Eleanor, First Lady of the World (1982) - full transcript

Biography of former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who forged a new role for herself in the years after her husband's death.

We're a half hour behind
schedule.

We can send someone round to
pick up the rest of the things
tomorrow.

No. Have them picked up
tonight.

Mr. Truman said that you could
take as much time as you
needed.

I promised myself I'd be out
in a week,

and tonight is one week
exactly.

It's nearly six. The car and
the driver are waiting.

We don't need a driver.

We'll drive ourselves.

I'm not First Lady any more.
I'm just a private citizen
now.

Very well then.
I'll tell them.



-(WOMAN): Carol said that was
the President's favorite.
-(MAN): Yes ma'am.

(KNOCKING)
Yes, come in.

I thought I might be able to
help you carry a few things
ma'am.

You don't have to do that
Mayes.

-I wanted to, ma'am.
-Thank you. The President did
not...

I want to thank you for the
splendid service you provided
us all these years.

I hate to see you go ma'am.

Yes, well, I'm sure you'll be
very happy working for the
Trumans.

Now, if you will take these
letters,

and this small case, I'll send
someone else up for the rest.

Yes ma'am.

I'll be down in just a moment.

There's a bunch of reporters
waiting out front to see you.

Tell them the story is over.



Yes ma'am.

Mother?

Oh... Anna.

Nonsense,zing out here.

it's a lovely autumn day.

How was your flight?

It was...all right.

Are you hungry?

What time is it in Seattle?

They fed us on the plane.

Tommy says you've decided to
donate the big house to the
government.

-Well yes, we talked
about that.
-We talked about it?

I didn't know you'd decided.

Well this is what your father
would have wanted,

and you know I have
no use for it.

-Drink this, Anna. It will
warm you up.
-Thank you.

So, tell me why the sudden
urge to visit?

I'm sure you didn't come 3,000
miles for my birthday.

No.

-Are you and Curtis having
troubles again.
-Yes, Mother.

I didn't come to talk about
that.

I want to talk to you about
your future.

That's very kind of you dear.
I really haven't made any
definite plans.

Well I think it's about time
you retired from public life.

I want you to have some time
to yourself,

you spent years being
Pa's legs.

Now you can simply retire,
spend the rest of your life...

Vegetating?

My God, do you have to be
useful and saintly every
minute?

Is that how I
seem to you, Anna?

Sometimes.

What will you do?

I don't know, but I'm sure you
have a suggestion.

I think the easiest thing
would be for you to simplify
your life.

Close up the apartment in
Washington Square and

just go on living here the way
you have been for the last
five months.

And do nothing?

You could run the farm.

I've had this
conversation before.

When?

When your father
contracted Polio

his mother wanted him to give
up his career in politics,

and become a sort of
gentleman farmer.

Now I find myself not
physically impaired but,

emotionally shaky.

I hope it's not a
permanent condition.

I don't feel quite ready to be
put out to pasture.

Mother, you're 61 years old.

And assuming I
live to be 62

I hope I have more to show in
my final year that a pile of
turnips.

For the first time in your
life you have time.

You certainly had no time when
we were growing up

between your politics
and your causes

there was precious little of
you for any of us.

Oh, Anna, it's too late for
that now.

It's not too late for your
grandchildren.

Some of them see you more as a
national monument than as a
grandmother.

Well, not having been a very
good mother

I don't suppose I'd be much
better as a grandmother.

I thought I could be of some
help to you.

That I could give you
something.

I came all the way out here
just to get the door slammed
in my face again.

No. Anna, please.

You don't even listen to what
I say.

You pass off everything as
though I was one of your
secretaries of something.

The great lady Eleanor
Roosevelt doesn't need
anyone.

Even when she's down
she's a rock.

You didn't even cry
when Pa died!

Oh yes, I cried.

Not with us.

Not in front of us.

I am your only daughter

and I have never seen you cry.

I'm sorry I came.

It's done no good. It's just
upsetting.

Excuse me.

I have to freshen up
before dinner.

(SKIPPER):...so we took it to
shore. They put it
on the scale

and it weighed over 14 pounds.

(ELEANOR): My goodness, I
didn't know salmon got that
big.

(SKIPPER): Dad said it was
worth twelve dollars
and fifty cents.

I wanted to sell it but we
ended up eating it instead.

(ELEANOR): I had no idea you'd
become such an expert
fisherman.

(TOMMY): Skipper, help me in
the kitchen.
-Sure.

Thank you.

(ANNA): Be careful with those.

He's a good boy.

You've done a fine job with
him, Anna.

I wonder if I should make the
coffee?

I'm sure Tommy is taking care
of that.

I suppose she has.

Excuse me.

(SINGING)
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday dear
grand mere.

Happy birthday to you.

What a surprise.

You better hurry up. The wax
is melting.

Are you sure you counted the
candles right?

It looks like an awful lot to
me.

Don't forget to make a wish.

(APPLAUSE)

(SKIPPER): I'll get the
presents.

All right, Tommy, you cut the
cake.

There are tons more in the
hall, but open the ones from
us first.

(ELEANOR LAUGHING)

Ooh, this one's from Anna.

Oh, it's lovely.
Thank you dear.

You can exchange it if you
prefer something else.

No, it's fine. Thank you.

This one is from Tommy.

(LAUGHING): Oh, what on
earth...

Wonderful! Where did you find
it?

Harrods.

You're always complaining how
those little American
umbrellas

couldn't keep a cat dry.

Don't open it in the house,
Mother, it's bad luck.

This will cover you and me and
Fala too.

Oh, it's perfect. Thank you.

Now mine.

(LAUGHS)

-It's too heavy for
handkerchiefs.
-Don't guess. Just open it.

Walden , Henry David Thoreau.

I'm sure she has a copy.

We read it in school. It
reminded me of you and
your pond.

It's the best gift that anyone
has ever given me.

Thank you dear.

We have to get back to the
city. I have a doctor's

appointment first thing
in the morning.

Must you go so soon?

I haven't even finished my
cake yet.

Go on. You can start the car
and warm up the engine.

I can? Great!

Goodbye grand-mere .
I'll write.

I'll write to you too.

Don't put it in gear.

I'll wrap up some chocolate
cake for the drive home.

-That's not necessary.
-When you're 16 chocolate cake
is necessary.

Goodbye Mother. I hope we'll
be seeing you at Thanksgiving.

Anna...

If I seem distant to you

it's certainly not my
intention.

What did you used to tell the
road to hell was paved with?

(CRYING)

No.s all right.

Just this once. Let it out.

No, I can't.

Who said, who said you're not
allowed to cry?

