Hitler’s Angel | Uncle Wolf | British Scandal | Podcast
wondering okay Matt you ready to start
Matt Matt Matt Alice I thought we’d
discussed this we need to get more into
character for British Scandal I don’t
feel like we’re immersing ourselves
enough in it so I’d like you to call me
by my nickname I’m not I’m just not
calling you that I’m not well everyone
else is calling me that I haven’t heard
a single person call you that look I’m
telling you it’s what I want to be
called it will catch on and you’ll be
left behind okay do you want me to call
you Uncle Badger yes okay okay Uncle
Badger
is 3rd of September
1939 English a Garten
Munich Unity mitford takes in the lush
green landscape of the park she wipes
the sweat from her brow then glances
behind her she can make out two men in
the distance in high boots and sharp
military jackets she’s sure she saw them
near her apartment
male strippers the velcro are
giveways she turns off the gravel River
path and onto the duw drenched lawn
strands of brown hair cling to her hot
sticky forehead the midday Sun catches
the silver swastika pinned to her chest
she reaches a small Hill near the Park’s
boundary her breath catches in her
throat her chest stings the men have
turned too she lifts the Hem of her
skirt breaks into a Sprint up a nearby
Hill as she climbs higher Diana’s voice
plays over and over in her head Unity
you won’t be
safe she clamps her hands over her ears
but she can’t shut it
out she’s believed it for years that
Mosley and Hitler’s fascist Revolution
would unite England and
Germany and then an hour ago she heard
the radio
broadcast her two beloved countries are
War Unity feels like she’s been torn in
two her kitten heel struggles to cling
to The Damp grass she slips and feels a
sharp pain as a rock Jabs into her knee
she swears and gets up without wiping
away the
blood Miss mitford you’ve been doing
resett of stone you are the ice is so
thin it’s almost like it’s not there for
those of us that don’t remember our GCS
see German so well what does that mean
please we just want to talk Miss mitford
okay I don’t think they do want to
talk she turns and sees the men are just
a few meters away now so close she can
make out their
faces but she keeps her eyes trained on
the small mock temple on the crest of
the Hill she knows she’ll have to be
quick she unstraps the little silver
pistol from her belt it’s smooth and
cold to the touch she prays it’ll be
powerful enough to do the
job the men catch a glint of the Barrel
in the early morning sunlight stop him
stop Miss mitford
please she turns plants her feet and
stares into their faces Miss
mitford unity’s chest
pounds in one quick decisive movement
she raises the pistol fixes it to her
Temple she feels her finger tight around
the
trigger and then everything goes
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come from W I’m Alice LaVine and I’m
Matt Ford and this is British
[Music]
[Music]
scandle so Matt welcome back to the
complex world of the British aristocracy
It Feels Like Home doesn’t it we’re
never not here this story has got
passionate love it’s also got some like
rather unsightly Fringe politics but
don’t worry about that are you ready for
another episode yes I am but I do feel
like I got a hangover by osmosis in the
last episode there was so much booze in
it yeah don’t worry I’ll get you an Alka
Sala shortly but you’ll need to have a
clear head because Diana has taken a
leap with her new man Oswald Mosley is
quite the catch just to recap his main
attributes he’s a fascist he has a
string of sillies or women on the side
and he does have a kind of erratic
temperament a bad temper and a huge ego
go basically he’s the triple threat baby
I think it’s fair to say that most
people would find all the things you’ve
just listed red flags it’s funny you say
that cuz she does actually love herself
a flag not a red one though preferably
uh a flag a banner a rally that is a bit
of her and this episode we are going to
see how Britain nearly got swept up in
the fascist Revolution and how a lot of
that was down to Diana Mosley this is
episode two Uncle wolf
5 years earlier
1934 ostaria Bavaria
Munich Diana mitford excuses herself
patting her hair as she gets to her feet
Unity hisses at her as she weaves
through the little beastro tables in the
direction of the ladies be quick he’ll
be here any
minute Diana looks at herself in the
bathroom mirror she never expected to be
so ner
nervous in the harsh light of the
bathroom the coral lipstick she’s chosen
seems too much she quickly wipes it off
on her
handkerchief before hurrying back into
the cafe Unity is drumming her nails on
the
tablecloth Diana breaks a bit of her
pretzel she needs to settle her
stomach suddenly a silence Falls over
the busy
restaurant Diana’s eyes Dart to the door
as a slight man in a smart GR gray suit
and trilby hat strides into the room she
Rises to her feet the man is
unmistakable his dark blue eyes his fair
skin and thin neat
mustache heads turn as he beelines to
