The First Ladies

In DC, 1941, Eleanor considers how bad things happen in threes. After a lovely summer at Campobello Island as a family, they returned to Hyde Park, where Sara became ill and passed away soon. Next, Eleanor’s brother Hall died of cirrhosis of the liver due to his alcoholism, like their father. Lastly, Japan bombs Pearl Harbor, killing more than 2,000 Americans.

Now, Eleanor listens to Franklin give the speech they practiced many times the night before—the speech that declares the US will retaliate for the bombing by joining the war.

A few months later, Eleanor is unable to get out of bed as she endures depression. She hasn’t been this low since she found out about Franklin’s affair. Since two of her sons are fighting in the war, her efforts for Civil Defense were met with savagery. She is also shocked that Franklin started relocating Americans of Japanese descent to camps and taking their businesses. Despondent, Eleanor can’t believe Franklin would violate the basic human rights of Japanese Americans.

When Mary comes to visit, Eleanor allows her into her bedroom and to see her disheveled. Mary is concerned, stating Eleanor is in “deep melancholy.” She asks if Eleanor is all right and promises to support her in any possible way (341). Eleanor opens up about how her efforts seem futile, the criticism in the press is a heavy burden, and war is weighing her down. Mary has had melancholy periods too, and assures her that something will reawaken her fighting spirit. As they talk more, Eleanor is inspired by Mary’s empathy and understanding, as well as how she worked through her hospital stay. Eleanor gets up and goes back to work.

In DC, 1942, Mary hurries to the White House for Eleanor’s help although Tommy said she hasn’t been available due to pressing matters. Mary barges in, but Eleanor is surprised and very busy. Mary doesn’t want to be pushed aside as if she doesn’t matter. Eleanor assures her she does matter, but she has war business to attend to. They snap and fight, then apologize. They settle down when Eleanor admits Franklin asked her to live as husband and wife again. She declined his surprising offer; she wants to remain partners but is not interested in rekindling anything romantic since his affair. Mary applauds her decision, then explains the reason for her visit: The FBI is investigating Mary and suspects she might be dangerous and a Communist. Panicked, she has come to Eleanor for help. 

Eleanor calms Mary’s nerves, assuring her that no one will believe she’s a Communist. Mary told the FBI men that she’s not a communist or danger to America; she works with many different people and organizations for her school and equality issues. Eleanor vows that she will speak to J. Edgar Hoover if she must.

In DC, 1943, Mary returns to the White House after four months of recuperation from a life-threatening bout of asthma. Meanwhile, Eleanor has been busy with war efforts and traveling across Britain, fighting for troops and equality. Mary only has a few remaining organizations, including her college. Eleanor has another project for her though: the Tuskegee Airmen. The Black pilots have been fully trained for a year but not implemented. Franklin’s latest order bans this discrimination, so Eleanor wants to bring the Tuskegee Black men’s story to the public to see the injustice and get them fighting. Mary agrees wholeheartedly.

In Tuskegee, Alabama, 1943, Eleanor and Mary visit the army base where the acclaimed men have trained. They give speeches and shake hands with the Black men, then request Chief Flight Instructor Charles Anderson give them the tour. The white colonel is shocked at their request, but he acquiesces. Charles gives them a proper tour. The all-female press corps arrives, as Eleanor planned; she didn’t trust Steve with her plans, so her reporters were best.

She and Mary tell Charles they aren’t just there for a tour but for him to give Eleanor a ride in his plane. They want the world to see the skills of the rigorously trained, expert Tuskegee pilots.

Mary watches Charles stammer that he would be honored. Eleanor makes sure wants Mary to accompany her, but Mary’s continued breathing problems keep her on the ground. Eleanor suits up, telling Charles their goal is to get him and his men into active duty. He’s honored. From the cockpit, Eleanor talks to the press as they take photos. She tells them if it’s safe enough for the first lady to fly with these men, they should be fighting in the war. The two then fly off in Charles’s small plane.

Mary watches, teary-eyed, thinking of how far Eleanor has come since they met and how only together can they soar.

In a chapter split between Eleanor and Mary’s voices, they are in San Francisco in 1945 for Franklin’s funeral. Eleanor can’t believe her husband is gone when he seemed so healthy at the post-war conferences. She cries into Mary’s shoulders at the funeral, then leaves to be alone with her friend. Eleanor gives Mary one of Franklin’s most distinguished canes that he left for her.

A few months later, at the United Nations convention, Eleanor meets Mary, who is the consultant to the American delegates; Mary now speaks about ending racism worldwide. Eleanor is so proud of her. Even though she found out Franklin was with Lucy Mercer when he died, Eleanor honors Franklin’s memory by working for the UN causes for peace. As the conference starts, the two women take their places, holding hands as a unified force.