(CRYING)
Anna!

For God sakes, stop worrying
about everyone else

and allow yourself a little
time for your own feelings.

You're entitled.

(ELEANOR CRYING)

Mrs. Roosevelt?

Telephone.?

Take a message. I don't want
to speak to anyone.

But it's...

Not anyone. I'm not at home.

Very well, I'll tell the
President.

It's the President?

Of the United States.

Well, why didn't you say so?

I'm terribly sorry to keep you
waiting Mrs. Roosevelt

the President will be with you
in just a moment.

I'm perfectly all right, my
dear. Thank you.

Have things changed much since
you were here?

Some.

I think we used to have the
cabbage rose rug in here.

I don't remember why we called
it cabbage rose. I suppose

it's because the roses were
the size of cabbages.

But things do change,
I shouldn't be surprised.

Ms. Roosevelt, thank you for
coming down.

I'm at your service, Mr.
President.

I hope you had a pleasant
drive.

Yes, very, thank you.

Please take my chair, it's
more comfortable.

No, this one will do very
nicely.

You know,

I loved your letter about how
I should joke with Stalin.

Worked brilliantly. The same
technique however, gets me
nowhere with Churchill.

Oh no. You'll find it works
much better with Mr.
Churchill

if you talk to him about
books.

Let him quote to you from
Barbara Frietchie.

Or nonsense rhymes or Greek
tragedy.

The personal element means a
great deal to him.

I'm even more convinced I was
right in choosing you.

Choosing me? For what have I
been chosen?

To be one of my delegates to
the United Nations.

-Oh.
-I think I finally surprised
you.

My dear Harry, I'm afraid you
made a great mistake.

I know I've surprised you.

You haven't called me Harry
since I was sworn into office.

I'm sorry Mr. President

I have no background in
international law.

And the Senate would never
confirm me.

Senator Bilbo says that my
stand against
discrimination

is a little short of treason.

Why not leave the Senate to
me?

No. I could not possibly
accept.

I considered all the
possibilities carefully.

I chose you.

Why not think it over for a
few days before you make a
decision?

As a personal favor?

Very well. I'll think it over.

But don't expect me to change
my mind.

I never take anything for
granted from you Ms.
Roosevelt.

Let me know by Friday, that
will soon enough.

Oh good.l.

Ms. Roosevelt, I want you to
meet Durward Sandifer.

How do you do Mr. Sandifer?

Mrs. Roosevelt.

This is truly an honor.

If you choose to accept the
position, Mr. Sandifer will be
you advisor.

I would have an advisor?

Of course.

You'd have the most expert
advice in the country on all
the issues.

Mr. Sandifer would you mind
seeing Ms. Roosevelt to her
car before our meeting?

It would be my pleasure, sir.

Goodbye Ms. Roosevelt.

-I'll speak with you on
Friday.
-Yes, thank you.

God is on my side in this, you
know.

This way, Mrs. Roosevelt.

I know the way Mr. Sandifer.

Of course. I'm sorry.

-That was a stupid thing to
say.
-That's all right.

We make so many big mistakes
in life

it doesn't make sense to waste
energy worrying over the
little ones.

Ms. Roosevelt, good
afternoon.

Yes, isn't it Mr. Dulles.

Lovely hat.

Thank you, I had no idea you
were interested in fashion.

I know it's a bit
premature but if I were your
advisor

I would strongly urge you to
accept the appointment at the
UN.

I'm afraid I don't have the
experience for it Mr.
Sandifer.

Experience hasn't gotten us
very far.

We have plenty of expert
politicians who see the UN

as a power base for political
leverage.

Like Mr. Dulles?

Exactly.

But what the delegation really
needs is some humanity.

I think you're just what's
called for.

This way, Mr. Sandifer.

You can't be serious.

-I think she's an excellent
choice.
-She's an amateur.

I'd say she's a breath of
fresh air.

I implore you to reconsider.

Your considered may be
premature. She hasn't
accepted yet.

Perhaps we'll be seeing each
other in London, Mr. Dulles?

Good luck, Mr. Sandifer.

The Russians will bury her.

Harry Truman only offered me
the job

the way I would offer a
lollipop to a crying child.

He feels sorry for me.

You're probably right.

They only want me because of
Franklin.

Out of admiration for him.

Mmm hmm.

I'm sure they'll find
someone much better qualified.

Probably.

-I have no background in
international law.
-That's true.

-Shall I get the President on
the phone now.
-Yes.

There's no reason to put it
off.

Operator, this is Eleanor
Roosevelt calling the White
House.

The President. Mmm hmm.

He'll be right on.

Hello, Mr. Truman.

Just fine, thank you. And
yourself?

Fine.

Yes. I've given it a great
deal of thought and I've
decided to accept.

Yes.

Thank you very much.

All right.

Goodbye, Mr. President.

I sail for London in
two weeks.

I'll have to get our heavy
coats out of storage.

You are going to need new
galoshes and woolen stockings.

-I'll have to have them close
up the house again.
-Tommy...

You'll be able to do your
Christmas shopping in Harrods,
you'll love that.

As a neophyte lady delegate

who is bound to be unpopular
with certain Republicans

I think I'd better travel as
simply as possible.

All right. We'll just take the
black trunk and maybe some
hand luggage.

You may not even need the fur.

I mean I think I should go
alone.

Well I can't arrive with an
entourage.

I'm sorry Tommy.

How will you get along without
me?

I'm sure they'll have a pool
of secretaries in London.

I'm sure they will.

But will they understand...

"Note to CC, no on RB on the
17th,

"Love 2W."

Good luck.

(REPORTER): Mr. Dulles, what
do you think of the UN's
vision of one world?

I think...

the vision of course
is the ideal,

but I'm afraid it's very
unlikely to come about in the
near future,

or even in our generation.

Then what's the purpose of the
United Nations convening?

An assembly meeting regularly
to consider treaty revisions,
colonial mandates,

labor standards and so on can

air problems that often result
in war if left to fester in
darkness.

Dull, duller, Dulles.

(TOMMY): Now remember, I
packed your heavy underwear
in the small suitcase...

Uh-oh, I think we took the
wrong turn.

I hope they won't want a
statement.

(REPORTER): Mrs. Roosevelt,
would you mind answering a few
questions?

-Well yes.
-Wonderful! Step right this
way if you would.

We've been talking to Mr.
Dulles and Senator
Vandenburg here.

(REPORTER 2): You can squeeze
right in here Mrs. Roosevelt.

(ELEANOR): Why hello Mr.
Dulles.

Welcome aboard Mrs.
Roosevelt.

