Sunrise at Campobello (1960) - full transcript

Father, there's a fire on the island

two points off the starboard bow.

Stop that, James.
Just tell us where it is.

To your right, mother, to your right.

Oh, my, yes!

Stand by. We're going to land.

Grab some branches!
Put it out with the branches!

Be careful, children. Don't get too close.

Put your backs into it,
and we'll save those trees.

A motley brigade if I ever saw one.

To the staff and crew
of the vireo, well done!



Now for a swim!

Oh, Franklin!

Let's make it quick!

I don't know if I can even make it.

Now, Franklin,
the children have had along day,

so don't overdo the swimming.

In their condition,
water is the best thing for them.

Last one into the water is a tadpole!

How many feet?

Oh. Oh, another one?

I feel like a coatrack.

Well?

You look like last year's Christmas tree!

- Oh, really, frank.
- Father! Come on!



Last one in the lagoon is a rotten egg!

Thank you, Edward.

Please tell Mrs. Macgowan
that we'll have supper at half past six.

Yes, Mrs. Roosevelt.

Slowpokes! Slowpokes!

Hurry up! I'm going to beat you!

I'm going to win!

Oh, no, you're not!

Franklin!

Johnny!

Franklin!

Johnny!

Mrs. Macgowan says she needs
all this from welchpool.

Well, we'll pick everything up
tomorrow, Edward.

Oh, and some pipe tobacco
for Mr. Roosevelt.

Mother, I don't know why
you picked Julius Caesar

for us to read tonight.

All the good parts are for men.

Well, you and I will double up
in all the parts, like the others

I'd like to read Brutus.

Your father makes
the final decisions on casting.

Uh, please tell Mrs. Macgowan

that we're going sailing
and picnicking again tomorrow,

and I'll talk to her later
about the lunch.

Oh, mother...

We would all appreciate it
if we could have something

other than fried chicken
and hard-boiled eggs.

Then tomorrow perhaps we'll try fried eggs

and hard-boiled chicken.

Ahoy!

Home is the sailor!

Hurry up, Duffy, hurry up.

Hurry up, Duffy.

Eleanor, with that megaphone,

they could hear you
clean across to eastport.

Last again, the runt!

Don't call me a runt! I'm Johnny!

You tell her, Sonny!

Ah, there you are, my friend Johnny.

Marie, I don't want to go upstairs!

- Yes, you do.
- Father...

Johnny, il faut t'habiller pour diner.

UN moment, s'il vous plait.

Papa, comment vas tu?

Ga va bien.

Come on, I'll make your journey
upstairs a pleasant one.

Giddyap, Giddyap!
Giddyap, Giddyap, Giddyap...

Bet you can't do that with me.

Father, why do we have to read
Julius Caesar for tonight?

I'm not sure I like Shakespeare at all.

You're a noisy group of illiterates.

- I just combed it!
- Let's get on him!

Very well, I'll take on the four of you!

Uhh!

Get him!

Get his legs!

Oh! The boys are so loud and noisy!

Mother, how you put up
with the four of them,

I don't know.

The four boys are easy.

It's the one girl.

Do you think I'm difficult?

I think you feel surrounded
by the men in the family.

Before granny went to Europe,

she told me she thinks
you're too severe with me.

I'm well aware of granny's opinions.

Actually, granny spoils us.

The boys can talk her
out of anything they want.

All they have to do
is speak a little French

or... or agree with her.

What about you?

Of course, so can I.

So can you what?

I heard you say, "so can I."

Oh, talk granny out of anything I want,

just like the boys,
especially if I agree with her

when she says something about Mr. Howe.

Oh, father, is Mr. Howe coming back here?

No, he's going to be
tied up in Washington.

Jimmy, why do you ask?

Nothing.

"Why do you ask? Nothing"?

What kind of English is that?

Why do you ask?

For no reason.

That's better.

But you had a reason, Jimmy.
I want you to tell us.

Well, it's just that usually
he rooms next to me,

and all that... that coughing

and...
Wheezing he does

keeps me up at night.

And when he burns the incense
to stop the coughing...

Well, that's worse than anything.

You never appear to be
suffering from lack of sleep.

Father, I'm serious.

Jimmy, I'm serious, too.
I want no criticism of,

or complaints about, Mr. Louis Howe,

from you or anyone else.

Is that understood?

Understood.

Uh, granny always says that Mr. Howe...

I know all about granny's
opinions of Mr. Howe,

and I don't want them repeated by you.

And I would appreciate it if you and Jimmy

would do a little rehearsing
for tonight's reading.

Franklin, you should get into
some dry clothes.

I want to catch up on the mail.

Babs, how about a hard drink?

I feel a little tired.

That's the first swim I've had in years

that didn't refresh me.

You should be more careful.

Eleanor, I am not catching another cold,

and I am not becoming an alcoholic.

I just want you
to get out of that wet suit.

In a few minutes.

Mother, about Mr. Howe,
Anna and I would like...

Your father closed the discussion
some minutes ago.

Go on with your reading.

Well, like they say, we struck out.

It's a pleasure to open a paper

and see my name out of it.

This is a tidy item,
six million people unemployed,

and president Harding is playing his tuba.

Thanks, babs.

Ah, good.

That'll take the chill out of my bones.

I often think of something
Woodrow Wilson said to me,

"it is only once in a generation

that a people can be lifted
above material things.

That is why conservative government
is in the saddle

for two-thirds of the time."

Louis insists that you can
reverse the trend.

Yes, after having wet-nursed
my public relations

for some 10 years,

he doesn't like my staying on
in this wall street job.

He says it's hardly a place
for a dedicated progressive.

Well, Franklin, is it?

Babs, it's 500 a week.

And confidentially, Mrs. R.,

the light on my political horizon

appears rather dim and dark.

You know, there's nothing
so unattractive to a party

as a defeated candidate.

I hardly think that you
will be held responsible

for the defeat of the Democratic party.

After all,
Cox was the presidential candidate,

not you.

Babs,

I have weathered battles
with Tammany hall,

seven years in the Navy department,

and mama's massive objections to politics,

which she rates one step higher
than garbage-collecting.

So I feel sure

wall street will not corrupt
my political convictions.

That's a comfort.

But if I get into deep water,
keep your eye on me, babs.

God takes man into deep water
not to drown him,

but to cleanse him.

Helpful hint from helpful wife.

Thank you, ma'am. Thank you kindly.

Hey, ma, we're hungry!

Only a few moments now.

From mama. From granny.

What does granny say?

Father, we have just got to decide

about who is going to read what.

Well, as you know,
we must all play a variety of roles.

However, tonight's main assignment
shall be as follows.

Your mother will read calpurnia.

Anna, you shall read Portia,
Cinna the poet, and Octavius.

Jimmy, you shall be Brutus.

I've been studying Antony.

I shall read Marc Antony. You are Brutus.

Elliott, you should make a fine Cassius.

And Franklin,
you have the round look of casca.

And, Johnny,
Johnny, you shall be the mobs,

the citizens, and the sounds of battle.

And Marie,
Marie, you shall be Julius Caesar.

Merci.

Probably my greatest stroke of casting.

What's in granny's letter?

Well, let's see.

Granny has moved to London
to visit cousin Muriel,

whose slight operation
apparently was successful,

though mama doesn't think highly
of British medicine.

She doesn't approve
of Muriel's bed, too hard.

She says my bed's too soft.

Granny believes in hard beds for men,

soft beds for women.

Ah-ha!

She may sail on the 24th,

which would get her home the 31st,

or maybe a week later,

which would get her here
September seventh.

She may stay. She loves the hotel.

Quote, "much love
to the precious children.

I expect to find
a French family on my return."

"Devotedly, mama." Unquote.

Ici, on par/e frangais.

Dinner is ready, Mrs. Roosevelt.

What has Mrs. Macgowan
got for dinner tonight?

Let life surprise you, Elliott.

It's more fun that way.

Please, Franklin,

get into some dry clothes for dinner.

This time of day is always the best.

It's as if the sun were... standing still

for a last glimpse...

Along, lingering look...

Before saying good night.

It's a nice... quiet time.

I wish I could stay till after labor da...

Why, Franklin!

Must be a spot of lumbago.

No, I don't feel feverish,

just suddenly...

Why don't you get into bed
and I'll bring you a tray?

No, thanks, it's all right.
I'll be down in a minute.

Two, four, six, eight,
who do we appreciate?

Mrs. Macgowan, Mrs. Macgowan,
Mrs. Macgowan! Yay!

Eleanor.

Coming, darling, coming.

Franklin! What's happened?

I got up for a moment...

And couldn't make it back.

Something's happened to my legs.

And I seem to have what an old upstater
would call "the trembles."

Let's get you to bed.

Ohh! Ahh!

Mighty cold for August, babs.

I'll get you a hot-water bottle.

Allez, Allez!

Mother! I do wish you'd give me the right

to decide what time we're to have lunch.

The boys want to begin eating
before we've even started.

Yes, dear, I give you complete authority,

but I suggest you use Marie
as your assistant.

Thank you, mother.

Well... how's the patient today?

Mr. Howe, I'd say he's about the same.

What do we do about changing
things for the better?

Uh, I got in touch with
a specialist at bar harbor.

He doesn't think there's any reason

for him to come back at this time.

He still maintains that
it's a clot on the spinal cord.

Advises continued massage
and the same medication.

But it doesn't seem to be doing much good.

The paralysis seems to be spreading.

I know. But it's only been a few days.

We just have to keep on doing
what we've been told.

Well, I'll be back early this evening,
Mrs. Roosevelt.

Still can't find a nurse?

Mr. Howe, as you know,
we've few of them here.

They're all mighty busy
with the influenza epidemic.

Well, we'll manage,
Dr. Bennet, I'm certain.

You've been doing wonderfully.

- Thank you, Dr. Bennet.
- Oh, yes.

May as well get back to it.

Louis...

