The Roosevelts: An Intimate History

Acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns' epic 14-hour documentary series spans the Spanish-American War to the election of John F. Kennedy, along the way looking at the creation of our National Parks, the passage of the New Deal, and the defeat of Hitler. Burns chronicles the stories of Theodore, Franklin, and Eleanor Roosevelt in his signature manner: combining graceful pans over archival photographs, together with news footage, an A-list voice cast, and engaging commentary by historians, backed by evocative music. Lending their talents and expertise are Meryl Streep (as Eleanor), Paul Giamatti (a robust and indefatigable Theodore), and Edward Herrmann (Franklin), along with authors Doris Kearns Goodwin, David McCullough, George Will, and narrator Peter Coyote. The Roosevelts explores how the 26th and 32nd presidents both shaped America and its emergence as a superpower, while Eleanor—a lesser-known personality—would come into her own as a staunch champion of civil rights and other causes following FDR's death. Burns is not engaged here in hagiography—he fully addresses various maladies afflicting the trio, such as depression—but their triumphs over illness, missteps, and self-doubts only end up making their achievements all the more towering. Burns doesn't push any comparison, but watching the Roosevelts in action one cannot help but despair at our present politicians and their gridlocked inaction. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (D. Liebenson)