Told from the perspective of Eleanor Roosevelt (Jane Alexander) after her husband's death, this film chronicles the life and times of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt (Edward Herrmann) and his wife from childhood until his election to the White House. The first of a two-part biopic, the film is based on the dual biography by Joseph Lash, Eleanor's personal secretary and confidant, and provides a behind-the-scenes look at one of the nation's most famous couples.