Sunrise at Campobello (NR)

This is an exceptional and inspiring true story.

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Movie details

Studio: Warner Bros.
Directed By: Vincent J. Donehue
Cast: Ralph Bellamy
Release Date: 01/01/1960
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: NR

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie raises some important questions about public service, what it means and how the public interest is best determined and best served.

Families can talk about what Mrs. Roosevelt means when she tells Franklin that "your stubbornness is not only your strength but your weakness." What is the difference between Mrs. Roosevelt's views about public service and Franklin's? Why was it so important that Roosevelt stand to give the speech? Would that be as important today? How did Franklin and Eleanor change as a result of his paralysis?

Message
Violence
Sex
Language

Message

Social Behavior:

Class issues, issue of treatment of the disabled, character expresses concerns about a Catholic running for the Presidency

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

None

Violence

Tense, but not scary

Sex

None

Language

None

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Nell Minow

SUNRISE AT CAMPOBELLO is the story of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (Ralph Bellamy), from the time he became disabled by polio to his comeback into mainstream politics, as he introduced candidate Al Smith to the Democratic convention of 1928. Franklin, a man of unquenchable vigor, was forced to reconsider his future when his legs became paralyzed. His friend and political advisor, Louis Howe (Hume Cronyn) tells him he has two choices, to become a "country squire" and write books, or to get up and get back into politics. His mother urges him not to overdo: "I don't want to see you hurt." He must learn patience. His compassion for others is deepened by his experience as well. He tells his wife, Eleanor (Greer Garson) "I turned to my faith, Babs -- for strength to endure. I feel I have to go through the fire for some reason. Eleanor, it's a hard way to learn humility--but I've learned it by crawling. I know what is meant -- you must learn to crawl before you can walk." Eleanor herself must learn, too. She has to overcome her shyness to become his eyes and ears, giving speeches and meeting people.

Is it any good?

This is an exceptional and inspiring story, all the more so because it’s true. It also raises important questions about public service, what it means and how the public interest is best determined and best served. Franklin's mother tells him that those who are privileged owe a duty to the rest, but Franklin argues that this "noblesse oblige" notion of public service is "an excuse for indifference," and avoids the real issues of equality and opportunity. Eleanor says, "I have the naive view that you should pursue principles without calculating the consequences," to be advised dryly by Louis that "You're no politician."

The meeting between Al Smith, Franklin, and Louis is a model of indirect communication, and it’s fun to watch how each one manages to get information from the others and get his own messages across without ever being explicit about it. Smith comments when he leaves, "You were both too surprised to be surprised" -- in other words, he could tell that they knew what he wanted and were prepared to answer his questions in a way they knew would satisfy him before he ever got there.