Hyde Park on Hudson: Enjoyable visit with FDR

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 13 December 2012 11:48

Each week, the Reel Dad checks the nutritional value of a movie — new or classic — to help you choose what to watch. This week’s pick is a new film about Franklin D. Roosevelt, Hyde Park on Hudson.

Of the men who have served as President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt has appeared, as a character, in some 28 films from the musical Annie to the dramas Pearl Harbor and Sunrise at Campobello. Most portrayals of the man who served in the office for more years than any other focus on his achievements in office, his challenges dealing with paralysis and the turbulent times he led the nation. The refreshing Hyde Park on Hudson focuses on a little known chapter in this legendary lifetime.

With the delicacy of a drawing room comedy, this historical gem invites us to spend a weekend with the Roosevelts at their family estate at Hyde Park, N.Y. The featured guests are the King and Queen of England who visit the U.S. to seek support for Britain before the outset of World War II. Framing this celebration is Roosevelt’s romantic pursuit of his distant relative Daisy. This shy, hesitant woman surprises herself when she grows close to the President despite the dominating presence of his mother and wife. She appeals to the man’s soul rather than trying to manage his views or actions. Daisy gives Roosevelt such a freedom to be himself that she becomes essential to his daily routine. And, because she is in his extended family, she can be present at the house without raising questions. As the President prepares for the royal visit, he becomes more dependent on Daisy’s support.

This slight story could have, in less capable hands, emerged as superficial. But screenwriter Richard Johnson uses the light plot to explore how the President thinks, what he fears and how he handles the challenges of his disability. If this film doesn’t tell us anything new about what may have happened during the memorable visit, it offers new insight into how this brave leader could reach inside himself to courageously approach a dangerous world.

Bill Murray, who earlier this year was so effective in Moonrise Kingdom, embraces a formidable acting challenge to portray the President, highlighting Roosevelt’s sense of humor, secret passions and political savvy. And he offers an unflinching look at the day-to-day impact of the President’s disability. Samuel West, who dares to play King George VI just two years after Colin Firth’s Oscar-winning turn in The King’s Speech, almost steals the film with his fresh and touching performance as the British monarch, And Laura Linney, who is so consistent in her work on screen, makes us believe that Daisy would be willing to make such sacrifices to emotionally support a man she so believes in. 

In the movie marketplace, however, Hyde Park on Hudson may have challenging time capturing the attention it deserves. The end of the year is always crowded at the movies and, this year, Abraham Lincoln is the President capturing most of the movie buzz. As easy as it could be to overlook Franklin D. Roosevelt, the film deserves to be noticed. While it may not be a definitive view of the man, this movie certainly helps us appreciate the subtleties of decision and behavior that contribute to his legend. 

Film Nutritional Value

Hyde Park on Hudson

* Content: Medium. While this is an entertaining look at Franklin D. Roosevelt, it is not a comprehensive biography, focusing instead on one chapter of the President’s extraordinary life.

* Entertainment: High. This visit to Hyde Park is visually lovely and emotionally rich. And it’s a lot of fun, too.

* Message: Medium. The movie reminds that great leaders can be complicated people. Despite what they achieve, they are often defined by what they fear.

* Relevance: High. Any chance to learn more about an important historical figure, and be entertained, is well worth a trip to the movies.

* Opportunity for Dialogue: Medium. Your older children may be especially interested in the portrayals of the King and Queen of England.

Hyde Park on Hudson is rated R for “brief sexuality.” The film runs 94 minutes.

4 Popcorn Buckets

This Week’s Movie Menu

What’s on your family’s movie menu this week? Choosing what films to offer is a lot like planning what meals to serve: You want to savor something you will enjoy at the same time you nourish the mind, heart and body. Here are three nutritional movies available this week on cable and broadcast television for you and your family.

It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays on home television screens as movie channels get into the spirit of the season.

Irving Berlin’s musical White Christmas, from 1954, is an annual favorite for many families. This delightful film, loosely inspired by his earlier musical Holiday Inn, tells the story of two World War II veterans who go into show business, become big stars and try to help their former commander as he struggles to maintain an inn in Vermont during a snow-less winter. The plot is simply an excuse for the musical numbers highlighted by the title song and such other Berlin standards as “Count Your Blessings” and “Sisters.” Best of all, Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye have a great time as the buddies who sing and dance their way to do a good deed for someone they care for. With Rosemary Clooney, Vera Ellen and Dean Jagger. Look for White Christmas at 6 and 845 pm, Friday and Saturday evenings, on American Movie Classics.

A very different holiday, in a distant time, comes to life in The Lion in Winter, a drama from 1968 based on a Broadway play. This fascinating film stars Peter O’Toole as King Henry II and Katharine Hepburn as his wife Eleanor in 12th century England. But they don’t get along; in fact, Henry keeps Eleanor in a prison. He gives her a pass to come home (to the castle) for the holidays to secure her support for his decision about succession to the throne. But Eleanor has a mind of her own and gifts to deliver. Hepburn won her third of four Oscars for her breathtaking performance and O’Toole matches her every step. The Lion in Winter airs on Turner Classic Movies at 545 pm Friday.

For a return visit to the heyday of movie musicals, check out The Bandwagon from 1953 on Turner Classic Movies at 8 pm Saturday. This grand show stars Fred Astaire as a movie star who decides to return to the Broadway stage. But the transition becomes more challenging than he expects when he has to contend with a temperamental costar (the legendary Cyd Charisse) and a director with an inflated ego (the delightful Jack Buchanan). In the great tradition of the business, the show must go on, but not until we’re entertained by a marvelous collection of musical numbers including “That’s Entertainment,” “Triplets” and “By Myself.” Best of all is the opportunity to savor Astaire dancing on screen. He is always magical.

For a break from holidays films or musicals, check out a classic thriller, Wait Until Dark from 1967. This adaptation of a Broadway play stars Audrey Hepburn as a blind woman who finds herself threatened by mysterious intruders to her New York City apartment. Hepburn won a well-deserved Oscar nomination for her breathtaking performance. Alan Arkin, so great this year in Argo, shines as a sinister man of many faces. Wait Until Dark airs on Turner Classic Movies at 2 pm Sunday.

Serving nutritious movies can be as easy as turning on the television. And be sure, as you watch together, to share what you observe, question and consider. Watching movies together can prompt valuable family discussions.

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