Original subtitles

It's snowing and there is this feeling because she's

this feeling because she's dressed in this beautiful white

dressed in this beautiful white gown and they just seem to be

gown and they just seem to be stepping into a fairytale.

Stepping into a fairytale. And Jack Kennedy says turn on

and Jack Kennedy says turn on the interior lights so people

the interior lights so people can see them as they go by.

Can see them as they go by. And he asked his wife to sit

and he asked his wife to sit forward, because she is so

forward, because she is so beautiful.

Beautiful. Having the president from that

having the president from that very moment place her in the

very moment place her in the spotlight tells US what the

spotlight tells US what the presidency will be like and how

presidency will be like and how Mrs. Kennedy will be at the

Mrs. Kennedy will be at the center of it.

Inauguration day, 1961. America welcomes a young and

america welcomes a young and glamorous president and first

glamorous president and first lady to the white house.

Lady to the white house. Dwight eisenhower was 70.

Dwight eisenhower was 70. Here came Kennedy who was 43.

Here came Kennedy who was 43. And Mrs. Kennedy is 31.

And Mrs. Kennedy is 31. The Kennedys knew how to turn

the Kennedys knew how to turn their youth into something

their youth into something deeper and more symbolic of

deeper and more symbolic of america entering an age of

america entering an age of renewal with a new generation,

renewal with a new generation, they were going to conquer the

they were going to conquer the world.

World. Jackie was the epitome of

Jackie was the epitome of style and glamor.

Style and glamor. This was going to be a white

this was going to be a white house of unprecedented elegance.

House of unprecedented elegance. And the country loved it.

And the country loved it. Going to the inauguration was

going to the inauguration was amazing.

Amazing. This was new and energetic.

This was new and energetic. This was in fact the new

this was in fact the new frontier.

Frontier. Jackie later recalled her

Jackie later recalled her memories of that momentous day.

Memories of that momentous day. Everyone said why didn't Jack

everyone said why didn't Jack kiss you after, which he would

kiss you after, which he would never do there.

Never do there. But you had to march out in such

but you had to march out in such order.

Order. And I so badly wanted to see him

and I so badly wanted to see him alone.

Alone. She's worried about being

she's worried about being separated from her husband as he

separated from her husband as he starts this new role as leader

starts this new role as leader of the free world.

Of the free world. She didn't know what would it do

she didn't know what would it do to her marriage and she can't

to her marriage and she can't quite get to him.

Quite get to him. I caught up to him in the

I caught up to him in the capitol.

Capitol. He is looking to me and there

he is looking to me and there really were tears in his eyes.

Really were tears in his eyes. There was so much more emotion

there was so much more emotion than any kiss.

Than any kiss. Jack, what a day.

Jack, what a day. The Kennedys had already

the Kennedys had already recognized Jackie's value.

Recognized Jackie's value. She was much more elegant, to

she was much more elegant, to put it mildly, than my family,

put it mildly, than my family, the Kennedy family, known

the Kennedy family, known primarily for football and

primarily for football and sailing.

Sailing. Jackie had a really good sense

Jackie had a really good sense of taste and elegance.

Of taste and elegance. Jackie had a very privileged

Jackie had a very privileged childhood.

Childhood. She had never advantage in terms

she had never advantage in terms of her education.

Of her education. She went to vasser.

She went to vasser. Jackie Kennedy was the

Jackie Kennedy was the perfect prize.

Perfect prize. She also knew that the Kennedy

she also knew that the Kennedy family was using her.

Family was using her. She once said that family treats

she once said that family treats me like a thing, like an asset,

me like a thing, like an asset, like Rhode Island.

Like Rhode Island. Even her own wedding was a

even her own wedding was a political event.

Political event. For the spectators outside

for the spectators outside the church, it is a real story

the church, it is a real story book wedding.

Book wedding. The top society wedding of the

the top society wedding of the year.

Year. There is glamor on the

there is glamor on the outside, heart ache on the

outside, heart ache on the inside.

Inside. Jackie's own father gets so

Jackie's own father gets so drunk before the wedding that he

drunk before the wedding that he can't make it up the aisle.

Can't make it up the aisle. Jack len Kennedy had a father

Jack len Kennedy had a father she adored.

She adored. John bouvier, but he had many

John bouvier, but he had many flaws.

Flaws. He was an alcoholic, a gambler,

he was an alcoholic, a gambler, a womanizer.

