History Television marks the 40th anniversary of United States President John F. Kennedy’s assassination with a weekend of special films and documentaries about the man and his presidency.
Kennedy Weekend, airing November 22 and 23, includes the network premiere of the critically acclaimed miniseries Kennedy starring Martin Sheen, as well as the North American premiere of Cuba: The Other Side of Armageddon, a documentary that looks at the Cuban Missile Crisis from the Cuban-Soviet perspective.
Kennedy tells the behind-the-scenes story of the 1,000-day presidency of John F. Kennedy from the night before his election in November 1960 to the afternoon of his assassination three years later. The miniseries covers momentous events including the invasion of Cuba at the Bay of Pigs, the turmoil of violent racial conflict, the escalation of America’s involvement in Vietnam and the Cuban Missile Crisis. It also explores JFK’s private life – the tragic death of his son, his chronic womanizing and his scrutiny by the FBI. Starring Martin Sheen as President Kennedy, the two-part miniseries airs Saturday, November 22 at 9 p.m. ET and Sunday, November 23 at 9 p.m. ET.
On Saturday, November 22 at 6 p.m. ET, History Television takes a look at the Cuban Missile Crisis from the Cuban-Soviet perspective in Cuba: The Other Side of Armageddon. This documentary depicts how the situation was actually more dangerous than originally believed or communicated, and reveals that the U.S. underestimated the threat an invasion would precipitate.
The Kennedy Weekend will also include:
PT 109
Directed by Leslie Martinson, this film tells the story of Lt. John F. Kennedy who becomes stranded during the Second World War on a Pacific Island with his PT boat crew. With the help of two natives, they send word to the American forces and finally make their way back to the rescuers.
Encore Presentation: Saturday, November 22 at 10 a.m. ET
The Search for Kennedy’s PT 109
Famed ocean explorer Dr. Robert Ballard travels to the Solomon Islands to find the sunken wreck of Kennedy’s boat and unveils the truth behind one of the classic war stories of the 20th century. Encore Presentation: Saturday, November 22 at 1 p.m. ET
JFK
In this Academy Award-winning film, director Oliver Stone examines the November 22, 1963, assassination of American President John F. Kennedy. This film looks at the Warren Commission, appointed to settle America’s doubts following the assassination, and suggests that little was actually done to answer those questions. Starring Kevin Costner, Kevin Bacon, Tommy Lee Jones and Laurie Metcalf. Encore Presentation: Saturday, November 22 at 2 p.m. ET
Nuclear Sharks: Cuban Missile Crisis
On October 1, 1962, four Russian Foxtrot submarines carrying nuclear tipped torpedoes slipped silently from their northern base on a top-secret mission bound for Cuba. By the time they arrived, they sailed into a massive American military blockade that brought the world to the edge of nuclear war.
Encore Presentation: Saturday, November 22 at 7 p.m. ET
Jackie Kennedy: The Power of Style
This special offers fascinating insights into Jackie’s life by examining her style as a woman, wife, mother, hostess and fashion leader. Ten years after her death, the mystique of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis remains as powerful as ever. Millions of people are still captivated by the details of her life, and her impeccable sense of style.
Encore Presentation: Saturday, November 22 at 8 p.m. ET
For more information on History Television’s Kennedy Weekend log on to HistoryTelevision.ca