Thank you Senator
Vandenburg.

(REPORTER): Do you have a
statement for us Mrs.
Roosevelt?

Well, I believe the United
Nations to be our one hope for
a peaceful world.

My husband placed tremendous
importance on it

and I consider it a great
responsibility and honor to be
a delegate.

What do you think are your
chances for success?

We have all been plunged into
a new world.

If the atomic bomb did nothing
more, it scared us

into realizing that we must do
something about preventing
war.

Or there might be a morning
when we won't wake up.

(SANDIFER): This way Mrs.
Roosevelt.
(GROUP CLAMOR)

Allow me to take this.

Perfect.I?

Well, what did you think of
that?

It's like competing for
coverage with a film star.

In my opinion, she's the worst
possible appointment to the
United Nations.

She's more dangerous than the
Russians.

Not an overstatement. She's
so naive.

That's the danger.

Good.on't last.

I don't look forward to having
to listen to that school girl
voice on a daily basis.

I've unpacked things in the
same order as in your
dresser at home

so you should be able to find
everything. Except your
hankies are in the nightstand.

I'll be fine. Go along now.

Or you'll be stuck in
mid-Atlantic without your
comfortable shoes.

All right. I'm going.

Oh I also packed enough talcum
and tooth powder to
last a lifetime

but if you run out I'll send
more.
Thank you.

The whistle sounded ages ago.

If you stow away there will be
gossip.

I'll show you the way Miss
Thompson.

If you need me, cable. I'll be
on the next boat.

Goodbye Tommy.

Goodbye Mrs. Roosevelt.

Scoot.

If you want anything I'm four
cabins down to the left.

Never any trouble.

Yes, yes. Thank you.

When we get to the main salon,
go through the center doors
and to your right.

Goodbye. Take good care of
her.

I'll try. It's just such a
great responsibility.

-It's overwhelming.
-Just be frank with her. She
will tell you what she needs.

Sometimes she just needs to be
left alone.

All right. I'll do my best.

She's a very big person. She's
just about the biggest person
in the world.

Anything that I can do to help
her justifies my existence.

Goodbye, Mr. Sandifer.

(KNOCKING)

Who is it?

Durward Sandifer.

I'm sorry. I noticed your
light was still on.

-I thought you might like
some cocoa.
-Thank you. Please, come in.

Can't you sleep.

I haven't tried.

Do sit down.

Our first meeting is in the
morning

and I've been trying to get
through these documents.

I'm having a very rough time
with some of them.

Maybe I can be of some help?

I can't make head nor tail of
this one.

Oh yes. I remember this one.

It's all double talk.

Double talk?

Bureaucracy at its most
outrageous.

None of us really understands
a word of it.

Oh I feel much better.

I may not know international
law,

but after 13 years in the
White House,

I certainly understand
bureaucracy.

Well there's no way to keep
her off a committee.

She's a delegate.

And not just any delegate.

There's this ridiculous aura
that surrounds the Roosevelt
name.

When she speaks some
people think she's talking
from Mount Olympus.

I think maybe I have an idea.

Thank you.

Wonderful weather, isn't it
gentlemen?

It's a bit cold for my taste.

Mr. Dulles and I were just
discussing your place on the
delegation.

I've decided to ask you to
serve on committee three.

Well naturally I am anxious to
work wherever I can do the
most good but

I'm ashamed to admit I don't
remember reading the duties of
committee three.

It's the humanitarian
committee.

Humanitarian. They could all
be called that, couldn't they?

Perhaps Mr. Sandifer here can
explain committee three to
Mrs. Roosevelt?

You'll excuse us.

What exactly is committee
three?

It's um, well it's new.

Oh. Could it by any chance
have been created just for me?

Well, I wouldn't put it quite
that way.

It is an area of your
expertise.

Humanitarian problems.

Huh.

And that's committee three.

It can be.

It can be? Are you telling me
it has no agenda?

Well I...

No. It has no agenda.

(SIGHS)
I can just hear them.

''Where can we put Mrs.
Roosevelt? What does the poor
woman know?''

''Ah, but wait. Here's a safe
spot for her. Committee
three.''

''She can't do much harm
there.''

I know how you feel Mrs.
Roosevelt.

I doubt it, Mr. Sandifer. I
doubt it very much.

Good morning Mrs. Roosevelt.

Good morning.

-We're moving a bit this
morning.
-More than a bit, I'd say.

It is the weather that
separates the seamen from the
yachtsmen,

as they say at Portsmouth.

If that's so then my husband
was the exception. He was a
yachtsman,

and he had a stomach that
could weather any storm.

You husband meant a great deal
to us.

Thank you.

Perhaps the fresh
strawberries to start?

That would be lovely.

And then an omlette?

No thank you. Just my usual
three minute eggs
and toast and tea.

Very good Mrs. Roosevelt.

Good morning Mrs. Roosevelt.

Good morning.

Is there something I can do
for you?

Well my shipmates reckoned I
should be the spokesman.

We're honored to have you
aboard.

Why thank you.

You probably don't remember,
Mrs. Roosevelt, but in 1942
you came up to Liverpool

and cheered us up before we
shipped out.

How nice of you to remember.

I'll never forget it. You went
every place we did.

You know we used to have a
joke.

Whenever anybody would say
''when are we going to invade
France?''

Well then somebody else would
say,

''as soon as Eleanor clears a
beach head.''

You know I had your picture
posted up in my locker.

Right next to Betty Grable.

Did you really?

And I looked at your picture
almost as much as I looked at
hers.

Good morning, sir.

Good morning, Mr. Dulles.

Purely a figure of
speech, Mrs. Roosevelt.

Do be sure to try the
croissants.

They are just oozing butter
this morning.

(CHEERING)

(MAN): Welcome madam. Lovely
to see you madam.

(WOMAN): Did you see her bag?
It didn't even match.

I didn't realize she was as
tall as that.

Your key madam. Will there be
anything further?

No, thank you.

Thank you, madam.

-It's as cold in here as it is
in my room.
-There's a fuel shortage.

I know, but the hotel had
explicit instructions to have

a fire going before
you arrived.

After all, as our only lady
delegate...

I need no special treatment,
Mr. Sandifer.

And incidentally I find the
absence of other women
delegates an outrage.

Right. See you in the morning.

(KNOCKING)

Stella.!

Didn't you get my message?

I only just arrived.

-Let me get a look at you.
It's so good to see a friend.

How are you, my dear?

I'm fine.

You'd say you were fine if
you'd been run over by a bus.

(LAUGHS)
Sit down. I'll have some tea
brought up.

