Product Details

• Actors: Gary Sinise, Diana Scarwid, Richard Dysart, Colm Feore, James Gammon
• Directors: Frank Pierson
• Writers: David McCullough, Thomas Rickman
• Producers: Anthea Sylbert, Doro Bachrach, Paula Weinstein
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Hbo Home Video
• VHS Release Date: January 13, 1998
• Run Time: 135 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6303908764
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #195,295 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Harry S. Truman had a hard row to hoe as the 33rd president and he never enjoyed popularity while in office. Think about what occurred on Truman's watch: the bombing of Hiroshima, a nationwide railroad strike, the rise of the Southern States' Rights Party, integration of the armed forces, the ascendancy of McCarthyism, the early cold war, and finally the Korean Conflict and Truman's decision to fire General MacArthur. Few American presidents have been faced with more difficult and dangerous times than Truman. It wasn't until some 50 years later that Harry Truman, a farmer from Missouri, got his due appreciation in the history books. Truman follows the man from his beginnings as an artillery officer in WWI through his connections with Missouri's Pendergast political machine and onward to Washington. The always-excellent Gary Sinise is a perfect fit for the Truman character, having obviously studied the President's plainspoken Missouri twang and ramrod-straight bearing at great length. Diana Scarwid is also very good as Truman's long-suffering wife Bess; the film studies the relationship between the two in some depth, and also sheds light on the men who surrounded Truman in Washington. Truman's chief failing is that in its effort to detail 40 years of the man's life, certain historical events are given short shrift in order to fit them all in. Nonetheless, Sinise inhabits the character well; the scene where the President ruminates on dining alone in the White House (while Bess is back in Missouri) is a great, understated comment on the loneliness, isolation, and stress of the job. --Jerry Renshaw

Product Description

Gary Sinise is "Give 'em Hell" Harry, a simple man of the people who became one of America's greatest presidents. Through victory in the second World War and the beginning of the Cold War, through the birth of the United Nations and his decision to drop the first atomic bomb, Harry Truman lived by the premise that "the buck stops here."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sinise is Brillant!, January 6, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Truman (DVD)

I have watched this movie many times and have always felt better for it. I have always had a great respect for President Truman. Mr.Sinise's performance was heart-warming & captivating. He brought the essence of the character to life. The movie transports the viewer to his time and does not let go until the end (which, I found myself wanting to know more of the Trumans, post-White House). Diana Scarwid's portrayal of Bess Truman conveyed that the man who made some very tough calls in a nation's darkest hours had a woman of steel behind him. He made decisions that were unpopular and yet necessary. "War is Hell". Our 33rd President did what he felt was right at the time. He is in my estimation one of the most under-appreciated US Presidents and important historical figures of the 20th Century.

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sinise's crowning jewel, February 10, 2002

By 

Scott Prazak (Goose Creek, SC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Truman (DVD)

Brilliant made for cable film about the life of President Harry Truman. Although not a complete account of his life, this film nevertheless covers all the major events that helped shape the man. There is no better casting choice than Sinise. In one of his rare occasions as THE MAIN star of a film, his talents are brought to the surface brilliantly.

HBO dvds up to this time have never been known to have many supplements on them, and unfortunately this is no exception. The live action menus are a refreshing addition. However, there are countless extras you can add when it comes to historical figures like these. There are no trailers, no documentaries. Certainly a disappointment there. Tne film itself is worth getting however. Truly a milestone for a great actor.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gary Sinise does it again!, October 29, 2003

By 

Roberta Cram (Southington, CT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Truman (DVD)

This DVD stars Gary Sinise as Harry S. Truman and covers his life from when he is a farmer, through marrying Bess, up until the time he leaves the White House. Gary is terrific as usual and when he gets going as the older Truman on the campaign trail, he is dynamic. Also stars Diana Scarwid as Bess, who is usually in campy movies such as playing Christina Crawford in Mommie Dearest, but she is also very endearing as Mrs. Truman. There are some very cute points, especially when the Truman's move into the White House, the "first house they have ever had alone" and Mrs. Truman comments about how dirty it is! Not to be missed! One minor flaw - there are NO special features on this DVD.