I'm glad you came.

I... I'd have felt lost without you.

And a good, good morning to you, Mr. Howe.

You're looking your usual dyspeptic self.

None of your amiable chatter, please.

Leave it.

In a couple of days,
I'm sure I'll be able to lift it.

Oh, I'm delighted!

And aren't you the clever one?

Would you like to make a bet?

Just get over this
and get back to New York.

I hate the great outdoors.

I hope, uh, you don't object
to my rather informal attire

during these ministrations.

I tried on a nurse's uniform,

and while the skirt was rather flattering,

I don't look well in white.

Louis...

What about your... new job in Washington?

Well, mein Herr,

it was for me, not so good.

So I quit.

Quit?

When? When you heard
that I needed a... masseur?

One of
your less appealing qualities

is your tendency to be garrulous.

Bobbleobby!

You give me my candy back!

- Good afternoon.
- Good afternoon, Edward.

Ladies.

Good afternoon.

Mrs. Roosevelt, how's the skipper today?

About the same, thank you.

We expect another doctor tomorrow.

If we can do anything, just ask.

Thank you, captain.

Have you got everything, Edward?

Yes, ma'am.

The call was from uncle Fred.

He talked to Dr. Lovett in Boston.

The doctor is almost positive...

That it's... infantile paralysis.

Infantile paralysis?!

What about the kids?

Dr. Lovett explained that
as they'd already been exposed,

there was no necessity to move them.

We're not to say anything

until Dr. Lovett has
examined Franklin tomorrow.

He'll be here in the morning.

We're to discontinue massage.

And, um...

Franklin's mother will be back from Europe

on September the first.

That gives us 10 days to get
Franklin on his feet again.

We better.

She'll never forgive us.

Oh, how good to see you, Mrs. Roosevelt.

Hello, miss le hand.

And how is my son?

I just arrived yesterday,
but Mrs. Roosevelt told me

that there has been a little change
for the better.

Thank god. And the children?

Oh, they're all fine.

They're being kept away from
the house as much as possible.

And where is Eleanor?

- She and Mr. Howe are with Mr. Roosevelt.
- Oh.

You must have had a tiring journey.

I haven't thought about it.
I want to see my son.

Well, in this case,
the top becomes the bottom.

Good morning.

Mama!

- Eleanor.
- Dear mama.

Franklin.

My boy... my dear boy.

Mama, travel agrees with you.

- You look absolutely marvelous.
- Oh, well...

I don't know what you're doing
in bed, Franklin.

You look pretty well yourself.

Welcome home, mama.

Eleanor, dear.

Hello, Mrs. Roosevelt.

Mr. Howe.

Well, it was a comfort

to hear the sound of laughter
coming from this room.

Well, Louis insisted on telling us

one of his... quite risqué stories.

It was unprintable, but...

It was quite funny.

I'm afraid I never developed an appetite

for that kind of humor.

Mama, if you'd Grant yourself the luxury

of listening to a couple of those stories,

you'd understand.

This one was about
the two traveling salesmen who...

Please, please, Franklin,

there are so many other things
I'd rather hear about.

First, tell me about your trip home.

Well, it was a beautiful liner.

The staterooms
are magnificently decorated.

The cuisine is typically French,

quality of the sauce, rich,
quality of the beef, poor.

So many of the passengers were dreary...

Hello, Jimmy. Anything wrong?

Nothing, Mr. Howe.

Why aren't you asleep?

I couldn't sleep.

How's father?

Oh, having a fairly good night.

When can I see him?

Couple of days.

What's on your mind?

Well, you know, the...

The kids are a little scared.

Mm-hmm.

And you?

Well, naturally,
I get a little worried myself sometimes.

But your father doesn't.

And he wouldn't want you to.

I'd feel better
if I knew what was going on!

But I don't want to bother mother.

No. She's had enough to do
for the past three weeks.

And stop being frightened.

Those germs never ran into anyone
as tough as your father.

They'll be...

They'll be yelling for help

by the time he's through with them.

He's strong, all right.

He's a strong, big man in many ways.

Jimmy...

When I first got here, I was worried

about your father being so sick.

But now he's beginning to fight back.

And when he fights-...

You know, I first saw
your father in Albany in 1911.

He was fighting a tough battle
with Tammany hall,

and those fellows
can fight like roughnecks.

He won that one going away,

like what Dempsey did to carpentier.

Jimmy...

He's going to win this one.

I hope you're right.

Never been wrong in my life!

Jimmy?

I just got up for a glass of milk, mother.

Oh, all right, dear.

Now, go in now and get some sleep.

Mother...

You'd better get some rest, too.

Good night.

Good night, James.

Good night, Mr. Howe.

Good night, Jimmy.

Eleanor, why the devil
can't we get some electric light in here?

Oh, Louis, you know we can't.

Oh. This is the forest primeval.
Well, you can have it.

No electric light, no telephone,

newspapers two days late.

What's really bothering you, Louis?

Where's Mrs. Roosevelt?

She'll probably be down in a few minutes.

Please, Louis, be understanding.

This has been
a desperately unhappy day for her.

And I think she's behaved... wonderfully.

I am understanding, Eleanor.
I like the old lady.

She fascinates me.

Monumental and impregnable,
like the rock of Gibraltar.

I know your problems with mama.

Oh, no problems.
She just hates the sight of me.

Please, Louis, don't quarrel with her.

Eleanor, I promise to shinny on my side

if she'll shinny on hers.

Eleanor?

Yes, mama?

Is Franklin asleep?

Yes. He's been resting for over two hours.

Has the pain eased?

A cup of tea, mama?

I would like that.

I won't be a moment. Kettle's on.

- Louis?
- No, thank you.

How are you feeling, Mrs. Roosevelt?

A little tired,

but a good night's rest
will pick me up, I'm sure.

How is your wife, Mr. Howe?

Thank you. Grace is fine.

The air is rather stuffy, don't you think?

Well, we had the door open for a while,

but it's damn cold outside.

Do the doctors know

when Franklin can be
taken back to New York?

They hope in a couple of weeks.

I must compliment you and Eleanor,

the way you are behaving.

Mrs. Roosevelt, you caught on to
the spirit of things very well.

Eleanor, dear,
I hope you're not too worn out,

because this is the first opportunity
we've had to talk.

Yes, mama.

Mrs. Roosevelt, this girl has worked

like a whole squad of trained nurses.

Dr. Lovett was amazed
that she's been able to do it all.

And what... does Dr. Lovett think?

He believes it to be a mild attack

and feels that Franklin
will recover almost completely.

Well, mama, at first,

Franklin lost control...
Even of his hands.

He couldn't write... or hold a spoon.

Now his arms and hands
are almost all well.

We... we don't... know
yet about his back...

Or his legs.

He... he can't... sit up?

No, deal

not yet.

But the doctors feel sure

that his back muscles will be all right.

His legs... those wonderful legs...

What about them?

The doctors don't know.

It's too much.

I can't believe it.

Mama, perhaps we shouldn't talk any more.

- You're exhausted.
- Oh, no.

No, I couldn't sleep right now.

The children...

I can certainly help with the children.

That would be wonderful, mama.

Eleanor, you've got to get some rest.

We all do. I think I'll turn in.

Uh, excuse me.

Good night, Mr. Howe.

Good night.

Rest well, Louis.

Good night.

I don't know why the hell

they can't put
some electric lights in here!

He's a vulgar little man.

He's a very dear little man.

I find him very difficult.

You make that quite clear.

I'm not skillful at hiding
my true feelings, Eleanor.

That may not be a virtue, mama.

There's something very, very special

in the relationship
between Louis and Franklin.

I've never quite understood it.

It is possible that Mr. Howe merely enjoys

riding along on Franklin's coattails.

Eleanor...

Franklin needs you for a minute.

Eleanor...

Uh, it's nothing alarming, Mrs. Roosevelt.

You suffer a great deal
from asthma, don't you?

A great deal. I'd be lonesome without it.

You know that smoking
isn't very good for it.

You know that?

I do.

What are the plans for Franklin

after he's taken to New York?

Well, first, he goes to
the hospital for treatments, and then,

I suppose it depends on how all that goes.

And you say he'll be able to be moved

in two or three weeks?

We hope so.

As soon as Franklin is able
to leave the hospital,

I want him to go to Hyde park.

Everything he loves is there.

It's home to him. It always has been.

It's large enough for the entire family.

And that's where he can
be made most comfortable.

Well... I'm sure that as soon
as Franklin is well enough,

that he and Eleanor will decide
where he wants to recuperate.

If Franklin has any permanent injury,

the best place for him is Hyde park.

Why, we can make a full life
for him there.

He can write, take care of the estate,

rear his family as he was reared.

There'll be enough to keep him active

without overtaxing him
or spending his energy.

Mrs. Roosevelt, I've heard Franklin say

that in public service,

a man must be prepared
to spend and be spent.

He may not be willing to accept
a sedentary life in the country.

Mr. Howe, you now must do
everything possible

to discourage him from trying
to remain in politics.

Permanent injury or not,
Hyde park or Timbuktu,

- Franklin's political future is ordained.
- Oh!

Yes, I... I know that...
That sounds mystical,

but I feel it as surely
as I feel my heart beating.

Believe me, Mr. Howe,
I respect your devotion,

but Franklin is more to me

than a prospective candidate
for public office.

He's my son.

He is also Eleanor's husband,
the father of five children,

and my dearest friend.

My only interest is in his getting well,

not in his status as a politician.

- Mrs. Roosevelt...
- I am grateful

for the care and devotion
you have given Franklin.

I will be less grateful

for your untimely and grandiose schemes.

Mrs. Roosevelt, for the next few months,

Franklin may have need of...
"Grandiose" schemes.

So may we all!

Good night, Mr. Howe.

Please let me!

- Here.
- Good morning, Edward.

- Good morning, sir.
- Hiya, Johnny.

