Dore Schary was the force behind bring Sunrise at Campobello to the screen in 1960, producing and writing the screenplay, based upon his 1958 Broadway production.
Brought along from the Broadway cast was a new young actor, who had portrayed Franklin Roosevelt on stage – Ralph Bellamy, who would later make name for himself in such productions as Rosemary’s Baby, Trading Places and Coming to America.
Vincent Donehue, who had directed on Broadway, came along, also, directing his second and final film, after Lonelyhearts in 1958. Lonelyhearts was also a Dore Schary production, and based upon a play.
The rest of the cast had been Hollywoodized.
Greer Garson, with protruding teeth to portray Eleanor, Hume Cronyn, Jean Hagen, Ann Shoemaker, Tim Considine, and in her first film appearance, a young Zina Bethune, as Anna Roosevelt.
The new Warner Archive release, which is quite beautiful, and film-like, especially for a 1960 production. Color and densities are fine. Nice black levels, and a pleasant grain structure.
The film is beautifully adapted from the stage, with exteriors shot at Hyde Park, FDR’s estate, as well as further exteriors in Maine and FDR’s summer home on Campobello Island in Nova Scotia.
A quality production, originally released as a Road Show, ten performances per week, reserved seats.
And yes, the original Intermission is included.
Image – 5
Audio – 5 (DTS-HD MA 2.0 Monaural)
Pass / Fail – Pass
Upgrade from DVD – Absolutely
Highly Recommended
RAH
Robert has been known in the film industry for his unmatched skill and passion in film preservation. Growing up around photography, his first home theater experience began at age ten with 16mm. Years later he was running 35 and 70mm at home.
His restoration projects have breathed new life into classic films like Lawrence of Arabia, Vertigo, My Fair Lady, Spartacus, and The Godfather series. Beyond his restoration work, he has also shared his expertise through publications, contributing to the academic discourse on film restoration. The Academy Film Archive houses the Robert A. Harris Collection, a testament to his significant contributions to film preservation.
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