her
table Adolf Hitler pleased to meet you
Diana tries to contain a giggle I know
who you are she catches unity’s eye and
her cheeks
readen as they take their seats Diana
fixes Hitler with her sparkling blue
eyes it’s really very good of you to
meet me Hitler Smiles a sister of unity
is a friend of
mine never think of Hitler as a flirt
you sort of never think of him as making
small talk either this is just so weird
yeah I like to read uh Sundays I like to
walk by the river I basically just don’t
ever think of him as talking at a normal
level just sort of shouting while
saluting God that guy needs to chill out
on table 5
Americano she can feel Unity practically
glowing next to her Unity has worked
hard to get close to Hitler she moved to
Germany learned the language and went to
Hitler’s favorite Cafe for 10 months in
order to meet him Diana’s stomach
rumbles as a plate of vegetables eggs
and mayonnaise is placed in front of
Hitler I mean I disagree with everything
he did that is a terrible terrible me
is it veg eggs and Mayo I think it
sounds good you need meat or a meat
substitute on there well the latter
would actually have been Hitler’s choice
because famously was a vegetarian
because he cared about animal rights oh
my God Hitler was
woke to a degree I mean obviously I’m
joking I feel like I should make it
clear every time we’re joking about
Hitler that we are actually joking maybe
we need a code maybe every time we make
a joke about Hitler so people know that
it’s not an endorsement or a minimizing
we say
mayonnaise after it so that’s so it’s
clear that’s a joke
okay Diana clears her throat tells
herself to focus in her broken German
she
stutters Unity has told me about the
incredible work you’ve been doing in
Germany as soon as the words have left
her mouth she wishes she could retract
them it sounds so trite but to her
surprise Hitler nods
you won’t read about that in your
English newspapers the roads the public
construction projects the Fallen
unemployment Diana leans forward as
Hitler lays out his
vision your English government could
never be so radical Diana’s eyes
widen actually she feels Unity kick her
under the table Diana lets out a small
Yelp she promised Unity she would avoid
walking business with the furer but she
doesn’t know when she’ll get this chance
again she takes a deep
breath actually there is one English man
who shares your vision Hitler laughs
doubtful really Diana doesn’t like the
condescension in his voice her heart is
rushing in her ears but she makes sure
she remains calm and
considered a great man a strong fascist
leader who believes in a radical
restructuring of the economy a society
free from selfish individualism
decadence she pauses before pointedly
adding and
foreigners Diana you had me at
foreigners you my darling are a delight
mayonnaise mayonnaise mayonnaise
mayonnaise mayonnaise for days Hitler
briskly nods his head who is this man
Diana knows she’s hooked him his name is
Oswald
Mosley she watches as Hitler slowly
repeats Oswald’s
name she realizes she’s been holding her
breath once a glittering Hostess in
London’s socialite scene she can see now
the skills required to broker
international relations are not so
different she can’t wait to tell Oswald
the good news
by befriending Hitler she’s going to
make him see she’s not just an object
for his lust she’s also a political
asset and together they’ll spread the
good word of the fascist Revolution
across
Britain okay this is fascinating because
she’s not just trying to get Oswald’s
full attention and affection because
obviously in the last episode we saw
that he was still having other affairs
with other women she’s now trying to
place herself at the center of political
events and actively Usher in fascism in
the UK exactly she doesn’t want to be
another one of his sillies she wants to
be his intellectual equal and also be an
architect in this political movement
she’s kind of the Dominic Cummings of
her day if Dominic Cummings and Boris
had been involved in some way mayonnaise
mayonnaise and we do think of Dominick
Cummings as a great Beauty mayonnaise
mayonnaise June 1934 2 Eaton Square
London Diana looks over a pile of hand
painted British Union of fascist
banners her little drawing room is
bursting with aristocratic women she’s
recruited to the bf’s
cause every surface from the bureau to
the green velvet sofa is covered with
banners and hand stitched Union Jacks
ready for tonight’s rally
thank you everyone you’re doing a
marvelous
job as she starts boxing up the approved
Flags her nerves Fizz with excitement
she spent weeks helping Oswald plan
tonight it’ll be filled with marching
men banners spotlights a militaristic
paraphernalia inspired by her own trips
to the Newburg
rallies I love that this is basically
the equivalent of when somebody comes
back from holiday and they just start
making like nice pasta dishes cuz they
went to pulia she’s like when I was away
you should have seen the nurenberg
rallies
gorgeous the British Union of fascists