We're all being very quiet,
Mr. Howe, aren't we?

That's right.

He's a cute one.

Yeah, they're all cute.

But there's sure a hell of a lot of them.

We've got about one hour
in which to catch that train.

This is going to be
a rough trip for Mr. R.

Well, after we get him across
the bay and into eastport,

the rough time is over.

Those newspapermen
are liable to scalp you.

Yes, you've got them waiting on one dock,

and you're going to move Mr. R
onto the other one.

Well, after I get him onto the train,
all propped up,

I'll explain to the brethren

that there was a sudden change in plans

due to the tides or currents or something.

When do you tell them
the boss has infantile?

Later, after we get him to New York,

sometime tomorrow.

Here.

"After thorough examinations,
doctors today revealed

that Franklin Delano Roosevelt
suffered from a mild attack

of infantile paralysis.

His legs are temporarily affected,

but it is anticipated

that he will make a complete recovery."

Come on, Missy.

I'm all ears.

Louis, I've been here for two weeks now,

trying to act like he does,
as if nothing's the matter.

It seems like a sad and foolish game.

- Missy...
- I'm sorry, but he keeps rattling on

about plans for business conferences
and meetings,

overhauling the Democratic party,

selecting candidates for '22 and '24,

organizes this charity
and reorganizes that.

I listen in wonder...

And I want to cry.

Maybe he doesn't mean one word

of what he's planning or trying to do.

But he wants us to believe it.

So, Missy... believe!

Well, Franklin, you owe me a dollar.

You're still above normal.

Merely the... physical exertion

of the last few minutes.

Doctor... I plan to leave here today

if I have to crawl down to the bay

and swim across to eastport
and crawl onto that train.

I didn't say anything
about you not leaving.

Eleanor, give him this powder.

Getting over to eastport,

he's going to have a lot more pain
than he's willing to admit.

Franklin...

Are you sure you can manage this trip?

I'm going to make a damn good try, babs.

Now, right in here, up those stairs.

Mrs. Roosevelt.

- We better move.
- Captain Skinner.

Good morning, Mrs. Roosevelt.

Good morning.

Are the children all ready, miss le hand?

Yes, they're outside.

I don't think they should see
their father carried out on a stretcher.

That may be unavoidable.

Missy, here are some
additional get-well letters.

I've had no time to answer them.

A small wonder.

Did Edward get the cigarettes
for Mr. Roosevelt?

- Yes.
- And is mademoiselle with the children?

On the dock.

Eleanor, I do not believe
that the children

should see Franklin carried out
on that stretcher.

They may have to learn
to see a lot of things, mama.

Well, perhaps, but it may be a shock,

particularly to the younger ones.

They'll get older.

Mr. Howe!

I... didn't mean that the way it sounded,

but I think Eleanor is right.

Then I believe you and I have
varying opinions

of what is right and wrong.

Well, frankly, I suppose the children
are excited by it.

They'd probably love
to be carried to a boat on a stretcher.

Furthermore, Franklin's departure

should not be handled like a circus.

Mama, Franklin is a man
of some reputation.

His day of departure
could have been kept secret.

No, it couldn't!

My god, Mrs. Roosevelt,

the press have been eyeing Campobello

since the day Franklin took ill.

I do not approve
of his being placed on exhibition!

Mama!

This is not a pleasant day for any of us,

particularly for Franklin.

Now, lift this end, Charlie.

Keep it level.

Right, that's it.

Lower that end a little.

Now, over the post.

Men, it's a lot easier going down than up.

Be grateful for small favors.

Easy does it, now.

Set it right down here, boys.

That's it. Easy.

We're going to take a little rest.

Thank you, gentlemen.

The journey was a pleasant one.

Where's my missis?

Here I am, darling.

How about a look around, doc?

Yes, indeed.

I tell you,
there's no other way to travel.

Thanks, Louis, my boy.

How have you planned the logistics?

Well, first, the children,
Missy, your mother,

take off for the main dock.

That's where the sightseers
and the press will congregate.

A goodly crowd is gathered
and awaits eagerly.

But, mein Herr,

while all the peoples is watching
the one boat coming on the water,

we go away by the other boat for eastport

und get on the train.

Gut, nicht wahr?

Aha, a diversionary tactic.

Precisely, mein Herr.

As assistant secretary of the Navy,

- I used to rate a 17-gun salute.
- Ach.

Have you arranged for that?

You're just an ex-assistant.

No guns. You're lucky we've got water.

Louis, I approve of your plan.

I've been waiting breathlessly.

He's not fooling.

Louis's first love was the theater,

loves applause.

All right.

I... I hate to break up the party,

but boat number one
ought to be on the way.

Oh, that's me.

Bon voyage, mama.

Bon voyage.

See you, boss.

Right. Here we go, Franklin. Boys...

Easy does it, now.

By gosh, I feel like
the caliph of Baghdad.

Come here, you old pirate.

Edward, here are all the keys.

Yes, ma'am. I'll lock up and
see that everything is shipshape.

All right, thank you.

There we go.

That's right.

Goodbye, Mr. Roosevelt,

and the best of luck to you, sir.

Thank you, Edward.

- All right?
- All right.

Hurry up, gentlemen,
we have a train to catch.

Good morning, Mrs. Roosevelt!

Where's your son?

I don't know anything about it, gentlemen!

You must kindly talk to miss le hand.

- Well, hello, miss le hand.
- Where's your boss?

Gentlemen, gentlemen, apparently,
there's been some misunderstanding

and Mr. Roosevelt's boat has gone
directly to the railroad station.

Quickly please, gentlemen.

Where's Mr. Roosevelt?!

There's been a misunderstanding.

Why didn't you tell us
they were coming here?!

Oh, Marie, keep the children
in their rooms until we leave.

Madame, ils sont tellement decidés,
ils sont impossible!

Marie, gardez ies enfants

dans ie compartment jusqu'a notre depart.

Je réponds bien, madame.

Faites ies!

Oui. Oui, madame.

Eleanor, where's my good hat?

It's here.

How do I look, snappy?

Never better.

You don't need it now.

Sea air does always make me sleepy.

Hello, Mrs. Roosevelt.

- Good afternoon, Franklin.
- Jimmy! What a surprise!

I'm so glad to see you, father.

How wonderful to see you.

How's school?

- Well...
- Oh, I had some good news today.

I'm going to be out of here
before the new year.

Franklin!

Is he making that up?

Oh, no. Both Dr. Draper
and Dr. Lovett believe

he'll be able to do that.

Let me show you how strong I am.

Franklin!

Nothing to it.

Well, that's darn good!

If I wanted to show off,
I could do it 20 times.

- Oh...
- Oh, my.

Babs, here are the sketches for adapting

one of the kitchen chairs
into a wheelchair.

I don't want any of those
conventional invalid chairs.

Well, James, tell me about groton.

How do you like Dr. Peabody?

Well, sir, I'd say
he's a rather strong personality.

Ooh!

Oh, father!

I'd say you were
a strong personality, too!

Thank you, Charles.

Sorry to interrupt, boss,
but you wanted to get these off.

In the letter to the park commissioner,

I may have made a mistake.

I couldn't remember
if you said 60,000 trees

- or 16.
- Sixteen.

Good, that's what I typed in.

My enunciation is usually precise enough

to make the distinction between 16 and 60.

No criticism, Mr. R.
My hearing must be failing.

You'll have to correct this.

It's “pinehenge farm," not "pinhenge."

Missy, this rough draft
of the letter to Cordell hull

should be triple-spaced.

I'm having a good day.

Well, if you must know,

- I'm having a perfectly wretched day.
- I'm sorry.

I can't wear the leg braces
because they don't fit.

And I don't know why I'm going
all the way to Boston

to get new ones that also won't fit.

And I'm fed up
with all these friendly hints

that come in the mail.

Everything from ancient nostrums
to brand-new gadgets

invented by people all the way
from Keokuk to Zanzibar.

They all want to help, not hurt.

Oh, Missy, stop it!
No sweetness and light today!

Please. Here, take them away!

Franklin, I talked with Regan,

and he's arranged
for the railroad trip to Boston.

I may not go to Boston.

Well, you don't have to go until Friday.

You can decide by then.

There's a nice, cheery letter
from Jimmy...

And one from Woodrow Wilson.

Well, I'm glad to read
Jimmy anticipates good marks.

That's a relief.

He loves groton.

I'm sure groton's relieved, too.

It's an extremely considerate note.

"I am indeed delighted to hear

you are getting so well
and so confidently,

and I shall try and be generous enough
not to envy you.

I hope that your generous labors

on behalf of the Wilson foundation

have not overtaxed you,

and you are certainly to be congratulated

on your successful leadership

in the complicated
and difficult undertaking."

That's really quite thoughtful of him.

You have done a lot for the foundation.

Only because I believe in it.

Either we develop some plan
for world peace and order,

or the world will chop itself into bits.

Excuse me, boss,
may I get on with the rest of these?

On your way, Missy.
Later, I want to do another draft

of that letter to Cordell hull.

What I've got is too obscure.

Sixteen.

I was apologizing
for having lost my temper.

I had a rather tense chore
a few minutes ago.

I had to let the upstairs maid go.

She complained so much
about all the work she had to do,

most of which she never did anyway.

Sorry, babs. You've had a big turnover
on maids this year.

It's been a busy household.

It's been a nice household.

I'm getting expert with this chair.

Moves easily.

- Hm.
- See that?

This exercise is stimulating.

Takes some of the loneliness away.

Loneliness, dear?

Invalidism, even temporary,
is very lonely.

I remember reading,
"a sick man wishes to be where he is not."

When you're forced to sit a lot
and watch others move about,

you feel apart, lonely,

because you can't get up
and pace around, too.

I find myself irritated
when people come in here

and parade all over the place.

I have to keep exercising self-control

to prevent screaming at them

to sit down, quiet down, stand still.

I'll remember.