A womanizer. After divorcing John bouvier,

after divorcing John bouvier, Jackie's mother Janet married

Jackie's mother Janet married the standard oil heir.

The standard oil heir. Janet hits the gold mine

Janet hits the gold mine there.

There. He is incredibly wealthy and she

he is incredibly wealthy and she drills into Jackie's mind, you

drills into Jackie's mind, you need to marry a wealthy man.

Need to marry a wealthy man. You need to have that security.

You need to have that security. With a political life and a

with a political life and a rising star.

Rising star. There were 1,200 people at

there were 1,200 people at the reception.

The reception. Jackie said she didn't even know

Jackie said she didn't even know the guests at her own wedding.

The guests at her own wedding. To be at your own wedding and

to be at your own wedding and meet hundreds of people that you

meet hundreds of people that you don't know.

Don't know. That says a lot about their

that says a lot about their relationship.

Relationship. Jack and Jackie remain the only

Jack and Jackie remain the only first couple to have a baby,

first couple to have a baby, John F. Kennedy Jr., between the

John F. Kennedy Jr., between the election of the president and

election of the president and the inauguration.

The inauguration. She had a as cease air sees air

she had a as cease air sees air birth.

Birth. And John Jr. had a lung ailment.

And John Jr. had a lung ailment. That day she was exhausted.

That day she was exhausted. You see them on the platt

you see them on the platt snowstorm she's there.

Snowstorm she's there. Suddenly she's vanished.

Suddenly she's vanished. She simply physically couldn't

she simply physically couldn't keep up.

Keep up. That was when she went back into

that was when she went back into the white house.

The white house. She didn't know, how am I going

she didn't know, how am I going to go off to five different

to go off to five different inaugural balls.

Inaugural balls. Showed the absent herself and

showed the absent herself and go, not too strong to say,

go, not too strong to say, collapse in her new home, the

collapse in her new home, the white house.

White house. I was really so tired that

I was really so tired that day.

Day. And that night, I was just laid

and that night, I was just laid out in the queen's bed.

Out in the queen's bed. I couldn't move.

I couldn't move. She calls for the president's

she calls for the president's physician, Dr. Janet travell,

physician, Dr. Janet travell, who brought two pills.

Who brought two pills. She had two pills, a green

she had two pills, a green one and an orange one.

One and an orange one. She said take orange one.

She said take orange one. I said what is it?

I said what is it? She said it was dexadrin which I

she said it was dexadrin which I had never taken.

Had never taken. It turns out that's an

it turns out that's an amphetamine, speed, to rev Tim

amphetamine, speed, to rev Tim motor of the individual.

Motor of the individual. And Mrs. Kennedy said did it.

And Mrs. Kennedy said did it. It allowed her to get out of

it allowed her to get out of bed, get dressed, and look her

bed, get dressed, and look her most beautiful.

Most beautiful. Jackie rejoins her husband

Jackie rejoins her husband for the first inaugural ball.

For the first inaugural ball. On this greatest of all days,

on this greatest of all days, high on dexadrin, this young

high on dexadrin, this young queen goes into the night.

Queen goes into the night. Jackie Kennedy knew how to pout

Jackie Kennedy knew how to pout a show.

A show. Here was this stunningly

here was this stunningly beautiful 31-year-old woman

beautiful 31-year-old woman playing this new role of a

playing this new role of a gorgeous first lady of the

gorgeous first lady of the United States.

United States. If we didn't know the

if we didn't know the so-called back story, we would

so-called back story, we would think that there was absolutely

think that there was absolutely nothing wrong.

Nothing wrong. She got through it as far as the

she got through it as far as the dexadrin would take her but she

dexadrin would take her but she couldn't get through the whole

couldn't get through the whole evening.

Evening. It was like cinderella and

it was like cinderella and the clock striking midnight.

The clock striking midnight. I guess the pill wore off.

I guess the pill wore off. So Jack said go home now.

So Jack said go home now. He carried on to three more

he carried on to three more inaugural balls and various

inaugural balls and various parties where he was seen with

parties where he was seen with women, not his wife, and carries

women, not his wife, and carries on without her.

On without her. It was never going to be

it was never going to be smooth sailing between them.

Smooth sailing between them. They were he

What about your role as a mother and a wife?

Mother and a wife? Can one have a role as affirst

can one have a role as affirst lady?

Lady? Yes.

Yes. It doesn't matter what else you

it doesn't matter what else you do if you don't could that well.

