User reviews

My wife is a polio survivor, and obviously handicapped, from the disease's last American days in the 1950's. I was a little worried about selecting it for our evening viewing because too often movies about a physical or other handicap tend to fall into a mushy wallow of pity and become insulting. Whatever failings this one has as an historical or biographical document, so ably pointed out by my fellow reviewers, it was clear to us that the real topic was his facing, accepting, and surviving polio and then moving on. It did so realistically and with complete grace. The portrayals of paternalism/pity/revulsion shown the handicapped by many and by Franklin himself were spot-on examples of the well-meaning but hurtful attentions that people carrying many different burdens get handed daily. The polio didn't ultimately define FDR-the man, any more than his hair color did but the movie does a wonderful job showing his transition to that realization, and yet never asks us to feel sorry for him.

Having been a a patient at Warm Springs for many years during the 1930s and late 1940s, I feel qualified to critique the HBO movie, Warm Springs. The feel of the period and the scenes of the Warm Springs area were fairly realistic. The Meriwether Inn and the surrounding grounds were located on top of a hill, and not on flat ground. The pool where everyone swam was the authentic pool that FDR asked his friend Edsel Ford to build for him, after he acquired the property. I have swum in the pool many times. FDR was a man of great humor, and this is what is lacking in Kenneth Branagh's portrayal. Branagh completely missed the essence of the man, but so would any actor who attempted to portray FDR. Fred Botts was a great friend of mine, and when he arrived in Warm Springs, it was in the baggage car of the train. His brother accompanied him, and had modified a packing crate for him to rest in. He couldn't sit up for very long without experiencing great discomfort. He could stand up, or he could lie down, so he asked his brother to build him the crate so he could ride in comfort from Pittsburgh to Warm Springs. FDR's first words to him upon Fred's arrival were, "You must be the skeleton from Pennsylvania." Fred was tall and very thin. In 1916, Fred was working toward his debut with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Among his admirers and supporters was Enrico Caruso. When polio struck him, his singing career ended, and he returned home to Pennsylvania, where he remained a prisoner in his family home for 10 years. When he arrived at Warm Springs, he and FDR immediately became great friends, and he remained as the registrar of the hospital until his death in the 1950s. He was FDR's favorite singer, and he used his great bass voice to lead the Companions (the term for the first patients of Dr. Roosevelt) in singing at the many picnics that FDR had up on Pine Mountain. He was not the callow youth portrayed in the movie. Tom Loyless was, in fact, the co-owner of the Columbus, GA Ledger, and not a failed newspaperman as portrayed in the movie. Doctor Lovett was the first doctor at the hospital, and he did much good work among the patients. The report he supposedly wrote about FDR's condition is a fiction, as far as I know. The trip to the medical convention in Atlanta was mostly Hollywood propaganda. The pushboys were FDR's invention, and not Helena Mahoney's. FDR's appearance at the Democratic Convention in Houston happened much the way it was portrayed in the movie. Overall, the movie portrayed FDR's family situation fairly accurately. He experienced great pressure from his mother to come to Hyde Park and hide in the family home. It is to his great credit that he did not do this. A final note, it's a pity that FDR's law partner in New York, Basil O'Conner, was left out of the film. FDR persuaded O'Conner to become the Chairman of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. It wasn't long until the March of Dimes became the major funding effort for the National foundation, and Warm Springs was on solid financial ground. Comedian Eddie Cantor came up with the March of Dimes idea.

This is a very good film on the evolution of FDR from having a rather detached philosophy of noblesse oblige to having the cause of the downtrodden brought up close and personal when he becomes crippled from polio at the age of 39.

The acting and production values are superb, but the film tries to paint over a few things in order to make FDR's evolution look more perfect than it was. The truth is FDR and his wife Eleanor never truly reconciled after his illness as is shown in the film. It did not bring them close together. The only reason they did not divorce was the insistence of Roosevelt's mother, and then as FDR got more involved in politics, appearance was involved in them staying together. FDR and Lucy Mercer, the woman he wanted to divorce Eleanor for, carried on a relationship of sorts from 1915 until Roosevelt died in 1945. Lucy Mercer was with him when he died at Warm Springs. I say this not as a character assassination of a truly great leader long dead, but to point out that a person can be far less than perfect personally and still be that truly great leader. This film's makers seem to think the viewer is not smart enough to deal with that.