Never mind about the tea.
Tell me, how are you, really?

A bit confused.

In transition I think between
First Lady and this new
job.

Yes, I remember when I was
first widowed,

before I took my place in the
House of Lords,

it's a bit sticky.

But you'll get on splendidly.

The truth is I feel unwanted,
unwelcome.

Don't be ridiculous. Everyone
adores you.

Oh no, not everyone. I feel as
if I'm surrounded by
enemies.

Rubbish.

I want you to come home with
me.

I have a project for you.

It will make your enemies sit
up and take notice.

Get you coat.

But I haven't even unpacked.

That can wait.

Unless of course you're too
tired?

No, I'm not a bit tired.

Good.

I saw your press outside.

They consider you the queen
mother of authorities.

Let's take the back stairs.

Just like old times. Lead on.

What's all this about enemies?

The republicans see me a less
an American than a democrat.

They tucked me away in a
humanitarian committee where
I'll do the least harm.

It hasn't even got an agenda.

That's wonderful. You can
create your own agenda.

Yes. If only I felt the least
bit qualified to do so.

Don't try to play the
sheltered widow with me, my
girl.

Oh no we've known each other
too long for that.

When I took my seat in the
Lords

I discovered I knew every bit
as much as my husband did.

-Possibly more.
-Oh yes, but that's not true
for me.

I was Franklin's legs at home,
not abroad.

Somehow I got the impression
it was you I saw here in 1942.

Visiting with King George.
Touring the country.

Studying my Woman's volunteer
services so you could do the
same in the United States.

(CHUCKLING)
And running poor little
Churchill's legs off.

(ELEANOR LAUGHS)

You've made your point.

I've been using these films to
elicit funds for my work.

They should give you a pretty
clear idea of the situation
we're dealing with.

Millions of people have been
displaced by the war.

It is the greatest human
problem the world has ever
known.

No one knows what to do with
them.

Poles, French, Belgians,
Russians.

There's not enough food for
the people who remain in their
villages.

The refugees are literally
starving.

350,000 fled to the United
Kingdom.

We have over 1,000 children
from concentration camps who
have lost their parents.

And that's only a small part
of the problem across all of
Europe.

10 million people

are virtually homeless.

Families have been torn apart.

Whole cities no longer exist.

Wiped out by bombs and fire.

The survivors are wondering
aimlessly through Europe.

They've no place to go.

I've seen these films 50
times.

Every time I have the same
emotional response.

I've read about the situation,
of course.

-but to see the faces...
What's being done?
-Oh not enough.

Most of their homes were
destroyed in the war.

Now because they don't want to
go back to their own countries
they're considered traitors.

If we sent them back, there's
a danger

that they would be
ill-treated,

if not virtually imprisoned.

Or executed.

I'll do anything I can to
help.

(HORN HONKS)

Now, careful of your footing.

It's all right.

Just one more flight.

Oh. Now be careful of
that step.

Oh!

They're all over the place.

(BABY CRYING)

They're jammed in here like
sardines.

(KNOCKS)
Hennie?

(KNOCKS)

Hennie it's Lady Reading.

The lady with the funny hats.
You remember.

I brought another lady with a
funny hat.

She's come all the way from
the United States just to meet
you.

May we come in?

Frau Reading , Bitte schon.

There is no water here
any more.

What happened?

The pipes cracked.

And they turned off the water.

Show me where the pipes
cracked. I'll see what can be
done.

(MAN SPEAKING GERMAN)

You and Hennie get to know
each other. I'll be back
as quickly as I can.

What is your name, dear?

Ich heisse Frau Roosevelt.

Wie heisst du?

(MAKING ANIMAL NOISES)

The cold, the hungry and the
homeless

do not belong to any one
nation, they belong to all
of us.

As the committee addressing
the issue of human rights

it seems to me that our first
duty is to draw up

a bill of rights.

A Magna Carta if you will, to
ensure these basic human
rights

for all the peoples of the
world.

Mrs. Roosevelt, do you know
what you're proposing?

You'd have to get over 50
nations which are

politically, socially and
philosophically diverse

to agree on which rights their
people should be given.

It would probably take them 10
years just to get them all to
agree on a single definition.

I grant you that it will be a
very difficult task, but not
an impossible one.

I believe this is clearly what
is most needed in the world.

And what must be done, can be
done.

(DOOR KNOCKING)

Mr. Sanderford.

Dulles and Vandenburg are
waiting over.

I ran up the stairs so I'd
have time to brief you.

What happened?

Russia has chosen
Andrei Vyshinsky

to speak against you
on the displaced persons issue
in the general assembly.

Good Lord what an opponent.

Yes but more importanly is
that this will be the key
issue of the whole session.

Oh dear!

It's wonderful! They thought
they were tucking you away in
a harmless little humanitarian

committee and you turn out
to be the key speaker on the
primary issue!

(DOOR KNOCKING)

Here they are.

Don't let them bluff you,
you have all the aces!

-Good afternoon gentlemen.
-Good afternoon Mrs.
Roosevelt.

-Please come in.
-Mr. Sandifer.
Mrs. Roosevelt.

Do sit down!

Thank you!

Well, what prompts this
surprise visit?

We've just been informed that
Vyshinsky will be debating
the displaced persons issue

for the Russians.

Yes.

Well, it is essential that we

make a very strong showing on
this issue.

We recognize you've done
a great deal of work in this
area Mrs. Roosevelt.

-But it isn't...
-It isn't that we feel you
aren't qualified to speak...

We must put our first string
quarter back in
during a crisis.

And who do yo propose for this
first string quarter back?

Well, Senator Vandenburg or I
would be willing to step in
and deliver your speech

before the General Assembly.

Deliver my speech? Oh I'm
sorry gentlemen,
I don't have one.

Well, well surely you
must have prepared...

Oh yes, I prepared in depth,
but I haven't written
a speech.

I planned to speak
extemporaneously.

What? Good Lord.

You can't be serious!

This isn't a ladies' luncheon.
It's a plenary session of
the United Nations!

Believe me gentlemen,

nobody knows the human
suffering behind this issue
better than I do.

Mrs. Roosevelt, I must insist
that either Senator...

Insist? Mr. Sandifer, what
is the usual practice in
these matters?

It's customary for the person
who handles the subject in
the committee

to present it in the plenary
session. It's Mrs.
Roosevelt's right to do so.

And I shall. Now, if you'll
excuse me gentlemen, I have a
great deal of work to do.

Well, Mrs. Roosevelt,

I feel that you're making a
critical error.

Good luck to you.

And to us all.

You were wonderful!

I only hope I'm doing the
right thing.

