Sunrise at Campobello 1960

In the summer of 1921, Franklin Delano Roosevelt enjoys blissful days at his summer home on Campobello Island in New Brunswick, Canada, alongside his wife, Eleanor Roosevelt, and their five spirited children. However, one fateful evening, as he watches the sunset, Franklin loses strength in his legs and unexpectedly collapses. By morning, tragedy strikes again when he falls once more, leading to a diagnosis of infantile paralysis or poliomyelitis. The news of Franklin’s condition prompts the arrival of his astute friend and advisor, Louis McHenry Howe, who possesses an almost mystical conviction that Franklin’s political destiny is preordained.

Weeks later, Franklin’s overprotective mother, Sara Delano, an intimidating widow, arrives from overseas. She finds Louie’s dry humor and straightforwardness distasteful, while he provides much-needed comfort and stability to Eleanor, who has taken on the role of Franklin’s primary caregiver during this challenging time. Louie reassures the eldest son, James Roosevelt, that his father is strong enough to regain control over life’s challenges. Nevertheless, the domineering Sara resists Louie’s influence, opting for civilities while discouraging any notions that Franklin should engage in public service or pursue ambitious goals. Though Franklin harbors a private despair regarding his situation, he remains resolute in planning a vibrant future, while Louie encourages Franklin’s secretary, Missy Le Hand, to maintain faith in him.

As summer draws to a close, and during a season when the family typically returns to New York, Franklin is still confined to his bed, with the press clamoring for evidence of his weakened state. To safeguard Franklin’s reputation, Louie devises a plan where the departing family acts as decoys to mislead the press, while Franklin is discreetly transported by stretcher to a separate ferry. Following this, Louie releases an optimistic statement about Franklin’s anticipated recovery, even as Franklin spends several months hospitalized. Once back home in New York City, Franklin uses leg braces and invents ingenious gadgets to assist him in daily activities, nurturing the hope of a full recovery. With help from Missy and Louie, Franklin continues to stay politically engaged through correspondence, supporting Woodrow Wilson’s peace initiatives. Despite his active involvement in global affairs, Franklin reveals to Eleanor his feelings of isolation and recurring nightmares about being trapped in flames. He expresses that he is teaching himself to crawl, interpreting the “fire” as a metaphor for his struggles, and he believes there is a greater purpose in enduring these trials, viewing them as lessons in humility.

With Louie informing him that the New York Democratic Party considers him for a gubernatorial candidacy, he coaches Eleanor to act as Franklin’s “eyes, ears, and legs” by delivering his meticulously crafted speeches. In the face of continuous challenges, Franklin actively pursues his diverse interests, from the Boy Scouts to advocating for air travel via dirigibles. Louie pressures Franklin to streamline his responsibilities to focus on the impending Congressional elections, advising him to clearly articulate his opinions to the public. A heartfelt moment unfolds when Eleanor witnesses Franklin crawl up the stairs, perceiving it as a small victory of independence. Conversely, Sara’s insistence on controlling Franklin’s public image troubles Eleanor, leading her to a private moment of tears, which Louie reassures her is warranted.

By July 1923, the family is at Hyde Park, where, although still unable to walk, a significantly improved Franklin engages in playful interactions with his sons. He confides to Eleanor that he feels “sure-footed,” attributing his resilience to her public engagements, Louie’s relentless support, and his written statements that have kept him afloat amid turmoil. In a candid discussion, Franklin and Eleanor reflect on their distant familial ties and the opposition they faced in their union, both acknowledging personal growth and shared affection. However, their conversation is abruptly interrupted by their daughter, Anna, whose feelings of exclusion spark an honest dialogue amongst the family.

Fast forward to January 1924, and the family resumes their life in New York City, where Eleanor’s confidence as a public speaker rises. Sara, still grappling with her control, argues for Franklin to abandon his public pursuits in favor of a life of leisure at their Hyde Park estate, echoing that the wealthy contribute to society through noblesse oblige. Franklin passionately counters that such ideals cloak indifference. A heated exchange ensues, with Sara asserting that Franklin’s late cousin, President Theodore Roosevelt, perished due to ambition from those around him, but he curtly dismisses further debate. More determined than ever, Franklin sets his sights on standing with crutches.

As the upcoming presidential election approaches, Governor Alfred E. Smith, a Catholic candidate, is eager for a shot at the Democratic nomination, but he first faces the challenge of anti-Catholic sentiment. Anticipating that Smith might request Franklin to deliver the nominating speech at the Democratic Convention, Louie sees this as a pivotal opportunity for Franklin to showcase his political relevance to the world. The stakes are high, as Eleanor wisely points out that the speaker must stand for at least forty-five minutes. When Smith does solicit Franklin for the task, Franklin meticulously prepares to walk the required steps to the podium, eager to prove his endurance. On the convention night, in a moment filled with promise and tension, Franklin has James wheel his chair close to the stage, joking with him earlier about the importance of a quick recovery should he stumble.

With the hall enveloped in silence, Franklin takes a deep breath; he meticulously positions his braced legs, rises, and boldly walks the ten steps to the podium, handing off his crutches as the crowd erupts into cheers.