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[light piano music]

♪ ♪

[birds chirping]

♪ ♪

- [gasping]

[cranking]

[grunts]

[grunting]

[cranking resumes]

♪ ♪

[grunting, groaning]

- Will there be anything else, Mr. Roosevelt?

♪ ♪

[distant crowd cheering]

[cheering intensifies]

[rooster crows]

newscaster: This week, as election fever

continued to rise,

the Democratic convention gave a rousing endorsement

to their candidates--

James M. Cox and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

- Good evening, my fellow Democrats.

[cheering intensifies] Thank you!

Absolutely! Thank you for coming!

♪ ♪

[yelling indistinctly]

Thank you!

[echoing] My friends, thank you.

Now, they say

the best way to get rid of a man

is to have him run for vice president.

[crowd laughing]

Well, I say

ask my cousin Teddy if that's how they got rid of him.

[loud cheering]

Are you saying it's my fault we lost?

Howe: I'm saying it's the Republicans' gain

for at least another eight years.

You and Cox made sure of that.

But that's okay. This buys you time.

This buys you experience.

We'll run you for governor.

- Oh, really? Of which state, South Dakota?

- That's very funny, but I'm not laughing.

We got a lot of work to do.

You know, first, you need to know

what they're saying about you.

They're saying FDR stands for "Feather Duster"--

that you're a lightweight,

that you're a dilettante without a point of view.

- You enjoy hitting me when I'm down, Louis?

- No, but it's the only time that you'll ever listen to me.

Why are you a Democrat, Franklin?

- Louis... - Answer me.

- The Democratic Party is the party of the people.

I am a man of the people.

- You're a Roosevelt; what do you know about people?

- [chuckles]

[birds chirping]

Faye: ♪ I'll see you in my dreams ♪

♪ Hold you in my dreams ♪

♪ ♪

♪ Someone took you ♪

♪ Out of my arms ♪

♪ Still I feel the thrill ♪

♪ Of your charms ♪

Eleanor: "It has been far too long

"since we last corresponded.

"However, it is with great reluctance

"I must decline your kind speaking invitation.

"Unfortunately, I would be of little assistance

"to the Junior Assistance League,

"particularly if my purpose were to appear

as an alumna who is gifted at public speaking."

- And what do you really want me to say?

- "Thank you, and if you ask again, I shall scream."

[both laughing]

- Why don't you ask your husband for some pointers?

He's a pretty gifted public speaker, don't you think?

No really, you should get out once in a while.

And accepting that invitation

would be good for Franklin's career.

- Mr. Howe, wouldn't you be more comfortable

waiting for my husband outside?

- In the street, Mrs. Roosevelt?

- If you like.

- Aha! I see it's not even 8:00 a.m.,

and already the gloves are off.

Good morning, Babs. - Good morning.

- Hello, Miss Mercer. - Good morning, sir.

Howe: You're late.

Honestly, why do you enjoy keeping people waiting?

- Because they always seem more grateful to see me

when I arrive.

You have a lovely day, Babs.

- Should I expect you for dinner?

- Well, I have the naval reception this evening.

I'll be home quite late,

unless you've, uh, changed your mind about coming.

- Do you wish me to come?

- Well...

w-whatever you'd like.

- Thank you, no.

- Very well, then.

Good day, Miss Mercer.

- Good day, sir.

[car horn honking]

Roosevelt: Let's make this a simple day, Louis.

I'd like to be done by 5:00 if possible.

- What are you, a banker?

You've got a lot to do.

At 10:00, we've got a meeting with representatives

from Pittsburgh Steel.

It's on your desk for approval.

- So what did I think of it?

- You had some problems with it.

- I'd better read it.

Steelworkers tend to vote Democratic.

Next.

- Uh, lunch with Secretary Daniels.

- Oh, please.

- He's your boss.

- Anything else?

- What if she'd said yes? - Who?

- Franklin, people know.

It's time to stop.

- I can handle my own affairs, Louis.

- Not this one.

This is Washington, D.C., not the Harvard Club.

How can you be so cavalier?

- You say that like it's a bad thing.

[chuckles]

[knocking]

[soft dramatic music]

♪ ♪

[inhales]

[groans]

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

- Touch it, touch it! - I got it!

- Here!

[china clinking]

- I have offered Franklin his freedom.

- And I have accepted.

- His freedom is not yours to offer.

- I am in love with Miss Mercer, Mama.

- Falling in love is out of the question.

Why do you think men have mistresses?

Duty--duty to one's family

and to one's career.

Where do you think you're going?

- It's obvious that my input in this matter

is of little importance.

- Babs...

- Come back here, both of you.

Franklin: Babs!

Babs!

- I don't know whether to hate you or thank you.

- For what?

- For forcing me to face my life honestly

for the first time.

- I didn't mean to hurt you, Babs.

Eleanor: You never do.

You live your life skimming the surface,

never aware of the attachments beneath.

It must be a luxury.

- Eleanor...

[door slams]

Mama, I know that it's very diff--

Sara: Divorce will finish your career in politics.

How do you intend to support yourself?

- M-my trust fund.

- Divorce Eleanor, and there is no trust fund.

♪ ♪

- You've come so far, boss.

State Assembly, Assistant Secretary of the Navy--

pages right out of Cousin Teddy's playbook.

We're on the road to the White House.

Don't do this.

♪ ♪

- [panting]

[boys screaming]

- Lunch, right now!

Roosevelt: Boy Scouts, Louis?

Hardly my constituency.

- They've got parents. Besides, they're photogenic.

- Franklin Roosevelt, happy to meet you.

- Welcome. Nice to see you.

- Is this what you want, Louis? Okay, boys.

- Come on, come on. Line it up. Move!

- We've got a photograph happening here.

Yes, squeeze in.

You're looking good, fellas.

Fine uniforms. Fine, upstanding young men.

man: Let's go! We're taking a picture.

- Who's gonna get squeezed in here?

boy: Picture! - That's great.

And here we go; look at the nice man over there.

Here we go!

[shutter clicks] - That's great.

- Okay, guys, over here. Roosevelt: Perfect.

Okay, boys, ready for lunch. - Will you be joining us?

- Of course. - All right.

- Right here is fine.

- Hey, is this a good one? - Looks good.

- Okay, what's your name, son? - Guiseppe.

- Giuseppe! Terrific. [shutter clicks]

- Good. All right.

- There you go-- come stai, ragazzo?

Howe: One more. - Okay, I guess.

- All right. Oh, I can do that.

You'd like to hold my glasses? Thank you very much.

Oh, what have we got here? Brr, whoa whoa.

[shutter clicks]

Oh that's good, but now I can't see.

That must--did you-- someone took--

someone took my glasses. [boys laughing]

I know, I know they did-- I've got my glasses.

Is that the way I put them on?

Oh, I don't know--I don't know. Is this good?

[boys screaming] Come on, that's it!

Whoa!

- You-- - Watch out, here I come.

- No, you don't.

- Oh, yes, I do.

- Oh! - Vae victis!

Vae victis!

- Whoa to the conqueror! - Festina lente!

Not so fast, oh!

You gang of ruffians, I knew you--

I'm going to get all of you for this.

Howe: Look at this.

He's a natural.

Franklin: Oh, I've got you-- argh, you ganged up on me!

[indistinct shouting]

- Children, dinner is in one half hour.

Come and get dressed.

- Up, up, chicks, you heard your mother.

I'm gonna get all of you for this.

- Everyone needs to wash up, yes?

- Franklin, what is on your face?

Franklin Jr.: Nothing, mommy.

Eleanor: Come here. Stand still.

- Hey, boss, you all right?

- Yeah, I'm fine.

Babs.

That's a pretty color.

May I-- - I must check on dinner.

- Very well.

- Tired?

- Of you? Never.

- Why don't you take a nap before dinner?

- [groans] Yes, dear.

[somber music]

♪ ♪

- Can you take my hand?

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

- [sniffling]

- He has infantile paralysis--

polio.