If we went to the displaced
persons' issue tomorrow,

the door will be wide open for
the Declaration of
Human Rights.

What's the point of my having
lured you down to dinner if
you're not enjoying it?

I shouldn't have let you do
it. I could have had a
sandwich in my room.

Nonsense. It takes a clear
head and a full stomach to
make a brilliant speech.

Yes. I suppose I will need
stamina the

Russians are planning to
filibuster, delay the vote

on the displaced persons
until so late

that some of our allies will
get tired and leave.

Well you'll simply have
to be so spellbinding that
no one will leave!

How will you do it?

I don't know, but I have
learned a few tricks over the
years.

If I can just control
my voice.

Yeah. You do tend to be a bit
soprano .

Coloratura will be more like
it. When I get nervous I
sound like a turkey gobbling.

(LAUGHS)
Uh oh!

(SPEAKING RUSSIAN)

(WHISPERING IN ARABIC)

(APPLAUSE)

You're on!

(SPEAKING SPANISH)

-I would like to speak to you
tonight...
-There's your school girl.

I would like to speak to you
about Simon Bolivar.

Bolivar was a great man.

He stood for the liberty of
all people.

He believed in the dignity of
the individual.

Were he still alive,

were he here with us tonight,

he and all the people of the
great South American continent
would vote

for the right of each citizen
of the world,

to choose his own destiny.

People of Peru and Colombia
and Brazil know what it is to
live under the whip.

They know too the sweet taste
of freedom.

They and I ask that this
Assembly accord that privilege

to the displaced persons of
the world.

(VICTORIOUS MUSIC)

You know we could open a
florist's shop with all these.

South American delegation.
Oh how nice!

John Foster Dulles, that's
amazing!

Congratulations, you made a
friend out of a potential
enemy.

I wish I could believe that.

What does he say?

"John Foster Dulles."

What, no message?
Just "John Foster Dulles"?

Perhaps he thinks that's
praise enough.
(LAUGHS)

Now that's chutzpah!

Chutzpah?

It's a Yiddish word. It means
arrogance. No, no that's not
quite it...

Oh let me give you an example.
If a man kills both
his parents

then throws himself on the
mercy of the court because he
is an orphan, that's chutzpah!

(LAUGHS)
Ah oh I see!

Just like you. Taking on the
great Vyshinsky and beating
him.

Or me: a woman, a Jew,
a commoner, taking my seat
in the house of Lords.

Did you see the look on that
Vyshinsky's face

when the Brazilian delegate
decided to sit down again?
(LAUGHS)

I was too busy praying that
you'd stop gobbling and become
a bass.

(LAUGHING)

Thank heavens Mr. Dulles
can't hear me now or he'd want
his card back!

(LAUGHING)

There's my all ashore,
I'd better go.

-I couldn't have done it
without you.
-Nonsense!

You've moved mountains.

No I just moved a small
pebble

now we have to draft the
Declaration of Human Rights
before the next session.

Well, you will do it too!
You're in your element my
dear.

Aww, I'm very proud of you.

Thank you, goodbye Stella.

Bon voyage!

Mother, please. You've been
working on the Declaration for
the last two years

can't you at least take an
hour off and come to
your own party?

Yes dear, I'll be
over in a minute.

You will make yourself ill.

No, nonsense I'm in perfect
health.

Is the ice cream ready?

I don't know, Buzz is working
on it.

The ice cream is my
department

I'll tell you when it's ready.

I'll be over in just a minute,
I promise.

Let me show you how
that's done.

But the last time you made it,
it was too sweet.

There is no such thing. Scoot.

-This is supposed to be a
party.
-Well, isn't it?

No! Emily Post says one is
allowed to have any fun until
the guest of honor arrives.

Besides you're the only
one who knows how to burn the
hot dogs right.

(LAUGHS)
I beg your pardon.

The work can wait.

-Finally!
-I hope I haven't missed
anything.

James has just announced he's
considering running
for Congress.

Hey, it's not official yet.

Why James, that's wonderful.

If it feels right to you.

I think between the family
name and my experience in the
White House

when Pa was alive, I'll have a
pretty good chance.

Well, you have my blessing,
but it won't be easy.

The Roosevelt name carries a
tremendous built-in burden.

They'll expect you to be
your father.

I know that.

Will you support me?

Of course, I will do
everything I can.

Buzz, ready?

Mother, will you campaign
with me?

I have my hands filled right
at the moment with my own
campaign chairing Committee 3.

Do you have any idea what your
support will mean to me

in terms of votes?

Getting votes is easy James.
Being a good Congressman
is not.

Children! Hot dogs are ready!

I want to hear about Paris.
Are you all ready?
When are you sailing?

Next week. This time I'm going
in style taking Tommy with me.

I suppose we're as ready as
we'll ever be.

The draft, the Declaration is
finished. I just pray it
passes before the election.

Why?

Because Mr. Dewey's
the overwhelming favorite,
and if he wins the presidency,

John Foster Dulles will become
Secretary of State and I'll
be back

raising turnips.

Ah you'll get it passed,
I know you will.

I wish I had more staunch
supporters like you in Paris.

Why don't you come?

Are you kidding?
I'd love to!

He starts college next week in
case it slipped your mind.

I could start next semester.

-Could he possibly come then?
-Mother! Why did you suggest
anything so irresponsible?

What's the harm in one
semester off? He's worked very
hard at his military academy.

Uncles do not get a vote
in this.

But you know what Hemingway
said, "to have lived in Paris

as a young man is a movable
feast."

-This is ridiculous.
-Mother I'm eighteen years
old, I'm not a child.

I promise to have him home
for Christmas.

Well you'll have to go to
Abercrombie's first you don't
have any of the right clothes.

Mother! You're a peach!

I'll have to get Tommy to
arrange a passport for you.
Here dear, you take over.

Tommy!

-Will you look at the
two of them?
-Aren't they a picture?

If I weren't a sophisticated
mature adult

I'd probably be jealous
of that kid.

Thank heavens we're
beyond all that.

Would you like a drink?

I'd love one.

(ELEANOR): You know I envy
you. Nothing that happens
later ever equals

the intensity of
the first time.

I was a year younger than you
are now

when I sailed past that
statue on my way to Europe

for the first time. I remember

looking at her and telling
myself that tall ungainly

girls might become
dignified with time.

(CHUCKLES). I don't think I
ever really believed it,

-but I was so frightened
I had to try.
-Frightened? You?

-Of course, I was always
frightened. I still am.
-Now what's there to be

-frightened of?
-You sound just like your
grandfather.

