WARM SPRINGS is one of the finest films ever produced by HBO and clearly belongs on the theatrical screens. But until that happens the news of the release of the DVD should allow those who missed this phenomenal film to feel greeted with well-earned joy. Writer Margaret Nagle and Director Joseph Sargent have created an isolated time in the life of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the inception of his polio at age 39 and the treatment of his impairment at Warm Springs, Georgia, and use this potential tragedy to demonstrate how a man of means and high political aspirations was humbled by a debilitating disease only to find healing and consolation at the hands of 'the common people', a change in his priorities that marked his popular success as a President who inherited the leadership of a country devastated by depression and war. Kenneth Branagh is superlative as FDR, finding just the right amount of bravado and churlishness and womanizing while continuing to be the man of great potential and a loving husband to Eleanor (a surprisingly terrific Cynthia Nixon). His overbearing mother Sara Delano Roosevelt (Jane Alexander who is still remembered as a perfect 'Eleanor' in the older 'Franklin and Eleanor') tries her best to belittle Eleanor, only to enhance Eleanor's blossoming into the world respected, humanistic First Lady she became. But much of the action is aptly placed at the healing resort of Warm Springs, a run down hot springs operated by Tom Loyless (Tim Blake Nelson) and the place where Helena Mahoney (Kathy Bates) nursed FDR back to health. The importance of this spot grows through the film and through FDR's life and in the end it is the beneficiary of his estate. Watching Branagh tumble from political barnstormer to reluctant patient to humanized President is a heartwarming venture. His supporting cast is excellent - Bates, Nixon, Alexander, Nelson as well as David Paymer, Deborah Calloway Duke, Danny Connell, and many others. The direction by Joseph Sargent is one of simplicity, purity of purpose, and highly respectful of his story and his view of history. This is an important film. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp

source: Warm Springs

Warm Springs

Sir Kenneth Branagh was brilliant as the iconic American president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. I didn't know much about Warm Springs except that is where he died with his mistress present. The film chronicled FDR who was New York Governor crippled by polio. I enjoyed Cynthia Nixon as Eleanor Roosevelt. She captured her spirits and essence in her performance as a dutiful, loving wife. Branagh's Franklin should be studied by actors for his precision in bring back such a character based on real-life. Warm Springs was probably where he felt most at home. He would spend several seasons there in using the pool to warm up his legs. At first, he was hesitant until he saw how much good that he could do and did to Warm Springs, Georgia. I wanted the film to go on until his presidency. Branagh and Nixon could revise their roles again.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt(Kenneth Branagh)was the unsuccessful nominee for Vice President in 1920. The following year at age 39 he is left paraplegic after being stricken by polio. A desperate, but proud man investigates a "miracle" cure in the back woods of Georgia. After warm water therapy at Warm Springs he comes to the realization that he would never walk again. His therapist(Kathy Bates)and wife Eleanor(Cynthia Nixon)joined by his chief aide(David Paymer)convince Franklin despite the fact he will never walk again; his heart and soul will enable him to be the leader he has be expected to be. FDR(fifth cousin of Theodore Roosevelt)would become the only President in history to be re-elected three times; helping America through the Great Depression and holding the nation together during World War II. This little known story should prove to be another big winner for HBO Films. Branagh and Nixon superbly portray the Roosevelts.

"Warm Springs" is a tour de force by Branagh who portrays FDR as a man of money and privilege who is struck down by polio in the early days of his political career. Unable to use his legs he begins to wallow in self pity until he visits a Georgia mineral water spa called Warm Springs where he finds honesty, compassion, kinship, and most of all himself, his wife, and a new sense of purpose. A very pretty period film with good production value, an excellent supporting cast, and sterling performances by Branagh and Nixon, "Warm Springs" would have made an enjoyable stand alone drama. The fact that it's also a biopic about FDR only serves to make it that much more interesting. Another winner for the whole family from HBO. (B+)

I'm in shock that two people gave this excellent film a 1 out of 10. I can perhaps see how some didn't enjoy it quite as much as I did, but to rate it as awful shows just plain ignorance to me. Not only is this gem beautifully scripted, wonderfully shot and edited, as well as tremendously directed, but Cynthia Nixon and Kenneth Branagh dominate. I am familiar with a wide selection of Branagh's work, and this is one of his best performances to date! FDR is my favorite President, and I surely feel that Branagh does justice to the man. On a personal note, I was brought to tears on three separate occasions when watching this film. Now, this may not seem like much, but rare is it that a tear falls from my eye even once during a showing. Please, please see this film, if only for it's inspiration. I believe this is a sadly overlooked masterpiece, and we must not allow it to be forgotten. If you liked his Hamlet, you'll love his Franklin.