MovieChat Forums > Hyde Park on Hudson (2013) Discussion > Not an accurate portrayal.

Not an accurate portrayal.

posted 11 years ago by TxMike
3 replies | jump to latest

Whether you enjoyed this movie or not, please be aware that it is more fiction than anything else. I have read a number of IMDb reviews which seem to indicate many (or most?) believe it is general accurate. A few items as examples, from FDR and Daisy experts, there are many more:

Basically, I think they just get it wrong. Just to talk about the cottage that he [surprises Daisy with in the film] — they planned that cottage together. There are endless letters between the two of them about how they were going to arrange the rooms inside, and so on. So the whole notion that it was a surprise is silly. It's a very complicated, quite 19th century relationship."

"It is true that they drove to a hilltop that they loved at some point in 1935, and that something happened on that hilltop. I think he kissed her — which meant a great deal to both of them. And it started a long, first flirtatious and then very fond friendship. But what happened in the film did not happen."

"The king and queen came because FDR pretty much insisted they come in order to demonstrate friendship between the United States and Britain, which was about to get into the war. And they had met in Washington before they ever meet in the film. But more importantly than that, they are portrayed as sort of — I don't know how else to say it — sort of cartoon people. They, at one point, they get out of the car on the way to Hyde Park and wave at a farmer, who doesn't bother to wave back. And it gets a laugh, but actually, hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people lined the highway between New York and Hyde Park to see the king and queen go by. No king and queen had ever come here.

The story is ludicrous - any reading of Geoffrey Ward's book, "Closest Companion," which tells their story through her letters and diaries, indicates no intimate relationship. I have been writing and lecturing on FDR for decades... I have no doubt that this film is more of a parody and its conclusions should not be taken with any seriousness.

TxMike
Make a choice, to take a chance, to make a difference.

[–] susanemccool 11 years ago

I appreciate your clarifications, TxMike. We should never stop learning, and certainly should know fact from fiction. For example, I Googled and found an interview in which the "real" Daisy talked about having been seated two tables away from the Pres & Co at the picnic; not exactly close enough to have spread mustard on the King's hot dog. In addition, those served to the King and Queen were described by her as being "little," so certainly not foot-longs as we saw in that scene (and I noticed the ones on the grill were regular-sized.) She also said she was too far away to see if they even ate them. I'm OK with a *little* dramatic license, however. BUT the following tidbit listed on this site under Goofs is *the* most absurd/who cares?! I've ever seen:

"The dinner depicted in the film took place on June 10, 1939. In the movie, the moon is full that night. In actuality, the moon was half-full that night."

The people who write this stuff must never be able to just enjoy a movie.

If I may - as you do say you lecture on Roosevelt - I'd like to ask a few questions; if the topic isn't in your purview, I understand.

Would you say, as I've read, that Roosevelt had more than one mistress, perhaps affairs as well, and that his relationship with Eleanor had become one of Clintonesque mutual support and admiration, even love, but sans passion, during his presidency, or even a little earlier? I'm not judging and am not at all cynical about such relationships; if they work for the people involved, it's fine with me. Perhaps Eleanor had "outside interests" as well?

Grateful for any info, thanks!

[–] henryeather 11 years ago

It has been hinted that Mrs. FDR had lesbian relationships and perhaps a relationship with a State Trooper or a body guard. Also, it has been written that they ceased being intimate after Eleanor found out about Lucy Mercer years ago. But, publically they were loyal to each other. A good reference is the book Eleanor and Franklin.

[–] susanemccool 10 years ago

Thank you! I'll be sure to check out the book. Don't know why I wasn't aware of your reply (via email) so am glad I read your comment again.