- I knew it.

I knew it.

- I thought it only struck children.

- Not necessarily. - How did he get it?

- Some experts believe it's linked to contaminated water,

but that theory is speculative at best.

- It was that visit to that goddamn Boy Scout camp.

doctor: In all honesty,

you need to be looking forward, not back.

- What is the prognosis?

- The damage to his leg muscles is extensive.

I suspect he will be paralyzed from the waist down.

- Oh, dear God.

And the children?

- If they don't have any symptoms by now,

they've been spared.

- Then we must count our blessings.

- You will need to prepare yourselves.

There's a deep depression that follows an illness

of this magnitude.

I'm afraid life as he knew it is over.

[melancholy music]

♪ ♪

Eleanor: He seems a little better today.

- Now that politics is out of the question,

he can stay here at home with me.

- But what kind of life would that be?

- I've rented him an office downtown.

He can still practice law.

- Why would you want to do that?

- Because he needs it.

- He can pursue a career, Mama.

- A man as proud and vital as Franklin?

You're inviting him to be hurt.

And you, Mr. Howe,

engaged in the fantasy of a political future for my son.

Is there nothing you won't do to keep your job?

- Mama, that's not fair.

- [panting]

[groans]

Sara: What kind of a life is it to be pitied and stared at?

- What kind of a life is it to be hidden away?

I know you believe what you're suggesting

for Franklin is best,

but I think it will only make it harder.

- I think I know what's best for Franklin.

I am his mother.

- Yes, and I am his wife.

- [rasping]

♪ ♪

[grunts]

[yells]

[yelling continues]

[thunder rumbling]

man: Mr. Roosevelt!

[banging on door]

Mr. Roosevelt, we've got a storm coming.

It looks like a bad one.

Got to get you off this boat, sir.

Come on, let's get you up.

- [grunts]

[moans]

[urinating]

Oh, gentlemen, leave me here.

Let the ocean swallow me up.

Burial at sea--

perfect for a Navy man.

Thank you.

[rain splattering]

[dramatic music]

♪ ♪

[thunder rumbling] man: Pull him up.

Watch him. Got him?

♪ ♪

Here we go, sir.

- I've got him. - [grunts]

♪ ♪

[doorbell jingles]

Louis?

- I never miss Florida in the rainy season.

- No letter, no wire...

- Why? Would you have answered it?

- What the hell are you doing here?

- It's good to see you too.

Nice whiskers. You look like Chester Arthur--

- Stanley, Eugene, this is Mr. Howe.

He gets seasick at the mere sight of a boat,

so he's probably happy that it's being destroyed right now.

- Boys, uh,

I need to talk to Mr. Roosevelt alone.

Uh, could you find your own breakfast and make it a feast?

There's a five spot. - Thanks a lot, Mr. Howe.

I appreciate that. - Thanks, guys.

- All right, let's go.

- You're always so generous with my money.

- You mean your mother's, don't you?

- Oh, so Mama has financed this fool's errand, has she?

Well, it's a waste of a trip.

- It was Eleanor's idea.

- What can I get you?

- Uh, ham and eggs, sunny side up.

What's your fancy, boss?

- Nothing. I fancy nothing.

- He'll have the same.

Here, there are a few from your children.

- I can still read.

- Now...

your wife wants you home.

She is concerned. I'm concerned.

This life on a boat-- where is it getting you?

- Getting me?

For one thing, no one gets to see me,

and I don't get to see them.

- Don't say that. Everyone-- - Want some of this?

- No. Everyone is waiting for you to come home.

The kids, they're-- they're aching to see you.

- Really? - Yes.

What is that?

- George Foster Peabody.

He owns a resort in rural Georgia for investment purposes.

Hot, uh, Springs or something.

Ah!

He claims that only recently, a crippled boy

swam in the waters and could walk again.

- Oh, for Christ's sake!

Franklin: No, listen to this-- "the high magnesium content

"of these natural springs will hold anyone up.

"Although it is not a resort for infirm types,

"I am extending my personal invitation

to come visit in the off-season."

See, I'm only welcome in the off-season.

- Mr. Roosevelt, we've got bad news.

- What?

- It's the boat. She's beaten up really bad.

- How bad?

- Well, it's going to take a lot of work.

I can probably have her up by spring.

man: Maybe it's a blessing in disguise, Mr. Roosevelt.

I don't know about you, but I'm homesick.

- And I'm sick of home.

Thank you, boys.

- You're welcome, sir.

- Let's see that letter from Peabody.

[chuckles] You can't be serious.

- Why not miracle waters?

I've drunk the oil of monkey glands.

I've been zapped with electricity,

hung upside down in harnesses.

After all that, this sounds downright peaceful.

- Well, I can't quite picture you in the backwoods of Georgia.

- Where do you picture me, Louis?

- 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

- President?

Louis, I can't visit the bathroom

without a team of associates to help pull my pants down.

- So give it some time, and we'll test it out.

- There's a reason why they say a man runs for office.

I'm going to Georgia.

[train whistling, rattling]

Eleanor: James has been doing so much better

now that Elliott has joined him at Groton.

They've put their differences behind them

and have become a real team.

Two peas in a pod.

Last week, they were both in the infirmary

with the same cold.

[soft dramatic music]

♪ ♪

Meanwhile, any suggestions I make to Anna

about her future, whether it's college,

or cotillion, she dismisses me.

Will you speak to her about it, Franklin?

She'll listen to you.

♪ ♪

Will you?

♪ ♪

- Yes, yes, of course.

[horn blowing]

[crowd chatters] - I'll see you tomorrow.

- Someone important?

- You might say so, Lionel.

- Who?

- A Mr. Roosevelt.

- Teddy?

- No, he's dead.

- Tom, your guest needs some assistance.

We're gonna need some able-bodied men to move him.

Go over to the livery stable...

- And fetch the Collier boys. - Fetch the Collier boys.

[whistling]

- Welcome to Warm Springs, Mr. Roosevelt.

- Ah, hello. Thank you.

You must be, uh, Mr. Loyless.

- Oh, please, call me Tom, Mr. Roosevelt.

- Then you'd better call me Franklin.

- Franklin.

- And, uh, this is the missus. - Call me Eleanor.

- It's a pleasure.

And I see you've met Roy and Pete.

- There's a trunk and a chair

with the wheels on it too, Mr. Loyless.

- We'll fetch a wagon.

- We've got a wagon, sir.

- Beautiful country.

- How long have you been manager of the inn?

- Not long.

- Got any paved roads?

- No, we don't.

[lively music]

♪ ♪

[children shouting]

♪ ♪

Loyless: You'll have a great deal of privacy.

The bedrooms are upstairs,

including a beautiful suite for you and Mrs. Roosevelt.

There are only a few guests right now,

as it's the off-season.

I'm hoping to make some improvements--

- [stammering] I-I can't stay here.

Th--this place is a wreck. - Franklin.

- Look on the bright side.

Most of your time will be spent in the water.

Look, we've fallen on some hard times--

- "Hard times"? This place should be condemned.

- Yes, it's true.

We've seen better days.

But then I imagine so have you.

I'd be happy to drive you back to the train station

right now, if that's what you'd like.

- My husband is concerned-- - Fire.

I'm very frightened of fire.

I can't get out if I'm upstairs. I--

- Oh. Of course.

Well, we have other options.

Roy: Ooh, whoa there.

- This is one of our more spacious cottages.

[rattling] [glass shatters]

We'll take care of these.

[crashing]

Roy: We'll bring everything inside, Mr. Roosevelt.

Grab that one first, Pete.

[glass clatters]

- Come right through.

- Well-ventilated, at least.

- This is the living room.

Kitchen through there.

Roy: Where you want these at, Mr. Roosevelt?

- Well, in the-- is there a bedroom?

- Of course, through here.

- In the bedroom. Thank you, Roy.

- You're welcome, sir.

Tom!

This young man appears quite competent.

Would you ask him if he'd like to stay on as my valet?

- Why don't you ask him yourself?

