Politics has had its share of dynasties—the Adamses, the Kennedy’s, the Bush’s—but none can compare to the Roosevelt’s. Theodore Roosevelt and his fifth cousin Franklin Delano Roosevelt served a combined total of nineteen years as President of the United States. Franklin’s wife Eleanor, both admired and reviled, paved the way for many modern women, becoming a voice for social justice. Known for his exhaustive research and use of archival footage, documentary filmmaker Ken Burns has delivered The Roosevelt’s: An Intimate History, a fourteen hour series currently airing on PBS. The star of the series isn’t Theodore, Franklin or Eleanor, but rather, their complex relationships and their unwavering dedication to public service.
For those who have studied the Roosevelt’s, many of the stories will be familiar. Even so, the video footage and personal correspondence will likely make it seem fresh. Theodore Roosevelt is given voice by Paul Giamatti, Meryl Streep replicates Eleanor’s distinct delivery and Edward Herrmann voices Franklin, whom he played in the landmark miniseries Eleanor and Franklin. Given the level of voice talent, endless photos and archival footage, it’s clear that Ken Burns and his long time collaborator, scriptwriter Geoffrey C. Ward strove to create a completely immersive experience.
Burns smartly takes a chronological approach to his subjects, allowing viewers to see them in context with various important historical events. While Burns has stated his admiration for all three Roosevelt’s on several occasions, he doesn’t hide their flaws. TR’s sometimes impulsive, occasionally reckless actions are discussed, FDR’s marital indiscretions are examined, as are Eleanor’s close female friendships (though no mention of her rumored bi-sexuality is made).
Theodore Roosevelt at his home Sagamore Hill, 1918
Photo credit: Theodore Roosevelt Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard University
What quickly becomes clear, is that while the three Roosevelt’s were born into privilege, they all knew suffering and were changed by it. TR, then and now regarded as a model of strength and endless energy, suffered from asthma as a child and was protected from bullies by his younger brother (Eleanor’s father). In college, a doctor told TR he had, “a weak constitution and a poor heart” and probably would not live long. Doing all he could to be as strong as he could, TR seemed to will his way to health and promised himself never to fritter away a single minute. This was a man who gave his all to everything he did, whether it is in the military, politics, or outdoor games with his children.
While TR was boisterous, FDR had trouble fitting in as a young man, and looks rather melancholy in the various photos of him as a young man. As a young politician, he’s gains that wide smile most of us are familiar with, but seems to carry himself with an air of superiority. The polio that robbed him of use of his legs—an affliction he and those around him took great pains to mask from the public—struck at age 39. In a strange way, FDR’s illness may have saved his political career, as he was forced out of the arena during the republican dominated 1920’s, to undergo rehabilitation.
Eleanor’s upbringing was a difficult one. Her father was a delusional alcoholic. Her mother, displeased with her daughter’s looks, referred to Eleanor as “granny.” By the age of ten, she was an orphan, sent to live a disinterested grandmother, a nurse and two drunk. At fourteen, she finally found some happiness when she was sent to a girl’s school outside London, where social consciousness and independent thinking were encouraged. For the first time in her life, Eleanor felt loved. Three years later, she arrived back home with a new found confidence. There’s little doubt that FDR liked her spark, the two were engaged when she was 19 and he was 21. Though their marriage was later changed by infidelity, the two would always respect each other, seeking each other’s advice on various issues.
Watching The Roosevelt’s: An Intimate History is a tour through more than half a century of some of the most pivotal events in American history. Ken Burns’ use of countless photographs and archival footage is amazing and adds another dimension to an already fascinating story. If that’s not enough, the voice cast is A-List all the way: Paul Giamatti (Theodore Roosevelt), Edward Hermann (Franklin Roosevelt), Meryl Streep (Eleanor Roosevelt), John Lithgow (James Roosevelt), Patricia Clarkson (Margaret “Daisy” Suckley) and Peter Coyote (Narrator). Other voices include: Adam Arkin, Keith Carradine, Kevin Conway, Ed Harris, Josh Lucas, Carl Lumbly, Amy Madigan, Carolyn McCormick, Pamela Reed, Billy Bob Thornton and Eli Wallach. Historians such as David McCullough, Jon Meacham, and Patricia O’Toole add a knowledgeable authority to the proceedings.
Apart from biographer and historian interviews, this 1080i/1.78:1 presentation is an archival bonanza. Some of the black and white footage is remarkably clear, while other parts are flecked with dirt. However, considering the age of the materials we are dealing with here, overall this is an impressive presentation.
The featured audio is an English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, with an option in Spanish Stereo 2.0 and described video. The war segments are loud and immersive, though there are some silent gaps that happen as the film moves from segment to segment. Bass has a surprisingly full presence and midtones are clear. Dialogue is clear and concise throughout.
English and Spanish SDH subtitles are available.
The following extras are included:
Disc One
- Bonus Videos (HD, 69:42) lots of additional footage here, including a look inside Sagamore Hill, Roosevelt home movies, and an overview of the music provided by composer David Cieri, a recent Roosevelt reunion and more.
Disc Seven
- Making Of (HD, 31:31) covers Burns’ determination to create a documentary solely about the Roosevelt’s after touching on their accomplishments in previous productions. Largely an EPK, it’s still always interesting to hear Burns talk about his work. Even after all these years of success, he clearly still enjoys each project.
- Deleted Scenes (HD, 26:48) several interesting deleted scenes from all the segments.