Do if you don't could that well. The Kennedys had a

the Kennedys had a 2-month-old son, a 3-year-old

2-month-old son, a 3-year-old very boisterous fun loving

very boisterous fun loving daughter Caroline.

Daughter Caroline. Jackie was a good mother.

Jackie was a good mother. She was excellent with them in

she was excellent with them in the white house and they have a

the white house and they have a lot of fun.

Lot of fun. I think she did everything she

I think she did everything she could to normalize it.

Could to normalize it. Do you really hope to keep a

do you really hope to keep a private life for your children?

Private life for your children? I hope it is.

I hope it is. I will try very hard to do that.

I will try very hard to do that. Otherwise, how can I bring up

otherwise, how can I bring up normal children?

Normal children? President Kennedy knew the

president Kennedy knew the asset of having a photo genic

asset of having a photo genic family.

Family. He had come from one.

He had come from one. And he knew those two children

and he knew those two children were beautiful and beguiling.

Were beautiful and beguiling. When Jackie was out of town

when Jackie was out of town with Caroline, president Kennedy

with Caroline, president Kennedy asked, is there anyone here from

asked, is there anyone here from look magazine?

Look magazine? And there is this iconic

and there is this iconic photograph of John Kennedy Jr.

Photograph of John Kennedy Jr. peeking out from underneath

peeking out from underneath resolute desk in the oval

resolute desk in the oval office.

Office. The president said he knew she

the president said he knew she would go angry.

Would go angry. I will take brunt of it.

I will take brunt of it. Jackie came back and was

Jackie came back and was furious.

Furious. Jackie came from a political

Jackie came from a political family.

Family. They were accustomed to sharing

they were accustomed to sharing their lives and Jackie didn't

their lives and Jackie didn't think that was helpful for a

think that was helpful for a child to be exposed at the age

child to be exposed at the age of 3 to the mass media.

Of 3 to the mass media. So they didn't always agree

so they didn't always agree about that.

About that. Jackie has her own ideas on

Jackie has her own ideas on how to make her Mark as first

how to make her Mark as first lady.

Lady. What do you think has to be

what do you think has to be done to the white house?

Done to the white house? There's very little antique

there's very little antique furniture here now.

Furniture here now. The thing I care about most is

the thing I care about most is to make it more of a museum.

To make it more of a museum. Mrs. Kennedy is gentlemen

Mrs. Kennedy is gentlemen upset at what she sees in the

upset at what she sees in the white house when she arrives.

White house when she arrives. It looked like the furnishings

it looked like the furnishings had come from a statler hotel,

had come from a statler hotel, she said.

She said. She understood white house

she understood white house should represent the history

should represent the history that had taken place there.

That had taken place there. Jackie has grand plans to

Jackie has grand plans to transform the white house.

Transform the white house. But she immediately faces

but she immediately faces opposition.

Opposition. Everybody on president

everybody on president Kennedy's staff said no.

Kennedy's staff said no. You don't know what you're

you don't know what you're doing.

Doing. How dare you touch white house.

How dare you touch white house. She's 31 years old.

She's 31 years old. She stands up to all the

she stands up to all the president's advisers and says,

president's advisers and says, I'm going ahead.

I'm going ahead. Jackie raises money to buy

Jackie raises money to buy back furniture belonging to past

back furniture belonging to past presidents and persuades

presidents and persuades collectors to donate antiques.

Collectors to donate antiques. She welcome as film crew into

she welcome as film crew into the private quarters for the

the private quarters for the first time.

First time. Mrs. Kennedy, I want to thank

Mrs. Kennedy, I want to thank you for letting US visit your

you for letting US visit your official home.

Official home. This is obviously the room from

this is obviously the room from which much of your work on it is

which much of your work on it is directed.

Directed. Yes, it is attic and cellar

yes, it is attic and cellar all in one.

All in one. This was probably her most

this was probably her most important performance during her

important performance during her whole time at the white house.

Whole time at the white house. She was tense.

She was tense. She was very, very nervous.

She was very, very nervous. Every time they had a break, she

every time they had a break, she would smoke like chimney.

Would smoke like chimney. She had some brown liquor with

she had some brown liquor with her and invariably, she would

her and invariably, she would drop the ashes on this beautiful

drop the ashes on this beautiful silk settee, you know?

Silk settee, you know? So exciting to see things

so exciting to see things every day.

Every day. At the end of the day, the

at the end of the day, the producer shows the Kennedys what

producer shows the Kennedys what they had filmed.

