Documentaries

Productions

Report on the Kennedy Assassination

CBS News Special

CBS, Sept. 27, 1964.

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The Death of Kennedy

BBC-2 Special

Jan. 27, 1967.

British project on the scale of CBS’s June 1967 The Warren Report. First portion included the world premiere of Emile Antonio’s documentary Rush to Judgment. The second portion was a live debate in the London studio between Lane, Spector, Belin and others.

Rush to Judgment

1967. Directed by Emile de Antonio

Lane’s documentary version of his 1966 book of the same title. With new filmed interviews with major witnesses. It ran in American movie theatres. The film received a chapter in Lane’s 1968 book A Citizen’s Dissent.

The JFK Conspiracy: The Case of Jim Garrison

NBC, June 18, 1967.

One-hour documentary challenging conspiracy theories and tactics of New Orleans DA Jim Garrison, making news for his investigation into Oswald’s activities in the city during the summer of 1963. Half-hour rebuttal by Garrison shown July 15, 1967.

No video release.

The Warren Report

CBS News Inquiry

CBS, June 25-28, 1967.

Ambitious project “to restore a much-needed sense of balance;” from a major US television network, broadcast over four nights. Reportedly taking nine months and costing $500,000, the series was hosted by CBS anchorman Walter Cronkite assisted by Dan Rather and Dallas news director Eddie Barker.

First of four one-hour segments asked “Did Lee Harvey Oswald shoot President Kennedy?” He owned a rifle and the backyard photos were authentic; using a disassembled Mannlicher-Carcano, Rather recreates the “package” Oswald took to work on the 22nd. Last person known to have seen Oswald placed him on the sixth floor; Oswald had sufficient time to reach the second floor lunchroom; the “Mauser” story is rebuked.

Using eleven volunteer marksmen at the H.P. White Ballistics Laboratory in Maryland, a recreation tested the Mannlicher-Carcano’s rate of fire and accuracy over distances. According to blur analysis by photo expert Charles Wyckoff and physicist Luis Alvarez, the first shot missed at Z186, and the double hit occurred at Z222 or Z223. (This is very close to the Z223⁄224 lapel flip disclosed in Posner’s 1993 book Case Closed.)

Second segment featured a recreation of the Single Bullet Theory by Dr. Alfred G. Oliver, the same expert used by the Commission. Oliver fired bullets through a series of gelatin blocks and a sheet of masonite designed to crudely mimic the path of CE399. In another test, a bullet fired through a blub showed an explosion opposite the firing point, said to resemble the explosive cloud seen in Z313.

Third segment looked into the death of DPD Officer J.D. Tippit, slain by fugitive Oswald 45 minutes after the assassination. Several witnesses were interviewed and a ballistics expert who IDed one of the bullets to Oswald’s revolver.

Fourth segment looked at the Warren Commission and conspiracy theories, interviewing member John McCloy. Eric Sevareid thought Americans conspiracy-minded by nature, and to think the Commission knowingly misbehaved was “idiotic.” Discussion of show in 1968 books Should We Now Believe the Warren Report? and A Citizen’s Dissent. Clips from show have been incorporated into subsequent programs.

No video release.

On Trial: Lee Harvey Oswald

London Weekend Television, 1984.

No-nonsense British TV production affords Oswald a posthumous trail with actual witnesses retelling their stories before a serious-minded Texas judge. Among witnesses subjected to tense cross-examination (in a Dallas Federal Courthouse reconstructed in a London studio) are Ruth Paine, Buell Fraser, Charles Brehm, Bill Newman, Harold Norman, Baker, Callaway, Brewer, Tillson, Wecht and O’Connor—plus HSCA members Kirk, Petty, Lutz and Guinn.

Gerry Spence’s anecdotal “defense” no match for prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi (co-author of the book Helter Skelter about his experiences prosecuting the Manson Family). While researching for this show, Bugliosi began outlining the monumental 2007 book History Reclaimed. All rather pointless, really.

MPI Home Video DVD (Oct. 28, 2008), 3 hrs 30 mins. First shown in US on Showtime Nov. 21, 1986 (airing lengths vary). (Not to be confused with the 1977 TV-docudrama The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald.)

The Men Who Killed Kennedy

Central Independent Television, 1988.

