From Cover: One of the grandest traditions of American democracy is the inauguration of the President, and some of the greatest anecdotes in U.S. history surround this epochal event! White House children Alice Roosevelt Longworth, Charles Taft and James Roosevelt contribute fond personal memories, as distinguished actor Alexander Scourby takes us back in time to visit 56 Presidents as they take office. We relive the drama of these high moments, smile at the mishaps and marvel at the often turbulent response of the weather to the awesome transfer of power. Actual film footage enhances our presence of the oath-taking of our modern Presidents, while archival materials present the earlier ears. During his inauguration, Andrew Jackson held on open house for 20,000 frontier Americans who patriotic fervor almost destroyed the reception rooms until the wily old hero of the War of 1812 lured his rambunctious guests outside by opening wine barrels on the lawns. Occasionally, newspaper artists had to use their imagination to recreate the ceremony, as when Calvin Coolidge took office in a remote Vermont farmhouse following the death of Warren G. Harding. Scenes from glittering inaugural balls and victory celebrations highlight the human interest side of the historical/political procedure. Written by Louise Durbin Color/Black and White Running time; 52 minutes
