ftp recursively

[Jeff Schwab]

I need to move a directory tree (~9GB) from one machine to another on 
the same LAN.  What's the best (briefest and most portable) way to do 
this in Python?

I see that urllib has some support for getting files by FTP, but that it 
has some trouble distinguishing files from directories.

     http://docs.python.org/lib/module-urllib.html

     "The code handling the FTP protocol cannot differentiate
      between a file and a directory."

I tried it anyway, but got an authentication problem.  I don't see a 
"how to log into the FTP server" section on docs.python.org.  Is there a 
tutorial I should read?

I am particularly looking for a quick, "good enough" solution that I can 
use this afternoon.  Thanks in advance to any kind-hearted soul who 
chooses to help me out.