The Roosevelts

[Sundance]

Has anyone here been watching a the series on The Roosevelts? It is on PBS every evening this week at 8 p.m. Eastern time. I find it very interesting.

See: http://www.pbs.org/kenburns/films/the-roosevelts

[JaneAusten]

So far, watching it and really enjoying it. I have to admit I never realized Teddy was the blustering force he was and how productively he really channeled his energy and how he tended to buck the establishment.

I like Ken Burns very minimalistic style also, something he's been criticized and called old fashioned for, but he really relies on the history to drive the narrative and it makes for compelling viewing.

[Khan]

The Roosevelts were raised with the idea that they were obligated to use their wealth to champion for the so-called common man, and I like that.

Unfortunately, from what I have seen thus far, FDR comes across as a bit caddish.

[reallyhateskateonlost]

I've been watching some of it. It drags on in parts, talking about the same thing but it's good. Some things I knew and some i didn't know like 6 yr. old Teddy watching The Lincoln Funeral Procession from a window!

[JaneAusten]

I think FDR was a tumultuous flirt and his mother Sara always made him think he was the center of the world. I've done a lot of reading on FDR and he closed parts of himself off from everyone. I think with Eleanor he found someone of substance who helped him care about those things you referred to, but she didn't stroke his ego and I think part of him grew up to expect that and needed that. The affair really turned Eleanor's life in new directions but I think polio really made FDR who he became. The point that was made in the episode last night struck me when they talked about how had he not gotten polio, he may have become one of the disposable democrats of the 20's, as his star was on the rise then, ultimately disappearing into obscurity.

[DramatistDreamer]

I've been watching online and it is mostly interesting but it definitely drags in some spots. Almost two hours per episode is a bit indulgent for a documentary, even if it is the Roosevelts. I'm very surprised that Ken Burns has been less than judicious with editing. I hope it's not a sign of things to come with his future documentaries.

Theodore Roosevelt definitely came off as being capricious, for example, in the way he led the charge up San Juan Hill in Cuba. It seemed downright careless to lead men to their deaths in that manner but I have to say, that unlike, say Bush, T.R. was actually risking his life as well and not just sending others into battle from the comfort of the White House. Stil it didn't sit right to me that he seemed so enthralled with battle. One of the historians described him as having bloodlust.

The documentary also gives the definite impression that FDR had a very patrician attitude, in that he felt much was expected of the Roosevelts because they were better than most everyone else. Not the most flattering but at least, he used that idea to strive to help others get a better foothold in life. Certainly a better attitude than many of our corporate oligarchs who believe that their wealth makes them superior but do not necessarily see the need to give back in any way.

Those pictures of him at Groton and Harvard...has anyone looked more unhappy??

And Eleanor and FDR's common bloodline? How very Downton Abbey.

I'm still find much to like about the series. That Meryl Streep is in everything, isn't she?