Video Pick—Franklin Roosevelt and World War II

From SLJ February 2007

Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO -- School Library Journal, 1/15/2007

video or DVD. 31 min. Discovery School. 2006. video, ISBN 1-59527-955-5: $59.95; DVD, ISBN 1-59380-558-6: $69.95.

Gr 7 Up–This outstanding film focuses on Franklin Roosevelt's deft and courageous leadership during the period between the outbreak of World War II in Europe in 1939 and Pearl Harbor. It explains how FDR recognized the dangers that Nazi Germany posed to Western Europe and, ultimately, the world, and how he educated the American people about those dangers and swayed public opinion from determined isolationism to loyalty to our allies. It also explains how he used his authority as commander in chief to send aid to the allies and build up America's defense and industrial capacities for the coming conflict. The film is admiring of Roosevelt, but covers the views of his critics and the political opposition as well. Technical quality is very good. Actor Morgan Freeman's narration is supplemented by comments from historians, journalists, and FDR advisors. Visuals include period moving footage, with sound, of Roosevelt, military and political leaders, and the war in Europe. Although there are numerous educational films about the Second World War, not many of them cover this very important time period. This film fills that gap very well, and it will give students a better understanding of the prewar period and the brilliance that Roosevelt displayed when he used all of his leadership abilities and executive powers to aid the allies and prepare our nation for a war which he had promised to avoid, yet knew was inevitable. It deserves a place in all collections for middle and high school students.