There is one bit more of oversimplification that made me roll my eyes. After FDR gets involved in the running of Warm Springs, some patients from the Northeast arrive. One of them, with an obvious New York accent, shakes the hands of one of the black caretakers. The black caretaker looks shocked to be treated as an equal by a white man. The insinuation here is that racial prejudice did not exist in the Northeastern U.S. which is poppycock. Some of the most racially prejudiced people you'll meet are from the Northern U.S. See some episodes of "All in the Family" to see the awful truth.

Now in only two paragraphs I can tell you everything I don't like about this film and I just did that. If not for these two white-washings I'd give it ten stars and I still highly recommend you watch it if you get the chance. Cynthia Nixon really makes you believe she is Eleanor Roosevelt, and Kenneth Branagh is superb as FDR, a man who has to come to terms with his new limitations and yet sees how lucky he was to have at least 39 years of good health and the financial resources to deal with his own health and maybe help some other people too. There's always someone worse off than you are, and maybe you can lend them a helping hand is the inspirational message of this film to me. Highly recommended.

In spite of some liberties being taken with events and personages for dramatic effect, this is a remarkably well-done retelling of the first four years after Franklin Roosevelt was stricken with infantile paralysis.

This version is less sentimental and perhaps more truthful than "Sunrise at Campobello", Dory Shary's play and film, from 1958 and 1960, covering the same events. Perhaps that is because many of the people involved were still living at the time, and the events and personages were still in living memory for so many in the audience for that piece, in 1960.

This version, however, minces no words and does not turn away from the grim reality of all the challenges Franklin faced, emotional and physical, in dealing with his illness. The performances of all involved are excellent. It is a challenge to portray people so well known to so many, and these actors, all of them, shine in their roles.

Central to all of this of course must be the performance of the actor playing FDR. For many, after "Sunrise at Campobello", only Ralph Bellamy could play Roosevelt, and he did it with great panache, even to repeating his performance twice, twenty and thirty years later, in the miniseries "Winds of War" and "War and Remembrance" in the 80s.

Without a doubt Kenneth Branagh gives what must be one of the best performances on film I have ever seen. He never descends to caricature or impersonation, he does not really look like FDR, he only gives suggestions of Franklin's speech rhythms and accent. But this actor inhabits the character as written so completely, with such wide emotional, physical and vocal range that I for one was totally convinced. This is truly a great film performance, worthy of any awards that it gets. And I hope it is recognized.

I'm in shock that two people gave this excellent film a 1 out of 10. I can perhaps see how some didn't enjoy it quite as much as I did, but to rate it as awful shows just plain ignorance to me.

Not only is this gem beautifully scripted, wonderfully shot and edited, as well as tremendously directed, but Cynthia Nixon and Kenneth Branagh dominate. I am familiar with a wide selection of Branagh's work, and this is one of his best performances to date! FDR is my favorite President, and I surely feel that Branagh does justice to the man.

On a personal note, I was brought to tears on three separate occasions when watching this film. Now, this may not seem like much, but rare is it that a tear falls from my eye even once during a showing.

Please, please see this film, if only for it's inspiration. I believe this is a sadly overlooked masterpiece, and we must not allow it to be forgotten. If you liked his Hamlet, you'll love his Franklin.