- [coughs]

♪ ♪

This is madness. Roosevelt: No doubt.

- Tell me again, Franklin, why are we here?

- Simply put,

for the waters.

Are you coming?

- Would Mrs. Roosevelt like to swim?

- Mrs. Roosevelt doesn't know how.

- Well, okay.

woman: Oh, you ready to get wet?

- Here we are-- shallow side.

We got the slightly deeper side over here,

which is where we'll start you.

And this is the indefatigable Aunt Sally.

- Aunt Sally? - Good day, sir.

- Aunt Sally, this is Mr. and Mrs. Roosevelt.

- How do you do?

- I have towels for you.

- I'll take those.

Now, they're just gonna ease you in the water.

Roy, Pete.

- Okay, easy. [muttering]

All right then, sir.

You got him, Pete?

And up!

- [panting] Roy: Here we go.

Easy, Pete. Down.

All right.

[kids laughing]

man: Come on, let's get out of the pool.

woman: Children.

[dramatic music]

♪ ♪

- Don't be sassy. Come on.

- You'll find that the mineralization

makes the water more buoyant.

The crippled boy who swam here

was actually able to walk in the water.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

- Oh! - Okay, okay, okay, okay.

- [gasping] I can't even stand!

I can't even stand.

- Well, not yet.

Loyless: But you will.

You will.

[melancholy music]

♪ ♪

Bon appétit. - Thank you, Tom.

- This is simply revolting.

- It's not very good, but it is, uh, mysterious.

What in the world do you think they poured over this beef?

Or is it possum? [chuckles]

Loyless: Everything okay? - You want to stay.

- Yes.

- New York has the best doctors

and hospitals in the country.

- I need something new.

- This isn't about getting better, is it?

You don't want to come home.

You don't want to live with us.

- I refuse to be a burden.

- You're not a burden. You're my husband.

- I want to offer you

the freedom you once so generously offered me.

Listen, all you've ever known is duty

to me and to a political career

that, unless I can walk again, no longer exists.

You've been...

exemplary.

Now I'm telling you...

that you're free to go.

- I don't want freedom.

I want a marriage.

I want a life with you.

- Babs, I can't imagine

what you think that life is going to be.

- Oh, Franklin.

It's not up to me to imagine.

It's up to you.

- Babs...

- Step up, come on!

♪ ♪

- Thank you for stopping by, Mr. Howe.

- Well, I thought you might want to see a friendly face.

So how is our boy doing?

- Well, he's enjoying the waters.

I'm afraid we've lost him. [sobbing]

- Here.

- Please, forgive me, Mr. Howe.

- Don't you think it's time you called me Louis?

Maybe we've been going about this all wrong.

He's down there to be alone.

Let's give him what he wants.

We change our focus. - To what?

- To you.

Franklin: A mystery touch, Tom.

Pssh!

Just a soupcon, one of those.

Et... voila!

There you are. Try that.

So to your...

mineral pool or whatever you call it.

- Warm Springs.

- Warm Springs, Tom.

- [gags, coughs] - Is it too strong?

- Actually...

it's the most patently egregious martini I've ever tasted.

- Are you always this direct, Tom?

- Well, I don't believe I've ever tasted

anything this God-awful before,

martini or otherwise.

- Everyone likes my martinis.

- So they say.

- You have a family, Tom?

- Oh, Franklin...

I had a wife once.

But she's gone now.

- Tell me more about what that boy did, Aunt Sally.

- Well, first he swim

over to the side of the pool,

right there.

Made sure he righted hisself.

Then, before he knew it,

he was standing.

- If it was only that easy.

- Well, you make it hard.

Get over to the side of that pool.

Grab it!

- Yes, ma'am.

- Well.

Now you got to remember how you did it.

[calm music]

♪ ♪

- I'm standing.

[uplifting music]

♪ ♪

I'm standing.

♪ ♪

[voice breaking] I'm standing.

♪ ♪

- To standing on your own two feet.

- Thank you, Tom.

You know this spring water could be the cure?

In six months, I could be up and walking.

- Evening, folks. Loyless: Lionel.

- Cocktail, Lionel?

- I can't--working for the federal government.

- All the more reason. - [chuckles]

- Sort of late for the mail, isn't it?

Lionel: Not for me, it isn't.

Got a whole packet of clippings for you from a Mr. Howe.

"New York Times," "Journal of America"--

don't know what else.

Your mother wants to know when you're coming home.

Says they got swimming pools in Hyde Park.

She's mad as all hell.

- Reading other people's mail is not only impolite,

it's illegal.

- The sheriff don't mind.

He likes I read his mail.

Saves him the time.

Plus a lot of folks around here can't read, so...

it's more a public service, really.

- Astonishing. Thank you, Lionel.

There's two to go.

- Miss Missy LeHand. Who's she?

- If you must know, she's my social secretary.

I'm having her come down, if that's all right.

- Oh--almost forgot.

You got the nicest letter from your wife.

She's gonna make a speech to the League of Women Voters.

- Give me that.

Lionel: Says she's gonna keep the Roosevelt name alive,

at least till he starts walking and all.

I'd best be on my way.

Loyless: Night, Lionel.

- This is so unlike Eleanor.

She's terrified of crowds.

- We are facing imminent disaster.

- I take full responsibility if you hyperventilate or faint.

woman: On a level with us. [crowd laughing]

Oh, here she is now:

Mrs. Franklin Roosevelt.

[applause]

- Thank you.

Good afternoon.

I'm so--I'm so pleased to be invited here today.

Too often-- [shutter clicks]

Too often...

Too often, the great decisions

are originated and given form

in bodies made up wholly of men,

so that whatever political value women have to offer

is shunted aside without expression.

This is a mistake.

I think this might be the reason I'm...

having such a difficult time

giving voice to my own thoughts here today.

[crowd laughs]

I'm reminded of...

what someone once said about looking at an elephant.

It is impossible to ever see an entire elephant

from one place.

You have to walk around it.

If our elected leaders are to be truly effective,

they must learn to look beyond what is right in front of them

to see the entire elephant.

And for that,

they need our help.

[applause]

- That was so moving, Mrs. Roosevelt.

- Thank you.

- The Child Welfare Amendment

could use someone with your passion.

You must consider being our spokeswoman.

- Oh!

It--it would be an honor. woman: Wonderful.

[calm music]

♪ ♪

- Three...

four...

Five. - Five!

- Okay. - [laughing]

I walked five steps today!

Loyless: Congratulations, Franklin.

Listen, I got word a local reporter

wants to do a story on you.

It probably won't amount to more than

a provincial puff piece,

but it might give us some free publicity for the inn.

- Well, I'm hardly newsworthy these days.

How did he find out I'm here?

- Small town. Word gets out.

All right, I know the fella.

I'm doing him a favor.

You know, I used to be a journalist.

- You mean to tell me that all this time

I've been talking to a newspaperman?

- Not anymore.

I got into some trouble back in Atlanta.

It seems some of the editorial pieces I wrote

offended the sensibilities of a local civic group.

So I needed to lay low for a while.

- You mean the Klan?

Good God, Tom.

- Thrusting me into the beneficent arms

of Mr. George Foster Peabody,

who gave me this job.

- Well, that explains a few things.

I couldn't for the life of me

figure out why a man like you was running this--

- Rat trap?

- I was going to say dump,

but rat trap fits very nicely.

man: Now, in 1920,

when you were running for vice-president--

- I can't imagine your readers are interested

in ancient history.

Cox and I lost the election by a wide margin.

- Well, it was only a few years ago, Mr. Roosevelt--

- You know, it's the water's extra minerals,

plus its warmth, that makes all the difference.

Now, at 90 degrees,

I can work my muscles for hours

and not get cold.

- Well, as Assistant Secretary of the Navy

during the Great War, did you condone the use--

- Oh, I forgot one more thing you need to write down.

Poor circulation is a chronic problem

for people in my condition.

- So you think it could be a cure?

- Well, I don't know.

