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The Roosevelt Story

Name: The Roosevelt Story
Director: Lawrence M. Klee
Released: 1947
Duration: 80 min

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Representation Score

4.5/10

Fair

1947

Approved

Director

Lawrence M. Klee

Runtime

80 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The documentary serves as a historical account of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency and wartime leadership. It primarily celebrates American government institutions and the effectiveness of the New Deal. While the film offers a unique look at a leader managing physical disabilities, it remains bound by the social structures of 1947. The emphasis is on singular male leadership and the success of government institutions. Overall, the film reflects the patriotic and institutional values of its time, prioritizing a narrative of national triumph over a diverse or inclusive perspective.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Roosevelt Story have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories, sticking to traditional 1947 themes centered around family and straight relationships.

How does The Roosevelt Story portray gender?

Limited

The movie emphasizes male leadership and focuses on Roosevelt’s personal role in the New Deal. Despite women’s involvement in the New Deal, the film highlights Roosevelt’s individual influence.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Roosevelt Story?

Fair

This documentary highlights the achievements of federal agencies during the New Deal era. However, it portrays a predominantly white institution without much diversity.

How does The Roosevelt Story represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film celebrates American institutions and resilience during the Great Depression. It focuses on government-led economic recovery rather than social critiques.

Does The Roosevelt Story include disability representation?

Good

The film meaningfully showcases Roosevelt’s life despite his paralysis, emphasizing that leadership can thrive even with physical disabilities.

Present on Screen

Highlights leadership despite physical disabilities.
Documents the impact of New Deal agencies such as the W.P.A. and C.C.C.

Limited or Absent

Does not include LGBTQ+ characters or narratives.
Overlooks significant female contributions to the New Deal and wartime efforts.
Maintains a homogeneous portrayal of institutional power without highlighting racial and ethnic diversity.

Official Synopsis

A documentary about the private (partly) and public life of Franklin D. Roosevelt who, despite his physical handicap, was elected President of the United States four times, compiled primarily from newsreels. His work during the depression years, when he created Federal agencies such as the W.P.A., C.C.C., N.R.A., P.W.A. and others is covered, plus a large portion of the film covers his years as a wartime leader. Also shown are scenes he didn't live to see, the unconditional surrender of the Germans and the Japanese. The musical background is a new symphony, "Toward the Sun", by Earl Robinson.

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