This agreeable film deals with Franklin Delano Roosevelt's (Kenneth Branagh) life , previously his presidential nomination for Democratic party . While serving in the Wilson administration , began having an affair with Lucy Mercer , his wife Eleanor's secretary . Deeply wounded when she discovers his betrayal , Eleanor (Cythia Nixon) nonetheless stays together Franklin . And she would be at his side when in a scouts camp with their five children , he was sticked with polio and paralyzed at 39 years of age , then he's handicapped and wheelchair bounded . But Franklin looks for a miracle cure in a run-down Health-Spa called 'Warm Springs' (managed by Tim Blake Nelson) with mineral swimming pool and located in the backwoods of Giorgia . Newspapers publicize : Roosevelt will swim to health and then people come to place . Meanwhile , the wife speaks to league of voters women , and Eleanor touchingly admits , she'll never be any good at public speaking , however she is all right in the speech . Later on , Franklin and Eleanor go to the Academy of Medicine where convince the doctors about the polio cure into mineral swimming pool .

This is an enjoyable drama filmed on real location about Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt overcoming profound difficulties in their marriage and his fight against the polio paralysis . It's a touching love story as well as the obstinate rehabilitation of a big man . Excellent casting with a magnificent starring couple , Kenneth Branagh and Cynthia Nixon . Good secondary cast cast formed by David Paymer , Tim Blake Nelson , Kathy Bates , Matt O'Leary and Jane Alexander as the overprotective mother , she formerly starred as Eleonora Roosevelt in TV film titled 'The White House years(1976)' directed by Daniel Petrie . The motion picture was professionally directed by Joseph Sargent . He's a expert on biography and historical events expert , as he proved in 'Mandela and Clerk' , 'Abraham , 'McArthur' , 'When the lions roared' which reunited to Stalin , Churchill and again Roosevelt (John Lightow), 'Day one' with Oppenheimer and General General Groves ; his best movie resulted to be 'Taking of Pelham one , two , three' . This is an engaging drama made at the better for its historic resonance and will appeal to Kenneth Branagh fans.

In this splendid new HBO film about Franklin Delano Roosevelt, his wife Eleanor says to him, "You have done a brilliant thing here, a magnificent thing." She's speaking of his work at Warm Springs, the polio rehabilitation center in Georgia, but the same can be said for Kenneth Branagh's charismatic portrayal of America's almost legendary president, who was elected four times and died in office in 1945. So many fine comments have been made about the film that I won't go over the same ground. It has obviously been created with love and care -- the production values are top notch, the screenplay and direction are strong. The casting could not been better -- there's not a weak performance in it, down to the smallest role. Mr. Branagh leads a superb company which includes Cynthia Nixon, David Paymer, Kathy Bates, Jane Alexander -- I add a special word for Tim Blake Nelson who gives a heartbreaking performance as the manager of Warm Springs. I can't imagine anyone who would fail to enjoy this film. Bravo, HBO!

In what I have said before has been a very good year for movies with such amazing films as Finding Neverland, Ray, Million Dollar Baby and so on. Along comes an absolute remarkable find...and a television movie nonetheless. Warm Springs is quite possibly one of, if not THE, best movie I have ever seen, I can't recommend this enough. I can't promise that everyone will feel the same about it but I can guarantee you can't not like it and not feel passionate about it.

Warm Springs is the story of Franklin Delano Roosevelt following his unsuccessful bid for vice president. A year following that bid at 39 years old he is struck down with infantile paralysis, better known as Polio. The powerful man is devastated by the crippling disease. His life as he knew it is over. He drinks his way out of public life and hides himself away, ashamed by the disease. After trying many different healing methods and medicines he is informed of a place in the backwoods of Georgia called "Warm Springs" a mineralized pool resort where a crippled boy found he was able to walk in the waters because of the high mineral concentration. Desperate to try anything Roosevelt goes to the location. He is shocked by the state of the resort which is run down, and poorly operated. Out of desperation he stays out of his element in order to try the water. After several treatments in the water he suddenly finds himself revitalized and able to step in the water. He falls in love with the run down Warm Springs and agrees to an interview with a local newspaper. Despite the reporters attempt to make the interview about Roosevelt, Roosevelt talks about Warm Springs to no end. Next thing he knows Polio victims from all over are risking everything to come to Warm Springs. They can't pay, most of them are poor, and the "healthy" guests are threatening to check out fearing they will catch the disease. The waters are miraculous and Roosevelt finds a whole new public and a whole new reason to live in his fellow sufferers. His wife meanwhile keeps the Roosevelt name in the public eye by becoming spokeswoman to different organizations and gearing Roosevelt up for his return to politics which would ultimately lead to one of the greatest Presidencies in history.