- But you're hopeful?

- Oh, yes.

Yes, I am.

Franklin: Roy.

Thank you.

[soft dramatic music]

♪ ♪

[typewriter clacking] And therefore,

a formal questionnaire should be composed,

in order that we may hear

from all recent delegates

as to how we can do better in '28

to present a more united front.

Sincerely, Franklin Roosevelt, et cetera, et cetera.

- Very good. Do you want this out today?

- Tomorrow will be fine.

- All right.

- And would you cc that to Louis, please, Missy?

- Certainly, sir.

- Hungry, Mr. Roosevelt?

- Not really.

- Who do you write to every morning?

- Oh, different people I knew in politics,

in case they ever want me back.

- So you'll be ready when you get your legs

to working again?

- Exactly. [knocking on door]

- Excuse me, are you Mr. Roosevelt?

- Yes, who are you?

- My name is Benjamin Pendergrast.

- Well, come on in, Benjamin Pendergrast.

- I've come to see if you could speak

at this year's graduation ceremony at the schoolhouse,

you--you being so famous and all.

- Well, I'll be damned.

- Would you be available?

- Are you graduating?

- No, sir. I'm the principal.

- I see.

[crowd chattering]

Pendergrast: Y'all take your seats.

Children, settle down.

Go on, take your seats.

Now that we're all here today,

congratulations to our graduates.

- Hear, hear.

[applause]

- I'd like to introduce a very special guest speaker,

Mr. Franklin Roosevelt.

[applause]

Roosevelt: Thank you.

Uh, thank you, my friends.

Now, you know, at Groton,

uh, where I graduated from high school,

our beloved headmaster

encouraged his students to enter public life.

I--I chose to attend Harvard

for my undergraduate work and then...

Columbia for my law degree.

I followed my headmaster's advice

and sought a career in public life.

But circumstances beyond my control...

[melancholy music]

♪ ♪

Have made that...

very difficult.

You know, I have given many...

speeches in my life.

I don't know why I'm having such a hard time

making this one.

♪ ♪

My God.

Did you see how they were looking at me?

- They welcomed your company, Franklin.

- Don't patronize me. Loyless: Don't patronize them.

These people go to bed night after night

with half-empty stomachs.

Your legs are the least of their worries.

♪ ♪

Sally: Aren't you cold, Mr. Roosevelt?

- Mr. Roosevelt, you gonna catch the chill

if you don't get out the water.

- You're gonna have to talk to him, Mr. Loyless.

He won't listen to us.

Loyless: Franklin, we have to talk.

Normally we close up this time of year

and the staff can go home for the holidays.

- [exhales]

I see.

[train whistling, rattling]

- Grandmother Delano brought this all the way from china.

Anna: How beautiful, Grandmamma.

- Thank you, Anna, dear.

Elliott: Have you ever been to China, father?

- China, Elliott?

No, just your grandmamma.

- Johnny, we need you. - Come help us sing.

- No, I don't want to.

- Oh, she's gonna sing again and you're gonna sing

whether you like it or not.

Sing!

all: ♪ Hark, the herald angels sing ♪

- We know this one. [muttering]

all: ♪ Glory to the newborn king ♪

♪ Peace on earth and mercy mild ♪

Franklin: ♪ God and sinners reconciled ♪

[dramatic music]

♪ ♪

[grunting]

- It was an extraordinary turnout this afternoon.

Louis says there were over 200 people in the audience.

- Well, that's marvelous, Babs--

- Oh, steady.

I got you, sir. - [groans]

You wonder...

why I want to go back to Georgia?

It's to avoid people

who look at me the way you just did.

- You truly believe the waters--

that they are helping?

- Don't talk to me as if I were a child,

choosing your words so carefully.

- How am I supposed to talk to you?

- Like I was.

Talk to me like I was.

- I don't know how anymore.

[somber music]

♪ ♪

[birds chirping]

- Whoa, whoa, whoa.

[Franklin grunts]

- Well, you're a sight for sore eyes.

- We missed you at the station.

Tom, are you all right?

- Oh, it's just a ulcer.

I can't eat anything I like anymore.

- My father had ulcers.

Damn irritating. - Yes, they are.

Thank you, Pete. Thank you, Roy.

- Well, shall we go for a swim?

- Why not?

Loyless: So we have some new guests--

some paying and some non-paying.

- What the blazes is this?

- The interview you gave was syndicated in Sunday papers

all over the country.

They're here to see you.

- Mr. Roosevelt, Pat Doyle.

Sir, I have come here all the way from Minneapolis

just to shake your hand.

Stuck in this chair, I do nothing but read--

just newspapers usually,

just looking for something, anything that would...

tell me there's even the slightest chance

that I could walk again.

- Well, I...

Excuse me for just one moment if you would, Mr. Doyle.

- Franklin?

- Is everything all right?

- Of course. Everything's fine.

- I want no part of this.

I come here for privacy.

- This isn't your personal spa.

I have a business to run.

- Exactly--you have a business to run, not I.

- No one's asking anything of you.

- Of course they are.

- Do you know what it took for most of them to get here?

- It's not my concern!

I want to be left alone!

- My God.

You're afraid of these people.

- Afraid? What are you talking about?

- You look at them with the same repulsion

and pity as everyone else.

- Don't be ridiculous. I resent your--

- You don't want to be around them

because then that would make you one of them, wouldn't it?

- Goddamn it! Get out of my way!

Get out of my goddamn way!

[train rattling, whistling]

- Right on time. How 'bout that?

- There you are.

man: Bullochville, five-minute stop.

All aboard.

- [speaks indistinctly] - Yes, sir.

- Franklin.

- Expecting someone?

- Yes, I am.

Excuse me, I'm looking for a young gentleman

by the name of Botts.

- I, uh-- - Fred Botts?

- Don't know anything about that.

- I expect he'd be in a wheelchair.

- Oh, the cripple.

- One moment.

man: He's in the baggage car.

- The baggage car?

- Roy.

Loyless: Fred? It's okay.

You're in Warm Springs. You made it.

- [grunts] - Here we go.

[paper crinkles]

- Mr. Roosevelt.

- It's going to be all right, son.

- [panting]

Botts: I'm sorry about this, Mr. Roosevelt.

The conductor wouldn't let me ride in the passenger car

with my chair.

- When did you last eat, son?

- I ate at Knoxville.

- Knoxville must have been two days ago.

- Roy, take him to the car. - Yes, sir.

- Who in their right mind lets a child ride in the baggage car?

You could've killed that boy!

- He had polio. Probably still contagious.

- Don't dismiss me because I sit in this chair.

- Get away from me! You've had polio.

- You ignorant son of a bitch!

If I could, I'd get up there right now,

lock you in that baggage car, see how you like it.

- [grunts]

- Franklin!

man: You get this lunatic away from me!

Crazy bastard!

- Where's the nearest hospital? - Atlanta.

- What about a doctor?

- Closer, but not by much.

- Roy.

Let's go home.

[soft dramatic music]

♪ ♪

- [panting]

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

- How many can pay?

- Fewer than half.

- I want these people in the cottages, not the inn.

It's safer.

- Well, it's the way it has to be.

- What do you mean?

- There've already been some complaints.

It's the start of the season, Franklin.

I've got regulars who've come for years,

healthy folks most of all.

They're threatening to...

check out.

Afraid they might catch polio.

- Don't they know that after the fevers break

we're no longer contagious?

- I'm gonna...

have to ask that you not use the pool during regular hours.

I'll try and put aside time for you late in the day.

And, uh, it will no longer be possible...

for you to eat in the dining room.

But I promise I will find a suitable alternative.

- They don't want us to eat in their presence?

- Of course, for you, we can find other accommodations.

- [sighs] That won't be necessary.

[tears paper]

♪ ♪

- Thank you.

- You still need a doctor here.

- For Fred?

- For everyone.

"Dear Babs,

"things are very different upon my return.

"I am taking on responsibilities

"which none of my schooling

"in the spheres of higher learning or politics

"could have prepared me for.

