Eleanor and Franklin Double Feature (The Early Years / The White House Years)
Starring: Jane Alexander, Edward Herrmann, Priscilla Pointer, Walter McGinn, Rosemary MurphyDirector: Daniel Petrie
Studio: Hbo Home Video
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD-Video, Widescreen, NTSC
Running Time: 360 minutes
DVD Release: May 1st 2007
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DVD Review
He was one of America's greatest presidents leading the nation out of its darkest years and guiding it through one of its most difficult wars. She was his wife a First Lady who declined the role of White House hostess and instead devoted herself to public service. This exclusive HBO Double Feature brings together the two critically acclaimed films ("The Early Years" and "The Whitehouse Years") detailing the Roosevelt's saga presenting an intimate portrait of their public and private life with award-winning performances from Jane Alexander and Edward Herrmann.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DOCUMENTARIES/MISC. Rating: NR UPC: 026359908927 Manufacturer No: 99089
User Reviews
Eleanor and Franklin - Rating: 5/5
This is an excellent DVD. I saw the show when it was first on TV and loved it. I was happy to find this and purchase it. It's very accurate historically, from what I've read. Well acted and produced.
Entertaining and educational - Rating: 4/5
As a Brit, who has lived in Hawaii for the last 22 years, I am embarrassed to say that I know very little of recent American political history; by that I mean the early part of the twentieth century.
This HBO double feature was one of the film recommendations that appeared for me when I did a recent search; the price was right and the reviews were encouraging. I am so pleased that I took a chance on acquiring this DVD package. The attention to detail is fantastic and the performances by Jane Alexander and Edward Herrmann seem incredibly accurate from what I remember of old newsreel broadcasts. This is a `warts and all' profile of a married couple and family that may have been dysfunctional to some degree, however, they seemed to put America first and have become highly respected for their public service. On top of that the presentation is wide-screen, colors are excellent for their vintage, the audio is more than acceptable and, even though there was a small amount of overlap in the details that were covered, both films are entertaining and educational.
Great History Lesson - Rating: 5/5
I have always been fascinated with the US Presidency and the women behind these powerful men. In 1976, this wonderfully written and well acted movie appeared on network television during that memorable Bicentennial year. So sad that today's children know little or nothing about history because "Reality" trite and crime ridden dramas have succeeded in the "dumbing" of America. This historical gem takes us from the beginning to the end of the strong partnership and lives of the FDR's. The uncanny resemblance of actor Edward Hermann to FDR is stunning and Jane Alexander gives a brilliant performance as Eleanor who was reserved and painfully shy, however, she blossoms under the tutelage of Mme. Souvestre while at boarding school and goes on to become our beloved First Lady. She worked just as tirelessly as her husband in getting the country through the dark days of the Depression and WWII. I have such great respect for the memory of this great lady who overcame alot, her parents early deaths, FDR's philandering, and the loss of a child among other things. This movie is a great family film and history lesson all rolled into one great collection.
One of the best ways to view a very important piece of history! - Rating: 5/5
Edward Herrmann and Jane Alexander are two of the most talented actors of our time. The portrayals of the Roosevelts are superb. The way the series takes you from childhood to death is a full view into the lives of 2 extremely important people of history. Whoever has never seen this owes it to themselves to buy this. Its a huge bargain from Amazon too. Do not miss this fabulous set.
Great Movie - Rating: 4/5
This was an excellent movie and I would highly recommend for anyone that loves history to take the time and watch it. As a child, I was featured in Part 2 - after his death, when they are putting his body on the train - that was filmed in my hometown of Keysville, VA. It was great being in a movie about one of our greatest President and First Lady. I have been looking for this movie on DVD for a long time and I am overjoyed that I can finally get it. Thanks
