HYDE PARK ON HUDSON

HYDE PARK ON HUDSON is a historical tale revolving around President Franklin Roosevelt in 1939 at his home at Hyde Park on Hudson, in upstate New York. The story is told through the eyes of Daisy, a middle aged woman, who’s both the neighbor of Roosevelt and a distant relative. One day Daisy is mysteriously summoned to see the President at his home. Upon her visit of the president, a friendship is born between Franklin and Daisy, but it doesn’t take long before it becomes more than a friendship. As time passes, they grow very close and intimate.

Meanwhile, Hyde Park becomes franticly busy getting ready for the arrival of the King and Queen of England. They have come to America to convince the President to aid England in the coming war with Germany.

The King and Queen arrive at Hyde Park. In one funny scene, the Queen is horrified that the main dish served at a picnic for their highnesses would be hot dogs. Though they avoid saying anything offensive to the Roosevelts, it’s obvious that the “common” Americans make them uncomfortable, but nonetheless, the Franklin and the King hit it off. So, the President assures him that he believes America could be convinced to join England in fighting Germany.

One lonely night, Daisy retreats to think at one of her and Roosevelt’s hiding spots, a small cottage in the woods. With the moon gazing on the outside porch, she realizes she’s not alone at the cottage. One of Roosevelt’s guards approaches her, and she hears voices from inside the house. It becomes clear to her that she isn’t the only woman having an affair with President Roosevelt.

Broken hearted, Daisy runs off into the woods. She is approached by the other woman having the affair, Roosevelt’s assistant. She explains to Daisy that if she wants to be close to Franklin, she has to “share” him. Daisy resists this idea, but it doesn’t take long before she relents and is okay with the idea.

HYDE PARK ON HUDSON is quite the disturbing tale of adultery with an offensive Romantic worldview. Though there are a few funny moments, the story is slow and drawn out. Bill Murray’s portrayal of FDR isn’t believable and seems pushed at times. Most of the movie has to do with his relationship with Daisy (whose full name is actually Margaret Suckley). Factually, though there is no actual proof that his relationship with Daisy was romantic, due to the strong language used in their letters, it’s speculated they were romantically involved.

Though Roosevelt’s adulterous activity with other women is commonly known, the movie doesn’t portray this as a bad thing. Roosevelt is seen as a stressed man who just needs to wind down and have some fun every once in a while. In fact, the love between him and Daisy is even looked at positively. His relationship with his wife is obviously destroyed, but Roosevelt doesn’t seem to care. Also, the King and Queen’s visit is very brief, and hardly any talk of politics takes place.

Ultimately, therefore, the movie primarily just asks viewers to sympathize with Roosevelt, but wise-media, discerning viewers will know better than to do that. HYDE PARK ON HUDSON is an excessive tale of adultery with some foul language, no redeeming qualities and little entertainment value.