Impressive multi-part effort by British documentary-maker Nigel Turner, ultimately flawed by Corsican assassination-squad theory. Prominent witnesses finally interviewed on-location, some recreating their actions. Groden and Wecht shamelessly harp on about governmental treason.

Gary Mack is prominently featured, introducing “Badge Man,” Gordon Arnold, Beverly Oliver and Ed Hoffman.Then as now, Mack refuses to abandon the acoustics evidence (see detailed evaluation at Reitzes’ site). Still shown occasionally on A&E’s History Channel, it was released as a condensed version in a video-tape gift box. Companion volume updating issues called The Truth Shall Make You Free (shown).

A & E Home Video / DVD.

Who Shot President Kennedy?

Nova

PBS, November 15, 1988.

Somber documentary applies new scientific techniques to major trajectory and medical issues. Thompson, Wecht, Baden, Blakey and Lifton featured. Contains Steve Barber’s discovery on Gallery magazine’s paper record of Decker’s cross-talk, wire-frame computer-model of Single-Bullet Theory, and visit by Parkland physicians to see autopsy photographs in the National Archives.

Has the clearest, most-graphic screening of the Zapruder film ever presented prior to 1998 Image of an Assassination—a 35mm “technician copy” on loan from Moses Weitzman, who duped it from the original Zapruder film when Life magazine sent it to his New York film lab in 1967. Somewhat dated—computer analysis and animation techniques have since improved.

Narrated by Walter Cronkite. No video release.

Who Didn’t Kill … JFK

Third Coast Productions, 1990.

Texas researchers Jack White and Jim Marrs (1989 book Crossfire) “star” in this pre-JFK video hosted by Craig Maurer, who sits at a newsdesk introducing various “segments.” Basically a vehicle to present White’s accumulation of grievances after years of futile research into the infamous Oswald Backyard Photos. White’s dedication and persistence is evident throughout—and the main reason he’s almost-singlehandedly kept this hopeless issue alive since the mid-60s.

Very impressive effort, though strictly for the serious researcher who’s willing to make an effort to see pass the poor production values. White recently contributed to the anthologies Murder in Dealey Plaza and Great Zapruder Hoax.

Fast Forward Marketing video.

JFK: Time for the Truth

48 Hours

CBS, February 5, 1992.

The 48 Hours series assigned a handful of veteran reporters to a single case or controversy and—over the time frame—they each probed a particular element intensely. In the wake of the controversy generated by the JFK movie, they went to Dallas and Washington. Highlights include contemporary interviews with 5th floor witnesses, and with David Belin and Robert Tanneburg behind the fence on the knoll. The Single-Bullet Theory is examined using Connally’s statements and the 1967 CBS firing tests.

“Manhunt” segment features Howard Brennan, Lt. Carl Day and Jim Leavelle. Oswald’s biography and activities reviewed. Critics heard in “Suspects” include Mark Lane and Michael Kurtz. Clip from a 1969 LBJ interview hints at “international connections.” “Scenario” segment focuses on Clay Shaw trial and its depiction in the JFK movie; Connally terms latter propaganda. In a dramatic confrontation with Dan Rather, JFK director Oliver Stone claims his film is “counter-myth” and charges mass media with compliance in the cover-up.

Hosted by Dan Rather. Released as Twentieth Century Fox video titled Who Killed JFK? Facts, Not Fiction.

JFK Assassination: The Jim Garrison Tapes

1992.

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JFK: The Case for Conspiracy

1993.

First of Robert Groden’s series of privately-produced DVD packages that is sold on-line and at Groden’s makeshift site on the Grassy Knoll. Has most of the Kennedy assassination footage of the motorcade and plaza aftermath, narrated with Groden’s tedious—and for sure erroneous—analysis. Groden wrote the books JFK: The Case for Conspiracy, The Killing of the President and The Search for Lee Harvey Oswald; provided some input into the 1989 book High Treason; and was a consultant to the HSCA and the JFK movie. Groden has none more footwork than anyone—even Mark Lane—to keep the question of conspiracy before the public. Second in series was JFK Assassination Files.

DVD.

Who Was Lee Harvey Oswald?

Frontline | PBS, November 16, 1993.

WGBH in association with BBC-TV.

Most important documentary to-date on assassination controversy. Oswald’s background and possible motivations are presented in detail. New interviews with Robert Oswald, Ruth Paine, Duran, Odio sisters, Harold Norman, Gerald Hill, Hudkins, Leavelle, McMillan, Posner, Blakey, and researchers Summers, Myers and Savage (Malone and Russo served as co-producers).

