Movie Review: Sunrise at Campobello (1960)

Greetings, all!

I know that I just posted yesterday, but my schedule got a little mixed up and I'm not doing anything else at the moment. It's no secret that history really interests me, and especially all the former presidents of the U.S.. I can say them all and the years that they were in office. It was because of my fascination with them that I first watched this movie about FDR before his terms. Enjoy my review!

My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless I give you warning. This is spoiler free!


Sunrise at Campobello (1960):

Based on: The true story.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt is enjoying the summer at his family's vacation home at Campobello when something happens that changes his life. A case of polio causes his legs to be paralyzed. Politics are his specialty and he feels that he can still make a difference, though relying on others is a big change. His wife Eleanor begins speaking for him and he comes to admire her even more. With her help he wonders, can he rise from this fall?

Genre: Biography, Drama.
Length: approx. 144 minutes.
Costumes: 7, nothing unusual, but nothing bad.
Script: 9, I don't recall any bad words.
'"I have this naive view that you should pursue principles without calculating the consequences."

"You're no politician."'

Crew:
Directed by: Vincent J. Donehue.
Written by: Dore Schary.
Starring:
Ralph Bellamy as Franklin Delano Roosevelt. "Caution, my friend, is the refuge of cowards."

Greer Garson as Eleanor Roosevelt.

Hume Cronyn as Louis Howe.
Jean Hagen as Missy LeHand.
Ann Shoemaker as Sara Roosevelt.
Alan Bunce as Govenor Alfred E. Smith.
Tim Considine as James Roosevelt.
Zina Bethune as Anna Roosevelt.
Frank Ferguson as Dr. Bennett.
Pat Close as Elliott Roosevelt.
Robin Warga as Franklin D. Roosevelt Jr..
Tom Carty as Johnny Roosevelt.
Lyle Talbot as Mr. Brimmer.
David White as Mr. Lassiter.
Walter Sande as Captain Skinner.
Herbert Anderson as Vincent Dailey.

Cinematography: 7, typical of the time period.
Cinematography by: Russell Harlan.
Music: 6, neutral number because I don't recall it at all.
Music by: Franz Waxman.
Quotes: 7, "I have no intention of retiring to Hyde Park and rusticating."

Content: 9, there is some smoking, but I honestly can't think of anything that would be objectionable.
Originality: 9, this is getting a high score because it was so fascinating to me!
Good For: anyone interested in the presidents, anyone in need of inspiration, anyone who struggles with a medical condition.

Age Range: As I said, there is nothing bad in this, so it is fine for all ages. Younger viewers might get bored, but I certainly wasn't!
Overall Score: 8!

I am reviewing this movie today for Phyl at Phyllis Loves Classic Movies's The Rose of MGM: The Greer Garson Blogathon!

This is the only movie that I have seen Ms. Garson in (so far), and I was quite impressed! At first I thought that it WAS Eleanor Roosevelt. The way she plays her is so appealing and relatable. I do not like taking in front of people, and I greatly admire how it was shown hard for her, but that she persevered. She was nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars, but didn't win.

Though this film is over two hours I was never bored, but always interested in what was going to happen next. I am used to seeing Jean Hagen as Lina Lamont from my favorite movie (Singin' in the Rain (1952)), and it was fun to see her play a different role, using a different voice. I loved seeing the kids, too, and they were one of my favorite parts. Overall, this is one of the most inspiring movies that I've seen and I would totally recommend all of you to watch it if you have the time.


Thanks to Phyl for hosting! Make sure the check out the other entries HERE.

Thanks to all of you for reading! Are you as interested in the presidents as I am? Do you have a favorite movie about one of them (or featuring them in Ronald Reagan's case)? Stay safe, everybody!

MovieCritic