You're quiet... and restful.

I'm just tired.

Where's Louis?

He said he was going out

for a feel of the pulse of the city.

What he really means,

he's going out to get the newspapers.

Loves the teapot dome stories.

Adores political scandals...
If they embarrass Republicans.

Franklin, are there
other things I should know

that you haven't told me?

You mean like about Louis
going out to get the papers?

I mean about your... your loneliness.

Often, when you're alone,
certain fears seek you out

and hunt for a place in your mind.

Well, you know,
I've always had a small fear about fire.

Since this, I've sometimes nightmares

about being trapped and unable to move.

I've been practicing crawling
so I could be sure,

in case of fire,
I could get to a window by myself,

or to a door, or a flight of steps.

I didn't know you'd been... crawling.

I've been trying.

And I can do fairly well.

But soon I'll be back on my feet.

The back muscles came 'round,
so will the legs.

Of course they will.

You like her?

She's lovely.

She'll really sail, you know.

She's not just a toy.

I miss the sea.

Eleanor, I must say this...

Once... to someone.

Those first few days at Campobello,

when this started... I had despair...

Deep, sick despair.

It was a sense that perhaps
I'd never get up again,

like a crab laying on its back.

I'd look down at my fingers

and exert every thought
to get them to move.

I'd send down orders to my legs and toes.

They didn't obey.

Darling!

I turned to my faith, babs,
for strength to endure.

I feel I must go through
this fire for some reason.

Eleanor, it's a hard way
to learn humility,

but I've been learning... by crawling.

I know what's meant,

"you must learn to crawl
before you can walk."

Mother? Mother?

Mother! Mother!

I'm in here, Anna.

- And... and do be quiet.
- How are you, father?

Mother, I have to talk to you,
it's important.

Some other time, dear.

- I do have important...
- This chamber is yours. Au revoir.

Franklin...

I have some work to do, babs.

See you later, sis.

Franklin...

Mother, I want to talk to you.

Yes, dear, so you told me.

I can't talk to you on the run!

Now, Anna, you cannot make up
all the rules.

I'm listening.

It's about my room.

What about your room?

I cannot understand
why I've been moved upstairs

into a little cubbyhole,

and Mr. Howe has been given my large room.

Well, that change was made weeks ago.

Why has it taken you
so long to question it?

Because I... I accepted the change
without thinking of it.

Oh, you did?

Yes. But just the other day,
when granny was here,

she asked me the question direct,
and I couldn't give her a clear answer.

Then I suggest that you tell granny
to ask me.

Mother it seems to me that I'm being...

It seems to me, Anna,
that you're behaving badly.

- I feel...
- Hello, ladies!

Shall I recount the happenings
on the appian way?

Mother, please!

Anna, I will not discuss this
with you now.

I'm sorry. I'll see you later, Eleanor.

There's no need!

Mother and I have concluded
our conversation, thank you!

Excuse me, please!

Marie Antoinette
couldn't have been more noble

on her way to the guillotine.

It's a busy house, Louis,
a very busy house.

It's a busy world.

Here's an item I want you to see.

The Chicago tribune,

"the New York Democratic party
considers Franklin d. Roosevelt

number-one choice for governor."

Oh, Louis, those items that you manage
to squeeze into the newspapers

make good reading, but they're pointless.

They're good for his morale... and mine.

Your morale looks as though
it'd been hit by a mack truck!

I have, on occasion, felt far cheerier.

You're probably scared stiff
about that speech you have to read.

That's what's wearing you down.

Oh, Louis, I'd be no good at it.
I can't lecture.

I giggle at the wrong times
and I... I can't control my voice.

When I think I'm... I'm whispering,
I'm shouting.

Eleanor... this work has to be done.

You are, for a time,
Franklin's eyes, ears, and legs.

You must go places he can't go.

I'm certain I'd be awful.

You are in the hands of professor Howe,

wizard of the spoken word,

speechless mummies given
the eloquence of Demosthenes.

Eleanor,
you don't have to make anything up.

Just read it.

I don't like to read a speech.

Do you think the Gettysburg address
was ad-lib?

Louis... I'll try.

Leave it at that.

Aha! The pulse-taker.

And the pulse is good.

From Maine to California,

the nation still endures under Harding

and teapot dome is boiling.

That's a good theme
for your speech, Eleanor.

My poor, tiring Eleanor,

being driven into the wilds
of the political jungle.

The only place that I'm being driven to
is the kitchen.

And now, my friend, we have work to do.

I have here a list of your various clubs,

organizations, federations,
fraternities, unions,

societies, associations, and groups.

You and I are going through this list

and do a job of editing.

What exactly have you in mind?

The doctors say you're doing too much.

I'm merely their obedient servant.

Let me see the list.

You've crossed off
almost every organization

in which I'm genuinely interested.

Franklin, you've too many interests.
You've got to cut down.

I will not discontinue my work
with the boy scouts.

Their aims are damned important.

What the devil are you
working for, scout master?

I'll decide what goes and what doesn't.

All right, Franklin. All right.

I'll give you the boy scouts,

but something else has got to go.

There's a big breeze blowing
and you've got to trim sail.

The congressional elections are coming up.

You've got to keep your hand in.

I won't be able to move about
too much for a while.

But we can write.

We can let people know
that a man named Franklin d. Roosevelt

has opinions... ideas...

And convictions.

All right, we can get rid
of some of those.

Mr. Brimmer is here.

Who's Mr. Brimmer?

It's a deal I've been working on.

- Another one? Oh, Franklin.
- Show him in.

Missy, who is this brimmer?

The boss'll tell you.

Is this another of your
imaginative business deals?

Louis, stop heckling me.

Just sit... quietly.

I know how you dislike my pacing around.

Good day, Mr. Roosevelt.
How are you feeling?

Coming along. Mr. Brimmer, Mr. Howe.

Mr. Howe, it's a pleasure.

I've had a long day, Mr. Brimmer.

I have the full picture
ready for presentation,

beginning with the estimates
on the construction

of the four dirigibles, as you requested.

Dirigibles?!

Go ahead, Mr. Brimmer.

The cost of construction, as you will see,

will be cheaper
if they're built in Germany.

Airports and masts could be constructed
in suitable locations

in Chicago and New York for a daily
service at comparatively low cost.

Also included on this chart, here,
is the amount of helium gas needed,

the cost, the construction,
items for storage tanks,

et cetera, et cetera.

Also listed, the approximate cost
of personnel needed to run the ships

on a daily basis.

The airport crews, ticket agencies,

And an advertising allotment
based on minimal efforts

until the service
catches the public's fancy.

I-It'll catch on.

I agree. Absolutely, I agree.

Uh, charted for you are various hours

suggested for best air time in connection
with commuter trains,

auto traffic, and accessibility.

Also, ideas for campaigns,

all to be studied, digested,
assimilated, and collated.

Louis! Why the hell
are you always moving around?!

I'm nervous.

Mr. Brimmer, leave all this here for me.

I'll study it in detail
and be in touch with you.

- We're prepared to seek underwriting.
- We can talk of that later.

Thank you, Mr. Brimmer.

I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me.

Of course. I... I understand.

I'll leave these estimates here.

Mr. Howe... it's been a great pleasure.

Thank you, sir.

And good day to you, Mr. Roosevelt.

Goodbye, Mr. Brimmer.

Why the devil didn't someone
answer the phone?

I don't know.

I also don't know about dirigibles.

What is this scheme?

A damn practical one.

Between New York and Chicago?

For a starter.

We can build this
into a transcontinental line,

eventually nonstop, coast-to-coast.

- Oh, Franklin...
- Don't wet-blanket this, Louis.

It could mean a fortune.

And I am sorry I yelled.

Brimmer was driving me mad,

prowling back and forth
like an awkward tiger.

With a little helium,

I'll bet he could get to Chicago.

Louis is a monster!

Madam, your husband is about to go
into the lighter-than-air business,

which proves he has
a lighter-than-air head.

Caution, my friend,
is the refuge of cowards.

Well, your refuge is bed.

You must rest before dinner.

Very well.

Today, I am going upstairs...

On my ow“...

Without helium.

This is something I have been planning
for quite a few days.

Franklin, perhaps you...

No, now's the time.

I can crawl... and I'm going to prove it.

Some other time...

Stand back, Louis.

This method of locomotion

I shall call the Roosevelt slide.

Half waltz...

Half fox trot.

Easy on the feet,

placing all the wear and tear
on the derriere.

Well, Eleanor? Good?

Wonderful, darling. Wonderful.

See you later.

And how would you like it

if granny gave you
a nice little tea party?

Mommy? Mommy?

Mommy, will you read us
the end of yesterday's stories?

You promised.

Well, let Marie take you to wash up

and then come back and
I'll keep my promise.

My hands are dirty.

Oh, no, dear.

A gentleman's hands may be soiled,

but never dirty.

Oh, Franklin isn't in his study.

No, mama. He's upstairs.

He just went up by himself... crawling.

Crawling?

Yes. He... he surprised me today
by giving me a demonstration.

But that's too much of a strain.

That's bad for him.

But how can it be bad for him?

It makes him... independent.

Well, he... he can't be seen
by the children

moving around like that.

Well, you'd have to discuss that with him.

I won't.

I can't.

Very well, Eleanor.

I'll speak to him.

Mama, please allow Franklin
to make up his own mind in this matter.

He must not place
such a strain on his body.

- He's not a child.
- I'll speak to him about it.

There are times when a son
will listen only to his mother.

Mommy, we're ready.

Come on, mommy. Sit down, granny.

No, darlings, I can't.

I have to see your father.

Come on, mommy.

Come on, mommy.

Mommy, you look tired.

Well, I am a little, darling.

Mommy, who is older, you or granny?

Granny is, you dummy!

Well...

"Now today, being Wednesday,

the merry old shoemaker knew

that he could only work on the blue shoes

because they were the only ones

that were quiet and still on Wednesday.

