Sunrise at Campobello (B+ or 3/4 stars)
'Sunrise at Campobello' (directed by Vincent J. Donahue) opens in August of 1921 at Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Brunswick, Canada summer home, on the isle of Campobello. The film tells the true story of FDR (Ralph Bellamy) from the time he became disabled by polio to his big comeback in politics some yrs. later. Franklin, a man in the prime of his life and with great vim & vigor, was forced to reconsider his immediate future when his legs suddenly became paralyzed {fascinating scene at Campobello}. His friend & political strategist, Louis Howe (a stellar Hume Cronyn) tells him he basically has 2 choices: to become a book writer, or to summon his strength, focus, get up, & get back into politics - that his career may not be over.
His concerned, imperious mother (a great Anne Shoemaker) urges him not to overdo it: "I don't want to see you hurt". So he must learn something that he never had to worry about before ... patience. His compassion for others is deepened even more by his trying experience, as well. He tells his loving, devoted wife, Eleanor (a fantastic Greer Garson), "I feel I have to go through the fire for some reason. Eleanor, it's a hard way to learn humility - but I've learned it by crawling. I know what is meant - you must learn to crawl before you can walk". Eleanor herself must learn, too. She has to stay strong for her husband (she has a breakdown scene by a sink that rang incredibly true). And she also has to overcome her innate shyness to become his eyes & ears, giving speeches, as well as meeting people.
It's charming watching her evolve. And it's something else watching him find a deeper inner strength to compensate for his waning physical strength. I also loved seeing how supportive of Eleanor he was. Despite the seriousness of Roosevelt's debilitating illness, the 2.5 hour run time, & a narrative that focuses on character interaction and not incident ... 'Sunrise at Campobello' is a very inspiring true story. Ralph Bellamy is highly impressive as our hero, FDR. It's an intelligent portrayal. And I was also impressed by how he acted out the physical roadblocks (maneuvering a 'wheel chair', going up & down stairs, and the exciting climax where FDR leaves his wheelchair & walks to a podium to give a speech at a Democratic convention).
And Greer Garson, a wonderful actress from the Golden Age of Hollywood (30s/40s), not only mimics Eleanor Roosevelt so well (with her hair, teeth, dialect, verbal ticks), but she just exudes compassion for her husband, family, & the public. Now, the film is not perfect, and is a bit stagy in its execution (it WAS based on a play). But there is more than enough light humor, pathos, & spirit in the script; and there are more than enough outdoor scenes, and gorgeous interiors (production design & costumes were Oscar-nominated, as well) to make the film feel more cinematic. Overall, 'Sunrise at Campobello' paints a vivid picture of this man who is considered one of this country's most influential & beloved leaders.
His concerned, imperious mother (a great Anne Shoemaker) urges him not to overdo it: "I don't want to see you hurt". So he must learn something that he never had to worry about before ... patience. His compassion for others is deepened even more by his trying experience, as well. He tells his loving, devoted wife, Eleanor (a fantastic Greer Garson), "I feel I have to go through the fire for some reason. Eleanor, it's a hard way to learn humility - but I've learned it by crawling. I know what is meant - you must learn to crawl before you can walk". Eleanor herself must learn, too. She has to stay strong for her husband (she has a breakdown scene by a sink that rang incredibly true). And she also has to overcome her innate shyness to become his eyes & ears, giving speeches, as well as meeting people.
It's charming watching her evolve. And it's something else watching him find a deeper inner strength to compensate for his waning physical strength. I also loved seeing how supportive of Eleanor he was. Despite the seriousness of Roosevelt's debilitating illness, the 2.5 hour run time, & a narrative that focuses on character interaction and not incident ... 'Sunrise at Campobello' is a very inspiring true story. Ralph Bellamy is highly impressive as our hero, FDR. It's an intelligent portrayal. And I was also impressed by how he acted out the physical roadblocks (maneuvering a 'wheel chair', going up & down stairs, and the exciting climax where FDR leaves his wheelchair & walks to a podium to give a speech at a Democratic convention).
And Greer Garson, a wonderful actress from the Golden Age of Hollywood (30s/40s), not only mimics Eleanor Roosevelt so well (with her hair, teeth, dialect, verbal ticks), but she just exudes compassion for her husband, family, & the public. Now, the film is not perfect, and is a bit stagy in its execution (it WAS based on a play). But there is more than enough light humor, pathos, & spirit in the script; and there are more than enough outdoor scenes, and gorgeous interiors (production design & costumes were Oscar-nominated, as well) to make the film feel more cinematic. Overall, 'Sunrise at Campobello' paints a vivid picture of this man who is considered one of this country's most influential & beloved leaders.