Three things make this such an incredibly film that it should walk away with any and all awards it is eligible for. First, the acting, the casting of this film was so brilliantly done. They are all just phenomenal. The writing, Margaret Nagle, is obviously a beautifully well spoken writer. And finally the directing, Joseph Sargent who is absolutely no stranger to directing made the most passionate film, and for Television nonetheless, I have ever seen. Kenneth Branagh, who is always an intense actor, plays Roosevelt with such feverish passion from his highest highs to his lowest lows. Granted as everyone keeps pointing out he didn't look a lot like him and his English accent was a little misplaced but his performance was so moving and so incredibly it's easily overlooked. Kathy Bates as the determined, and fevered supporter of Roosevelt's Warm Springs, is a wonderful if not slightly underused addition to the cast. She is always a brilliant actress. A real treat was Cynthia Nixon who is really only known as Miranda from Sex and The City (a show which I personally can't stand.) Cynthia Nixon instead puts across such an incredibly performance as the socially withdrawn, but dedicated and loving wife Eleanor Roosevelt, bravo to her. The rest of the supporting cast is just unbelievable. No one turns in a less than remarkable performance. Tim Nelson stands out in my mind as manager of Warm Springs and someone who becomes very close to Roosevelt, Tom Loyless. For the first time in many, many years I literally found myself in tears during a film. All in all, this movie is an absolute must see for anyone interested in political history, or just for a beautifully directed film. 10/10

I have been interested in FDR for over 50 years. I am a collector of FDR memorabilia, and have over 5000 pieces, that include, buttons, books, pictures, campaign literature and ephemera of every imaginable type. Over the years I have developed a lecture called "FDR the Collector, and Collecting FDR." Generally I liked the treatment and thought the acting was first class. In a sense it reminds me a bit of Cole Porter's remarks when he saw his film biopic "Night and Day." He said, I quote, "Great picture, not my life." Of course that is not completely accurate when reviewing this film.

Many, many liberties were taken with his life and the time-line regarding his life. He first nominated Al Smith at the 1924 Convention and it was at that time he first called Smith, "THe Happy Warrior." The producers and writer seemed to morph both of the 1924 and 1928 conventions together. By 1928 FDR was much more secure in himself and was certainly contemplating elective office. Both Howe and FDR were worried about running for office in 1928, because of their fear of being caught up in a Republican year. As it turned out, they were both right and FDR won narrowly, by 25,000 votes, less then one a precinct, over Albert Ottinger, the uncle of future liberal Democratic Congressman Richard L. Ottinger of the 24th CD, Westchester County, NY.

Unfortunately the conversations between FDR and Louis Howe were patently ridiculous, inaccurate and certainly not true to their characters. Any one who has read the only definitive book on that relationship, "Roosevelt and Howe" (1962) by Professor Alfred B. Rollins, Jr would not recognize Howe. Also one could refer to his secretary Lela Stiles, profile the "The Man Behind Roosevelt" (1954) In fact no one alive then or today knows what these men said to each other. There are no real quotes and few if any documents available regarding their long relationship. Howe though frank with FDR, would have never in anyone's wildest imagination have spoken that way. In fact, his characterization, in "Sunrise at Campobello" is much more accurate to the man. Howe was a wizened little ugly man (his words), who spent his life smoking Sweet Caporale cigarettes, and certainly this production did not accurately portray him or could. Both Howe and FDR were very secretive men and it would be amazing to me to believe that they would ever reveal to anyone their thoughts or conversations.

Howe engineered a peace treaty with Tammany in 1924 and the omission of FDR's life on the house boat Larocco,and his strong affinity and life-long relationship with Marguerite "Missy" LeHand, is breezed over completely. She, in Eleanor's words was his "second" wife. The program also was confused to when and where he was diagnosed with polio. He was diagnosed with having contracted Polio first by Dr. Samuel Levine while he was on Campobello Island, and this was confirmed by Dr. Robert Lovett, the leading expert on the disease.

