Backstairs at the White House
The classic miniseries about two remarkable women and the eight first Families they served.
Based on the lives of Maggie Rogers and her daughter, Lillian Rogers Parks.
Their unrivaled behind-the-scenes access gives White House staff a uniquely personal view of history in the making. Two remarkable women in one family served as White House maids over a period spanning five decades and eight administrations - from Taft to Eisenhower. Their story and a half-century of American history unfold in this star-studded drama, nominated for 11 Emmy Awards.
Member Reviews
Backstairs at the White House - Catahoula
A very good biopic that covers the the First Families of the White House from 1907 to 1960. The cast is impressive but contemporary (this series was released in the early 70's)for its release date.
A great view of actual events from the viewpoint of White House staff.
The series has some very good insight into actual events including the attempted assassination of President Truman by Puerto Rican nationalists. The series does play favourites amongst Presidential Families.
All the backstairs staff is black (their supervisors are white) and one wonders what current staff composition will be.Backstairs at the White House - Lolly
I too agree that Leslie Uggams tries to hard and it was quite annoying. Miss Coles did such a believable job. She really made you believe the part. I love these kind of series, and Back Stairs at the White House was beautifully done. The black folk portrayed had such dignity, such poise. They were royalty.Leslie tries too hard but great movie... - pigtails_in_montreal
This is a beautiful story of what happened behind the scenes at the White House during various US government administrations. The acting is superb. Olivia Cole is a incredible treasure of the acting world. My only beef is that Leslie Uggams tries to hard to upstage Olivia. I can see Leslie's broadway background always on the surface. Sometimes I got the impression that she was just waitng for an opportunity from the Director to chuck off her costume so as to rip into a Broadway style song and dance. Overall the story is amazing. All of these actors had a very low career after this mini-series except for Gossett. Hollywood retaliated very subtely in blackballing Black actors in not offering good acting parts due to the heavy neo-slavery awareness after the mini-series ROOTS.
Member Reviews
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Backstairs at the White House - Catahoula
A very good biopic that covers the the First Families of the White House from 1907 to 1960. The cast is impressive but contemporary (this series was released in the early 70's)for its release date.
A great view of actual events from the viewpoint of White ...Backstairs at the White House - Lolly
I too agree that Leslie Uggams tries to hard and it was quite annoying. Miss Coles did such a believable job. She really made you believe the part. I love these kind of series, and Back Stairs at the White House was beautifully done. The black folk portrayed ...Leslie tries too hard but great movie... - pigtails_in_montreal
This is a beautiful story of what happened behind the scenes at the White House during various US government administrations. The acting is superb. Olivia Cole is a incredible treasure of the acting world. My only beef is that Leslie Uggams tries to hard to ...