Arkansas PBS > Engage > Pressroom > Ken Burns's 'The Roosevelts: An Intimate History' to air on AETN beginning Sept. 14
Posted 09 Sep 2014
"The Roosevelts: An Intimate History," a new seven-part, 14-hour documentary by Ken Burns, will air on the Arkansas PBS (AETN) Sunday, Sept. 14, through Saturday, Sept. 20, at 7 each night. The film weaves the stories of Theodore, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, three members of one of the most prominent and influential families in American politics. The series marks the first time their individual stories have been woven into a single narrative.
"The Roosevelts" follows the family's story for more than a century, from Theodore's birth in 1858 to Eleanor's death in 1962. Over the course of those years, Theodore would become the 26th president of the United States, and his beloved niece, Eleanor, would marry his fifth cousin, Franklin, who became the 32nd president. Together, they redefined the relationship Americans had with their government and with each other, and redefined, as well, the role of the United States within the wider world. The series encompasses all the history the Roosevelts helped to make – the creation of National Parks and the digging of the Panama Canal, the New Deal and the defeat of Hitler, and the postwar struggles for civil rights at home and human rights around the world in which Eleanor Roosevelt played a central role. But, it is also an intimate human story about love and betrayal, family feeling and personal courage, and the conquest of fear.
Legendary actress Meryl Streep portrays Eleanor Roosevelt in readings from her personal letters and writings. Joining Streep are Paul Giamatti as the voice of Theodore Roosevelt and Edward Herrmann, two-time Emmy Award nominee for his performance as Franklin Roosevelt, as the voice of FDR. Rounding out the cast are Patricia Clarkson, Adam Arkin, Philip Bosco, Keith Carradine, Kevin Conway, Ed Harris, John Lithgow, Josh Lucas, Carl Lumbly, Amy Madigan, Carolyn McCormick, Pamela Reed, Billy Bob Thornton and the late Eli Wallach.
In addition to the PBS broadcast beginning Sept. 14, "The Roosevelts" will be available to viewers in its entirety on multiple digital platforms, including the PBS Video Portal, OTT devices such as Xbox, Roku and Apple TV, the PBS mobile apps for iPhone, iPhone and iPad Touch and on digital media stores such as iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Google Play and Vudu. Episodes will be available on-demand beginning the morning after the broadcast and for the following two weeks.
"The Roosevelts: An Intimate History" is a production of Florentine Films and WETA, Washington, D.C., the third-largest producing station for public television. Funding for the film is provided by Bank of America; Corporation for Public Broadcasting; PBS; Jack C. Taylor; The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; National Endowment for the Humanities; Rosalind P. Walter and members of The Better Angels Society, including Jessica and John Fullerton; The Pfeil Foundation; Joan Wellhouse Newton; Bonnie and Tom McCloskey; and the Golkin Family.
PBS, with its more than 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 109 million people through television and more than 28 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances.
The Arkansas PBS (AETN) is Arkansas's statewide public television network that enhances lives by providing lifelong learning opportunities for people from all walks of life. AETN delivers local, award-winning productions and classic, trusted PBS programs aimed at sharing Arkansas and the world with viewers. AETN depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. For more information, visit aetn.org, or follow the AETN blog at aetn.org/engage. AETN is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), and KETZ (El Dorado).