The facts about Warm Springs and its resort have some accuracy, but where anyone could have discerned FDR's attitude or conversations is beyond belief. The writer really suspended reality when it came to re-constructing FDR's life and emotional state in those days.

In fact the only really accurate (rumored) quote was the one by Al Smith, regarding FDR's living only one year. That quote was denied, but it remains a part of history.

Generally I like anything complementary on FDR and I admired the acting and the depiction of rural Georgia. Because of Warm Springs and his work with fellow polios, FDR always liked Georgia and had his "Little White House" cottage there, but because of the segregation and and the horrid "Jim Crow" conditions, Mrs. Roosevelt did not like to visit. Of course as it is well known FDR died there on April 12, 1945.

RJ Garfunkel, Tarrytown, NY

This is a film that only Joseph Sargent could have directed. Mr. Sargent's work has been basically seen on television. This HBO film deals directly with Franklin D. Roosevelt's battle with polio. As written by Margaret Nagle, the film is rewarding in that one sees an aspect of this great man in human terms.

Mr. Roosevelt was a man that came from wealth and privilege. The Roosevelts and the Delanos were involved in politics most of their lives. When we first meet F.D.R. and his family, we find then living under the influence of his bossy mother, Sara Delano. His wife Eleanor is no fool, she soon realizes her husband is having affairs with other women. Eleanor's mother-in-law quickly takes command of things as she reminds the younger woman that some great men have mistresses outside the home, but that it shouldn't be a cause for a divorce, something that wouldn't have been Franklin's political death, at the time.

We watch in horror how Mr. Roosevelt is stricken with polio. In spite of his political savvy, Franklin is not ready to accept what has befallen him. With the reluctant aid of Eleanor, he answers an invitation to go to rural Georgia, to Warm Springs, where the owner has written him, some progress has been seen on people with suffering polio.

Warm Springs is more backward than what the Roosevelts expected. Franklin is determined to make a go of it. Helped by Tom Loyless, the man in charge of the springs, Mr. Roosevelt begins to see some progress. At the same time, he and other polio sufferers, are the target of some disdain and bigotry by people that have used Warm Springs for other afflictions. The arrival of a physical therapist, Helena Mahoney, works wonders for Franklin and the patients staying in the spa. Mr. Roosevelt ends up buying the place and turns it into a treatment center for people with polio.

We also watch how Eleanor, guided by the Roosevelt's loyal friend, Louis Howe, gets her involved in the political arena. She champions the cause for women to get into social issues, something she would pursue until the end of her days. Mrs. Roosevelt rises to the occasion when Franklin is taught how to walk and in an emotional finale, we see him appearing before a Democratic convention. Ironically, he would be elected on the next election and win three other terms as president of the country, in spite of his physical condition, that took a back seat to the reality of running the country.

If anyone seems to have been born to play Franklin Roosevelt, it is Kenneth Branagh. This actor bears an uncanny resemblance with the younger Roosevelt. Mr. Branagh makes an excellent characterization of the iconic man that still cast a strong shadow with the legacy he left behind. As Eleanor, Cynthia Nixon, is equally Mr. Branagh's match. With a prosthesis to change the look of her teeth, Ms. Nixon is extremely appealing as Mrs. Roosevelt.

The supporting players do amazing performances. Tim Blake Nelson who plays the kind Tom Loyless is a joy to watch, as in everything this actor does. David Paymer is the loyal friend Louis Howe. Kathy Bates is Ms. Mahoney, the therapist that is instrumental in teaching F.D.R. how to walk. Jane Alexander is also good as Sara Delano, a woman with an iron will.

"Warm Springs" takes us into the life of the man who battled infirmity with an amazing courage. Joseph Sargent is to be commended for his direction and the way he got good acting all around from his distinguished cast.