On all the other days,

the blue shoes would run about
and dance and play

with all the other brightly colored shoes,

but on Wednesday,
they were still and obedient.

'Oh, my.' Said the shoemaker,
'what beautiful blue shoes.'

and he thought to himself
that he would make them

even much more beautiful.

So he took his hammer and nails

and sat down and
merrily began to... to... to hammer away."

Mommy!

Mommy! Mommy!

- Mommy! What's the matter?
- Mom!

...For you this time.

You must exercise your Patience.

Believe me, I am exercising it.

But I am not a vegetable.

Eleanor, if I can do anything...

Nothing. Nothing.

I don't know anyone
who's more entitled to a good cry.

Oh, oh... I must have...

I must have terrified the children.

I won't ever do that again...

Not ever.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon, Mrs. Roosevelt.

Hello, Mr. Owens.

Here are your things, all ready for you.

Thank you.

And how's Franklin?

My son is doing very nicely, thank you.

He's happy to be home
at Hyde park for the summer.

Remember me to him, will you,
please, Mrs. Roosevelt?

Yes, I'll do that.

Yes, thank you. Here's the last of it.

Oh, thank you.

Come on.

Boys!

Getting pretty strong for a little fella.

Franklin!

Come here! Come here!

Franklin!

Good afternoon, ma'am.

Would you like to buy
any small boys today?

Franklin, do you think so much activity

is good for you?

Well, granny, it isn't much good for us.

You see, mama,
this exercise is not only good for me,

but will undoubtedly
make giants of my sons.

I'll talk to you later.

Yes, mama.

All right, men. Up we go.

Oh, you men are getting harder to handle.

Soon I shall have to draw out
my heavy artillery.

For a minute, we almost had you, pa.

Delusions of grandeur.

Boys, today, I think I felt
a little more power from my legs.

Here, in these heavy frontal muscles,
the quadriceps.

The bad spots we're still working on

are in these thick muscles

that run from the hips and buttocks,

the gluteus Maximus.

And then these hamstring muscles
on the backs of the knees,

the gastrocs.

Without those, I can't get balance.

I like the name of those thick muscles.

The gluteus Maximus. Right there.

That's it! Gluteus Maximus!

Once I get them all going
at the same time,

you men had better start running.

Oh, I think I left my glasses
over by that tree.

Would you go over and take a look

and see if you can find them?

- What tree?
- I don't know.

Let's look at all of them.

I don't see anything.

Come on, Johnny, we haven't found it yet.

Last one up to the ramp is a rotten egg.

Hey, come on!

Hey, wait!

- Hey, wait up!
- Dad!

All right, all right.

All right. Up the ramp. Up the ramp.

Up we go. Push, push.

Oh, that was no fair.

All right, open the door, boys.

All right, boys. That's it for today.

- Aw, pa.
- No, that's all.

I'll race you down to the barn.

Let me have a head start.

What have you two been plotting

in the privacy of mama's snuggery?

Mama is reasonably concerned.

You should be more careful, Franklin.

Your legs haven't healed completely

from that last fall.

If I'm sitting on the grass,

there's very little of me left to fall.

- Franklin, wait!
- Nothing to it.

Well, there you are.

Tom swift and his rollmobile.

What lovely items have we
for inspection this afternoon?

This came for you by special messenger.

And a good job of printing.

I sometimes regret
having told the newspapers

one of my favorite poems was "Invictus."

It's the 14th copy you've received.

Franklin, the devotion of your admirers

is as stifling as this sticky verse.

Eleanor, have you actually
agreed to make this speech?

Mm-hmm.

Good.

Between your speeches, howe's shenanigans,

and my statements,
we're keeping my head above water.

Oh, speaking of water,
you received a letter this morning

from one of your associates

in the late, lamented lobster business.

Louis, losing 26,000 dollars
in a lobster business

is hardly a joking matter.

Oh, a bit of a “pinch," one might say.

To add further to your merriment,

this came from
the montracol oil company. Good?

I suppose so. Ooh, very good.

You now own 2,000 shares... of gas.

Oh, Franklin, what's this one?

This has to do with
the investment I made in oil.

They didn't strike oil. They found gas.

And there's no immediate market for gas.

Think how you could have
combined the gas discovery

with the dirigibles.

See you for dinner.

He'll probably keep coughing
and smoking till he's 90,

but sometimes he worries me.

Anything else, Missy?

That's all. The mail was light.

I'm sure Louis hated that.
Let's call it a day, Missy.

Why don't you take a swim?

That's a splendid idea! Thank you.

Now, as I was saying,

and you know about what.

I don't want you to rush
and do any damage.

You've plenty of time.

I've been learning something about time.

Being unable to rush things along
has given me Patience.

Patience, I think, gives a better sense

of when to try for the brass ring.

Or when to enjoy the ride
without grasping for anything?

Yes.

Mm-hmm.

Eleanor, when I first took ill,

I dreamed and planned
about a bright future,

half-believing, half-pretending,
like a child on a carousel,

imagining himself a general
in command of armies.

But for weeks now,

something's been changing inside me.

I don't know when it began,
what minute or day or hour, but...

Today I was fully aware,

that despite everything,

I feel sure-footed.

A patient man shall bear for a time

and afterward,
joy shall spring up unto him.

Shall spring up unto us.

I sometimes wonder
how many of your cousins

- are still confounded that we married.
- Oh.

Do you think they still
consider me a feather duster?

Franklin! There are undoubtedly
some members of your family

who still believe
that you didn't get much of a bargain.

I imagine they are reconciled to the truth

that I did better than you did.

Actually, I think
mama's only objection to you

was that your family said "ruse-velt"

while we said "Rose-velt."

Could not a "Rose-velt" by any other name

be just as sweet?

Not to mama.

Thinking back,

I can hardly blame some of your relatives.

I had a lot to learn.

The truth is, I was an awfully mean cuss
in those early days.

Never mean.

Perhaps inexperienced.

I was snobbish, haughty.

I had the Roosevelt name...

Your uncle Teddy's tradition...

Sauced in with ambition.

I had to learn something
about the human heart.

I've been learning.

You've always known
a great deal about my heart.

Cousin...

Wife...

Dearest.

Oh, Franklin.

When I was an awkward adolescent,

I felt unloved, unwanted.

With you, I've always felt needed...

Wanted.

That's a blessing for which I shall...

Hello, mother. How are you, father?

Sis, you've been developing
an irritating habit

of barging into rooms
without knocking on doors.

I just wanted to put these books back.

Then do it, sis.

Oh!

That's a stupid, clumsy way to do it.

A rather sharp attack for a mild offense.

I'll make it up to her later.

Well, I'd best talk to her
before she runs to granny.

You tell granny

everything that happened.

Mama, I must talk to Anna alone, please.

I have some things to do, Anna.

Father had no right
to speak to me that way.

What else, dear?

And it... it's been extremely difficult.

Yes, it has.

There's been so little chance
for me to talk to anybody.

Most of the time I feel alone.

Anna, when one member of a family is ill,

it's difficult for the rest of the family.

What all of us are inclined to forget,

is that it's most difficult
for the one who's sick.

Sit down, dear.

I want to say some other things to you.

And then I expect you to go to your father

and tell him that you behaved badly.

And I'm certain that
that's exactly what you're going to do.

Hello, sis.

I'm an old grouch.

Father, I've been selfish.

Now, sis, no confessionals.

Well, I have been.

I've been mooning around
the house like a child.

I felt everyone
was keeping me out of rooms.

I didn't really understand
what you've been through.

Well, I've been to blame
for some of that, Anna.

We should have talked before.

That's all I ask, mother. Please talk.

Everyone is so occupied.

We'll all try and find more time.

And about my room in New York, father,

I actually prefer it upstairs.
It's quieter.

Anna, dear, most of our blessings

come in heavy disguises.

Which, of course, reminds me of a story.

Way back in the hills of upstate New York,

where a lot of poor tenant farmers live,

there was a wise, old man

whom everybody came to
with their troubles.

One day, a woman came to him
with a sad, sad story.

She and her husband and four children

lived in a one-room cabin

and she said it was simply unbearable.

The old man asked her
if she had any chickens on that farm.

When she said she had,

he advised her to put
the chickens in her house.

The next day, the woman came back

and said things
were even worse, much worse.

so the old man asked her
if she owned any cows.

When she said she had two of them,

he advised her
to put the cows in her cabin.

And the next day,

she came back and said the place
was getting to be a horror.

So the old man said to her,
"you got a horse?"

She said yes, she had a horse.

He said, "put the horse in your cabin."

And the woman did that, too.

And the next day, she came back
and said it was just too much.

It was awful.

so the old man said to her,

"well, my dear, tell you what you do.

You take that horse and
those cows and those chickens

and get 'em all out of there."

and the next day,

the woman came back and said, "thank you.

Oh, thank you so much.

You can't imagine
how comfortable we all are at last."

Thank you, father,

for not putting the chickens in my room.

Sis, in the last two minutes,

you've grown 10 years wiser.

Good afternoon, Mrs. Roosevelt.

Good afternoon, Charles.

Oh, Charles, would you?

Thanks so much.

Hello, granny.

Ooh, Anna, my dear.

You look lovely.

Oh, it's bitterly cold,
like a frosty night at sea.

Tu est trés gentille, ma petite.

Thank you, granny.

Ou est votre pére?

He's dictating to Missy.

And your mother?

She's out making a speech.

Mr. Howe is with her.

Indeed?

I should like my membership changed

from "active" to "nonresident."

I cannot possibly play golf myself
for a year or two.

The usual "thank you" and "yours truly."

Greetings, mama.

How do you do, Mrs. Roosevelt?

Oh, hello, Missy.

Franklin, you look peaked.

I feel fine.

I'm not satisfied.

You're doing too much, I can tell.

I won't quarrel with you.

If you say I look peaked, I look peaked.

