Warm Springs (film)

Warm Springs (film)

Warm Springs is a 2005 American made-for-television biographical drama film directed by Joseph Sargent. The film stars Kenneth Branagh as Franklin D. Roosevelt and Cynthia Nixon as Eleanor Roosevelt. It was produced by HBO and focuses on Roosevelt's struggle with polio and his efforts to rehabilitate at the Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation in Warm Springs, Georgia.

Plot

The film begins with Franklin D. Roosevelt's early political career and his diagnosis with polio in 1921. After being told by numerous doctors that he would never walk again, Roosevelt learns about a promising rehabilitation center in Warm Springs, Georgia. He travels there and begins a rigorous physical therapy regimen, hoping to regain the use of his legs.

At Warm Springs, Roosevelt meets a diverse group of patients, each with their own struggles and stories. The film portrays his determination and the support he receives from his wife, Eleanor, and his close friend and political advisor, Louis Howe. Through his time at Warm Springs, Roosevelt not only works on his physical recovery but also gains a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities.

The film concludes with Roosevelt's return to politics, culminating in his election as the 32nd President of the United States. His time at Warm Springs is depicted as a transformative period that shaped his character and leadership style.

Cast

• Kenneth Branagh as Franklin D. Roosevelt
• Cynthia Nixon as Eleanor Roosevelt
• David Paymer as Louis Howe
• Tim Blake Nelson as Tom Loyless
• Kathy Bates as Helena Mahoney

Production

The film was directed by Joseph Sargent and written by Margaret Nagle. It was produced by HBO and filmed on location in Warm Springs, Georgia, as well as other locations in the United States.

Reception

Warm Springs received critical acclaim for its performances, particularly those of Kenneth Branagh and Cynthia Nixon. The film won several awards, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Made for Television Movie and the Golden Globe Award for Best Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television.

Historical Accuracy

While Warm Springs is based on true events, some aspects of the story were dramatized for cinematic purposes. The film captures the essence of Roosevelt's struggle with polio and his time at Warm Springs, but certain characters and events were fictionalized or condensed.

See Also

• Franklin D. Roosevelt
• Eleanor Roosevelt
• Polio
• Warm Springs, Georgia
• HBO

External Links

Warm Springs at IMDb