Hyde Park on Hudson

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was President of the United States in a far more innocent age. Not only was the press complicit in skirting FDR's sexual indiscretions, but also very few photographs were published showing his polio-paralyzed legs. Inspired by real events during June 1939, director Roger Michell's Hyde Park on Hudson serves up a behind-the-scenes glimpse of this charismatic, history-making, 32nd President (Bill Murray in an astonishing, indelible performance) at his country home in upstate New York, viewed through the adoring eyes of his fifth cousin/confidante and neighbor, Daisy Suckley (Laura Linney), who is summoned as “ a distraction” before the arrival of King George VI (Samuel West) and Queen Elizabeth (Olivia Colman). The reason for this first-ever visit of a reigning British monarch was to engage isolationist America's support against Hitler's Germany. As FDR's steely, dominating mother, Sara (Elizabeth Wilson), and his eccentric, independent wife, Eleanor (Olivia Williams), prepare for a historic weekend with the Royals--including a picnic where “hot dogs” will be served--Daisy realizes that she's not the only woman from whom FDR derives pleasure; there's also his devoted secretary, Missy LeHand (Elizabeth Marvel), plus other mistresses. An enjoyable, character-driven film, this is recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Roger Michell and producer Kevin Loader, a “First Days” production featurette with Michell (14 min.), deleted scenes (7 min.), a behind-the-scenes featurette (4 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is the BD-Live function, as well as bonus DVD, digital, and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an entertaining film.] (S. Granger)