47 Years Ago Today

November 22, 1963, I was just a toddler going shopping with my mother when she heard the terrible news that the president had been shot. Everything changed that day. All the events from the Vietnam War to Watergate and beyond can be linked back to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The event has receded in memory. Like Pearl Harbor and the Assassination of Lincoln, the event is part of history and holds little urgency for in current events. It is disconcerting to realize that someday the events of 9/11 will be viewed the same way.

Here are a group of films to watch today that explore events surrounding the assassination of President Kennedy.

First and foremost is Oliver Stone's JFK from 1991. This comprehensive film from 1991 was nominated for Best Picture. It views the events surrounding the assassination and the subsequent trial by New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison as an overwhelming conspiracy plot. Kevin Costner gives the best performance of his career.

At The Movie House rating **** stars

This overlooked classic from 1973 explores a shadowy conspiracy to murder the President. Burt Lancaster stars, but the film belongs to Robert Ryan who gives one of the best performances of his career.

At the Movie House rating *** 1/2 stars

Here is another poster from 1973's Executive Action.

From 1992 Love Field follows a woman (Michelle Pfeiffer) who is obsessed with Jackie Kennedy. Excited at the prospect of seeing her in Dallas, she embarks on a road trip of self discovery after Kennedy's murder. At the Movie House rating ** 1/2

Ruby from 1992 starring Danny Aiello is a film about the man who shot Lee Harvey Oswald. The film tries to offer explanation for Ruby's actions. An explanation he never provided during his four years in jail after the murders. 

At The Movie House rating ** stars

From 1977 came this two-part made for TV movie that offered an alternate history with Lee Harvey Oswald on trial for the murder of JFK. The film starred Ben Gazzara and Lorne Greene.

At the Movie House rating - no rating available