are gaining popularity across the
country from private schools to mining
towns for the first time in Diana’s life
she feels like she’s part of something
larger than
herself the buf is starting to get
interest from the papers even
MPS this rally is about taking things to
the next level she looks up as Oswald
enters the room flanked by a couple of
his black
shirts Diana loves seeing Oswald in his
uniform since she returned from Germany
the two of them have been more serious
his betrayal still stings but if that’s
the price she has to pay to be with him
she’s made her peace with
it this is Bonkers because he was having
affairs with other people and not just
any older the people but his dead wife’s
sister he did shag his dead wife’s
sister but if you’re going to keep
dragging that up every 2 minutes then
we’ll never get anywhere will we I’m not
shagger now am I I’m here with you well
then oh
women there you are darling these need
running down to the Exhibition Center
but Oswald is in frantic
conversation those
bastards the chatter in the room Falls
silent Oswald lowers his voice I want
2,000 of our black shirts in the crowd
guarding our platform if these
protesters kick off they’re going to
know about
it Diana stands up and rushes over to
him whatever is the matter but Oswald
waves his hand at her
dismissively nothing for you to worry
about Diana feels a Pang of irritation
is it the counter protesters are we
expecting trouble Oswald coughs
curtly It’s all under control but I
think it will be better if you stay at
home things may get violent Diana’s eyes
narrow don’t be ridiculous I’ve been
working on this for
weeks her voice comes out louder than
she intended she can feel all eyes on
her but she’s Too Furious to care oswal
places a heavy hand on her shoulder I
only want to protect you I don’t need
protecting none of this would have been
possible if it weren’t for me it was my
idea Oswald’s face is red he shoots his
black shirt to look like he’s
apologizing for her Diana’s jaw tightens
she refuses to have Oswald treat her as
one of his sillies she
spits I appreciate your concern but I
can handle
myself Oswald’s eyes flick from his
black shirts to her she stayed on him
finally she sees him nod
slowly relief washes over her she picks
up the banner she’s been working on now
please take this down to the Exhibition
Center she refuses to be sidelined she’s
going to attend the rally and prove to
Oswald that she can handle anything that
he or their opponents throw at her
a few hours later Olympia Exhibition
Center West Kensington
London Diana stares out at the vast
Exhibition Center every seat is filled
young and old rich and poor a large
contingent of MPS are here too plus the
newspapers she and Oswald have been
cting the press for months they need
them to see that the buuf is a viable
and respectable political alternative
ative with their support they can reach
the whole of the country this is so
significant because this isn’t just them
talking to their usual supporters this
is now broadening out and you’ve got
people there powerful influential people
who are part of the mainstream starting
to attend these
rallies Diana’s heart swells with pride
as Oswald takes to the stage his face is
set in a stately
expression Diana’s ears ring she can
barely hear the sound of the marching
band over the cheers they go on and on a
mass of people all gathered in agulation
of her
Oswald it’s exactly what they planned
what they dreamed of together the
British
[Music]
nurenberg eventually Oswald raises his
arm Diana and the 10,000 strong crowd
lift their arms in
Unison she gasps as the crowd emits a
series of salutes in homage to
Oswald Diana feels the hairs Rays on her
neck as Oswald clears his throat he
begins the speech that she’s helped him
practice many times at home it’s so
funny to imagine a fascist demagogue
practicing at home like a best man’s
speech now Oswald Oswald look to the
back of the room and project remember
the vocal warm-up exercises I told you
also if you’ve ever practiced anything
with your partner you’ll know they’re
the worst audience and so when you
startop it won’t be like that I’ll
obviously do it bigger can you change
your face because you’re actually really
throwing me off like they’ll be laughing
and like you’re you’ve just got like a
frown on so you’re actually ruining it
what do you mean you didn’t start the
timer I’m halfway
through ladies and gentlemen fellow
countrymen today we stand at a pivotal
moment in the history of our
nation As We Gather here together United
but he’s barely made it through the
first sentence when a voice pipes up in
the front row fascist
bastard Diana stiffens her eyes scan the
crowd for the culprit she thinks she
spots him near the railings and is about
to alert Oswald when she sees he’s
already clocked the man she watches in
admiration as Oswald clicks his fingers
a spotlight is directed onto the Heckler
she Smiles he must have arranged this in
advance within seconds one of the black
