defend his policies in the House of Commons (450). He does so successfully, showing his persuasive and indomitable nature in the face of obstacles. After a day’s work, Churchill tends to sleep soundly and immediately (192), suggesting his self-confident nature.

Churchill is a man dedicated to clear thinking and expression leading to decisive action. This trait is shown in the precepts for good English prose that he gives to his staff, including the watchwords “brevity” and “compression” (155). 

Unable to direct the war all by himself, Churchill relies on the advice and guidance of trusted colleagues. Perhaps his closest relationship is with Max, Lord Beaverbrook (1879-1964). Beaverbrook is, like Churchill, a larger-than-life figure and one who provokes strong reactions; he refers to himself as Churchill’s court jester (42). Churchill creates the Ministry of Aircraft Production with Beaverbrook in mind and relies not only on his expertise in industry but also on his friendship and advice. However, outsiders see him as an evil influence, “a violent, passionate, malicious and dangerous little goblin” (43). To some observers his physical appearance suggests various animals, including “Toad” and “Beaver.” Novelist Evelyn Waugh even compares him to the devil (43). As for Churchill, he compares his relationship with Beaverbrook to taking drugs (43); he needs Beaverbrook to energize him.

Once appointed, Beaverbrook “relishes” his job, enjoying the power and the opportunity to transform the “hidebound” aircraft industry. He is enormously successful at revolutionizing the industry and supplying the RAF with planes. However, Beaverbrook becomes disillusioned by the tension between his department and the RAF and several times resigns, only to be refused by Churchill. The two men’s relationship is too important, and Beaverbrook is too skillful at his job, for resignation to be viable. Nevertheless, the two men seem to need to engage in this game of resignation and refusal. 

The tall, majestic Halifax (1881-1959) is the “obvious” choice to become prime minister, preferred over Churchill. He is viewed as more stable than Churchill and “less likely to lead Britain into some new catastrophe” (13). Nevertheless, Halifax does not covet the job and tries to dodge it by going to the dentist. Eventually, Churchill appoints Halifax foreign secretary, and thus he becomes a key member of the inner circle. Significantly, Halifax, speaking on behalf of Churchill, refuses a peace offer from Hitler, promising that Britain “will not stop fighting” (142).

Seven months after being appointed foreign secretary, much to his chagrin, Halifax is badgered by Beaverbrook into becoming British ambassador to the United States, despite his not liking Americans and not knowing much about the country. Nevertheless, as ambassador to the US, Halifax plays an important role in the Allied war effort. 

General Ismay (1887-1965), nicknamed “Pug,” is Churchill’s main military assistant, his military chief of staff. As such, he performs a crucial function, serving as an intermediary between Churchill and the chiefs of the army, navy, and air force. In contrast to Beaverbrook, Ismay is a quiet, “warm,” “calming” presence and often meets with Churchill first thing in the morning, while he is still in bed, before the morning meeting of the chiefs of staff (29). Equally unlike Beaverbrook, Ismay is uncontroversial and well-liked by those around him.

Lindemann (1886-1957) is a physicist from Oxford University who is in charge of keeping Churchill up to date on scientific and technological developments in the war. He is, in effect, Churchill’s official scientific advisor. Lindemann is a vegetarian and an austere, dour man who is very sure of his conclusions. Because he was born to German parents in Germany, Lindemann is suspected by some of harboring a loyalty to that country. In addition, some in the government resent his close association with Churchill. Churchill admires Lindemann’s ability to simplify complex scientific concepts and praises his “beautiful brain.” Lindemann, along with his protégé Dr. Jones, help the RAF discover and counteract Germany’s use of navigational beams in the war (see Index of Terms). 

Throughout the book, US President Roosevelt (1882-1945) is a remote, highly respected leader whose approval and support Churchill covets. He must “court” Roosevelt through various intermediaries, including Harry Hopkins and Harriman. When, finally, at the end of the book, Churchill goes to meet Roosevelt in Washington, this meeting functions as the culmination of the book, opening the possibility of final victory. Roosevelt himself is presented as a physically frail but mentally vigorous leader who wants to find a way for the United States to help Britain in the war. He must navigate between various factions of US society and also secure his reelection amid isolationist sentiment. Roosevelt’s passage of the Land-Lease act is a major accomplishment that speeds Britain’s success in the war.