"I have seen the casualties of war,

"but I have never seen this--

"a suffering so insidious, so silent,

that it rattles my soul."

Botts: When can I swim?

- Soon.

When you're a little stronger.

- You know, when I'm asleep,

in my dreams, I can still walk.

- Me too.

How long has it been since you walked?

- Nine years.

I'd just learned to ride a bike.

After I got sick, my mom...

[chuckles]

She was sure that the bike caused it.

- Did she sell it?

- Uh-uh, she took it out back and shot it.

- [laughing]

That's it, folks. Come on in.

And who is this next delightful young lady?

- [giggles] Daisy.

- Daisy! Excellent, Daisy, come on in.

Don't be scared.

Don't be scared, folks. Make your way down.

You're gonna find that the magnesium in the water

is gonna hold you up.

So we're all gonna get in.

That includes you, Mr. Bronx.

- Okay.

Jake Perrini, Bronx, New York.

- Roy, sir. - How you doing?

Roosevelt: That's right, this way.

- Come on, I don't bite.

- Fine, sir, mighty fine.

- You? - Pete, sir.

- Pete.

- Grab the edge of the pool,

get yourselves comfortable

and now we're gonna move

just about whatever we can.

- Hey, you fellas mind pulling me out of this trap?

I don't want to trip. Roosevelt: Do your best.

- Our pleasure, sir.

- Franklin: You're gonna find it a lot easier

here than on land.

Well done! That's it! - [grunts]

- That's it. Well done, Daisy.

- Wait, wait, fellas, do me one more favor?

You mind tossing me in?

- Toss you in, sir?

- I want to get airborne.

- On three.

- You see that?

Roy and Pete: One, two...

- Yahoo!

[all cheering]

[upbeat music]

♪ ♪

- Well done, Jake.

Loyless: You won't be able to tell the difference.

You want to try that lemonade?

♪ ♪

- Here you go.

Um, do you have a reservation?

- [giggling]

- Now, whether in there or out here,

I guarantee you the food will taste the same--

absolutely terrible.

[all laughing]

Eleanor: "My dear Franklin,

"I too am embarking

"on an altogether remarkable experience.

"It seems everywhere I go,

"there are more people in dire need of help.

"It would be overwhelming if not for my deep belief

"that help is possible.

"Louis's latest flash of brilliance

"is to take me mainstream.

"He said that you would know what he means by this.

"I hope you are finding your work to be gratifying

"in both mind and heart.

Your beloved Eleanor."

- That's it, Fred. That's it.

- [gasping, grunting]

- Off you go, Fred. Off you go!

All right, Fred. [both laughing]

- You're all set.

- Thank you for the lift.

- My pleasure, ma'am.

Botts: You'll get him, Roy.

Don't let him intimidate you.

Roosevelt: Would you make a move?

Roy: You just hold on, sir.

I waited for you that last.

Here you go, now king me! [laughing]

Roosevelt: Damn. Roy: King me.

Roosevelt: That was not a legal move!

Roy: It is, sir. - You are losing, doc.

- "Doc"?

You are Franklin Roosevelt, aren't you?

- Well, it depends. Are you a lawyer?

- No.

- Then Doc Roosevelt it is.

Would you excuse me one moment, please?

Would you take that? - Oh!

- How can I help you, miss, uh...?

- Mahoney.

Helena Mahoney.

I'm the physical therapist.

You have no idea who I am, do you?

- Should I?

- I wrote you a letter right after I saw

the article in the paper; didn't you read it?

- Well, it got read, I assure you, but probably not by me.

- He's open right there.

- He sure is!

Thank you, ma'am. - Oh!

- See, I've been studying the effects of moist heat

on polio patients.

And I think that repeated physical therapy

in warm water--

- Can help them regain lost strength.

- Yes.

- Incredibly, I have come to the same conclusion myself.

- No ramps, no running water, no doctors--

from the newspaper article,

I assumed this was a rehabilitation center.

- Don't believe everything you read.

- I feel I was brought here under false pretenses.

- Join the club.

- Now push into my hand.

- I'm trying.

[grunts]

- Okay.

- Give me the good news first.

- Well, your gluteus maximus is better than I'd hoped.

It'll serve you well.

- Oh, that must be all that sitting.

- I'm serious.

Your right leg has some movement along the thigh.

That's good,

because then we'll be able to use that to extend your hip,

flex your knee and rotate your tibia.

- I'm supposed to walk on one side?

- The water may build some strength

I'm not able to see yet.

But to do that, you would need to swim in the water

much of the day,

not the limited hours you have now.

Why should this place cater to a few able-bodied folk

when it could be open year-round for polios?

Roosevelt: There's a real need for a place like this, Tom.

Are you aware that in the last epidemic

over 16,000 people got polio in the New York area alone?

- Sounds like you've been reading up.

- I wish there was more to read.

Damn few things being written about any of this.

Think of someone like Fred locked away--

a mind and heart so vibrant.

- It's a waste. - Listen--

- It's an awful waste.

- What's the acreage here?

- About 1,200 or so, why?

- I wanna buy it.

- No.

- I think it would make one hell of an investment.

- [chuckles] Investment?

- 1,200 acres is enough for two resorts, don't you think?

- It'd take money.

All this land--

fixing up the inn, putting in ramps.

So many people can't pay.

- Yeah, but do you think old Peabody will sell?

- [laughs] Oh, he'll sell.

- Oh, yeah? What makes you so sure?

- Have you taken a look at this place?

- Yes, yes, I'm still holding.

Oh, hel--hello?

Hello, Peabody! You old reprobate.

Yes, you'll never guess why I'm calling.

- Okay, gentlemen, her braces are unlocked.

Woodhall, this is Eloise. - Hi.

I want you to pick her up and put her in that chair.

- Yes, ma'am. - Gently.

Very good.

Watch her braces. - Yes, ma'am.

You're as light as a feather, I hardly...

- I...

I was a dancer in the ballet.

That's all I ever wanted.

And then-- Roosevelt: Miss Mahoney.

We have some, uh, new faces.

- Good news:

I raided the pool hall.

These are my push boys.

- Well, welcome, push boys.

[together] Afternoon, sir.

- Good day, Eloise, everyone.

- Hello, Mr. Roosevelt.

- You gonna tell them your good news?

- Well, uh, it's hardly a done deal,

but for better or worse,

you may be looking at the new owner of this godforsaken place.

- Oh, that's wonderful.

[applause]

- Three. - Two.

- Polio is always gonna be

a losing proposition financially,

but that's no reason you shouldn't buy the place.

- I'm buying it; make no mistake about that.

- One. Doyle: Good for you, Doc.

Botts: Well, Doc, if you don't mind my asking,

how are people gonna pay for the services

that you're gonna offer here?

I mean, people with polio have a hard enough time

to make ends meet as it is.

- Boy makes a good point, Franklin.

- Not everything in this world has to be about profit.

Check.

- Check. - Check.

- 25.

- I'll see you 25 and raise you 25.

- Come on, will you? The night's still young.

- It's 25¢, not $25.

Doyle: Don't let him bother you, Tom.

He's a cheap bastard.

- Too rich for my blood.

- I'm out.

- 25. You'd better have something.

- Take it. I was bluffing.

- Whoo!

- Your deal, Franklin.

Good night, everybody. - Night, Tom.

- Tom.

- Tom. Better luck next time.

- Well, gentlemen,

the game is five-card stud,

and sevens are wild.

- Aww!

- Sevens are wild. Botts: Again?

- You can all go to hell.

- Tom?

Tom!

Where do you think you're going?

- I'm going up to Asheville to see my parents.

- Well, I-- I can't do this without you.

[stammering] We're only just beginning.

- You. You're beginning.

Not me.

I've got cancer, Franklin.

It's spread everywhere.

- Well, I'll--I'll take you to the best doctors.

We'll go to Atlanta right now.

- I've seen the best doctors.

When you were away in New York,

they opened me up for the second time.