shirts are on him Diana hears a fist
making contact with the man’s skull it’s
the first time she’s ever seen someone
be
punched she’s surprised at the jolt it
sends through her body she watches
Oswald step back to the
microphone only through disciplined
order can we unlock the boundless
potential of our na
and Achieve greatness down with the
fascist but then a second protester
pipes up quick as a flash Oswald turns
the spotlight onto him the black shirts
descend again Diana has to turn away as
the men plow their heavy boots into the
man’s
stomach she watches as Oswald again
returns to the microphone but now Diana
can barely hear him over A Chorus of
heckles now the spotlight is being sha
all over the room dark shapes start
flying at head height and she realizes
in horror that the black shirts have
begun hurling Chairs into the
crowd Diana drops to the floor as police
officers Rush forward she turns a gasp
as she feels a man’s hands on her
hips and then sigh in relief it’s oswal
he Scoops her up and carries her out of
the chaos into the cold crisp afternoon
I’m just looking for a guy to sweep me
off my feet at a fascist rally where
people are getting punched in the
head an hour later Diana stares at her
banners now torn up and lying limply in
pools of blood Oswald kicks a chair in
frustration she looks at his large
hulking frame gets up the courage to
speak I thought was supposed to be
showing the Press everyone that we’re a
legitimate political party
Oswald whirls round to face her with
Venom in his eyes no we’re not going to
revolutionize Britain by appeasing The
Establishment we need more Force more
fire Diana feels herself nod in
agreement but today is the first time
she’s seen what his vision for Britain
entails intimidation injury even
death bloodied faces and beaten bodies
surface in her mind Diana tries to block
them out but is caught off guard by a
jolt of
adrenaline it rushes through her body
and then another sensation hits her a
wave of
nausea she turns on her heel heads to
the
bathroom Falls to her knees and empties
the contents of her stomach into the
motionless water of the lava
[Music]
tree what a beautiful way of saying she
puked in the Bog she absolutely
bed a year later to Eaton Square
London Diana bursts into the drawing
room alongside her oldest sister
Nancy the two of them in fits of Giggles
their arms Laden with bags and Parcels
from a day shopping in
nightsbridge Diana is about to persuade
her to stay for dinner when she sees
Oswald he’s sitting cross-legged on her
Satin
he stands abruptly Diana places her bags
on the floor what a wonderful surprise I
thought you were working today darling I
was she can see his shoulders are tense
that he’s
upset and then I was shown this he
wields a copy of nany’s latest novel
wigs on the
green Diana looks at her sister in
confusion she hasn’t read it you’re
supposed to be Diana’s family
family don’t do this to each other Diana
hates Oswald when he’s like this yeah I
just run about fascism more that’s what
I
like she steps forward and protectively
positions herself in front of Nancy she
flaps her arms in a vain bid to get
everybody to calm down what is it she’s
done darling Oswald roughly opens the
book snapping the spine and begins
reciting from it this Captain Jack and
his Union Jack shirts based on anyone
Diana watches Nancy attempt to fix an
innocent expression but her eyes shine
with
Mischief I don’t know what you mean
Oswald carries on
reading when you find school girls like
Eugenia going mad for something you can
be pretty sure it’s
nonsense that’s Unity isn’t it your own
sister and her
nonsense is my bloody party very
sensitive these fascists he’s read it
very closely as well in many ways he’s a
fan Diana’s heart sinks since Olympia
Oswald’s fascist party has been
sidelined by mainstream newspapers and
politicians to be ridiculed by Nancy is
the last thing they need with respect
Oswald I care very little for your
ridiculous party
Diana Rens she hears Oswald bark out now
but this is Diana’s house I said out
Nancy slinks awkwardly out of the room
Diana moves towards Oswald and tries to
place a calming hand on his shoulder but
he pushes her away everything I’ve
worked for all the progress we’ve made
is hanging in the balance I cannot have
your wild Reckless family undermining me
Oswald’s eyes narrow isn’t it this isn’t
a silly little game for you to play with
your wealthy friends Oswald I but he
snaps back I want you to tell her we
want nothing to do with her anymore
Diana is taken AB after everything she’s
given up to be with
him well Diana is frozen to the
spot exactly L as I thought if I don’t
matter to you if fascism doesn’t matter
to you then perhaps we shouldn’t be
together Diana feels a Pang of fear she
fixes a Steely expression on her face if
she’s going to give up her sister she
wants something in return hoping he
can’t hear the Tremor in her voice if
I’m going to cut out my sister I need to
know you’re serious about me she reaches