Who Killed JFK? The Final Chapter?

CBS Reports | CBS, November 19, 1993.

Fast-shifting and concise, this documentary touches on nearly all the conspiracy theories with archival and contemporary interviews of many principals, such as Nellie Connally, Dave Powers, and Evelyn Lincoln. Priscilla MacMillan (1978 book Marina and Lee), Richard Synder and Yuri Nosenko on Lee’s defection; Minsk period recalled by Marina’s aunt and Pavel Golovachev, who watched Lee. Abuse towards Marina begins.Ruth Paine shown in 1964 interview; new interview with Michael Paine discloses he saw the backyard photos in spring of 1963. Ruth in 1964 describes how she gave Oswald the lead that resulted in being hired at the Depository. Zapruder film and footage of aftermath in Dealey Plaza shown. Clint Hill, in 1975 interview, describes his efforts to save Kennedy. Parkland Dr. Kenneth E. Sayler describes “right side of his head blown off.”Footage of Lt. Carl Day with Oswald rifle leaving Depository; then 1964 interviews with Tippit witnesses Markham and Benevides. Nick MacDonald and Johnny Brewer comment on Oswald arrest. Malcolm Kilduff recalls death announcement to press. Jim Leavelle comments on Oswald’s death and Bill Alexander dismisses Ruby as unlikely conspiracy participant due to being “blabbermouth.” Katzenbach explains the memo sent to Bill Moyers. James Hosty characterizes destroyed written complaint from Oswald as nonviolent. Arthur Schlesinger says cover-up was bureaucratic to hide agency mistakes.

Michael Beschloss discusses initial suspicion of Soviet plot, noting Khrushchev was not immediately located. Mark Lane (1966 book Rush to Judgment) comments on CIA plot, countered by Richard Helms. On Mafia plot, it’s observed that RFK angered Marcello; William E. Roemer details FBI wiretaps. Sam Halpern describes CIA plots against Castro; Helms says Warren Commission not notified because there was no connection.

CBS shooting computer-animation shown, and assassination industry exposed. Farris Rookstool details Jean Hill’s mistakes; Gerald Posner casts doubt on Beverly Oliver’s camera claim and her contact with FBI agent Regis Johnson. Portions of the 1967 CBS firing tests are shown, including a blur test using a handheld camera as shots were fired, which suggested a first shot occurred at about Z190.

Posner presents Lattimer’s Thorburn Position model, and David Belin is interviewed on the Grassy Knoll. Nova’s Single-Bullet graphic is shown and Zapruder enlargements showing Connally’s lapel-flip are screened. Wecht describes the fatal shot and head snap; but Baden discloses the head initially went forward, and Posner isolates the debris, most of which went forward. Posner claims driver Will Greer hesitates and “inadvertently gives Oswald the easiest of three shots.”

No video release.

Image of an Assassination

A New Look at the Zapruder Film

MPI Home Video, 1998.

Released to some controversy in July 1998, this documentary represents the Zapruder family’s last-ditch attempt to wring some money out of the film before they were compelled to assign copyright to a nonprofit organization (Sixth Floor Museum later chosen). Beyond that, the film is fascinating in several regards. You can hear Richard Stolley’s recounting of how Life magazine obtained the film, Groden’s presentation of his supposed “superior” version on Geraldo Rivera’s TV show Goodnight America, and Abraham Zapruder himself, the citizen reporter, on a Dallas TV-station barely 90-minutes after recording the assassination.

Sweeping documentary gives insight into Soviet perspective of Oswald’s stay and the assassination in Dallas. Begins with Oswald in USSR, then probes his pro-Castro activities in New Orleans and visit to Russian embassy in Mexico City, where Lee displays a revolver. Assassination explored by Posner, with dissenting remarks from MacClelland, Wecht and Robert Groden. 1964 FBI reconstruction of the Single-Bullet Theory shown, leading into comments on a Russian reconstruction, which demonstrated the shooting was “easy.”

Muchmore film shown; backward head movement deemed secondary; Oswald had enough training and practice. Soviets suspected any plots were Cuban-exile or French/Vietnamese. Precision laser-reconstruction done for program on-site in Dealey Plaza, with limo replica and positioning lifesize dummies using as reference the Zapruder film. Ballistic expert Anthony Larry Paul and forensic pathologist Dr. Vincent J.M. DiMaio comment. First two shots “likely” from 6th floor; large roadsign works against early shot from knoll.