I just want to die in the bed I was born.

You're gonna do great things.

This place has a identity now--

a purpose.

It has you.

[car door opens]

Take care of yourself, Roy.

- God be with you, Mr. Loyless.

[engine starts]

- You never pitied me.

Thank you for that, Tom.

- On the contrary--

I envy you.

Good luck, Franklin.

[dramatic music]

♪ ♪

Sara: He wants to use his entire trust fund

to buy that leper colony.

- Franklin has invited Louis and me

to see the work that he's been doing.

Sara: "Work."

Playing in a pool all day long,

squandering his birthright on a group of...

fawning strangers.

I consider this your fault, Eleanor.

- I beg your pardon, Mama?

- You have indulged him.

And this is the result.

- Indulged him?

I have indulged him?

He's a grown man who makes his own decisions.

- But he doesn't have to buy it.

- If it's any comfort to you, I agree.

- And I'm against it as well.

It will take up too much of his time and energy.

- Then it's settled: we tell him no.

- No, it is not settled.

We must hear him out.

Louis and I must see for ourselves

the work that he's been doing.

Then we will all discuss this further--

then tell him no.

- Perhaps I've underestimated you.

- Perhaps you have.

[car horn honking]

Mahoney: All right, now lift yourself up.

man: I got it.

Mahoney: She'll help you onto your crutches.

- Morning, Mr. Roosevelt.

- That's Tom's car.

- I was just as sorry as anyone

to hear about Mr. Loyless's passing,

and I wished he could've lived to see this.

- What are you talking about?

- Mr. Loyless had me come up here and he said,

"Fetch this car.

I want you to fix it up for Mr. Roosevelt."

- Pete, I can't drive a car.

- Well, you can now.

I'll teach you.

Now, this one here is your brake.

- Okay, got it. - All right.

And this one over here-- this is your gas.

- Gas.

- Hot damn, you got hand controls.

- That is a thing of beauty.

Pete: Now, you got to push the gas in real smooth,

or else it goes all herky-jerky.

- Yeah? [engine bangs]

Whoa! [all scream and laugh]

- You ain't quite ready to drive it just yet, now.

You got to--

- Oh, yes, I am. Oh!

All right, oh-ho!

[all screaming]

- [squeals] man: Look out, Roy!

[lively music]

♪ ♪

[gears grind] - [laughing]

Whoa!

♪ ♪

- It's a far cry from Grand Central Station.

- The wire said someone would be here to pick us up.

[car horn honking]

- Your chariot awaits, Madam.

- When did you learn to drive this thing?

- Tuesday.

[lively music]

♪ ♪

man: Hello. Hello, Mrs. Roosevelt.

Franklin: I can't wait to give you the tour.

I'm gonna take you in the back way.

That's where the ramps are, a very exclusive entrance.

Our able-bodied guests are green with envy.

[grunts]

Now, a small schoolhouse will go there.

We need it badly.

Many of the children are barred from the local schools

due to their infirmities.

We also require a blacksmith shop

so that we can craft braces here on the premises.

I found a wonderful local man

who can make crutches and canes.

His work is outstanding.

But of course, what we are in most desperate need of

is a hospital.

Now, that's gonna put my fundraising abilities

to the test.

But if I can get you inside,

you'll see the real possibilities.

[grunts] Wait till you see.

We have a wonderful bedroom for Louis upstairs, of course,

lucky fella.

Now, we have in here the storeroom,

and we have the kitchen here.

- Franklin, what exactly are you proposing?

- That this will be the first polio rehabilitation

and treatment center in the world.

Now, my personal trust almost covers the cost of the inn

and the surrounding land.

That's the dining room.

A modest tuition will be charged to patients.

That should hold us over while I seek out investors.

That's the library in there, and in here we have the parlor.

Louis: But you're taking a huge financial risk here.

- And--and there are other costs to consider.

- Well, Mama will see that the children are provided for.

- I'm not speaking of money.

- Yeah, I have found something here

which makes waking up in the morning remotely bearable.

I can't believe the two of you stand here--

- Franklin, I need for you to be practical and realistic.

- Practical? Practical?

Eleanor, will you understand

I am trapped inside a body

which no longer moves of my own volition?

I am trying to be practical!

Now either you're with me or against me--

in or out.

- I don't care for ultimatums disguised as debate.

- Where are you going? Eleanor, come back here.

- I will see you gentlemen tonight.

- You can't talk to her like that.

- Oh, really? Are you an expert on this now?

How should I speak to my wife?

- With the respect that she deserves.

Look, I don't deny that

the work you're doing here could be--

- Oh, "could be," oh.

- But the issue is whether you want to run

a rehabilitation center

or whether you want to run for office again.

- When I can walk, I'll run.

[indistinct chatter]

- Mm-hmm, good.

And that's it.

[soft dramatic music]

♪ ♪

[glass dinging]

- Your attention, please, friends.

Now this is, as you know,

a very special night we're celebrating.

But last, not least, because we're out of the back room

and into the dining room.

[laughter]

Perrini: Wait a minute. Wait a minute.

I can't let this opportunity pass

without saying out loud what a lot of us are feeling

in our hearts right now.

You are a man among men, Franklin.

man: Hear, hear.

[applause]

- And women. - And children.

[laughter]

- It's a real democracy here at Warm Springs.

Everybody gets heard.

All right, then, let me now do the honors

of presenting to you

Mr. Danny Connell on the piano.

man: Yay, Danny!

- And the lovely Miss Eloise Hutchinson

of Cottage C.

Boys!

[piano music playing]

- ♪ Think of what you're losing ♪

♪ By constantly refusing ♪

♪ To dance with me ♪

♪ You'd be the idol of France with me ♪

♪ And yet you stand there ♪

♪ And shake your foolish head ♪

♪ Dramatically ♪

♪ While I wait here so ecstatically ♪

♪ You just look and say ♪

♪ Emphatically ♪

♪ Not this season ♪

♪ There's a reason ♪

♪ ♪

[laughter]

girls: ♪ I won't dance, don't ask me ♪

♪ I won't dance, don't ask me ♪

♪ I won't dance, Monsieur, with you ♪

♪ My heart won't let my feet ♪

♪ Do things they should do ♪

♪ You know what? You're lovely ♪

- ♪ And so what? I'm lovely ♪

girls: ♪ But oh, what you do to me ♪

♪ I'm like an ocean wave ♪

♪ That's bumped on the shore ♪

♪ I feel so absolutely ♪

♪ Stumped on the floor ♪

♪ I won't dance ♪

[loud cheering] Franklin: Bravo!

Bravo!

Thank you, thank you.

Thank you. That was just wonderful.

Thank you, a-and, uh,

now I understand that our, uh--

before we say good night,

that our royal taskmaster in residence, uh,

Miss Mahoney, uh...

insists on having the last word.

- I don't think words

describe adequately

what Daisy and I

would like to show all of you.

Are you ready, Daisy? - Mm-hmm.

[uplifting music]

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

- [loud sigh]

[applause]

♪ ♪

- Let me.

- Yes, ma'am.

- What is your most pressing concern?

- Getting a doctor to live on the premises full time.

Someone who at the very least

could monitor our progress

and make us legitimate.

- And that costs more money. - Yes.

The real problem is, no one is interested.

The annual orthopedics convention is being held

in Atlanta this weekend.

I offered to speak.

They turned me down flat.

- A few weeks ago,

conditions at a garment factory on West 27th Street

were brought to my attention.

The owners claimed that everything was satisfactory

but would never let anyone in to have a complete inspection.

It took awhile, but we finally got in.

- "We"?

- I showed up with someone from the Labor Board,

and we refused to leave until they let us in.

- What are you suggesting, Eleanor?

- At the risk of my good standing

with the Junior Assistance League--

- Thank you.

- I suggest we crash the party.

[calm music]

♪ ♪

Good night, Franklin.

- Thank you.

Good night, Babs.