out and takes Oswald’s hand in hers I
want you to marry
[Music]
me how did you propose well do you want
to tell it no I’ll tell it um I saw some
of his Heavies batter a load of people
at rally and then he told me I can never
see my sister again and I just thought
I’ve got to ask him now because this
guy’s going to get snapped
up she tightens her grip she suddenly
can’t bear to hear the reply
and then it
comes of course I’ll marry you she feels
a smile spread across her face then
Oswald’s breath on the back of her neck
as she pens a short abrupt letter to
Nancy she tells herself she’s doing the
right thing Oswald and the fascist cause
have to be her sole priority from now on
[Music]
call me a cynic and this is a very 2024
perspective but I don’t think Oswald and
Diana’s relationship is an equal
partnership go on he is demanding she
make huge sacrifices to be with him but
he is clearly prepared to just drop her
on a whim if any small thing she does or
someone else she knows does offends him
you’re absolutely right when she’s
useful to him when she’s an accessory
when she can open doors great and
particularly when she keeps her mouth
shut and she doesn’t make herself the
center of attention cuz he doesn’t like
that either but if she becomes in any
way challenging he’s so volatile yeah it
just doesn’t feel very romantic does it
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[Music]
October
1936 Herman Goring Strater
Berlin Diana leans over an elaborate
marble Basin eyes are narrowed and three
pins protrude from her mouth as she
carefully fixes her lace
fascinator Unity perches excitedly on
the window sill oh Diana he’s here Uncle
wolf is here and he’s brought flowers
isn’t not so very kind Diana nods and
admires her makeup in the bathroom
mirror Hitler or Uncle wolf as they’re
fond of calling him has agreed for her
and Oswald to marry secretly in Germany
Hitler has personally arranged the whole
wedding ordering it to be held in the
gerb’s home okay you’ve gone for the
Diamond package that does include Nazi
Insignia I know it was very important to
you to have the S stickers on the
napkins so you will be able to get that
in that
package the door clicks softly behind
them she hears magta gal’s voice they’re
ready for you
Diana Diana Smooths the creases from her
pale gold tunic and picks up her little
bouquet a jolt of excitement rushes
through
her she sweeps into the room a graceful
smile spreading across her face the
Overture to deure Hitler’s favorite
Opera is playing the small selection of
guests are on their feet but she only
has eyes for Oswald waiting for her at
the end of the aisle as athletic and
handsome as ever it’s been four years
since she upended her life to be with
him and today finally she’s going to be
Mrs Diana Mosley a fascist wedding at
gal’s house where Mosley’s the groom and
Hitler’s there I mean the speeches are
going to be unhinged
the ceremony passes in a blur and before
Diana can take stock she’s offering her
trembling hand to Oswald as he slips the
ring onto her finger she Savers its
weight a slight ache settles in her
chest as her mind drifts to her parents
but as she looks up into Oswald’s
adoring eyes she realizes she now has a
new family a new life I love
you half an hour later Diana is being
world around the Dance Floor by unity
Diana searches the room for Oswald and
sees him wrapped in conversation with
Hitler the speech was great but I did
tell you not to mention ex-girlfriends
or dead wives Diana breezes over rests
her hand on Oswald’s shoulder darling
it’s time for our first
dance but Oswald doesn’t take his eyes
off Hitler she leans forward brushing
her lips across his neck Aussie
instead it’s Hitler that looks at her I
was just telling your man that action is
needed the Jews are not just a problem
in Germany a show of strength is needed
don’t you think Diana Diana feels
Hitler’s eyes turn on her what I think
is that Oswald can spend one day focused
on his bride rather than the revolution
for a moment she’s worried she’s
overstepped but then she feels Oswald’s
squeeze her hand yes I agree I agree
with both of you he turns to Hitler and
gives him a small nod Diana is about to
pull osal away when Hitler raises his
hand I do have a small gift Hitler
places a carefully wrapped present into
her
hands Diana peels back the paper to
reveal a silver frame embossed with an
eagle and inside is a photograph of hit
himself taking it Diana clears her
throat and smiles
serenely thank you Uncle wolf she
realizes in that moment it’s not just
Oswald she’s
marrying it’s
fascism 4th of October
1936 stany
London Oswald Ducks as bricks fly past
his head he tightens his belt glances at
the 3,000 buf members around him all
dressed in identical black uniforms
black shirts black trousers today he
intends to show strength and March right
through East London’s Jewish
neighborhood down with fascism you shall
not pass no
pasaran Oswald shouts to one of the
6,000 police he’s arranged to protect
the black shirts s this lot