During the first part of this movie, while FDR is on a boat, disheveled, unshaven and drinking, remembering things he has done in the past, thinking his life is over and trying to come to grips with the fact that he has polio, a storm comes up and a couple of men come to get FDR out of bed, dress him and attend to his personal needs. They lift FDR to move him to his wheelchair on shore. They put on FDR's shoes and leg braces, and his pants. One of the men looks and sounds exactly like Dan Blocker (Hoss from the old TV series, Bonanza. Who is he? It couldn't possibly be Dan Blocker himself because this man is too young looking. But he looks so much like Dan Blocker that I wonder who he could be. Maybe Dan Blocker's son? I hope somebody knows.

I can vividly recall my fifth grade teacher telling us (in the late 1950s) that if Franklin Delano Roosevelt were still alive, people would come out in droves to reelect him to a fifth term as President. The brilliant film "Warm Springs" demonstrates Roosevelt's strength of character, his human touch, and his courage to overcome his physical limitation due to polio.

Director Joseph Sargent carefully recreates the environment of the 1920s, capturing the political climate, as well as rural poverty and segregation in the Deep South. Screenwriter Margaret Nagle deserves credit for her detailed character portraits and crisp dialogue, based upon sound historical research. It was impressive that the character of Eleanor Roosevelt was substantially developed alongside that of her husband. The costuming, décor, and set-ups in this film were first-rate. In the artistic values, every moment of this film rang true.

Kenneth Branagh and a stellar supporting cast (Kathy Bates, Cynthia Nixon, David Paymer, and Tim Blake Nelson are all standouts) embody their characters with meticulous attention to historical detail and accuracy. The range is impressive, as the cast must depict both the patrician society of New York and the hardscrabble world of rural Georgia.

Branagh probes deeply into the emotional life of Franklin as he struggles to come to terms with his disability. FDR is remembered as a ruthless politician. But the film is remarkable for the sensitive and vulnerable side of this titanic figure, which is often downplayed by historians. The only shortcoming of Branagh's rich performance was in his inability to capture the stentorian voice and the melodious inflections of FDR. Given Branagh's background in the theatre and in performing Shakespeare, it was surprising that his voice was not a closer match to one of the most distinctive sounds of the past century, which kept the spirits of Americans buoyed with his regular radio fireside chats.

"Warm Springs" is a made-for-television movie with all of the attributes of an Academy Award-winning feature film. The story was taut and economical as it focused on the years at Warm Springs prior to FDR's political ascendancy. In those years, Roosevelt drew upon his administrative skills by raising consciousness about the therapeutic value of the hot waters in the treatment of polio, leading to the establishment of the nonprofit Warm Springs Foundation in 1927. It was in this period that a great American discovered within himself the personal resolve and courage that would lead Americans through the Great Depression and World War II. From start to finish, this powerful yet sensitive film walks tall just like our thirty-second President.

It is the exception. Because it is not a biographical movie, it is not eulogy of a fight against polio, it is not brick for the statue of F.D.R. or for his Eleanor , it is not exactly a movie with Keneth Branagh in the lead role. It represents a confession. Simple, honest, precise about the basic significant things defining us. Its basic virtue is the profound humanism. It did not gives lessons but gives the lines of the facts. And the manner of this gesture is real remarkable. A film about hope. One of the best.

This is a beautifully acted and directed HBO movie about Franklin Delano Roosevelt's battle with polio, his rehabilitation, and his eventual taking over of the Warm Springs center.

Kenneth Branagh gives a riveting, detailed performance as FDR (leave it to the British to portray our great Americans). One sees a vital man struck down and feels his pain as he struggles to walk again and deal with the ramifications of his illness on his political life.

The film brings to life the prejudice and shunning of the handicapped and the fear people had that they could actually catch polio from another person. It was unheard of for a person of FDR's stature to continue his career once he developed polio. Yet, as we all know, he did, and no one ever called him a cripple.

Cynthia Nixon gives a beautiful portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt, who, though disillusioned in her marriage, remains a true partner to FDR. Their marriage was much more than one of love or even partnership - her admiration and commitment to this man, and his to her, was very real in spite of their problems.

I highly recommend this very beautifully done film.

Outstanding biography of the years detailing Franklin D. Roosevelt fight to regain the use of his limbs following an attack of polio.