When we danced together for
the first time at a party in
Hyde Park I was so

awkward I stepped on his
foot. I began to apologize.
He looked at me and smiled

and said, "you're frightened,
aren't you?" And I said that I
was.

He said, "fear is an illusion.
If you use the same energy
to be confident,

the most wonderful things
happen."

And did it work?

Yes, I suppose it did.

Comment allez-vous?

Oh, um... tres bien merci.

Merci.

Je vous en prie.

-Est-ce qu'il fait beau
aujourd'hui?

-Ah oui! Il fait tres,
tres beau!

-Ooh, bien!
(LAUGHING)
-Mais j'ai froid .

(CROWD CHEERING)

(MAN) Please, Madame .

(REPORTER)
What is your biggest...
excuse me...

Ah, here you are.
Welcome to Paris.

Doctor Malik.

May I present
my grandson, Curtis.

Delighted.

And this is my secretary,
Miss Thompson.

This is Dr. Charles Malik, the
representative from Lebanon.

Delighted to me.

Here is the agenda.
We must work quickly.

The first session is at nine
tomorrow morning.

Thank you.

Rest well.

Madame Roosevelt,
soyez la bienvenue.

Merci, monsieur Berger.

Your rooms are ready, and
there are many messages...

Oh it's been such a long day.

If you'll just give us our
key, my grandson will
attend to the registration

and any other details.
I really would appreciate it.

Certainement, grand-mere.

It is a joy to see
Madame again.

Unfortunately there are
shortages but we do our best.

I'm sure you do. We'll manage.

What shall I do with
your messages?

Why, send them up, of course.

Oh my!

Did somebody die?

How lovely.

Why didn't you let me
handle the registration?
Since you dragged me

all the way to Europe,
you could at least
let me do my job.

If you want young people
to act responsibly

you give them responsibilities
and trust them
to carry them out.

That's the Rue Royale.

Franklin and I
walked along that street.

That was springtime
and you were young.

This is October
and it is freezing in here.

It was a wonderful time.

Of course it was.
It was your honeymoon.

Well, it was really our second
honeymoon. The first we spent
in Hyde Park.

Can you imagine being 21

and in Paris
with the man you love.

(KNOCKING AT THE DOOR)

Just let me handle this.

Oui!

Qu'est-ce qu'il faut faire
avec les lettres?

Donnez los letters ici,
see-voo-play.

Pardon, madame.

Amenez-les ici,
s'il vous plait.

That! That!

No, I thought we left
all this behind us.

Oh! You better tip him
right away before he
brings in any more.

Ici.

Merci madame.

Everything's taken care of.

Oh! Looks like you've got
a lot of work to do.

No, no, not today. Today I'm
going to show you Paris.

Put your feet up, and we'll
deal with these when
we get back.

Ah, fantastique!

Uh-hmmm!believe it.

A bientot!

What an incredible day.

Yes, even when I was here with
your grandfather, I never
climbed so many steps.

Ah, well I feel wonderful.

How about you? Are you happy?

Well I suppose that word
means different things
to different people.

What does it mean to you?

Well, I know that you might
think this sounds a bit stuffy

but I'm happiest when I have a
job to do that's worth doing.

When I'm
accomplishing something.

(MAN SPEAKING RUSSIAN)

Je ne vous comprend pas,
monsieur.

Qu'est ce que vous voulez?

May I be of help?

Madame Roosevelt.

Dr. Pavlov.

May I introduce my grandson.
Curtis, this is Dr. Pavlov of
the Russian delegation.

How do you, Dr. Pavlov?

I'm not very well at the
moment, I'm afraid.

We seem to have reached
an impasse.

All I want is something
for my stomach.

And suddenly it's an
international incident.

I know exactly what the
problem is.
What you need is lemon.

Lemon!

Du jus de citron dans un
verre d'eau de Vichy,
s'il vous plait.

Oui madame.

It is the change in the water.

Yes, I understand. We'll have
you right in no time.

Bonjour. Est-ce qu'il y a des
lettres pour monsieur Dulles,
s'il vous plait?

(DR. PAVLOV)
I am most grateful.
I feel better already.

Good afternoon, Dr. Pavlov.

Mr. Dulles.

Du papier s'il vous plait.

Make sure you have another
glass just before bedtime.

I'll make a note
of the French for you.

(PHOTOGRAPHER)
Would you turn this way for a
picture, please.

Thank you!

Madame Roosevelt, I would
consider it an honor if you
would join us at the ball

at the Russian embassy
tonight, in celebration of the
October revolution.

Bring your grandson.

Thank you, that's
very kind of you.

Good afternoon.

Charming man.

First impressions
can be quite deceptive.

I have some unpleasant news,
Mrs. Roosevelt.

I understand the committee
intends to review the
Declaration word by word.

But that could take months.

We may never be able to get
each delegate to agree on
every word.

Perhaps not.
By the way...

I would suggest you avoid
being photographed with the
Russians in the future.

Don't let them manipulate you.

They want the world to think
they're anxious to cooperate.

And what do the Americans
want the world to think,
Mr. Dulles?

Just take my advice,
Mrs. Roosevelt,
avoid the Russians.

You dance like a ballerina.

Thank you.

What a shame we cannot just
dance and eat

and love.

Oh!

People have such a great
capacity for pleasure.

How sad we spend most of our
time being unpleasant
to each other.

Of course, some people are
more unpleasant than others.

Your Mr. Dulles...

Perhaps we should just dance.

You're right.
No politics tonight.

Tonight we just
enjoy ourselves.

Thank you.

Charmant, n'est-ce pas?

D'accord.

A most wonderful
extravaganza, Dr. Pavlov.
I must congratulate you.

Only because it is graced by
such eminent personages.

Most kind.

May I have the next dance,
Madame Roosevelt?

It would be a pleasure.

The Russians really do know
how to celebrate.

Did you ever see
so much caviar?

Yes, indeed, but, eh...

beware of the scorpion
in the cradle.

What do you mean?

I know you're upset by the
committee's decision to review
the Declaration word by word

but it is merely
a delaying tactic.

By Pavlov?

You see the way the Russians
see it, if they can delay till
Truman loses the election

you will simply disappear.

And so would the Declaration.

(PAVLOV LAUGHING)

(KNOCKING AT THE DOOR)

That slimy snake in the grass.

Who?

He thinks he can twirl me
around the dance floor.

Like some silly, simpering
school girl

and walk all over
my life's work.

Pavlov.

That pompous Russian
wolfhound.

I cannot be distracted by hand
kissing and champagne.

What are you gonna do?

I'm going to do what any good
general would do.