out this is not a minor police presence
there are more police there than you
would get at your average football match
just to give you an idea of the scale 6
to 7,000 met police officers that’s the
entire mounted division they had Vans
they had a spotter plane this was like a
militaristic operation they were there
specifically to protect the Marchers and
the protesters which may sound ludicrous
to some but if you think of how
politicized the police were in the 1980s
and things are all grieve just imagine
what it was like in the 1930s oh
definitely there was undeniably police
Sympathy for the buf so the atmosphere
would have been so highly
charged the officers surge forward
Oswald watches with satisfaction as a
young boy is hit with a
trunion he smiles as the police beat
down the anti-fascist protesters
clamping handcuffs around their
wrists but still the rabble is SW
Welling where the hell are they all
coming from a dark shape plows towards
the black
[Applause]
shirts it squeals to an abrupt stop a
tram Oswald watches in horror as the
driver gets out leaving the vehicle
right across their route the
Metropolitan Police Commissioner
approaches
Oswald maybe you’d be best going down St
George’s Street Oswalt is furious
that would take them out of the Jewish
neighborhood he scans a map and makes a
decision we’ll go down cable Street
Oswald redirects the fascists and sees
with satisfaction that the path ahead
looks
clearer all around them front doors of
Terrace houses begin to open Oswald
feels a smile stretch across his face
this was always his plan gather up
support from the white working class in
the area show the Jews they’re not
welcome here but suddenly an object
whacks him on the back of the head he
looks down and sees that it’s a moldy
cabbage women are lugging furniture out
of their houses to build up barriers men
are pulling up the cobblestones to throw
at the
fascists dismay begins to swell in
Oswald’s
stomach it seems the entire East End is
United against them
Oswald turns back to face his men and
reluctantly gives the signal to
retreat he glowers head down as he
storms back towards the center of London
knowing full well that Hitler will be
watching in
Germany this is such a significant
moment because this obviously became
known as the Battle of cable Street and
it seemed as a real source of pride in
the East End of London and in British
leftwing and moderate Circle because it
shows firstly that if you gather
together you can defeat often a very
powerful enemy but also that these
demagogues totally underestimate where
mainstream opinion is particularly in
workingclass areas that just because
they can whip up a few people don’t take
that to mean that the wider Community is
not repulsed by what you’re saying but
also the presumption that these people
are not brave enough to fight you and
what the Battle of cable Street showed
is that most people find fascism to be
disgusting and they areep prepared to
take risks for their own safety to
defeat it the following morning Oswald
cups his head in his hands as he reads
the
papers darling what is it Oswald waves
the telegraph in her face the government
are Banning political uniforms in
protests our black shirts will be
outlawed Diana’s mouth gapes open in
horror they can’t do that what about our
rights Oswald rips the newspaper into
shreds they are bloody Hypocrites making
out it’s Germany that’s the problem all
the while they’re denying us our freedom
of speech then we’ll fight I didn’t
sacrifice everything to give up at the
first hurdle Oswald is taken a by
Diana’s conviction it’s up to us to tell
the British people that their rights are
being removed it’s up to us to take
control of this
country Oswald looks at her
thoughtfully maybe it’s not on the
streets that this battle will be won but
instead in the corridors of
power perhaps it’s time to bring this
government
[Music]
Down August
1939 Churchill’s flat near Westminster
Cathedral Winston Churchill stands up
stiffly and pushes back his chair
Dynamite would you care to join me he
gestures towards the the after dinner
coffees then the Terrace he hears Diana
slip out after him draping a jacket over
her shoulders what is it cousin Winston
keeping his eyes trained on the London
Skyline he takes a deep breath he knows
at heart Diana is a lively funloving
girl life and soul of any party he’s not
sure how she’s got herself wrapped up in
this dangerous fascism
business but he’s certain if he talks to
her she’ll see
sense I hear you’ve been
fraternizing with Hitler he’s shocked as
Diana throws her head back and
laughs
Diana this is no laughing matter I’m
only laughing because Uncle wolf is
always asking after you
too unless she’s making that up that
shows how influential Churchill already
was because at this point he’s a
backbencher he’s not prime minister at
this point he was a bit of a joke in his
own party so lovely to get a shout out
is what you’re saying even if it’s from
Hitler mentioned in
dispatches Winston splutters smoke into
