May 19, 2006

United News newsreel. 1945. 7:37 mins.

This FDR newsreel obit covers all the familiar ground, but what's striking is how after the polio all the world leaders agreed to be photographed/filmed seated, thus allowing FDR to maintain equal visual status. Would this happen today? Those in this reel include Churchill (repeatedly), Stalin and Chiang Kai-shek. What's interesting about this is the fact that because of his condition FDR is the only one to appear natural while sitting, often shot chatting and moving actively in his seat while the other leaders appear very stiff and uncomfortable. There is a shot of FDR on a boat where he is being assisted (held up) by a military figure. They have their arms locked as FDR leans against the rail. The reel mentions, but downplays, the "paralyzing condition" that nearly cost him his career.

The newsreel also includes clips from his last known public address, a report to Congress on the Yalta agreement.