Missy, you're not letting him overwork,
are you?

- Well, Mrs. Roosevelt...
- Mama, dear,

I have one or two more letters to dictate.

Very well.
I'll go see how the children are.

Is it true that Eleanor
is out making another speech?

You know my feelings
about politics generally.

I do.

It's a tawdry business for a man,

and, I believe, shocking for a woman.

Mama, women sometimes follow
other professions

even more shocking.

- For instance...
- Franklin!

That kind of remark would come better
from someone like Mr. Howe.

Despite the victory
of the Democratic party

in the recent off-year elections,

we cannot assume today

that the presidential campaign
in 1924 is a certainty.

It has been said that nothing is certain

in love or war or politics.

It is necessary, therefore,
that each one of us

should continue to apply our energies

to the work that lies ahead
in the next two years.

And this seems to me a grand thing to do.

We must anticipate what the issues will be

and keep our minds flexible,

like a corset which holds its shape,

yet has enough give.

Well, I... I do think
I was better than the last time.

You do?

Well, it was certainly
better than the first one.

That it was.

When did you think up
that joke about the corset?

It came to me in a dream.

Must have been a nightmare.

- We're home.
- Welcome back.

Well, Louis, how'd it go?

You wouldn't be so damned cheerful

if you had to go out in this weather.

How the devil she stands it, I don't know.

"Invictus."

It's lovely and clear outside.

Oh, my god, it's freezing!

Well, how'd it go?

Franklin, your wife has almost rid herself

of that ridiculous giggle

and even manages
to make a point now and then

with some measure of effectiveness.

You mean she was good.

Adequate.

- Thank you, teacher.
- Was there a good turnout?

Excellent!

Two hundred women.

Four hundred.
That's the figure I gave the press.

Well, the important thing is they listened

and... and they signed pledges to work.

Oh, and, Franklin,
I read them your statement

about the league of nations,

and it received genuinely warm applause.

Did the corset joke get a laugh?

Did you know about that?

I gave it to her.

Mama is appalled at the idea
of your continuing these speeches.

We'll talk about that later.

See you at dinner, Louis?

Not me.
I've decided to go home for a day or two.

I talked to grace.

She's been wondering
if I've grown any uglier.

Also, my son, hartley,
looked at the postman this morning

and asked if that was daddy.

- Oh!
- So I've decided to go home to dinner.

Well, then, I'll say goodbye,
Louis. Louis?

- What? Oh. Goodbye.
- Bye.

Can you breathe through all that?

You know me.

If I can stand on my feet,
I assume I'm breathing.

Louis, I'm being reflective.

Probably because you're heading
for another birthday.

Now that I've made this one,
everything after is velvet.

Part of my reflections had to do with you.

Ah, I'm fired.

My good friend,

as much as you loathe
a sentimental moment,

thank you for everything.

"Out of der night

that covers me...

Black as der pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

for my unconquerable soul.

In der fell clutch of circumstance,

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance,

my head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

looms but the horror of the shade.

And yet the menace of the years

finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how straight the gate,

how charged with punishments the scroll...

I am the master of my fate.

I am the captain... of my soul."

Good night.

It's a trick!

- Aw, please, give us an easy one,
- father, give us another one.

All right. All right! But just one more.

Now, a train leaves Hyde park for New York

going 80 miles an hour.

At the same time,
a train leaves New York for Hyde park

going 40 miles an hour.

Now, the question is,
when the trains meet,

which one is closer to New York?

Well, the answer's obvious.

Well, naturally, the one
that left Hyde park at 80 miles an hour.

You're all wrong.

If the two trains meet,

isn't it obvious they're both
exactly the same distance from New York?

Hold it! Hold it!

And what's also obvious to me

is you're all in need of some sleep.

All right, upstairs, everybody.

Mommy, will you be up soon?

Yes, in a minute, dear.

Good night, granny.

Good night, my darlings.

Good night, granny. Come on!

Sleep well, gentlemen.

Good night, father.

Good night, sis.

- Good night, granny.
- Good night, Anna.

The papers say
it's going to be just as cold tomorrow,

so you must remember to bundle up warm.

Overshoes, gloves, and something soft
and woolly around your neck.

I know.

And mademoiselle should be
very careful with the young ones

in weather like this.

I heard mother tell mademoiselle that
this morning.

Very sensible.

Anna looks well.

But I look peaked.

Oh, Franklin, stop being a tease.

Would you like coffee in the living room?

Yes, Charles, please.

I'll help get the tribe to bed.

Now, Franklin,

Franklin, I've had some men at Hyde park

to determine how we can
electrify the lift.

Now it is, after all,
only a large-size dumbwaiter...

- And... what?

I mean, please don't.

The exercise of pulling
those ropes is helpful to me.

I need it for my arms and shoulders.

So, if you're thinking of me,
please don't change the dumbwaiter.

Oh, but I...

Oh, thank you, Charles.

Mm, thank you.

- Franklin?
- No cream, no milk, four sugars.

Oh, cream is good for you.

I don't like cream in my coffee.

To get back to what
we were saying, Franklin,

I feel you are doing too much physically.

I wish I could do more.

Mama, it's only my legs
that are temporarily bothered.

The rest of me is as healthy as ever.

I know that. I know that.

I talk to the doctors and they tell me.

But sometimes I feel that Eleanor,

certainly only with the motives
of the deepest love,

and that ugly little man,

push you too rapidly.

I don't think so!
Dr. Draper doesn't think so!

And please, mama,
don't refer to Louis Howe

any longer with that unpleasant phrase!

I've endured it too long as it is!

Franklin, your tone of voice
is very disturbing to me.

Mama, I should like
not to quarrel with you.

Now, I know how upset you've been.

This is a real wrench for you,
but I'm going to get over this.

And if I don't, and a big if,

I shall have to become accustomed to
braces and canes and wheelchairs,

and so will you.

Franklin...

Now, please mama, let me finish.

- Louis Howe...
- Oh!

Mama, stop that.

Louis Howe told me,

while I was in the hospital
after Campobello,

that I had one of two choices.

I could lie on my back,

be a country squire, and write books,

or get up and become
president of the United States.

Now, I think Louis's dreams
are far too bright, but...

I have no intention of
retiring to Hyde park

and rusticating.

You know, Franklin,
when you were a little boy,

your dear father took you
for a visit to the white house

- to see president Cleveland.
- Mama, I know.

Let me finish.

And president Cleveland said,

"I make a strange wish for you.

It is that you may never be
president of the United States."

Well, he was playing the odds
in wishing that.

Oh!

Your cousin Teddy died

because of ambitious people around him

pushing him into things...

Died because he didn't know when to stop,

didn't know
that you can't make it the same world

for all people.

Maybe you can't,

but it seems that every human
has an obligation in his own way

to make some little stab at trying.

It's not such a bad world, Franklin.

Not at all.

I have no personal complaints.

I'm lucky. I had rich parents.

Well, don't be self-conscious
about that, Franklin.

Advantages of birth include
not only certain luxuries and comforts,

but the responsibility
for those less fortunate than we are.

Yes, yes. Noblesse oblige,

the poor will always be with us.

We went through that
when I sold the mining stock.

On reflection, you must admit
that was a childish gesture.

I would not hang onto stock
bringing me an income

over the tortured bodies of miners

who lived as though
they were in the middle ages.

These are different times.

The attitude
of noblesse oblige is archaic!

- Franklin!
- It's another name for indifference!

How dare you?!

You are talking to your mother.

And even if I were to agree with
your romantic political ideas,

it's absurd for you to consider
running for public office.

The traveling, the speeches,

would be an enormous strain on you.

At the moment,
I am not running for anything,

and I won't,

until I can get around
and stand on my feet.

But that doesn't mean
I have to go into hiding.

Oh, I'm not asking you to do that.

I'm asking you to be sensible,

to take up a permanent residence
in Hyde park,

where you could be comfortable

and where you could use the time for
resting,

and regaining your strength.

I love Hyde park,

but I want to use it, not let it Bury me.

That's a terrible thing to say!

You know what I mean.

No, Franklin, I don't know what you mean.

I only know that your stubbornness

is not only your strength,
but your weakness,

and you needn't think...

I needn't do anything!

I am not going to let myself
go down a drain!

A bad beating either breaks
the stick or the student.

Well, I'm not broken!

I'm not settling for the life
of an ailing invalid,

and I will no longer abide
implications, innuendos,

or insinuations that I do so!

Oh, Franklin,
I don't want you getting angry.

It's not good for you.

It's damn good for me!

Son... what do you believe I want for you?

Obscurity? Invalidism?

Do you believe
that is my ambition for you?

Having been a mother over 40 years,

do you think this is what I want?

Any dream you ever had,
or could have, I have.

All pain you have felt, I have felt.

I don't want to see you hurt.

That's enough.

There'll be no more talking.

No more.

Mama, the children
want to say good night to you.

Franklin?

Anything needed...

Wanted?

Nothing.

The same to you!

I told him!

Yeah, what did he tell you?

Thanks, Charlie.

You know, you're the only guy here
who ever says "thanks."

Thanks.

You're welcome.

Sorry. Later.

There's nothing new in that one.

It says that Mcadoo and Al Smith
are leading contenders.

They make it sound like a prizefight.

Well, governor, in a way,
there is a championship at stake.

How does it really look to you men?

We think you're a cinch
on the first ballot.

I appreciate your loyalty,

but you don't know
what you're talking about.

There's not a chance I can make it
on the first ballot, and you know it.

Do you want any of us with you
when you go to see Roosevelt?

No. Better I talk to him alone.

Have you made up your mind
about letting him nominate you?

Not yet.

It's never been done, governor.

I mean, having a campaign manager
also nominate.

Doesn't necessarily mean it's wrong.

Roosevelt as a speaker is not
in the same league with Bourke Cockran.

I know, but Bourke Cockran's dead.

