Bessie Braddock MP Archives | Richard M. Langworth

alcohol — “Drunken Weltanschauung: Churchill tries to find luck in drink, but the bottle distorts the view.” (Der Stürmer, Nuremberg, 26 February 1942)

Drunk and Ugly

26 December 2008 Comments 3 Comments

What is the truth or falsehood of the famous exchange between Churchill and a woman (Nancy Astor?) who accused him of being drunk? Did it really take place? —J.M.

It’s true, but the lady was Bessie Braddock MP, and Churchill’s retort was not strictly original. From my book, Churchill by Himself, page 573:

Bessie Braddock MP: “Winston, you are drunk, and what’s more you are disgustingly drunk.”

WSC: Bessie, my dear, you are ugly, and what’s more, you are disgustingly ugly. But tomorrow I shall be sober and you will still be disgustingly ugly. —1946. Ronald Golding to the Editor.…