F.D.R.: The Last Year

Synopsis

F.D.R.: The Last Year is a historical drama that focuses on the final year of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's life and presidency. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the film delves into Roosevelt's struggle to manage both global conflict and personal health issues as he strives to shape the post-war world. Jason Robards delivers a compelling performance as F.D.R., capturing both the stoic leadership and vulnerability of the president during this critical period. The movie intricately portrays political dynamics, international diplomacy, and Roosevelt's interactions with key figures of the era, providing viewers with an intimate look at the challenges faced by one of America's most influential presidents in his concluding days in office.

Cast

• 

  Jason Robards

  President Franklin D. Roosevelt

• 

  Eileen Heckart

  Eleanor Roosevelt

• 

  Edward Binns

  General 'Pa' Watson

• 

  Augusta Dabney

  Grace Tully

• 

  Larry Gates

  Adm. Leahy

• 

  Michael Gross

  Dr. Howard Bruenn

Reviews

Critically, F.D.R.: The Last Year received a mix of appreciation and critique. On IMDb, the film holds a solid 7.0/10 rating, reflecting generally favorable reception among users who praised Jason Robards' portrayal of Roosevelt as nuanced and respectful to the historical figure. Critics noted the film's strength in atmosphere and period detail, which effectively immersed audiences in the 1940s political climate. However, some reviews pointed out that the pacing felt slow and the narrative occasionally too narrowly focused on political strategies, which might limit appeal to viewers outside of historical or biographical interests. Rotten Tomatoes does not have an aggregated score for the film due to its release date and niche subject matter, but retrospective reviews from film scholars commend the script for its historical accuracy and attention to context. Metacritic data is similarly sparse, reinforcing that while this film remains a respected piece for history enthusiasts, it is less well-known in mainstream cinema discussions. Overall, critics acknowledge 'F.D.R.: The Last Year' as a thoughtful and earnest portrayal that may appeal most to audiences interested in political history and biographical dramas.