Originally presented on CBS in 1985, director Marvin J. Chomsky's three-part miniseries Kennedy: Robert Kennedy and His Times is very entertaining—albeit for the wrong reasons. Based on the hagiography by Kennedy family confidante Arthur Schlesinger Jr., the resulting film airbrushes out all of the polarizing and controversial aspects of RFK's (Brad Davis) life and career. But while it may be lacking in substance, the production brims with style, handsomely re-creating the clothing and décor of the 1950s and '60s. Plus the all-star cast is grand, including Ned Beatty as J. Edgar Hoover, Jack Warden as Joseph Kennedy Sr., and Joe Pantoliano as Roy Cohn, all hamming up their roles with wonderful vigor. And keep an eye out on the young actors playing the Kennedy offspring: then-newcomers River Phoenix, Jason Bateman, and Shannen Doherty can be spotted in the mix. A strong optional purchase. (P. Hall)
Kennedy: Robert Kennedy and His Times
Sony, 2 discs, 315 min., not rated, DVD; $19.95 Volume 26, Issue 3
Kennedy: Robert Kennedy and His Times
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