I'm going to regroup,
find a new strategy,
and counter attack.

See if Dr. Malik is back
at his room yet.

Monsieur Malik,
s'il vous plait.

What happened?
Why did she leave the party?

Shh, the general is planning
a counter attack.

Dr. Malik, I hope you haven't
retired yet.

I would like to ask you a
personal favor.

Tomorrow morning, in committee

I would like you
to make a motion.

In the interest of
productivity

I move that the discussion of
each point of the Declaration

be limited to ten minutes for
each delegate.

I'll second that.

Excellent suggestion.
All those in favor?

Motion carried. Now, we can
move on to the discussion of
Article 17.

Dr. Pavlov?

I would like to go back
to Article 1.

"Whereas all men are cre...

"Whereas all men
are created..."

We feel that the word
"created" implies the
existence of a deity.

The Soviet position on
this is well known.

And we feel strongly that this
phrasing is unacceptable.

It favors the western world's
philosophy.

This should by no means be a
religious document.

Unless every such reference
can be eradicated, the Union
of Soviet Socialist Republics

can in no way
support such a document.

Did you buy your mother's
Christmas present?

Yes, I thought it should be
something very French,
so I got her a beret.

Oh she'll get you for that.

No I really got her
this silk scarf.

Lovely!
It's her favorite color.

You have special knack of
choosing just the right gifts.

Only for the people I love.

Do you think the
election results are in yet?

I don't know.

Will Mr. Dulles ask you to
resign as soon as he hears
that Truman's lost.

No, he's too much of a
gentleman for that.
But he'll expect it.

Will you give it to him?

I won't have any choice.

Here you run along,
and take this bag
back to the hotel for me.

Okay, good luck.

Don't peek.

I am quite aware of the time
difference in New York

but we should have received
that cable by now.

-Good morning, gentlemen.
-Good morning,
Madame Roosevelt.

I see everybody is early this
morning. We ought to be able
to do a lot of work today.

We may even be able to put
aside the Declaration and move
on to more pressing matters.

We have an old saying
in my country, Dr. Pavlov,

"Don't count your chickens
before they hatch."

I have heard such a saying.
But I believe it was

"Do not put all your eggs
in one basket."

Excuse me.

(DULLES) Non, operator,
je voulais New York.

Whose briefcase is this?

JFD

Mr. Dulles isn't wasting
any time in taking over.

The election results aren't
even in yet, are they?

No, that's the most blatantly
pompous thing I've ever seen.

(DULLES) Oui, New York.

I have New York here,
Mr. Dulles.

Yes, Dulles here.

(DULLES) What?
I can't hear you.

What?

This is a terrible connection.
You must speak louder.

We've won.

(DULLES) Mr. Dewey's
been elected.

(SECRETARY)
Wonderful! Congratulations!

I'm so sorry Madame Roosevelt.

That's history, Mr. Malik.

It has a way of charting
its own course.

No matter how hard we may try
to change it.

Congratulations, Mr. Dulles.

Thank you Mrs. Roosevelt.

Telegram for Mr. Dulles.

Mr. Dulles, I have the cable.

Ah, now it's official.
Excuse me.

What is it, Mr. Dulles?

Mr. Truman has
been re-elected.

Well, if everybody isn't too
excited perhaps we'd better
get down to work.

I think we can get through a
section of the Declaration
before the end of the day.

Is this yours, Mr. Dulles?

Thank you. You've still got a
long way to go Mrs. Roosevelt.

You've got to get 56 nations
to ratify before the session's
end six weeks from now.

I'm well aware of that,
Mr. Dulles.

(GAVEL BANGING)

If everybody would please
come to order.

I believe if we work very hard

we can all be home
for Christmas.

(MAN) Hear, hear.

One other thing is troubling
to us about this Declaration.

What is that, Madam Jahan?

The phrasing, "All men
are born free and equal."

In our countries,
women do not have
the same rights as men.

Well in English, the term
"all men" is intended to mean
"all people".

Yes, that is very clear
sitting here with you now.

But when we go home, if it
says "all men" it will mean
just that...

"men."

I understand your concern.

Would it be acceptable
if it read "all human beings
are born free and equal"?

Yes.
That would be most acceptable.

I believe with this change we
will all be able to support
this Declaration.

Thank you for your
contribution, Madam Jahan.

It will ensure that women
are not overlooked.

Quatre cent trente neuf,
s'il vous plait.

Is the tea party over yet?
Okay.

-Good night, Madam Roosevelt.
-Good night Madam Jahan
and thank you.

Good night.

(SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

I'm exhausted.

I'm starving.

Well you passed out
sandwiches, why
didn't you eat?

I'm always afraid we'll
run out and lose
Brazil or Siam.

I must have poured 1,000 cups
of tea in the last month,
but it was worth it.

Women are more
realistic than men.

I think I accomplish more with
these teas than I could ever
hope to in the meetings.

Maybe so but I would trade in
this whole pot of tea for
one dry martini.

Bonjour mes cheres amies.

Le voila, comment ca va?

Ah, magnifique!
I saw the sewers from
Les Miserables.

And the Pont Neuf where
Cyrano singlehandedly
killed 100 men.

Oh!

And for tonight
I have a surprise.

Good! Tell us. We're all ears.

Well, mother wired me
some money.

Oh she needn't have.
I certainly can take care
of my grandson.

She just wants to feel like
she's doing her bit.

Anyway, I wanna take us out
tonight, all of us,
and don't say no.

I want to thank you both for
the most wonderful month
of my life.

Well, you have to say yes.
It's a dying man's request.

You're not dying.

I know, but in case you're not
around when I'm dying, I'm
making my request early.

Okay, say you'll come.

Enchante'e.

Madame, monsieur.

Now, what would you like
for dessert?

They have mousse au chocolat
and creme caramel.

Oh, I'm sorry. I couldn't
manage another bite.

No, no, no, we have to.
This is the last time.

Well, at least give me a few
minutes to digest
that elegant canard.

I thought you had duck.

Maybe a dance will help you
work up an appetite.

Shall we?

Well, I might try waddling
around the floor.

Oh good. The waddle's the next
best thing to the waltz .

Would you care to dance,
Miss Thompson?

Oh no, I don't even think I
could manage a waddle.

Oh, thank you.
I'm eternally grateful.

I'm sending Tommy
home with you.

I can travel on my own.

I know.

But the roughest patch
is over, here,

and we should have pretty
smooth sailing until Friday.

Then I'll be coming
home myself.

Well, why don't we wait
and come home with you?

Because I promised
your mother.

Besides I want Tommy to
open up Val-Kill and have it
ready for the holidays.