the Dusky air Uncle
wolf he quickly pulls the balcony doors
shut Diana I’m not sure you understand
the gravity of this
situation this man is a
maniac so the papers like to say but you
really wouldn’t think that if you met
him Oswald says it’s the biased British
media that are putting this country
under threat not Hitler he’s taken aback
by her bullish Brazen attitude she
doesn’t sound like the Diana he knows he
rubs his neck takes her face in his
hands I’ll tell you what’s going to
happen Britain is going to war with
Germany it’s an
inevitability Winston reens as Diana
Cuts him off no it isn’t
Oswald has a solution a strong
prosperous alliance with Germany you’d
do well to listen to him no he slams his
hand on the railings she recoils
surprised by The Fury in his voice you
listen to me if oswal keeps speaking out
against the war against the government
then he’ll be marked as a traitor and if
you’re not careful so will you you need
to keep away from him I will never leave
Oswald why he makes a fool out of you
everybody knows about his other women
for goodness sakes Diana he won’t even
Marry You Diana’s eyes brim with furious
tears we are married Winston feels his
heart sink what Diana fixes him with a
defiant glare we got married in secret
in Germany in the gbl’s drawing room
Uncle wolf arranged the whole thing
[Music]
Winston’s cheeks burn hot Diana there’s
going to be a war a war with Hitler
anyone associated with him will be
rounded up thrown into jail mark my
words Diana turns and flounces back into
the dining room leaving Winston alone
with his growing
unease she’s not the light-hearted
agreeable Diana he knew she’s someone
strange someone
dangerous Winston steps back into his
empty study with a heavy heart he picks
up the phone and puts in a call to
MI5 it’s no longer just him that needs
to be watching
[Music]
Diana a few weeks later byro
Germany Diana slips into the living room
of her rented apartment
the morning Breeze rips through her
cotton nighty it’s barely 6:00 but Unity
is bent double in front of the wireless
tears are lashing down her
face darling what is it Diana
immediately envelops her little sister
in a tight Embrace they’re saying they
said um uncle wolf has invaded Poland
that Britain might declare war Diana
feels sick in the pit of her stomach and
it’s not just the early stages of her
new pregnancy since her talk with
Winston she hasn’t been able to sleep
perhaps you should come home at least
for now she feels unity’s body go rigid
there’s a long uncomfortable
silence when she finally speaks her
sister’s voice is so quiet Diana can
barely hear her I’m already home Diana
tries to keep her voice gentle as she
persists I know you love it here Unity
recoils from her wounded you can’t begin
to understand that may be but the fact
is you won’t be safe Unity laughs
scornfully you really think I’ll be safe
in Britain I’m an English Nazi if we go
to war I won’t belong anywhere I’ll be
cast as a
traitor Diana takes her sister’s hands
but Unity spits back it’s not just me
they’ll come for us all Oswald you none
of us will be safe Diana pushes the
thought aside tries again with unity but
she won’t hear any of it she watches as
her sister turns and leaves the room
goodbye
Diana it’s kind of incredible that a
24-year-old Diana’s little sister is the
one who’s projecting into future months
and years and is having the most
realistic take she was one of Hitler’s
closest British acquaintances so it
would really pay for Diana and Oswald
and their Associates to listen to
her 2 Days Later Diana is back in
Britain in the drawing room of her
country home she turns up the volume on
the wiress clasping a protective hand on
her small baby bump as Neville
Chamberlain begins his
speech this morning the British
Ambassador in Berlin handed the German
government a final note stating that
unless we heard from them by
11:00 that they were prepared at once to
withdraw their troops from Poland a
state of War would exist between us I
have to tell you now that no such
undertaking has been received and that
consequently this country is at war with
Germany Diana’s legs Buckle from under
her her head spins like the walls around
her are closing in
the blare of the telephone drags her out
from her
Ry on the other end of the line her
mother’s voice is flat and Hollow
darling it’s
Unity
she’s shot
[Music]
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[Music]
today a few weeks later stall theater
Kingsway
London as Diana approaches the theater
her mouth drops open in shock a long
queue stretches along the busy Main Road
and down a side street there must be
3,000 BF supporters of all ages from all
walks of life her heart
swells these past few weeks have been
dire news of unity’s attempted suicide
quickly reached the UK papers Unity is
clinging on to life but the family has
had to fight to get her back to Britain
her mother had to venture into water Tor
Europe to bring her
home now though for the first time Diana
feels a tentative smile crawl across her
