Customer Reviews

Sunrise at Campobello [VHS]

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Having read several biographies of FDR, I reached the conclusion that he was a very extraordinary individual. This story, however, regarding his paralysis, shows us what a truly great man he was. The fact that he was very wealthy and could have easily faded away into obscurity living a life of ease and comfort is another example of his greatness. Everyone who was both a principal actor did a magnificent job of portraying characters who were then a part of the recent past and did so with genuine respect. I recommend this movie to anyone whose interest in Mr. Roosevelt is like mine....passionate!

This movie is one of the best ever. Franklin Delano Roosevelt got infantile paralysis (called poliomyelitis, or polio) while vacationing at his family's summer home at Campobello, in August 1921. Although totally paralyzed by polio, FDR gains back the use of his arms. To the outside world, he appeared almost able bodied when in reality he was unable to walk unassisted: either with his crutches (and braces) or on the arm of someone (usually one of his sons). He mastered the art of appearing robust and healthy. Though unsure that he could deliver the 1924 nominating speech standing up, FDR assures Governor Smith: "You certainly can't make an effective speech sitting down."

The movie gives a glimpse into FDR's life as he deals with the truth of his disability. He faced many challenges, defeat, and ultimately despair as he tried in vain to strengthen his flail legs as he had his arms. FDR was lucky to have the support he needed to get on with his life. The press also respected his privacy to a greater degree than is possible today.

The movie, which I believe was filmed at Hyde Park in NY, shows ramps that FDR needed in order to get around in his wheelchair. You also see FDR's challenge to master his heavy metal braces which were admittedly hard to fit and often uncomfortable. And, you see the pride FDR felt after learning how to pull himself upstairs by upper body strength and sheer determination. Even though his mother was not at all as impressed with his "accomplishment."

It is a story of challenge, defeat, and even despair leading ultimately to victory and confidence. It is a very good look into the life of a great and respected world leader who went on to be elected president for four terms.

Great family viewing!

Ralph Bellamy and (to a lesser degree) Greer Garson won plaudits for the amazing way they sunk themselves into their roles as FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt; and Hume Cronyn is also very good, but for sheer professionalism acting honors go to Jean Hagen for her no-nonsense take as FDR's private secretary and aide-du-chambre Missy Le Hand. I wonder what Eleanor thought of this portrayal by Hagen of her hated rival, Missy, with whom FDR became romantically involved (though this isn't touched on in the film)? Hagen was one of many 50s actresses who always seemed to get the bad breaks. She was fantastically funny as Lina Lamont in the classic SINGIN IN THE RAIN, and determinedly pathetic in THE ASPHALT JUNGLE and THE BIG KNIFE, but true stardom always seems to elude her. Perhaps her talent was too mercurial to pin down; she wasn't the pin-up type, nor the heavy, emotional Anna Magnani, nor the girl next door. Playing Missy Le Hand you see glimpses into yet another side of her complicated personality; she's helpful, kind, humorous and self-deprecating, rather like Myrna Loy in her prime. Hagen had just finished filming the kind of nothing part of Fred McMurray's wife in Disney's SHAGGY DOG, a classic in a way, but hardly her shining hour; here she found a character part she could sink her teeth into. And yet what after SUNRISE? A few more forgettable parts, and then a tragically early death in 1977. What a waste!

Two of Franklin and Eleanor's children are played by then popular TV stars. Jimmy Roosevelt is played by Tim Considine from the Hardy Boys, and Anna by Zina Bethune, making a rare appearance on film--Bethune was the star of TV's "The Nurses," a quality "adult drama" along the lines of Reginald Rose's "The Defenders."

Excellent film regarding the married life of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and their children while spending summers in Canada.

This is a lovely adaptation of the Broadway presentation of the same title. Here, Ralph Belamy, as FDR, and Greer Garson, as Eleanor, show as never before, the depth of their acting abilities. It is especially good to know that Mrs. Roosevelt was among the consultants to this film, and approved it's content and accuracy. The terrible trials of FDR after being stricken with Polio are painfully graphic in this film, as is his determination to "do something" besides sit in his modified kitchen chair. Inspirational! Kudos to the vendor for such prompt delivery on this splendid film!

Just so, so good. Wonderful story, great acting, you're learning a history lesson while enjoying an entertaining movie. What could be better?

"Sunrise at Campobello" is a first rate historical movie. As it opens President Franklin Delano Roosevelt is stricken with polio in his early forties. The early scenes are at FDR's summer retreat on Campobello Island in the Canadian province of New Brunswick.

We watch as FDR courageously learns to walk with heavy braces and painfully adapts to crutches. The climax is his historic nominating speech for NY Governor Alfred E. Smith at the 1924 Democratic Convention.

SC features powerful performances by Ralph Bellamy as FDR, Jean Hagen as his assistant, Missy Le Hand, and Hume Cronyn as his right hand man, Louis Howe. Special mention must go to Greer Garson, playing Eleanor Roosevelt, while getting that accent just right. This viewer was initially surprised that this is not the young and beautiful Garson from such films as "Random Harvest". How the time flies.

This reviewer had no problems with the 143 minute run time. SC moves quickly. There were no apparent trace of the stage origins of the story and the transfer from VHS was very clean. The staging is a marvel. In brief, SC leaves nothing to carp at. This one of the most serious, well produced films this reviewer has experienced.

The higher-ups noticed too: "Sunrise at Campobello" either won or was proposed for several 1960 awards by The National Board of Review, The Directors Guild of America, the Golden Globes and the Academy.

whew!what can one say?this is one "horse"of a movie of it's type.but it's far too long and tedious and at times seems to have no point of interest to hold the viewer's attention. this could've been shortened by 30 minuets at least and still have the wonder of watching it and the top acting performers at their best!everyone is perfect.but at times i kept wondering "where is this thing headed"?and most of all should i care?there are two themes here:fdr's courage to overcome his physical condition and his coming back into the political arena.too bad they did'nt just stick with the first.i'll admit,it is a great motion picture but i kept waiting for the sunrise to please sunset.