All right.

I want you to know that
I really meant
what I said before.

About this being the happiest
month of my life.

And it's mostly because I've
gotten to know you better
than I ever have.

I'll never forget it.

My dear boy, neither will I.

Well, that's it.

Yes, nothing left
but the final vote.

Tomorrow morning by half past
nine, it'll all be over,
one way or another.

You know something?

Ever since I came here,
I've been promising myself
that if we win

I'm going to take a running
slide down this hallway.

I can't wait to see you do it.

I'll get the minutes.

Madam Roosevelt

Madam Jahan.

There is a matter
of grave importance.

I have searched my conscience
and my soul.

And I find that I cannot
support a Declaration that
does not include the deity.

Do you know
what you're saying?

I do.

For that reason I have not yet
spoken of this
to my delegation.

I wanted to tell you first.

If you broach this issue now,
other nations will be
compelled to join you.

It'll destroy all our work.

Then perhaps our work
has not been correct.

I ask you to consider,
if you were in my place.

Wouldn't you listen
to your conscience?

(KNOCKING AT THE DOOR)

Surprise!
I've come for your big moment.

I'm sorry, Stella.

I've been calling you
for hours.

What's wrong?

It's over.

What's over?
What are you talking about?

It's the Declaration. It's not
going to be ratified.

We were so close.

The Russians wouldn't allow
the use of the word "God"

and I was so worried that
the Catholic countries
would insist

but they didn't.
Nobody did, until today.

Now it's the Moslems.

You've hit rough spots before.

You'll get through it.

No, not this time. I'm beaten.

Now that's ridiculous!

You've got chutzpah, remember?

This is the only really
important thing that I have
ever done.

I mean that I've done.
Eleanor.

I wanted to make life better
for all those people who can't
speak for themselves.

Now...

You're just worn out.

Tomorrow...

Tomorrow the lady from
Pakistan will

pull a thread in the tapestry,
and the whole thing
will unravel.

I can't help them.
I can't help any of them.

But you have helped them.

Not enough, not nearly enough.

I was just crossing the Place
Alma, all wrapped up in my own
disappointment,

and I saw this child.
It couldn't have been more
than four or five,

and so dirty I couldn't tell
whether it was
a girl or a boy.

The child sat on a curbstone
and ate a potato skin that
somebody had thrown out.

Just like a little animal.

Those are the children
I've let down.

I've failed them.

You're quitting.

I know you're entitled to your
moment of despair,

but your moment is up.

You're the one who told me
there are only two
possibilities.

Succeeding or quitting.

You said that failure
was just a rough spot
on the way to success.

It's too late, Stella.

I thought the vote
was tomorrow.

Was it today?

Did I miss it?

I'm told that the Quran
is reputed to have the answer
to every question,

and that you were
an expert on it.

The Quran indeed
has the answers

providing the seeker of its
truth knows the question.

I think I do.

Does it matter if God's name
is mentioned

as long as
he is in the room?

Only a complex mind can state
such a question so simply.

I understand the Quran to say

"He who can believe
shall believe."

"He who cannot believe
shall disbelieve."

The only unforgivable sin
is to be a hypocrite.

I shall ponder this tonight,
and I shall pray.

Tomorrow, I will know the way
of my conscience.

Thank you, Madam Jahan.

I leave it God's hands.

So you could not sleep either?

Oh no, not very well.

Would you care to walk?

Fine.

Oh I might as well give you
this now. We may not
see each other, later.

Ah! Again my thanks.

It is unfortunate that we
Russians must repay your
kindness with

harsh practicality.

What do you mean?

My delegation
was up all night.

Our decision is that the
Declaration is too lofty.

Insufficient stress has been
laid on social and
economic rights.

It is all very well
to speak of freedom

but what good is freedom
with an empty stomach?

Do you mean the Soviet
Union will vote against
the Declaration?

Please, shall we walk?

I take it your silence is to
be interpreted as assent?

No.

My silence is to be
interpreted as silence.

I haven't seen Madam Jahan,
and the voting
is about to begin.

Eleanor the die is cast.

The rumors aren't good.

I've just heard that if the
Soviets vote against
the Declaration

the whole Eastern Bloc
will follow, South Africa...

I don't want to hear any more.

The Declaration is right,
and it will pass.

It's too late for prayer.

It's never too late
for prayer.

I'll see you afterwards.

I doubt if she can
pull it off, but
she's a tough old bird.

Lebanon votes in favor
of the Declaration.

We're almost to Pakistan, but
where is Madam Jahan?

Luxemburg.

Luxemburg votes in favor
of the Declaration.

Mexico.

(SPEAKING SPANISH)
Mexico votes in favor
of the Declaration.

New Zealand.

New Zealand votes in favor
of the Declaration.

Nicaragua.

(SPEAKING SPANISH)
Nicaragua votes in favor
of the Declaration.

Netherlands.

Netherlands votes in favor
of the Declaration.

Norway.

Norway votes in favor
of the Declaration.

Peru.

Peru votes in favor...

Pray for a miracle.

Pakistan.

Pakistan votes in favor
of the Declaration.

Thank heavens.

So far, so good.

Sweden votes in favor
of the Declaration.

United Kingdom.

United Kingdom votes in favor
of the Declaration.

United States.

United States votes in favor
of the Declaration.

Only one more major problem.

Russia.

Where's Pavlov?

I don't know.

Union of Soviet
Socialist Republics.

In the absence of Dr. Pavlov,
the Union of Soviet Socialist
Republics

abstains.

Yugoslavia.

Yugoslavia abstains.

Forty-eight votes
for the Declaration.

None opposed.
Eight abstentions.

The Declaration of Human
Rights is carried
without dissent.

The assembly wishes to
single out

Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt
of the United States

for her determination and
dedication to this Declaration

which shall, from this time
forward, be a standard for the
people of the world.

You were splendid.
Congratulations my dear.

And you were right. Now we all
get to go home for Christmas.

Mrs. Roosevelt.

I must admit
I was wrong about you.

That was a damn fine
piece of work.

Thank you Mr. Dulles.

Do you think I dare?

I think promises to oneself
should be kept at all costs.

What promise?

Hold these for me, Stella.

One! Two! Three!

In 1982

the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights continues to be a
viable force in world affairs.

To date, no fewer than 64
countries

have drawn on the Declaration
when drafting
their constitutions.

My grandmother,
Eleanor Roosevelt

served as a delegate to the
United Nations until 1952

and continued to support and
promote the work of the United
Nation until her death.

She died on November 7, 1962,
at the age of 78.

Admired by millions as
First Lady of the world.