They had filmed. They said when he looked over

they said when he looked over at Jack, his admiration and

at Jack, his admiration and pride was unmistakable.

Pride was unmistakable. Everything in the white house

everything in the white house should be the best.

Should be the best. For the next hour, Mrs. John

for the next hour, Mrs. John f. Kennedy invites you to visit

f. Kennedy invites you to visit the white house and see the

the white house and see the restorations she's made.

Restorations she's made. A record 80 million viewers

a record 80 million viewers watched Jackie's tour.

Watched Jackie's tour. Donations to her restoration

donations to her restoration project flood in.

Project flood in. Are all the pieces from

are all the pieces from Lincoln's time?

Lincoln's time? Yes, they are.

Yes, they are. The most famous one, of course,

the most famous one, of course, is the linkon bed.

Is the linkon bed. Every read that seemed to love

every read that seemed to love it.

It. They got rave reviews.

They got rave reviews. There were governors' wives all

there were governors' wives all over the country that said we

over the country that said we have to do this with the

have to do this with the governor's mansion.

Governor's mansion. People tended to

people tended to underestimate her intelligence,

underestimate her intelligence, which was considerable.

Which was considerable. The whole historic preservation

the whole historic preservation movement in this country owes a

movement in this country owes a great debt of gratitude to her.

Great debt of gratitude to her. The dictatorships of fidel

the dictatorships of fidel Castro.

Castro. Three months into the

three months into the presidency, the Kennedy

presidency, the Kennedy administration suffers its first

administration suffers its first major setback.

Major setback. The CIA backed invasion of Cuba

the CIA backed invasion of Cuba ends in disaster.

Ends in disaster. Reality really bit both

reality really bit both Ken

Ken Kennedys.

Kennedys. Kennedy had been too influenced

Kennedy had been too influenced by advisers.

By advisers. We came back to the white

we came back to the white house.

House. He started to cry.

He started to cry. Just with me.

Just with me. He just put his head in his

he just put his head in his hands and sort of wept.

Hands and sort of wept. It brought home to him that

it brought home to him that he had to be more self-reliant

he had to be more self-reliant and more re

John Kennedy's debut on the international scene gets off to

international scene gets off to a start in France where the

a start in France where the president is greeted formally.

President is greeted formally. Four months into the

four months into the presidency and reeling from the

presidency and reeling from the bay of pigs fiasco, the Kennedys

bay of pigs fiasco, the Kennedys he wi

he wi embark on a European tour.

Embark on a European tour. President Kennedy needs

president Kennedy needs allies, but Charles de gaulle is

allies, but Charles de gaulle is famously cold and austere.

Famously cold and austere. All eyes are on Jackie.

All eyes are on Jackie. People are screaming.

People are screaming. Jacqueline!

Jacqueline! Both the president and Mrs.

Both the president and Mrs. Kennedy are taken aback by how

Kennedy are taken aback by how many people are there.

Many people are there. Jackie was red in the bone.

Jackie was red in the bone. She loved america but she had

she loved america but she had real fascination with France.

Real fascination with France.

It was a particular triumph

it was a particular triumph to be as elegant as she was in

to be as elegant as she was in the land that in effect invented

the land that in effect invented elegance.

Elegance. Imagine what it is like to

imagine what it is like to try to have a conversation with

try to have a conversation with the president of France.

The president of France. You can't be talking about Paris

you can't be talking about Paris fashion.

Fashion. They're talking about French

they're talking about French history.

History. Defall says she knows more

defall says she knows more history than most French women.

History than most French women. She more than holds her own.

She more than holds her own. I do not think it altogether

I do not think it altogether inappropriate to introduce

inappropriate to introduce myself.

Myself. I am the man who accompanied

I am the man who accompanied Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris and

Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris and I've enjoyed it.

I've enjoyed it. In the eyes of her husband,

in the eyes of her husband, she now was a major asset in

she now was a major asset in diplomacy, making inroads in

diplomacy, making inroads in areas where he was not doing

areas where he was not doing that well.

That well. After Paris, Kennedy faces

after Paris, Kennedy faces his first super power summit

his first super power summit with Soviet leader nikita

with Soviet leader nikita khrushchev.

Khrushchev. The world looked to america

the world looked to america as the president of the united

as the president of the united states arrived.

States arrived. Kennedy thought he could get

Kennedy thought he could get through that summit by virtue of

through that summit by virtue of his knowledge, which was

his knowledge, which was expansive.

