FDR

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.

Cast

David McCullough

Narrator

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Self (archive footage)

Eleanor Roosevelt

Self (archive footage)

James Roosevelt

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

Eleanor Roosevelt Seagraves

Self — Granddaughter

Grenville Clark

Self (archive footage)