The First Ladies

At Campobello Island, Canada, in 1941, Eleanor heads to their family’s secluded island off the coast of Maine with Earl, her assistant Tommy, and Mr. Lash, a “stray” leader of the Student Leadership Institute she’s taken under her wing. In the gorgeous island scenery, they enjoy the coast while trying not to think of the impending war—Germany has just invaded Russia.

At the summer house, Eleanor receives a telegram from Mary and Walter that Franklin’s executive order is taking too long. They wonder what to do if the date of the protest comes and Franklin hasn’t signed. Eleanor calls her husband and confirms he’s delaying though even his military men and Steve agree the order can be signed. Franklin hesitates because the act is unprecedented, but Eleanor argues it’s well overdue. Through her persuasion, Franklin makes history by signing the order with her on the phone.

In DC, 1941, Eleanor considers how bad things happen in threes. After a lovely summer at Campobello Island as a family, they returned to Hyde Park, where Sara became ill and passed away soon. Next, Eleanor’s brother Hall died of cirrhosis of the liver due to his alcoholism, like their father.