We talked to half a dozen people.

Not one of them even came close.

Maybe frank could do it.

Can you control what he'd have to say?

That's what I'm going to see him about.

No one's sure he can stand
without his crutches.

I don't need an acrobat.

If he'll say what I want,
maybe I'm stuck with him.

I'll feel him out.

And I gotta make sure he doesn't talk
about the league of nations.

You can't win votes with that issue.

I'll see you around, gentlemen.

How do you do, Mr. Lassiter?

- Mr. Roosevelt.
- I regret that I had to keep you waiting.

Mr. Howe.

- How do you do, sir?
- How do you do?

Mr. Roosevelt, I know that
your time is terribly occupied,

but what I have to say to you
is of great importance.

I recognized the note of urgency
in your telegrams.

You of course know something of
the organization I represent?

I do, indeed.

We have in recent months
expanded the scope of our work,

and we hope, very shortly,
to have a national pattern of activity.

Your name, Mr. Roosevelt,
has stood for something important

among the rank and file of our membership.

Please thank the rank and file.

I'll come directly to the point.

Your chairmanship
of governor Smith's campaign

for the presidential nomination

has caused much apprehension

among many... many of our members.

That's curious, Mr. Lassiter.
What causes this apprehension?

Because of our opposition
to governor Smith,

we view with alarm

your association with,
and sponsorship of, his cause.

I, for one, am very flattered
by my association with governor Smith.

What is there about him
that induces this opposition

among your members, Mr. Lassiter?

Mr. Roosevelt,
I don't think it necessary for me

to dot the "I's " and cross the "t's."

I love to dot the
and cross the "t' s."

Well, sir, you must be aware of the fears

that many Americans have

when they contemplate
the election of a catholic

to the presidency of the United States.

The domination of the church
over its members is well known,

and governor Smith is a devout catholic.

Would it be more acceptable
if he were a renegade catholic?

Louis!

It occurs to me, Mr. Lassiter,

that your members might be satisfied
with a personal statement from me

that would enlighten them
on my views in this matter.

I am certain that a statement

of the proper kind from you,
Mr. Roosevelt,

would be of some service.

I have something in mind.

Missy!

Missy!

Would you be good enough
to type up a statement, please?

How many copies would you like, sir?

Oh, one or two would be sufficient.

We'd print it and circulate it
for the best effect.

And I shall see that it gets
proper circulation in other quarters.

I am not worried

that the Roosevelt name will be tarnished

by any association with governor Smith.

If a catholic who has the ability,

broadness of view, and fine record

that entitled him to be
considered presidential timber

cannot be nominated or elected president

because of his religion,

then we might just as well be consistent

and say he cannot be governor
or congressman or mayor

or hold any other public office

or be called upon to serve
in the army or Navy

in defense of his country in war.

Is that what you had in mind,
Mr. Lassiter?

Good day, Mr. Roosevelt.

Good day, Mr. Lassiter.

I wonder if there's any way

of getting the tone of voice
you used in print.

Unfortunately, there are lots of people

who feel exactly like Mr. Lassiter.

In this year of our lord, 1924,

even if a! Smith were protestant and dry,

he couldn't be elected president
on the Democratic ticket.

If he is the right man,
he's running at the wrong time.

Well, right or wrong,
the governor is 20 minutes late.

Mm, convention isn't till June.

We can wait.

I haven't anything else, Missy.

Please type up that statement
as soon as you can.

You have anything, Louis?

Nothing for paper,

just a pocketful of second thoughts.

Second thoughts, Louis?
What's worrying you?

First, breathing.

I've been wondering what a! Smith
wants to talk to you about this afternoon.

I would suppose
some genial campaign chatter.

I think it's something special.

Do you think he regrets
his appointment of me

as his chairman?

He still needs upstate New York.

You're protestant, dry, rural.

You're the logical cowcatcher.

No, I've been thinking
about Bourke Cockran.

Why Bourke Cockran?

Ever since Bourke died,

Smith's been searching for a replacement.

He's been trying out speakers
to place him in nomination.

Well, if he's finally gotten around to me,

it must be a reluctant choice.

Why so?

Oh, Louis, you know al's always had

a patronizing attitude toward me.

Listen, kid, let me teach you

the facts of life in the big city.

Would you be up to it?

I sometimes wonder

if I could stand the gaff of active work,

maybe the dreams and
aspirations for public service

would disappear in the hard light
of practical politics.

I'm no idle dreamer, Franklin.

Working with you is an act of faith.

I believe god has an eye on your future.

God has an infinite variety of tasks.

I don't believe he's available
as a campaign manager.

Franklin.

The problem is this.

To stop a lot of talk

from people who say
Roosevelt's a nice fellow

who once had a fine chance,
but isn't it too bad.

You might be able to carry it off
wonderfully

and put the party on notice

that you're ready for active service.

But you could fail

and be headed for the political boneyard.

That's a clean picture of the situation.

Let's see if ai starts sizing me up
as his nominator.

And if he does?

Then, Louis, my boy,

I'll start sizing him up as my nominee.

Eleanor, who's going with you?

I don't need an entourage.

I walk in, say my few words,

shake a hundred hands,
and go on to the next stop.

Why don't you get Eleanor's opinion
of what we were talking about?

Louis has a hunch,

and I'm inclined to think he's right,

that al Smith is coming here today

to ask me to place him in nomination.

I had heard that he'd been
shopping around for a speaker.

She hears everything.

Well, what do you think?

I think it's a decision
that only you can make.

That's taking a well-defined position.

I know you'd make a wonderful speech,

but whether you're ready to do it

is a matter that only you can decide.

What about the risks
or advantages, politically?

I'm no politician.

I have the naive point of view

that in public service
one should pursue principles

without calculating the consequences.

She's right, she's no politician.

There is one point
to consider, physically.

You'd have to stand
for almost three quarters of an hour.

Yes.

I'd have to go into training for that.

Mmm! I like that Cologne!

They're ready, Mr. Roosevelt.

Oh, Eleanor, I wish you'd take
a copy of that with you.

If you find a place to use it
this afternoon, rattle it in.

Hall and farewell.

- Good luck.
- Bye-bye!

I think Eleanor is beginning to enjoy
this political prowling.

What's more, she's getting
damn good at it.

That could be the governor.
It's late enough.

Won't you come in, governor?

Good afternoon, governor Smith.

Hello, Eleanor. And hello, Missy.

Good afternoon, governor.

Well, I've never been greeted

by a brace of such beautiful girls.

Eleanor, I hear you're getting to be
quite a speaker.

Glad you're on my side.

Well, the fact that I am
makes my speeches sound better.

I'm, uh,

I'm on my way to another one right now.

Would you excuse me?

- Yes, yes, yes. Of course.
- Missy?

Yes.

Hope to see you soon, Eleanor.

Well, indeed, yes.

- Goodbye, then.
- Goodbye.

Uh, right in here, governor.

- Hello, frank.
- Hello, ai.

How you feeling? Hello, Louis.

Hello, governor. You're looking fit.

Hey, that hand of yours
is getting like a vise.

Some, uh, cold refreshments?

Why, Missy, there's a law in this country
against strong refreshment.

An obnoxious law, nevertheless, law.

I know. Scotch or rye?

Scotch, thanks,
and don't kill it with soda.

Frank, I met Eleanor on the way in.

She's doing a fine job.

She's been taking her lessons
from professor Howe.

Oh? Louis, you ought to open up a school.

Governor, any school of practical politics

would have to have you as its clean.

I didn't know you
could hand out the blarney.

Well, frank, I, um,
I hear you've broken up your law firm

with Emmott and Marvin.

What's the matter,
the work a little too rugged for you?

As a matter of fact, ai,
it wasn't rugged enough.

I did withdraw on the friendliest basis,

but their type of work,
estates, wills, et cetera,

frankly, it bored me to death.

Well, it certainly keeps you freer
to do what you want.

Your, uh, scotch, governor,
still alive, I hope.

- And yours, Mr. R.
- Missy.

Louis, I brought you a soft drink.

Reluctantly, thanks.

Thanks, Missy. That's perfect.

If you need fresh ones,

a call will bring you
our instant, courteous service.

That girl's a Jewel, frank.

That she is.

Well, they tell me there's a lot of
Mcadoo money around town.

I wish I had some money to bet.
Bill isn't going to make it.

I'd like to win this nomination,

but there's a good chance
it could be a stalemate.

Some dark horse might come riding home.

I was going over the delegate strength

with Belle Moskovitz
and Joe Proskauer yesterday.

Frank, how do you size it up?

I don't think you can do it
on the first ballot, ai.

Oh? Yeah, that's the way
we figured it, too.

But neither can Mcadoo.

Well, I'll tell you one thing.

If it isn't going to be me,
it'll never be Mcadoo.

I'll fight him with my last breath.

He's not my kind of man.

A letter reached me.

I'd like to have you hear a part of it.

Frank, you handle that chair
like a scooter.

Practice makes "poifect," ai.

It's from babe Ruth.

I asked him to chairman
a committee for you.

- Oh, the babe, huh?
- Yeah.

"No poor boy can go any too high
in this world to suit me.

You know, we ballplayers travel
the country a good deal,

and I hear lots of fellows
talking about al Smith

and his chances to be president.

And I'm telling you that most everybody
I talk to is with him."

How many ballplayers are there?

I hope he's as good a prophet
as he is a slugger.

You know, I sure miss Bourke Cockran
during these days.

He had a great instinct
in these subtle matters

of conventions, nominations,
and elections.

Sort of spooky.

Sure miss him, for many reasons.

You certainly would have wanted
him to nominate you.

There was no one better.

That's a fact, no one better.

He had a magnificent voice,
and he knew how to use it.

Wasn't just the way he talked, frank.

He had a knack of saying
just the right thing.

That he did.

For days now, I've been trying to think

just what Bourke would have wanted to say

in a nominating speech.

