Last Days in Vietnam

Filmmaker Rory Kennedy's Oscar-nominated documentary draws on powerful archival footage to tell the story of America's exit from South Vietnam in 1975. Beginning with the announcement of America's treaty with North Vietnam at the 1974 Paris Peace Accords, the narrative carefully traces the rapid downward spiral of events following Richard Nixon's resignation as U.S. president. North Vietnam saw an opening to push towards a takeover of the South, resulting in a chaotic effort to save Saigon and keep the American embassy open. The film traces the ensuing weeks of confusion as President Gerald Ford tried to manage evacuation efforts from the White House, and thousands of South Vietnamese scrambled to board any kind of vessel or vehicle or aircraft that could get them out of the country. Last Days in Vietnam is full of amazing, seldom-heard stories about individual heroism, black-ops rescue efforts (in defiance of orders), betrayal, desperation, politics (the U.S. Congress refused to approve $722 million to send military aid), madness, and tragedy. Henry Kissinger, Richard Armitage, Ron Nessen, and various other players from the Ford administration are interviewed here, but even more compelling are the anecdotal contributions of former U.S. servicemen who witnessed the chaotic end of America's military involvement in Vietnam while also trying to save the lives of Vietnamese allies and friends. Presenting both the 100-minute theatrical release and the full-length PBS-aired American Experience version, this is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (T. Keogh)