The White House: Inside Story

The White House belongs to the American people, only serving as a four-year lease to each newly elected President. Directed by Peter Schnall, this PBS-aired documentary offers an expansive and lively history of a building that is both a "workplace and a show place," tended by a dedicated nonpolitical staff whose job it is to make the First Family's stay as comfortable as possible. Begun in 1792 and partially constructed with slave labor, the White House was initially quite accessible to public visitors. Building it took 17 years, but the White House barely escaped catastrophe when British troops torched it during the War of 1812. During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln could see from its windows enemy campfires burning across the Potomac River. The White House staff is composed of "countless moving parts," orchestrated by the Chief Usher, who guides the day to day operations. This documentary covers almost every conceivable angle of the White House story, including the handling of the President's children, the evolving role of the First Lady, state visits, security concerns, privacy protection, the often contentious relationship with the press, great historical moments (from the Cuban Missile Crisis to the Moon landing), and the White House as a symbol. During the Truman years, the aging residence was found to be "standing up from force of habit only," and it was gutted, rebuilt, and modernized to become the structure we know today. Former and current First Ladies and Presidents are interviewed, as well as staff members, and journalists including Dan Rather and Bob Woodward. A poignant note comes during those moments when Presidents leave at the conclusion of their terms, symbolizing the nation's tradition of a peaceful transfer of power. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)