Expansive. President Kennedy expressed

president Kennedy expressed america's desire for effective

america's desire for effective nuclear test controls and a

nuclear test controls and a disarmament agreement.

Disarmament agreement. But khrushchev did not allow

but khrushchev did not allow that to happen.

That to happen. He bullied Kennedy.

He bullied Kennedy. Once again it is Jackie who

once again it is Jackie who breaks the ice.

Breaks the ice. When khrushchev sees her, his

when khrushchev sees her, his face lights up.

Face lights up. It is described in the press as

it is described in the press as looking like Russian school boy

looking like Russian school boy on the banks of the river, when

on the banks of the river, when the snow melts in the spring

the snow melts in the spring time.

Time. And he is doing everything

and he is doing everything possible to impress Mrs.

Possible to impress Mrs. Kennedy, including telling her

Kennedy, including telling her how many tractors are made in

how many tractors are made in Soviet factories and she

Soviet factories and she famously said in her breathy

famously said in her breathy voice, Mr. Chairman, don't

voice, Mr. Chairman, don't bore me with statistics and he

bore me with statistics and he just roared with laughter.

Just roared with laughter. Nobody tells the head of the

nobody tells the head of the Soviet socialist republic, don't

Soviet socialist republic, don't bore me with statistics.

Bore me with statistics. But he loved her sharp wit.

But he loved her sharp wit. Her impact at a minimum diverted

her impact at a minimum diverted attention from a super power

attention from a super power summit that Kennedy described

summit that Kennedy described later as the toughest thing I've

later as the toughest thing I've ever been through.

Ever been through. Jackie succeeds in bolstering

Jackie succeeds in bolstering her husband's presidency.

Her husband's presidency. But his loyalty to her has its

but his loyalty to her has its limits.

Limits. I said, what are you going to

I said, what are you going to do about all your affairs, Jack?

Do about all your affairs, Jack? And he said, well, you know, in

and he said, well, you know, in the white house it should be

the white house it should be easier.

Easier. The secret service will protect

the secret service will protect me.

Me. And he was right.

And he was right. The secret service did protect

the secret service did protect him.

Him. Jackie Kennedy was well aware

Jackie Kennedy was well aware of her husband's infidelities.

Of her husband's infidelities. How could she miss?

How could she miss? Her own secretary was sleeping

her own secretary was sleeping with the president, along with a

with the president, along with a lot of other women at the white

lot of other women at the white house.

House. Jackie was no fool.

Jackie was no fool. They were all around her.

They were all around her. I've always thought Jackie

I've always thought Jackie really loved Jack.

Really loved Jack. Really loved Jack.

Really loved Jack. And was always trying to get him

and was always trying to get him to be faithful to her.

To be faithful to her. During a family football game

during a family football game at Bobby Kennedy's home, Jackie

at Bobby Kennedy's home, Jackie sprains her ankle.

Sprains her ankle. She is tended to by Bobby's

she is tended to by Bobby's friend and neighbor, a doctor.

Friend and neighbor, a doctor. The way he projected warmth

the way he projected warmth clicked with her.

Clicked with her. And she said, do you think could

and she said, do you think could I call you from time to time?

I call you from time to time? And he said, well, yes, of

and he said, well, yes, of course.

Course. For the next two years,

for the next two years, Jackie calls the doctor twice a

Jackie calls the doctor twice a week.

Week. She said, I'm not naive.

She said, I'm not naive. I know that he is having a lot

I know that he is having a lot of affairs.

Of affairs. She alleged that he was having

she alleged that he was having an affair with Marilyn Monroe,

an affair with Marilyn Monroe, and she said that really

and she said that really bothered her.

Bothered her. She somehow felt inadequate.

She somehow felt inadequate. It was his role to reassure her

it was his role to reassure her that it was not her fault.

That it was not her fault. And at the same time, he

and at the same time, he actually gave her a kind of set

actually gave her a kind of set of talking points about how to

of talking points about how to improve their sex life.

Improve their sex life. And she said, it had actually

and she said, it had actually improved.

Improved. But he was still womanizing.

But he was still womanizing. Jackie was working as a photo

Jackie was working as a photo journalist for the Washington

journalist for the Washington times herald when she was

times herald when she was introduced to Jack Kennedy

introduced to Jack Kennedy through mutual friends.

Through mutual friends. I think we just automatically

I think we just automatically thought they would be good for

thought they would be good for each other.

