FDR: A Presidency Revealed

Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) was arguably the most influential President of the 20th century, breaking traditions with his unprecedented four terms, revolutionary social programs, and ability to lead a nation into war while confined to a wheelchair. Narrated by Edward Herrmann, this sweeping History Channel-aired documentary details the marked contradictions of Roosevelt's life and presidency--a scion of an aristocratic line, FDR also possessed the common touch that allowed him to connect with the average American through extraordinary speeches and--bypassing the media--hypnotizing radio "fireside" chats. Roosevelt spoke of preserving freedoms, yet was unable to act progressively in regard to race relations in the U.S. or offer an American haven for Jewish refugees escaping Nazi Europe. Roosevelt was also not above abusing the powers of the Oval Office: his attempt to “pack” the Supreme Court after that body repeatedly voted down his New Deal reforms was an astonishing lapse in good sense and political savvy. Combining interviews with biographers and scholars together with rare home movies and radio broadcasts, FDR: A Presidency Revealed also includes revealing interviews with Curtis Roosevelt, FDR's grandson. A fascinating glimpse into the man and his times, this two-volume program also features a pair of bonus episodes from A&E's Biography series--"FDR: Years of Crisis" and "FDR: The War Years"--and a "making of" featurette. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (P. Hall)