It seems to me he'd have argued
for you as a progressive.

He certainly would have been
aware of the issues,

the Volstead act, the Klan,
the latent issue of your faith.

But he might have been willing
to point out

that the obligation
above any one candidate

was to keep the party together.

I am all for party unity,

but I do not intend to temporize
on the issue of the Klan,

and Bourke wouldn't have either.

There's another issue, al,
even more important than the Klan.

That's the issue of world politics

and America's place in it.

Bourke would have spoken of that, perhaps.

If you're talking about
the league of nations, frank,

it's a dead dodo.

I think if the Democratic party's
going to stand,

it's got to stand
for something big and noble.

Oh, I suppose there's nothing wrong

with mankind having a vision
of a world organization.

But it's only a vision.

Newton baker wants to submit a resolution

to support the league of nations
at the convention.

Hasn't got a chance.

Maybe not,
but I think you ought to support it.

Woodrow Wilson's been in his grave
only three months.

And I don't think we ought to let

his conviction about the league
be buried with him.

Well, it's all right with me.

I'll talk to the program committee

and get them to put baker on the schedule.

Fine.

Frank, you got any other notions

about what Bourke Cockran
would have to say?

Finally, I think he'd make up
his own speech.

A large part of which
would have to do with the fine record

of the man he'd be nominating.

Yes, I suppose a few kind words about me

would be in order.

You know, frank, Bourke had a theory

that no nominating speech

ought to run more than 30 to 40 minutes.

You can read the constitution
in that time.

It's a long time
for any man to be on his feet.

A man certainly can't make
an effective speech

sitting down.

You can be sure of that.

After all the months
I've spent in this chair,

I've come to love
the time I spend each day

standing on my crutches.

Fresh one, governor?

No. No, thanks.

Frank, I'd like to have you
put me in nomination.

That's a surprise.

Caught me flat-footed.

Will you do it, frank?

Certainly.

Fine. I'll want to look at
what you're going to say,

and Joe Proskauer may have an idea or two.

He's a pretty good phrasemaker.

I don't mind the addition
of a few phrases,

but, ai, what I say will have to be
what I want to say.

Yes, frank, yes,
you have made that quite clear.

Say, time runs fast.

Got some other people I've kept waiting.

Charles, the governor's hat, please.

Frank, I'm glad you're going to do this.

I... I... I appreciate it
and I won't forget it.

Thanks, ai.

I consider this
a singular privilege and honor.

I'll try to make your choice a good one.

I'm satisfied you will. Take care, kid.

- So long, ai.
- I'll see you, Louis.

Say goodbye to Missy.

I'll see you to the car, governor.

Frank, did you have an idea
I was going to ask you?

A vagrant thought. Why?

Oh, it just occurred to me

you were both too surprised
to be surprised.

Missy!

Missy!

I'm going to nominate al Smith.

Bravo!

I like him. He's sharp as a blade.

Well, mein boy,

Smith will make
the announcement tomorrow,

and I'll follow up by flooding him
with congratulations.

Oh, Louis, ease up.

Missy, we've got to get a blueprint

of that platform at the garden.

I want to find out just how far it is

from where I'll be sitting to the lectern.

- Yes, sir.
- About 10 steps, I'd say.

Ten steps.

I can do that.

I'll take Jimmy with me. He's the biggest.

Ten steps...

About... 20 feet.

About.

I'll work on that.

We've got to get the exact measurement.

Work hard, Franklin.

They are liable to be the 10 biggest steps

you ever took in your life.

Perhaps.

Or... to be clinical,

I may fall smack on my gluteus Maximus.

Mother.

Yes, Anna?

Well, you all look splendid,
absolutely radiant.

Now, you're to follow granny into the box

and remain there
until Charles comes to get you

after the meeting.

Father, there's a lot of people

waiting outside to see you!

Well, that's kind of them, Johnny.

You see, in baseball talk,
this is going to be

my first time at bat

after along, long time on the bench.

Franklin...

See you later.

- Goodbye, father!
- Good luck, father!

Here we go!

Where's the pressroom?

Anybody know where the pressroom is?

How's it going?

Everything appears to be ready
except the speaker.

Calm down, Louis. The boss never misses
a train or a deadline.

Are these to be left here
or taken to the platform?

I told you a dozen times
they're to be left here.

- Oh, I just wanted to make sure.
- Now you're sure.

Are you certain copies of the speech

got to the pressroom?

- I delivered them in person.
- Yes, she did.

- Oh, Mr. Howe...
- Mr. Roosevelt is here.

Stand back. Stand back.

Good luck, Mr. Roosevelt!

Sir, I served as an ensign

on the us dyer that took you to Europe
in 1918.

Didn't recognize you out of uniform.

Glad to see you.

- Glad to see you, sir.
- Good!

Good luck, sir.

Now, Charles, I wish you'd check

as to whether the other car got here

and make certain
that the children are all right.

Yes, ma'am.

That very likely is the finish
of Mr. Weaver's address to the brethren.

Now what?

Now bill sweet to second
the nomination of Mcadoo,

then the roll call,

then, if Connecticut remembers its cue,

it yields to the empire state
of New York, and then...

They get one half-hour of little ol' me.

Mr. Roosevelt, I've checked
everything again and again,

and I'm sure everything will be all right.

I'm certain it will be, daly.

- Are you feeling okay?
- Fine.

- Is there anything I can do for you?
- No, thank you, daly.

- Oh, daly.
- Yes, sir?

I'd like you to make certain

that everything's going on schedule.

Will you go out, check the crowd,

get a few impressions,
and then report back?

Would you do that, daly?

Of course!

- Thanks, Louis.
- I wasn't thinking of you.

He was driving me crazy.
Franklin, you ought to get ready.

Jimmy?

I'm right here, father.

Off with the trousers, on with the braces.

Franklin...
I want to talk to you again

about the finish of your speech.

Oh, Louis, not again.

Yes, again.
That phrase of Proskauer's is a rich one,

and you're murdering it
by not using it at the finish.

It's close enough to the finish.

I think it ought to be
the last thing you say.

"I give you the happy warrior

of the political battlefield, al Smith."

Period. Crash!

I don't think so. Period. Crash!

You're wrong.

It's a sock phrase, and it'll stick.

It ought to be the punchline.

Oh, Louis, enough.

Franklin, may I say a word?

Certainly, if you're going to
agree with me.

Then I have nothing to say.

That is hardly a sign of wifely devotion.

Your being here and
doing this is the important thing.

I just think you're losing the value

of the last minute or two
of a good speech.

Louis, I am not sold on changing it.

I'm sorry.

Not too tight?

No, Jimmy, I think it's fine.

Oh, excuse me, please.

Sorry, ma'am. No admittance.

I am Franklin Roosevelt's mother.

Please open the door.

Yes, ma'am.

Franklin!

Mama, you are ever the true lady.

You came just at the right time,

- just as I slipped into my pants.
- Oh!

Mama, welcome
to the smoke-filled halls of politics.

That howling mob in the garden
is frightening.

That howling mob consists
of ladies and gentlemen

conducting the business of democracy.

Well, why do they have to be
so noisy about it?

Mama, I am all for noisy congregations.

I hope our conventions
never turn into high-school pageants.

Oh, Franklin, this is hardly the time

to give me a lesson in politics.

I only wanted a moment
to say god bless you.

He's given me many blessings.

Franklin, speak out loudly and clearly.

Yes, mama.

Franklin, if I know your mother,

within a couple of months,
she'll be writing a political primer.

I know this is awful,
but I'm getting nervous.

Sweet's taking a long time
for a seconding speech.

He's only been on a few minutes.
It just seems long.

Mr. Howe!

Mr. Howe, the crowd is enormous,
busting with excitement!

Senator Walsh says it's time
Mr. Roosevelt got to the platform.

Missy, you sit in the press section.
Let me know what you hear.

Boss, I know you'll be tremendous.

Thank you, Missy.

- Good luck, Mr. Roosevelt!
- Thank you, daly!

And to you, Mrs. Roosevelt!

- Oh. Thank you.
- And to you, Elliott.

James. Jimmy.

Oh, yes, yes, of course.

Okay, okay, daly,
and... and good luck to you.

Better check the braces.

They should be fine.

Jimmy, if they slip,

pick me up in a hurry.

I'm ready.

Hello, Mr. Roosevelt.

All right, stand back! Stand back, here!

All right, stand back! Make it clear!

Stand back!

Make them stand up for Smith,
Mr. Roosevelt!

It's too hot for a long speech!

Good luck to you, Mr. Roosevelt!

Let's get out of here quick,
Mr. Roosevelt!

Think you can make the ramp, Jimmy?

You worry about your speech.

I'll take care of everything else.

Good luck to you, sir.

We don't care who you nominate...

Ai is a friend of mine.

Come on! It's warm in there!

Joe, would you do me a favor

and walk down and test that lectern?

I want to make certain
it won't fold up on me.

Ladies and gentlemen!

Ladies and gentlemen!

Ladies and gentlemen, please, please!

Please, give the speaker your attention!

Silence, please!

There is a good deal of mail accumulating
for the delegates

in the convention post office.

And we urge you, please,
to pick up your mail.

It's making it very crowded in there.

Thank you.

Ladies and gentlemen,

your attention, please!

We will continue
with the calling of the roll.

Connecticut.

Connecticut, the nutmeg state,

yields to
the great empire state of New York!

Ladies and gentlemen!

Ladies and gentlemen!

Silence, please!

Take your seats, please!

Ladies and gentlemen,

the chair recognizes,
from the state of New York,

the honorable Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

♪ east side, West Side ♪

♪ all around the town ♪

♪ the tots sang "ring-a-Rosie" ♪

♪ "London bridge is falling down" ♪

♪ boys and girls together ♪

♪ me and Mamie O'Rorke ♪

♪ tripped the light fantastic ♪

♪ east side, West Side ♪

♪ all around the town ♪