Watch The Wheelchair President

The Wheelchair President is an engrossing and intriguing two-part documentary that first aired in 2015. The show provides a deep delve into the life of Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), who was famously known as 'The Wheelchair President'. This docudrama not only explores the political life of FDR, who served as the 32nd President of the United States, but also the personal struggles he faced after being paralysed from the waist down due to polio.

The documentary has been well-received by audiences and critics alike for its comprehensive and balanced exploration of FDR's life. Largely traversing the turbulent period from 1921 to 1945, it offers insights into his rise to one of the highest and most revered positions in the world, despite his physical disabilities and the immense challenges they presented. The series does an excellent job of placing the viewer in the epicentre of the 1930s and 40s politics, allowing them to understand the monumental challenges FDR confronted and overcome during his presidency.

Episode one of The Wheelchair President takes us back to the beginning of FDR's journey into politics and his subsequent contraction of polio. It illuminates how Roosevelt took on a self-imposed 'exile', coming face-to-face with his physical disability and battling not just the physical ramifications of the disease, but also societal attitudes towards disability. Interviews with medical experts, historians, polio survivors, and readings from FDR's personal letters depict his resilience, determination, and impressive ability to adapt.

Though known as 'The Wheelchair President', the documentary explores how FDR tactfully managed to keep his disability from being publicly visible. Thanks to his determination and exercise routines, FDR was able to give the impression of walking, showing the American public an image of strength and capability. The documentary succinctly highlights the paradox of how a physically challenged man was perceived as a champion of the common man's cause during the Great Depression and the years leading up to World War II.

Episode two delves deeper into FDR’s time in office, his successful implementation of the New Deal, leading America through the Great Depression, and his crucial role during World War II. It shows how his disability impacted his leadership style, giving him empathy and a profound understanding of suffering, strengthening his resolve to bring the country out of financial devastation. The documentary also puts a spotlight on FDR's personal life, his relationships with his wife, Eleanor Roosevelt, and his purported mistress, Lucy Mercer.

The Wheelchair President benefits from featuring scholars and professionals who offer a wealth of valuable perspectives. We get a narrated, first-hand account from Geoffrey Ward, a polio survivor and historian who wrote a biography on Roosevelt. His personal experiences with polio add more authenticity, depth, and understanding to the story.

While the documentary discusses political and historical events, it remains accessible for all viewers, irrespective of their knowledge of American history. FDR's story is intensely human, and the producers have made sure to keep human elements at the forefront. It is told not as a tale of an invincible superhero, but of a man who was resilient enough to face the challenges life had thrown at him, turning them into his strength.

The documentary uses a mix of black and white and colored visuals, adding depth to the narration. There are dramatic recreations of significant moments delivered by actors and combined with original archive footage, which adds an element of realism and enhances viewer engagement. Filmed at some of the key locations in FDR's life, including his home in Hyde Park, New York, and Warm Springs, Georgia, where he established a rehabilitation center for polio patients, the documentary succeeds in taking viewers back in time, making history come alive.

In summary, The Wheelchair President is not just about the life of an influential political figure; it is a story about the resilience of the human spirit, and the power of tenacity and hope. It is an invitation to revisit history and discover the man behind the presidency, ultimately painting a multi-dimensional portrait of one of America's most influential leaders. Whether you're a history buff, a student, or just someone who enjoys a good documentary, The Wheelchair President provides a rewarding viewing experience.

The Wheelchair President is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (2 episodes). The series first aired on September 6, 2015.