TR at Baltimore [1918] ; TR at Sagamore [Hill, 1918]

About This Movie

So, we've got this fascinating piece from 1918, "TR at Baltimore & Sagamore Hill." It's not a typical documentary—more like a historical artifact showing Theodore Roosevelt in action. The film captures his speeches at two significant events, first in Baltimore where he's rallying support for the Liberty Loans, and then at his home in Sagamore Hill. The atmosphere is charged, you can feel the weight of the era, especially with TR donning a mourning armband for his son. It's raw, direct, and unpolished in a way that really brings you back to that moment in time. The pacing is slow, but it’s all about the message. If you’re into the historical context, this one really stands out amongst the other documentaries of that time.

This film exists in a few formats, with original prints being quite rare. It's not something you stumble upon often, which adds to its collector allure. The significance of the content and the emotional weight TR brings to his speeches certainly makes it a collectible for those interested in early 20th-century American history. There's a niche audience that appreciates this kind of documentary, especially with Roosevelt's dynamic presence.