FDR

Story

Synopsis

Franklin Delano Roosevelt is one of the most revered and influential Americans of this century. The subject of hundreds of books and countless plays, films, and television programs, he has become an icon for an entire generation. Until this definitive 4-hour documentary based on two books by senior creative consultant and FDR biographer Geoffrey Ward, the personal motivations and physical and emotional trails that marked his life remained elusive. By interviewing dozens of those who knew FDR or had chronicled his career, by uncovering rare and previously unseen footage of his public appearances and private life, and by weaving them together in a taut and compelling narrative beautifully read by David McCullough, writer/producer David Grubin presents the most complete account to date for Mr. Roosevelt. For this achievement, a Peabody Award was presented to David Grubin Productions and The American Experience for FDR.

Director

David Grubin

Writers

David Grubin, Geoffrey C. Ward

Language

English

Country

United States of America

Release date

12 October 1994

Ensemble

Cast

• 

  David McCullough

  Narrator

• 

  Franklin D. Roosevelt

  Self (archive footage)

• 

  Eleanor Roosevelt

  Self (archive footage)

• James Roosevelt

  Self (archive footage)

• 

  Winston Churchill

  Self (archive footage)

• 

  Harry S. Truman

  Self (archive footage)

• 

  Geoffrey C. Ward

  Self — Biographer

• Curtis Roosevelt

  Self — Grandson

• 

  Doris Kearns Goodwin

  Self — Biographer

• 

  Blanche Wiesen Cook

  Self — Eleanor Roosevelt Biographer

• Bronson Chanler

  Self — Hudson Valley Neighbor

• Edna Gurewitsch

  Self — Roosevelt Family Friend