Backstairs at the White House (1979)

A classic

One of my favorite miniseries of all time; so glad I found it. Brilliantly cast and performed. If you have never seen it, do it; you won't be sorry. A great view of history. October 31, 2008

Great Mini-Series

I found this one of the most interesting mini-series I had seen when it was originally on TV. At that time there was no recording capability or if there was, it was too new for us to have. Since then I've watched for this many times and have searched for it on TV for over a year. It's just as good now on DVD's as it was originally on TV. In fact, it's better since the commercials are now gone and there's no waiting for the next episode. For anyone interested in our history or our presidents, this is a must see item. October 13, 2008

history and nostalgia

People could actually walk by the White House separated
only by a black iron fence. This mini-series covers
the presidencies of Taft through Eisenhowe snd includes
the great events such as the Teapot Dome Scandal, WWI,
The Great Depression and WWII. Interwoven are the lives
of the staff who work at the White House and truly own
it as they welcome in and bid farewell to each First
Family. The drama settles on Maggie Rogers, the first
African-American maid to work in the White House quarters,
and her daughter Lillian, a talented seamstress who is
lame as a result of polio. FDR sees that he and Lillian
have this affliction in common and makes sure that
Lillian always has the use of the elevator in the
family quarters.
Olivia Cole and Leslie Uggams head an excellent cast
that includes Leslie Nielsen, Louis Gossett, Jr.,
Robert Hooks and Cloris Leachman. Actors playing
roles as First Family menbers include Julie Harris,
Robert Vaughn and Eileen Heckart. Particularly
poignant, I thought, are the episodes covering
the death of the Coolidges' young son and the
tragic, scandal-ridden administration of Warren
Harding. Celeste Holm plays his heartbroken
First Lady.
Definitely worth an evening or two to remember
how it used to be: good and not so good, Especially
during this most interesting election season. October 9, 2008

I would purchase this again

This is an oldy but a goody. If each person could see this you would learn the History of each President and enjoy it thru a childs eyes.
I hunted for this for years and it is NO disapointment it is great and entertaining at the same time. September 9, 2008

Unforgettable!

I first saw this mini-series back in 1979 when it first aired. I was 10-years-old. I never ever forgot it (or the historical tidbits I learned from it), and I'm thrilled to now have a chance to view it again. This should be a must-see for all kids, especially those of middle school age. It makes a lasting imprint. May 22, 2008

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