World War II: When Lions Roared (1994)

(various locations around the globe, primarily the capitals of the three major Allied powers)
IMDb

This mid-90's mini-series about the great leaders of the second World War, offers excellent roles for, and strong performances by, Michael Caine (as Stalin), Bob Hoskins (as Churchill), and John Lithgow (as FDR). Much of the dialogue throughout this three hour production is lifted from real-life statements of the figures involved. While epic in its subject matter, the budget (no doubt strained under the salaries of the leads) relies on BBC-style sets, minimal outdoor shooting, and lots of period footage to create the appropriate sense of atmosphere and scope. One of the creative flourishes employed is the heavy use of split screen cuts, where in the lead characters often speak to each other seemingly directly, when they are in fact on different continent's, as well as in an era before such instantaneous communications were practical, even possible. This is at first somewhat distracting, but you get used to it.

It's a fine production, a kind of novelty but enjoyable in a straight sense as well. The best scenes are probably when all three are really together at the conferences in Tehran and Yalta. Speaking of which I greatly admire the very subtle way in which they make Lithgow's Roosevelt look sickly towards the end. All of the players perfectly fit their roles, Caine even makes his Stalin kind of likable (which I suppose he was when he wanted to be). However if I had to chose a favorite I'd have to go with Hoskins, few twentieth century figures can possibly be as fun to play as Churchill. Anyway this movie made me want to play Axis and Allies and wear cool hats while doing it.