AVERAGE

Joseph P. Lash had always been close to Eleanor Roosevelt, but his ambitious 1971 biography of the Roosevelts’ marriage, based on previously unpublished letters and papers, won him a Pulitzer Prize and fresh respect as an independent writer who brought attention to the troubled aspects of their relationship.

This TV adaptation is more of interest as an early example of the kind of miniseries that would become must-see TV events in the 1980s.

Fine performances by the two leads, a sweet score by John Barry, but ultimately a bit stilted.

1976-U.S. 240 min. Color. Directed by Daniel Petrie. Teleplay: James Costigan. Book: Joseph P. Lash. Music: John Barry. Cast: Edward Herrmann (Franklin D. Roosevelt), Jane Alexander (Eleanor Roosevelt), Rosemary Murphy (Sara Delano Roosevelt), Pamela Franklin, David Huffman, Irene Tedrow… Lindsay Crouse. 

Trivia: Originally shown in two parts. Followed by another miniseries, Eleanor and Franklin: The White House Years (1977).

Emmys: Outstanding Special, Directing, Writing, Supporting Actress (Murphy). Golden Globe: Best Motion Picture Made for Television.