♪ ♪

[door opens]

[closes]

[car horn honks]

♪ ♪

Bissell: A clinical situation

where the radicular, or nerve root

is compressed by the prolapsed disk is referred to as--

- So sorry we're late!

- Good afternoon, uh--

you're sure this worked on 27th Street?

- It seemed to at the time.

Eleanor Roosevelt.

- Excuse me?

- Niece of the late president Theodore Roosevelt,

and this is my husband Franklin,

former Assistant Secretary of the Navy.

Thank you, Dr. Bissell... Bissell: Madam?

- For giving us a few minutes.

It is so generous of you.

My husband, as many of you may have read--

- One moment--and this will take one moment.

Thank you so much, Dr. Bissell. - Thank you so much.

- My husband, as many of you may have read,

is a victim of polio.

However, victim is only a definition,

not a state of mind.

Franklin? - I will be brief.

As we all know,

poor circulation is a chronic problem

for limbs damaged by polio.

I myself have only been able to swim for a few moments

without getting too cold.

But there is a place, gentlemen,

a miraculous place not three hours from here

where the water is filled with natural minerals

and at a temperature of almost 90 degrees.

That place, gentlemen,

is called Warm Springs.

- Franklin--

Franklin: And as a result-- - Sorry.

- Of the work undertaken there,

it is our contention

that muscles weakened by infantile paralysis

can regain much-needed strength

with warm water therapy

and at a truly significant rate.

- Yes.

We have come to the shared conclusion

that research for the cause and the cure

of infantile paralysis is paramount.

However, until that day arrives,

more emphasis needs to be placed on rehabilitation.

We personally invite you to Warm Springs

to come and take a look.

Thank you.

- Thank you very much, gentlemen.

Thank you, Dr. Bissell. - Thank you, Doctor.

- You have a wonderful convention.

[applause]

- Thank you so much.

- I was very encouraged. - Thank you.

- Ms. Roosevelt, excuse me.

Uh, Dr. Peter Hebert. - Hello.

- I've been doing some studies of my own in this area,

and I was wondering if I could come down

and make an evaluation

for "The Journal of Orthopedic Medicine."

- Yes, it would, and the sooner the better,

Doctor, thank you.

- Thank you.

Not bad. - [chuckles] Not bad.

[brakes creak]

- What is it?

- Who are you?

[cheerful music]

♪ ♪

Come here.

- I don't know how to drive.

- I'll teach you.

Put your hand there. Press it forward.

And if I move this one forward,

and then if you release--

- I-I--

- And I move this,

you release the lever,

and you--

- [gasps] - Whoa!

- Oh! - See? You're a natural.

Try a little steering.

- That--that's all right.

- Just one hand. - I don't--

- Just one hand, Eleanor,

and the other--see?

- [high-pitched yelps] - [laughing]

You'll be fine.

Now, look, Babs, I don't want you to worry

when I do this. [laughing]

- Oh, please, oh, please, oh, God!

[screams]

- You are a natural, Babs.

- Oh, that's really not funny.

[both laughing]

- Bye, boss. - Good-bye, Louis.

- I'll break the news to Mama.

I think it's going to be fun.

- [laughing]

Oh, Babs...

words fail me.

- You...

Franklin Roosevelt,

I do so love you.

man: All aboard!

man: Mr. Roosevelt,

you're looking mighty fit.

- Well, thank you.

- Fine day, isn't it? - It is.

Now, how is the boll weevil situation?

- I expect the boll weevil is gon' always be a situation,

Mr. Roosevelt.

man: Ain't that the truth?

[indistinct chatter]

- I have a feeling we're not smiling about the same thing.

[train rattles]

- He's ready.

[uplifting music]

♪ ♪

- Come on, Louis, you can't kiss babies from a wheelchair.

He'll scare their mothers half to death.

- Yeah, what do we need him for?

Al Smith's got the presidential nomination in a lock.

- Correct me if I'm wrong,

but don't you think after all these years,

that old Al is a little rough around the edges?

[both laugh] - Yeah.

- Well, Franklin can help soften his image.

- How? - Yeah.

- Let him put Smith's name in nomination.

- In nomination? Are you serious?

- Whoa, wait, wait, wait.

He is a hell of a speechmaker.

- He may be, but is your man up to it?

- Oh, it is in the bag, guys.

You can count on him.

Hey, Stansbury, send my best to the missus.

- I will, thank you.

- He's lost weight.

Must've been the prison food.

[both laughing]

Hebert: Lift your leg up just a little.

girl: I don't know...

Hebert: You say she's been wearing these braces

for a year? Mahoney: That's right.

Hebert: All right, sweetheart, come on.

Give me a little bit this way. That's all right.

Good, good.

Now roll it back just the other way, okay?

All right, can you push against my hand?

Again. Okay.

That's excellent. Good, sweetheart.

Malo: ♪ Beautiful dreamer ♪

♪ Wake unto me ♪

♪ Starlight and dewdrops ♪

♪ Are waiting for thee ♪

♪ Sounds of the rude world ♪

♪ Heard in the day ♪

♪ Lulled by the moonlight ♪

♪ Have all passed away ♪

♪ ♪

♪ Beautiful dreamer ♪

♪ Queen of my song ♪

♪ List while I woo thee ♪

♪ With soft melody ♪

♪ Gone are the cares ♪

♪ Of life's busy throng ♪

♪ ♪

♪ Beautiful dreamer...♪

- Hello, Saunders, how are you?

Couldn't be better.

I was wondering if you'd found a buyer for my naval prints.

I see.

Well, they're in marvelous condition.

All right, Saunders. Oh, one more thing--

uh, I have some wonderful pieces of my grandfather's,

Tang dyn--

Really?

An auction in the fall--

well, that-- that sounds promising.

Yes, indeed.

Indeed, I-I will be in touch.

Thank you, Saunders.

Roy, what am I gonna tell these people

if I have to close things down?

- That you did the best you could.

- Afternoon, Mr. Roosevelt.

- [straining] Lionel.

Any, uh, good news?

- Creditors are getting cranky.

- The operative word was "good."

- Ooh--almost forgot.

That doctor that came and studied you all

sent his report.

Save me the stamps? - Yes, yes.

- These will come off clean.

- [stammering] "Therefore,

"in conclusion, my research has shown

"that the overwhelming majority of patients

"have shown some improvement,

"enough for me to recommend warm water therapy

"as the standard post-polio treatment

to the Orthopedic Society of America."

Roy!

- What is it, sir?

Mahoney: It's not as bad as you think.

- Read it out loud, page 29.

- I already-- - Read it!

- "Of the 23 patients examined,

"only one, a 44-year-old male

showed little visible signs of improvement."

This is one doctor's opinion, Frank--

- Keep reading.

- "There is marked falling away of the muscle masses

"on either side of the spine and the lower lumbar region.

His lower extremities present a most depressing picture."

- Please.

- "I feel after studying him

"that the psychological factor in his management is paramount.

"He has such courage and ambition,

"yet at the same time,

"he's such an extraordinarily sensitive emotional mechanism

"that it will take all the skill which we can muster

"to lead him successfully to a recognition

"of his severe physical limitations

without crushing him."

- Patronizing son of a bitch.

I wanted...

to walk again.

- And you still might.

This report legitimizes all we've worked so hard for.

We can raise funds now; it could change everything.

- It won't change anything for me!

- [sighs]

No, Franklin, I won't play this game.

I won't feel sorry for you.

I met a boy today--

ten years old.

He's paralyzed from the waist down.

Why don't you go regale him with vivid tales

of your trips to Europe,

and playing football at school?

Tell him how you courted your wife and fathered children.

Tell him of a life he can only dream of.

Franklin,

I can't help you out of a hole.

If I climb in with you,

then we're both stuck.

[dramatic music]

♪ ♪

- Here's another one he's refusing.

- Why don't you read it?

- I don't like telegrams--

all them "stops" and stuff.

- Let me see that.

- Does it make you dizzy, Lionel?

- Little bit.

- "Would be honored if you would place my name

"in nomination for president, stop.