face she’s looking forward to this
rally but when she pushes open the
dressing room door she finds Oswald
wretching into a waste paper bin his
face Ashen his eyes
bloodshot they’re saying the government
have it out for us they’re looking into
the party if we make one wrong move
we’re off to prison
the lot of us prison don’t be absurd
Oswald sinks heavily into a chair it’s
only rumors but there’s talk of some
emergency Powers Act I wonder if perhaps
I shouldn’t speak tonight
though so these are exceptional powers
that are obviously exercised in
exceptional circumstances emergency
measures that mean that the government
can take control of Civilian lives like
lockdowns which is so ironic to hear him
getting upset by because this is exactly
the sort of power he would want all the
time Diana stares at him hunched in a
chair his arms are crossed tight over
his body his skin is clammy and pale she
thinks of the supporters
outside can’t you see this is what the
government wants to silence you because
they can see what effect you’re having
if Britain is the country of free speech
they have to let you take a stand
to her relief Oswald Rises to his feet
the color beginning to flood back into
his
cheeks she pulls him in close he places
a hand on her burgeoning bump but what
about she silences him with a kiss don’t
worry about
us a low Applause rumbles from the
auditorium as Oswald makes for the
stage Diana stares out into the crowd
pushes down an uneasy feeling in her
stomach an alliance with Hitler is the
only way to end this war and it’s up to
her and Oswald to make the British
public see
[Music]
that the next day the 23rd of May 1940
dolphin Square
London Diana stares out of the car
window as it pulls up outside the
entrance to their block of red brick
Georgian flat
she pulls her children to her tightens
her grip around her 4- week old baby as
five men hover
outside at first she wonders if they’re
journalists they’re all wearing plain
clothes but something about the way
they’re standing slightly apart not
talking makes her stomach
churn she turns urgently to
Oswald perhaps we should come back
and but Oswald is already getting out of
the car
she follows children in toe as the men
move towards them Oswald
Mosley Diana looks at Oswald who stares
back at her in
confusion we’ve got a warrant to search
these
premises Diana lets out a scornful half
laugh I’d really rather you
didn’t her newborn starts crying but the
police are
unmoved Diana’s mind races as they all
make their way up to their floor in the
Rick
LIF in her head she scans the apartment
for any incriminating evidence hope they
don’t find that massive picture of
Hitler but the second Diana turns the
key in the lock the police officers
charge into the little flat wrenching
open her bedside drawers and pulling her
clothes out of the Wardrobe she screams
those are my dresses my shoes police
ignore her Diana tells the children to
go to their bedroom as the police fill
cardboard boxes with their bank
statements and letters
she feels hot tears begin to run down
her cheeks she wipes them away with her
free
hand this will soon be over she tells
herself but then she hears a shout from
the living room Diana she turns to find
Oswald holding out his wrists to an
officer who grips a pair of handcuffs
oswal Mosley I’m arresting you under
defense regulation 18 B oh how the
tables have turned a cold Fury possesses
Diana
on what bloody
charge Diana tries to focus but the baby
won’t stop crying the policeman smirks
don’t need
one in all the anger and confusion Diana
tries to form a clear logical plan she
promises
Oswald I’ll get your solicitor and I’ll
meet you at the
station but the policeman shakes his
head he ain’t going to need a solicitor
either we’re taking him straight to
Brooks prison Diana stares at him
struggling to take in what he’s just
said then it starts to Dawn on her that
it might not only be Oswald’s time
that’s
marked it’s also her
[Music]
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now from wry and samat audio this is the
second episode in our series Hitler’s
Angel a quick note about our dialogue in
most cases we can’t know exactly what
was said but all our dramatizations are
based on historical research if you’d
like to know more about this story you
can read Diana Mosley by Anda Cory Mrs
Guinness by Lindsay Spence and a life of
contrasts by Diana mitford British
Scandal is hosted by me Alice LaVine and
me Matt Ford British Scandal is a
production of wry and samat audio
written by Lydia Marchant additional
writing by Alice LaVine and Matt Ford
our story editor is James Maniac sound
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Diana has already chosen fascism over her family. But now the world is going to war, and she has to choose between fascism and her country. Winston Churchill tries to win Diana over, but she has already met Germany’s charismatic leader, Adolf Hitler. And she’s hooked.
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