edwagreen Outstanding. Superlative. Out of this world. No other words seem adequate regarding this magnificent series.I am a retired social studies teacher. This series would have been so perfect for my grade 8 history students. It was so rich in history and personal emotions.As far as the Emmy awards go,Backstairs should have tied with Roots for the best mini-series of the season.The acting was outstanding. Robert Vaughn brought the perfect touch to Woodrow Wilson. Whoever thought that the character of Florence Harding, who died in 1924, under mysterious conditions was so interesting? Celeste Holm was simply memorable as Mrs. Harding. Eileen Heckart was memorable as Eleanor Roosevelt. Lee Grant brought the perfect touch to Grace Coolidge. Julie Harris set the tone as Nellie Taft.Actresses Olivia Cole and Leslie Uggams, in a totally non-singing role, were just fabulous as the mother and daughter who worked for so many years at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.This is another Best Years Of Our Lives. We all realize the sacrifices that were made during the extremely informative period of history. We are also shown that the White House was a scene of constant tragedy mixed with a total triumph of the human spirit.We need more series of this quality.

d56fan My husband & I have both spent years looking for a copy of the mini-series, "Backstairs at the White House." We cannot understand why this great American piece of history has never been shown again or released on video or DVD. It was well acted, informative and very entertaining. No series has ever made such a lasting impression on me. It is a timeless movie that makes a large portion of our nation's history come to life. It depicts how our nation thought, acted, lived, and worked before, during and after WWII. We were able to see our culture evolve as the country changed from an agrarian society into the world's leading industrial nation, and how daily life was effected by advances in technology, medicine, political swings, and economic ups and downs. It is a classic that every student should see when studying American history. We have waited for years to see it again. Does anyone know why NBC has never re-shown or released this great story?

jmea91 This was a wonderful historical mini-series that I remember watching when I was ten years old. I hope that this comment will some how help to get it re-broadcast. I have not seen it except for the original airing in 1979. Please bring this quality program back to television.

di-8 "Backstairs at the White House" is a delicious look at the goings on inside the White House, as well as a few lessons in history. This wonderful series was only aired once to my knowledge, in 1979. This stellar production deserves to be seen again and again, as it is timeless material. Insights into the nature of our past presidents and first ladies as seen through the eyes and experiences of the household staff, offers more unbiased truth than official biographies. The humor, drama and intrigue are all there. I sure hope someone with clout will read these notes and get the message that we want a video of this glorious work.