"The party needs you, stop.

Yours sincerely, Al Smith"!

- Who's he?

- The governor of New York. - [whistles]

- Why don't you slide that under his door?

- All right.

He'll probably slide it back at me.

I need some coffee.

- He won't go.

He won't want to be seen walking on crutches

or being wheeled to the podium.

- The millions listening on the radio

won't be able to see that.

- But all the people at the convention will.

[knocks on door]

- Afternoon, Mr. Howe. - Hello, Roy.

- Can't believe you made me come

all the way back to this hellhole.

- I've done no such thing.

- I'm here to take you to Houston.

You started your speech yet?

- I'm not going.

Howe: You're not going.

You're not going.

You know what this is, don't you?

This is a golden opportunity for you.

This is a springboard to run for governor.

You ever hear of this, um,

Civil War general named Francis Nicholls?

- No.

- Well, I never heard of him either.

But this was one brave son of a bitch.

He fought for the Confederacy.

He lost his left arm in one battle

and his left foot in another.

Then after the war,

he ran and won the governorship of Louisiana twice.

- He was a war hero. - Twice!

Look.

I have worked like a dog to keep your name in play.

I have been groveling at the feet

of the powers that be in back rooms--

- As much for you as for me.

- And I'll be damned if I'm gonna let you

pass up a chance like this.

It's time, and you're ready.

- Louis,

I'm not going.

- Your turn.

- Roy, so good to see you.

- Very good to see you, Mrs. Roosevelt.

- You're a mess.

- You know that I love you, don't you?

And I wanted to, um,

walk again

as much for you

as for me.

I'm sorry, I never...

[sobbing]

- Oh, my darling.

Oh, my darling.

- I'm sorry.

- You have done a brilliant thing here.

A magnificent thing.

♪ ♪

- I don't deserve you.

- Let's go get you in the pool.

- Hi, Pop!

- Elliott?

- Come on, you getting in?

- I sense a conspiracy.

Howe: You ain't seen nothing yet.

Mahoney: Franklin, you won't need those crutches.

- What?

- We're gonna make your arms function as your legs.

- [panting] How is that possible?

- Elliott, go to your father and stand on his left side.

- I think this may work, Pop.

Mahoney: Eleanor, take the crutch.

Now use your right shoulder and pull your left leg forward.

Good.

Use the muscles in your left shoulder

to pull your right leg.

- One small bump,

I'll land right on my keister!

- That's what Elliott's for.

He's gonna hold you up.

Hit your leg, come on.

Don't lean in, Elliott. Stand up straight.

Pull against him. He needs you.

- I can't-- - I'm strong, Pop.

You can't hurt me.

- You can do this, Franklin. come on.

Franklin: [grunts] I got to--

- Franklin, are you all right?

- I'm fine. I'm just, uh...

- This isn't a replacement for the real work we're doing

to get you on your feet again.

You understand?

No one's throwing in the towel

or even agreeing with that doctor's report.

- Yeah, I know, I know.

- I know it's not practical.

- No.

No, it's not.

It's political.

- Good. Keep your head up.

- Why is he working so hard to hide it?

- He doesn't have a choice.

- Oh, I disagree.

- How can you disagree?

"There by the grace of God goes us"--

that's what they're saying,

as if our body is who we are.

Well, it's not. Our soul is who we are.

But they don't know that.

- I wish he could just wheel himself out there

in front of everybody.

- Eloise, sweetheart, he can't do that; it's politics.

- Yes, but he could use this opportunity--

Perrini: When you get right down to it,

it's not gonna matter if he hides his legs,

as long as he doesn't hide what he knows.

And what he knows is what it's like to be be one of us.

- Good afternoon, picnickers.

- Hiya, Doc.

[Franklin gasps]

Mahoney: Now wait.

Just wait a moment and catch your breath.

- Aw, damn.

You all right, son? Elliott: Fine, pop.

- You fell down.

- Yes, I did, Daisy.

12th time today. Must be a new record.

[laughter]

Mahoney: You're just tired.

You just overdid it, that's all.

- [groaning]

Roosevelt: And so America must find--

America--America must be requir--

America needs a pathfinder...

- That's--that's good.

- A blazer of the trail to the high road

that will avoid...

[sighs]

That will avoid the bottomless morass...

[sighs]

- Well, what is it? What's wrong?

- What if I fall trying to get to the podium?

- If you fall, then you show them how to get up.

- No, if I fall in front of thousands of people,

I lose everything,

but their pity.

And they'll be writing my obituary

before I can get up off the floor.

- Elliott won't let you fall; he'll be there.

All the arrangements have been made, boss.

It'll be fine.

- Who are we fooling?

This will never work.

It's a waste of time for me

to place Al Smith's name in nomination.

They'll never let me back into politics.

They'll never see past my legs.

- My darling, they'll never see past your legs,

unless you do.

[somber music]

♪ ♪

Franklin.

- Don't worry, Doc, we're not coming with you.

[laughter]

- Oh, you'll be with me.

No question of that.

Well...

I want to say

how proud I am

to be a part of this community.

A community based not on

birthright or privilege,

but on...

compassion and courage, and...

you know, I believe the true power of these waters

is that they brought us all together.

[crowd murmuring]

And our ability to help one another

is what will make our victory

over polio endure.

Because what...

Because what you have done,

and what we will continue to do

until this disease is defeated

is to come together

like a family.

Do what we do best--

lift each other up.

[applause]

♪ ♪

all: Bye, Franklin. Bye.

- M-Mahoney!

I need to speak with you, please.

- Sure, Doc.

- Thank you.

- Good luck, Franklin.

[uplifting music]

♪ ♪

- I'm throwing myself to the wolves.

- You've faced worse.

If they bite, you can come back here.

- I'll always come back here. [both laugh]

All right.

♪ ♪

man: From the great state of Missouri...

[crowd cheering]

To the great state of Michigan,

and the Garden State of New Jersey...

[flash pops]

- No! - What do you mean, no?

- I mean get out of here.

- Hey, what the hell are you doing?

- Good to see you, Mr. Roosevelt.

- Thank you. Thank you, Roy.

man: And the great state of Rhode Island.

- Where is she seated?

- She's in the front row balcony on the right.

man: I'd like to introduce you to a man

who as Assistant Secretary of the Navy

served his country with distinction.

He is a member of an illustrious family

of long-standing...

- Louis, what the hell am I doing?

- You're putting your big toe in the water.

man: Franklin Delano Roosevelt!

[cheers and applause]

[marching band playing]

♪ ♪

- Let's go, son.

[cheering intensifies]

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

- Laugh as if I'm making a joke.

[both laugh loudly]

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

[crowd chanting] Roosevelt! Roosevelt!

radio announcer: Here on the stage

is Franklin Roosevelt,

a figure tall, proud-- even in suffering.

A face of classic profile,

a frame nervous

and yet self-controlled.

A man softened, cleansed,

and illumed with pain.

Listen to that crowd.

[crowd cheering, chanting]

- Oh, boy, that's a hell of an ovation, Al.

Couldn't ask for anything more.

- You may have to be careful here, Governor.

Looks like you're raising up a rival.

- Eh, mark my words--

he'll be dead in a year.

[crowd chanting] Roosevelt! Roosevelt!

Roosevelt! Roosevelt! Roosevelt!

- Excuse me, Mrs. Roosevelt, one last question.

- Yes.

- Do you think polio has affected your husband's mind?

[chanting continues]

- Yes, I do. I certainly do!

[chanting continues]

[inspiring music]

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

[classical music playing]

[applause]

Franklin D. Roosevelt: This is preeminently the time

to speak the truth, the whole truth,

frankly and boldly.

Nor need we shrink

from honestly facing conditions

in our country today.

This great nation will endure

as it has endured,

will revive and will prosper.

[applause]

So first of all,

let me assert my firm belief

that the only thing we have to fear

is fear itself:

nameless, unreasoning,

unjustified terror

which paralyzes needed efforts

to convert retreat into advance.

[applause]