Branagh is perfect for the part that he has a down to a tee including that famous cigarette holder in FDR's mouth. He is well supported by TV star, Cynthia Nixon, who has the voice of Eleanor Roosevelt near to perfection.

Overprotective mother is played with a certain sting by Jane Alexander, who copped an emmy for her supporting performance. Even better is Kathy Bates, who was also nominated in this category, for her strong-independent role as FDR's therapist.

Stricken with polio at the height of his career, FDR comes to Warm Springs to recuperate. It is shown that while on this journey to the south, he really saw poverty at its worst and would begin to empathize with the poor and polio stricken people as well. He eventually invested his own money into this community. He saw first hand the improvements made by many thanks to the waters of this area.

You will agree that happy days are here again when you see this biography. It's a moving tribute to a future American president who knew we had nothing to fear but fear itself. One can readily see triumph victorious in the face of adversity.

7.4 stars.

This is a wonderful movie about courage in the face of impossible circumstances. A man of great potential and a politician who was struck down by a most debilitating illness called polio back in the early 1900s. FDR rose to be one of the greatest presidents of all time, and I believe, if not for the polio and the fact it completely left him unable to walk, he would never have become president.

This film is vanilla all the way, in that it portrays a political figure in the early 1900s all the way through the mid 1900s. It's a period piece that sticks by the rules. There is nothing exceptional about the film, nothing that really stands out, except for the fact that it's a very encouraging story. Other films about presidents such as 'Lincoln' or the miniseries about John Adams are much more enjoyable for me. Branagh does a satisfactory job as president, but it would be darker and more entertaining had he directed 'Warm Springs'.

"Warm Springs" is a tour de force by Branagh who portrays FDR as a man of money and privilege who is struck down by polio in the early days of his political career. Unable to use his legs he begins to wallow in self pity until he visits a Georgia mineral water spa called Warm Springs where he finds honesty, compassion, kinship, and most of all himself, his wife, and a new sense of purpose. A very pretty period film with good production value, an excellent supporting cast, and sterling performances by Branagh and Nixon, "Warm Springs" would have made an enjoyable stand alone drama. The fact that it's also a biopic about FDR only serves to make it that much more interesting. Another winner for the whole family from HBO. (B+)

WARM SPRINGS is one of the finest films ever produced by HBO and clearly belongs on the theatrical screens. But until that happens the news of the release of the DVD should allow those who missed this phenomenal film to feel greeted with well-earned joy.

Writer Margaret Nagle and Director Joseph Sargent have created an isolated time in the life of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the inception of his polio at age 39 and the treatment of his impairment at Warm Springs, Georgia, and use this potential tragedy to demonstrate how a man of means and high political aspirations was humbled by a debilitating disease only to find healing and consolation at the hands of 'the common people', a change in his priorities that marked his popular success as a President who inherited the leadership of a country devastated by depression and war.

Kenneth Branagh is superlative as FDR, finding just the right amount of bravado and churlishness and womanizing while continuing to be the man of great potential and a loving husband to Eleanor (a surprisingly terrific Cynthia Nixon). His overbearing mother Sara Delano Roosevelt (Jane Alexander who is still remembered as a perfect 'Eleanor' in the older 'Franklin and Eleanor') tries her best to belittle Eleanor, only to enhance Eleanor's blossoming into the world respected, humanistic First Lady she became.

But much of the action is aptly placed at the healing resort of Warm Springs, a run down hot springs operated by Tom Loyless (Tim Blake Nelson) and the place where Helena Mahoney (Kathy Bates) nursed FDR back to health. The importance of this spot grows through the film and through FDR's life and in the end it is the beneficiary of his estate.

Watching Branagh tumble from political barnstormer to reluctant patient to humanized President is a heartwarming venture. His supporting cast is excellent - Bates, Nixon, Alexander, Nelson as well as David Paymer, Deborah Calloway Duke, Danny Connell, and many others. The direction by Joseph Sargent is one of simplicity, purity of purpose, and highly respectful of his story and his view of history. This is an important film. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp