The First Ladies

In DC, 1936, Mary hosts Eleanor at her home for dinner. Eleanor confides to her friend about Louis’s condition. Louis, Franklin’s closest adviser and friend, has always had breathing problems, but he appears to be on his deathbed. Mary lets Eleanor cry, and then they sit down for dinner. As they talk, a crowd of white people approaches, watching them with irritation through the bay window. Eleanor and Franklin have been getting threatening letters over their involvement with Black Americans, but they’ve ignored them and heightened security. Eleanor’s security, including Earl, moves to disperse the crowd. Eleanor invents a plan to invite her corps of women journalists who will photograph them eating together. The women hope the photo will normalize people of different races sharing a meal.

In Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1936, Mary meets with her family, Albert Jr. and Albert Sr. for quality time. They walk to their favorite restaurant, but Mary is overheated and winded. Albert asks if she’s all right. She feels short of breath again walking from the car to the house but ignores the pains.

Steve Woodburn calls her from DC. He’s taken over the press and advising responsibilities since Louis passed away in the spring.