The Roosevelts: An Intimate History

I'm an Australian and always wondered what the relationship was between Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt. Wasn't aware that Eleanor was a Roosevelt in her own right. I was in for a big surprise. So very impressed by these three large characters and imagine, or hope, that Americans are very proud of what each Roosevelt achieved. Especially surprised at what Theodore, a Republican, did for the 'little people'. I urge anyone with an interest in history to watch this magnificent show. (In 2019, the Presidency of the USA has nothing at all in common with the Roosevelts. How they must be all turning in their respective graves.)

This is the best way to get history. So engaging. Understanding who these massive figures are that have shaped our american history, and the world's, was just a history test in high school for most of us. To understand the New Deal for example is fascinating. This series is so well done. The only wrinkle is I have no idea who's voice Meryl Streep is doing, but it's no one who ever lived. Very distracting from hearing Eleanor's incredible words. But everything and everyone else is A+

Although folks adore Ken Burns' series on the Civil War and it will no doubt be his most famous series, to me this one on the Roosevelts is as good. It ostensibly covers from the birth of Teddy until the death of Eleanor, it in fact emphasizes Franklin Roosevelt foremost. So, although Teddy was born decades before them, starting in the first episode, the show kept bouncing back and forth between the lives of Teddy and Eleanor and Franklin on the other. This did short-change Teddy's portion of the film just a tad but even still, it really delves into them all in depth unlike any other biography on any of the Roosevelts.

Like other Burns series, this one consists of the roving camera over photos, lots of interviews as well as important celebrity impersonations of the particulars. Especially good among these was Meryl Streep's voicing for Eleanor, as it really sounded like her. In addition to all this, the show features quite a bit in the way of film footage and overall, they all create a gorgeous and loving look at these famous folks. Well worth seeing and exhaustive--clocking in at about 12 hours!

This is indeed my favorite documentary. It's an intimate look at the life of the best president ever Teddy Roosevelt, his niece Eleanor Roosevelt, and her husband Franklin Roosevelt. I am biased, you see, so I will admit that my favorite bits are about teddy, and his war hero sons.

Although Eleanor's accomplishments are incredible and I'm more impressed with her than I am with her husband Frank.

If you only see one documentary this year, make it this one. For I can only describe it with one word: BULLY!

And remember, speak softly and carry a big stick!

There's no doubt that Ken Burns is one of the best documentary producers of our time and this one maintains the high standards. He chooses the right music at just the right time and seems to have no problems in getting the best reporters and researchers to make their contributions. Whenever you watch one of his series you are guaranteed to be educated with some formerly unknown details on the subject at hand, and Burns always does this with tact and grace.

The Roosevelts' story is typical of past power politics in the USA, where a compliant media ensured that truth was the first casualty. Having said that, the family certainly did more for the lot of the working US citizen than anyone since, and the personal foibles are minor compared to some of the antics of more recent incumbents.

You'd like to think that politics was on a constant path to self improvement but I think that the Roosevelts set as high a standard as you're going to get , the Trumans,Eisenhowers and Carters are the only ones who can compare. Watch this with wistfulness,you're not likely to see such integrity in your leaders again in this lifetime.