Eleanor and Franklin: The Early Years is a 1976 television movie that tells the story of the early lives of American President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor Roosevelt. The biopic features a brilliant cast including Jane Alexander as Eleanor Roosevelt and Edward Herrmann as Franklin D. Roosevelt. Directed by Dan Curtis, the movie captures the early years of the historic couple's lives, their struggles, and how they rose from a regal wealthy background to become two of the most influential people in the United States of America.
The opening sequence of the movie shows Eleanor and Franklin as young adults - they meet at a ball, and Franklin is immediately smitten by her wit and intellect. At that time, Franklin is a dashing yet self-centered young man, while Eleanor is an awkward wallflower, lacking self-confidence due to a difficult childhood. However, despite their differences, the two eventually fall in love and get married in 1905. The movie then takes us through the various trials and tribulations that the couple had to face in their youth.
The first challenge that the couple faces is Franklin's mother, Sara. Not wanting her son to marry below his position, Sara disapproves of Eleanor and tries her best to keep the couple apart. The second clash that Franklin faces is his involvement in politics, as he is appointed to the New York Senate even though he's still in his early thirties. Meanwhile, Eleanor becomes a mother and has to deal with her husband's infidelities, which proves to be a further strain on their relationship.
As the movie progresses, the couple grows and evolves, and Eleanor slowly finds her purpose in life. Eleanor takes an interest in politics and social causes, such as women's rights, civil rights, and labor issues, and Franklin's political career starts to take off. Along the way, the couple faces several personal tragedies, including the loss of two of their children, but they persevere, determined to make a difference in the world.
The movie is a beautiful portrayal of the couple's early years and is a great starting point for those interested in the lives of two of the most prominent figures of the 20th century. At two hours and thirty minutes, the movie does feel a bit drawn out at times, but the exceptional performances from Jane Alexander and Edward Herrmann keep it engaging. Alexander delivers an outstanding portrayal of Eleanor, showcasing her transformation from a shy girl to a confident woman who is passionate about her beliefs. Herrmann is also brilliant in his role as Franklin, capturing both his charisma and his flaws.
The movie's production design and costumes are worth noting for their attention to detail in recreating the early 20th century, giving viewers a glimpse into the elegance of the time. The film's score is also beautiful, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.
In conclusion, Eleanor and Franklin: The Early Years is a touching, inspiring and enlightening film about two larger-than-life figures whose contributions and legacy live on in American history. It is a remarkable biopic that beautifully captures the couple's early years and the struggles they encountered while establishing their place in society. This movie is highly recommended for history buffs, fans of biographical dramas and anyone who wants to delve into the early lives of two prominent American leaders.
Eleanor And Franklin The Early Years is a 1976 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes.
