A President to Remember

Kennedy's debates with Nixon, his speech in Berlin, his visits and motorcades in several countries--these are pretty familiar. But a lot of the footage in this documentary is new and often enough filmed from up close, giving a feel for the excitement of the moment. Even more interesting are segments showing Jack with Bobby and other top advisers strategizing on how to deal with George Wallace as the then-governor of Alabama was preparing to block access to the doors at U. of Alabama for two black students.

We also see a few brief public speeches by Jackie, a motorcade with de Gaulle in Paris, and--most interestingly--snippets from Kennedy's televised press conferences (something the documentary says he originated) that show him to be both witty and generally on top of things.

Alec Baldwin's commentary is articulate and friendly but never fawning. There's a brief mention of "dalliances"; same for his back problems. If you want to be reminded of what made Kennedy such a charismatic figure, you probably won't do better than this.