Panel reviewing laser trajectory results ruled it supported lone-gunman findings, acknowledging the study can’t speak to Oswald’s actual presence at the window. Groden dissents, asserting shots came from the second floor of the Dal-tex building. Show concludes with a KBG investigation that ruled out Oswald as assassin, but decided all shots came from behind.

Narrated by Roger Moore. Shown on The Learning Channel in 2000. Madacy video / DVD.

The Murder of JFK

A Revisionist History

1999. Produced & Written by Matthew White.

If revisionism seeks to correct long-held historical myths or to present a startling alternative, this soulless, indistinct production fails on both counts. In fact, there is something oldfangled and compellingly naive about this endeavor, from its watery storyline to its antiquated production techniques. The show’s nostalgic slant means plenty of old B/W newscasts and out-takes, Pete Seegar songs, and pained agonizing over Camelot’s demise. In an age of descriptive overextension, the revisionist tag smacks of marketing ploy.

The first half is a generalized overview, designed to get the viewer on side. It begins with US optimism over Castro’s opposition to Batista corruption. Ed Sullivan, at the beginning of 1960, suavely flatters the bearded one for being “in the tradition of George Washington.” Then Castro nationalizes some key industries, offending Ike, the right-wing, the Mafia and—supposedly—Ed. The resulting Bay of Pigs fiasco makes Castro stronger than ever in Latin America.

The American Right are also emboldened, turning to Goldwater. Their “voices of extremism,” as Kennedy terms it, induces him to launch Operation Mongoose, which seeks to sabotage the Cuban economy. The CIA is a “malignancy the US cannot control.” After the Missile Crisis, Kennedy (one of the most militant peacetime Presidents) is perceived by the Right and the military elite as ineffectual on Communism. In the Southwest, anti-Castroites are frustrated over Kennedy’s pledge not to invade Cuba.

The Dallas segment is provocative with its litany of Big D ultraconservatism, from the attack on Stevenson to serving as the home base for the thugs of General Walker and Billy James Hargis, and—just three days before Kennedy arrived—the launching pad for George Wallace’s run at the Democratic nomination. There’s a fairly complete account of the Fort Worth breakfast, including a boys’ choir singing accusingly “The Eyes of Texas” and the Stetson fazing. A rarely-seen KRLD-TV interview (from June 22, 1964) has Governor Connally reflecting on the motorcade and the shooting hap. Then some more anti-Southern/Dallas sentiments, which along with the Oswald slaying, neatly wraps up the show’s first half.

Lyndon Johnson—whom the show says endorsed Eisenhower in 1956—become the accidental President. Conspiracy theorist David Wrone rails against the right-wing, with special emphasis on the dear old John Birch Society. Hoover promotes Oswald as the lone Red killer and argues he was disturbed. The FBI report notes Lee’s “rejection by a self-involved and conflicted mother.” As public skepticism grows, there’s a Miami protest to free Ruby.

MPI Video Group DVD.

Oswald’s Ghost

American Experience | PBS, January 14, 2008.

A Robert Stone film, in association with BBC-TV.

Stunning soul-searching exploration of motivation. Oswald’s rationale is deliberated, along with that of the research community. One of them is found wanting.

Broadcast version (85 min.) reviewed. DVD version has extended footage, and is not reviewed.

Books

Stephen White

Should We Now Believe the Warren Report?

New York: Macmillan, 1968.

A discussion of the crucial physical evidence that inevitably leads to Oswald as lone assassin. Contains text of June 1967 documentary CBS News Inquiry: The Warren Report. Introduction by CBS anchorman Walter Cronkite. (White should not be confused with the fiction writer of the same name.)

Hardcover, 309 pages, 29 photos. (larger cover scan n/a)

Articles

Too Many Kooks Spoil the Broth

Film Threat / April 1992

Hilarious seven-page good-natured send-up by Dave Parker of the excesses and bravado discovered during a visit to the 1991 ASK (Assassination Symposium on the Kennedy Assassination) conference in Dallas. Cover parody photo for separate article on Oscar-eluding Martin Scorsese, director of the lone assassin-tinged movies Taxi Driver, King of Comedy and The Fan.