CLASSIC MOVIES: FOUR DAYS IN NOVEMBER (1964)

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Movie Synopsis [taken from the film's
original 1964 posters and press materials]:

In the memory of man, few events have shocked the world as those Four Days in November. Here, with scenes never presented before, is a complete motion picture chronicle of that incredible time in Dallas. Here is the minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour, day-by-day story -- with every detail revealed, every question answered. .... A full motion picture chronicle of the four days our generation will never forget...four days that electrified and saddened the world. Included are
scenes never before seen on television
or the motion picture screen.

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REVIEWS:

"Four Days In November is my all-time favorite program dealing with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. .... Skillfully narrated by actor Richard Basehart...this wonderfully-edited chronological documentary guides the viewer through all four of those dark November days that shocked the nation in late 1963. An integral part of this program lies in its outstanding musical score, by Elmer Bernstein. Mr. Bernstein's stirring score fits just perfectly here, adding emotional impact to each portion of the film. .... Many of the facts surrounding JFK's assassination have been disputed and debated by researchers for decades. And this tragic crime will likely remain a topic that shall cause heated discussion for many more years to come. But what the film 'Four Days In November' does accomplish is to allow the viewer to re-live those sorrowful November days, in the order in which the events transpired, based on the evidence available. This is definitely one program that deserves to be in anyone's JFK collection."

-- David Von Pein; July 2001

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"After the extensive television coverage devoted to every aspect of the assassination of President Kennedy, it would be impossible for a two-hour
film documentary to provide a fully satisfactory summation. To its credit,
'Four Days in November' tries. .... David L. Wolper...offers a sincere and
serious recounting of one of the shattering tragedies of modern times.
The producer has assembled newsreel clips from the vast stockpiles of
film reportage and molded them into a straightforward chronology
of the principal events during the four-day period from
the assassination through the funeral."

-- The New York Times; October 8, 1964

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"Producer David L. Wolper combined a skillful blend of newsfilm, still photographs, amateur movies and recreated scenes into a searing record of those four days. .... The film made no attempt to interpret Oswald's motives. It assumed his guilt on the evidence available just as the Warren Commission did 10 days ago in concluding that Oswald acted for reasons known to him alone and without help. .... In spite of the emotional drain the film creates, it surely must rank among the most valuable historical documents ever put together."

-- Chicago Tribune; October 8, 1964

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"Four Days in November, which came to three Indianapolis theaters yesterday,
is one of the most powerful, emotion-evoking documentaries to appear
in recent years. .... As a 'great' film, 'Four Days in November' will probably
not be remembered. But as a poignant tribute to a martyred president
and a historical remembrance, it is easily deserving of an audience."

-- The Indianapolis News; October 8, 1964

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"Although a shocking document, 'Four Days in November' is also a fine
tribute to the youth and vitality of President Kennedy and to the
courage of his wife in grief."

-- The Philadelphia Inquirer; October 8, 1964

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"Four Days in November is not only a moving documentary of the last days of President John F. Kennedy, but also one that puts all those terrible events in exact perspective. .... In addition to the scenes never shown anywhere before, there is a feeling that here is the story as it happened without any of the small details omitted."

-- The Berkshire Eagle; November 28, 1964