Review of Sunrise at Campobello

. . . though Murray's HYDE PARK ON THE HUDSON is a much snappier film than SUNRISE AT CAMPOBELLO. The problem is that after SAC writer\producer Dore Schary won the Tony award for his original play, he decided to rest on his laurels, making few changes in the movie script, thinking he could just sit back and wait for the money to roll in. Unfortunately, he forgot the reason a play is so long is because there are intermissions scheduled to allow patrons to go to the concession stands and the bathroom. Like many Broadway moguls, he apparently didn't realize movie patrons are poorer than theater goers, and generally cannot afford multiple trips to the concession stand (unless it is for free refills on the way home). Plus, cinema folks have healthier bladders. SAC as a movie runs 144 minutes, 30 to 60 minutes too many, given its lack of action. Who is going to take a date to sit for nearly 2 and a half hours, watching FDR do his muscles exercises, update his stamp collection, and rebuff the KKK?! That said, Greer Garson is great here and deserved Oscar much more than Liz Taylor in her lame Holly Golightly wannabe BUTTERFIELD 8 role!