Dolley Madison (2010)
A documentary portrait of the First Lady who shaped American democracy across six decades of history.
Dolley Madison - Movie Information
- Original Title: Dolley Madison
- Release Year: 2010
- Directed by: Muffie Meyer
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Age Rating (US): G
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Original Language: English
Dolley Madison - Plot
Dolley Madison lived through the two wars that established the U.S., was friends with the first 12 Presidents, and watched America evolve from a struggling young republic to the first modern democracy in the world.
Where to Watch Dolley Madison
Looking for where to watch Dolley Madison?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Dolley Madison - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Muffie Meyer
Writers
- Ronald Blumer
Dolley Madison - FAQs
What is Dolley Madison about?
Dolley Madison chronicles the extraordinary life of America's most celebrated First Lady, a woman who witnessed the nation's birth, survived two defining wars, befriended the first twelve presidents, and helped shape the social and political culture of early American democracy over six remarkable decades.
Who directed the Dolley Madison documentary?
Muffie Meyer directed Dolley Madison. Meyer is an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker known for her work on American history subjects, and she brings a rich, character-driven approach to this portrait of one of the young republic's most influential figures.
When was the Dolley Madison documentary released?
The documentary was released on March 1, 2010. It aired as part of PBS's American Experience series, which has long been dedicated to bringing compelling stories from American history to a wide audience.
Is Dolley Madison based on a true story?
Absolutely — this is a fully factual historical documentary. It chronicles the real life of Dolley Madison (1768–1849), the wife of President James Madison, whose influence on American political and social life spanned the presidencies of the first twelve leaders of the United States.
What is the age rating for Dolley Madison?
Dolley Madison is rated G, making it suitable for all audiences. Its educational focus on American history and the life of a pioneering First Lady makes it an excellent choice for families, students, and history enthusiasts of any age.
Why was Dolley Madison so historically significant?
Dolley Madison redefined the role of First Lady, turning the White House into a vibrant social and political hub. She famously saved a portrait of George Washington during the British burning of Washington in 1814 and remained a beloved public figure well into her eighties.
How long is the Dolley Madison documentary?
The documentary runs for 85 minutes — just over an hour and a half. That runtime gives the film enough space to trace Dolley Madison's life from her Quaker upbringing through her years as First Lady and her enduring presence in Washington society decades after leaving the White House.
What documentaries are similar to Dolley Madison?
If you enjoyed Dolley Madison, you might also like Sidney (2022), a warm portrait of Sidney Poitier's life and legacy, or The Last Repair Shop (2024), another deeply human documentary. Beyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear (2022) offers a different but equally engaging behind-the-scenes perspective.
More About Dolley Madison
Explore further details and databases for this documentary.