President Franklin D. Roosevelt
FDR (Part 1 & 2)(1994) The American Experience, in 41/2 hours, provides superb insights into FDR, the man and the president. With such commentators as David McCullough and Robert Dallak, this documentary, half of which is devoted to FDR’s life before his 12-year presidency, captures the essence of a man who was charismatic, unprincipled, a masterful politician, devious, supremely pragmatic, a magnificent actor, unruffled under stress, an instinctive deal maker, untroubled by policy contradictions, ruthless, humorous, vindictive, charming, resilient, shallow, expedient, visionary, spin master, tough street fighter, and articulate. This film is especially helpful in describing FDR’s pre-presidential career as well as his political pragmatism during the vexing 1930s.
There is little in FDR’s early, pampered life that would suggest that he would rank as one of America’s three greatest presidents. His fight back from crippling polio and Eleanor’s unflagging support, despite a love-shattering marital affair, are well portrayed in this chronicle of the emergence of FDR. There were some flashes of this ‘new FDR’ during his governorship. Nonetheless, the orchestrator of the First Hundred Days and its uplifting aftermath was a revelation to both his supporters and detractors.
One overriding conclusion from this documentary’s coverage of the Great Depression is that FDR, whatever his shortcomings, preserved both our political system and American capitalism. FDR saw the threat of Hitler Germany long before the American people were ready to abandon their isolationist stance. With the destroyer deal, then Lend Lease, FDR brought America into an undeclared war while providing England and, later, the Soviet Union with vital military supplies.
The FDR elected to a fourth term was dying. Nonetheless, he conducted himself appropriately at Yalta against a ruthless Stalin who was occupying much of Eastern Europe. Overall, this magisterial documentary presents a fair and favorable account of FDR’s life and accomplishments. Portions of this DVD can be used effectively in both high school and college classes
The Speeches of Franklin D. Roosevelt (1990) Captures the charm and wit of this masterful performer in his Fireside Chats, on the campaign trail, and while being "presidential."
