JFK

Of the many TV documentaries made to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, filmmaker Susan Bellows's JFK—aired on PBS's American Experience series—was clearly the best. Comprehensive, sober, and balanced, the two-part profile proceeds in chronological fashion from Kennedy's privileged birth up through his funeral. Part one covers Kennedy's school years, early physical problems, decorated service in World War II, successful runs for both the U.S. House and the Senate, and the 1960 presidential campaign—both the primaries and general election. Part two concentrates on his thousand-day presidency, offering detailed examinations of early missteps—most notably the Bay of Pigs—and the turnaround that came with his skillful handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis, opting for a sea blockade instead of more hawkish alternatives. Kennedy's escalation of American involvement in Vietnam and his reluctant embrace of the Civil Rights movement receive penetrating analysis here, as does the Camelot glamour that he and wife Jackie exuded, bringing them virtual rock-star status. Narrated by Oliver Platt, JFK expertly blends archival footage with commentary from a variety of scholars/authors (including Robert Caro and Robert Dallek), who don't hesitate to point out Kennedy's failings—including his inveterate womanizing—along with his virtues. And they remind us that Kennedy's presidency was a work in progress: many initiatives stalled when he died, and were only brought to fruition by successor LBJ, whose hand was strengthened by Kennedy's martyrdom. An excellent biographical portrait, this is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek)