Darkest Hour
Join IWM for a unique screening of Darkest Hour, in the rooms where the film's events happened.
Directed by Joe Wright, Darkest Hour is the dramatic retelling of the early days of the Second World War. With the fall of France imminent, and the looming threat of Nazi invasion, newly appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (played by Oscar-winning Gary Oldman) rallies a nation to fight for its survival.
Kate Clements, IWM Curator, will give a short introduction to the film and the role of Churchill War Rooms in this part of Churchill's life. She will be joined by Jeni Leatherby who will discuss the research required by the production team for the biopic.
As part of this screening, guests will also meet Merlin Hanbury-Tenison, who has been a military advisor on historical military productions and blockbuster series from the Star Wars and Marvel universes. He will discuss his experience in coordinating some of the battle scenes in Darkest Hour.
At the end of the screening you will have the opportunity to explore the historic rooms, walking in the footsteps of Churchill and spot the locations featured in the film, including the historic Map Room, the Cabinet Room, Churchill's Bedroom and the Transatlantic Telephone Room.
About the Speakers
Kate Clements
Kate Clements has worked at Imperial War Museums since 2006. She has curated a number of exhibitions at IWM London, including the permanent, award-winning Second World War Galleries, the Victoria Cross and George Cross Gallery Extraordinary Heroes and Crown and Conflict: Portraits of a Queen in Wartime.
Kate is the author of Total War: A People’s History of the Second World War and The Royal Family in Wartime. She has also delivered digital historical content, including a popular podcast series, Voices of the First World War.
Merlin Hanbury-Tenison
Merlin served in the British Army and deployed on three combat tours of Afghanistan during the early years of the conflict. With a wealth of battlefield, tactical and strategic experience, Merlin now works as a military advisor on films from Star Wars to historical military productions including Darkest Hour.
Jennifer Leatherby
Jenni led historical Behind the Glass tours at Churchill War Rooms for senior crew members involved in the production of Darkest Hour, including the director, Joe Wright, leading actors, and members of the art department. She also acted as an advisor on different elements of the production to ensure historical accuracy and attended meetings at their production offices.