Each other. He was fun, very good looking,

he was fun, very good looking, and she was intelligent and fun

and she was intelligent and fun could be with.

Could be with. Jackie Kennedy took one look

Jackie Kennedy took one look at Jack and saw the main chance.

But when Jack proposed, Jackie agonized for four weeks

Jackie agonized for four weeks before accepting.

Before accepting. She could see the prospect of

she could see the prospect of adventure, but she could also

adventure, but she could also sense danger.

Sense danger. She knew that he had the

she knew that he had the capacity to be unfaithful.

Capacity to be unfaithful. But she decided then, life with

but she decided then, life with him was worth it.

Him was worth it. And that she loved him.

And that she loved him. She was being interviewed three

she was being interviewed three years into their marriage, which

years into their marriage, which was really in their relationship

was really in their relationship sort of hit rock bottom.

Sort of hit rock bottom. You're pretty much in love

you're pretty much in love with him, aren't you?

With him, aren't you? Jackie Kennedy knew that Jack

Jackie Kennedy knew that Jack had been a playboy.

Had been a playboy. But she had not banked upon the

but she had not banked upon the sheer scale of his infidelity.

Sheer scale of his infidelity. I said no, didn't I?

I said no, didn't I? Yes, did you.

Yes, did you. Do you want to do it again?

Do you want to do it again? She couldn't say anything

she couldn't say anything other than an honest reaction in

other than an honest reaction in that moment.

That moment. You are pretty much, right?

You are pretty much, right? I suppose so.

I suppose so. By 1958, Jackie had had

by 1958, Jackie had had enough of her husband's

enough of her husband's infidelities.

Infidelities. While Jack was away campaigning,

while Jack was away campaigning, she couldn't identifieded in her

she couldn't identifieded in her friend Walter ritter.

Friend Walter ritter. Jackie said he is so badly

Jackie said he is so badly wlaifd.

Wlaifd. He is away again.

He is away again. God who knows he's with.

God who knows he's with. I can't take it anymore.

I can't take it anymore. I think I have to divorce him.

I think I have to divorce him. And my husband said, Jackie

and my husband said, Jackie think about this.

Think about this. You do not want to have on your

you do not want to have on your conscience that you prevented

conscience that you prevented him from becoming president.

Him from becoming president. By divorcing him, she would

by divorcing him, she would have ended his political career.

Have ended his political career. But by staying with him, there

but by staying with him, there would be a tradeoff, giving her

would be a tradeoff, giving her the latitude, if he became

the latitude, if he became president, to do what she wanted

president, to do what she wanted to do.

To do. Mr. President, the late

Mr. President, the late Marilyn Monroe.

At Jack's 45th birthday celebration, Jackie is notably

celebration, Jackie is notably absent.

One reporter said that it was making love to the president in

making love to the president in front of 40 million people.

Front of 40 million people. And this was a really

and this was a really embarrassing moment for Jackie.

Embarrassing moment for Jackie. Everybody, happy birthday!

Everybody, happy birthday! To the extent that she knew

to the extent that she knew about her husband's womanizing,

about her husband's womanizing, she had two choices.

She had two choices. She could stay and know that it

she could stay and know that it was going on around her or she

was going on around her or she could get away from it.

Could get away from it. And sometimes I think she chose

and sometimes I think she chose the latter.

The latter. And yet, what a terrible

and yet, what a terrible paradox.

Paradox. Becaus

A crisis is near. A strategic command

a strategic command reconnaissance pilot soars high

reconnaissance pilot soars high over Cuba.

Over Cuba. President Kennedy is informed

president Kennedy is informed the Soviets are building nuclear

the Soviets are building nuclear missile sites in Cuba.

Missile sites in Cuba. The world stands on the brink of

the world stands on the brink of nuclear war.

Nuclear war. My father said to US

my father said to US children, we're in real trouble.

Children, we're in real trouble. Do you want to get away and go

do you want to get away and go into a shelter?

Into a shelter? And we all said no, we'll stay

and we all said no, we'll stay with you, daddy.

With you, daddy. And the same thing happened with

and the same thing happened with Jackie.

Jackie. I said please don't send me

I said please don't send me away to camp David.

Away to camp David. Anything happens, we'll all stay

anything happens, we'll all stay here with you.

Here with you. I just want to be on the lawn

I just want to be on the lawn when it happens and I want to

when it happens and I want to die with you, and the children

die with you, and the children do, too.

Do, too. It shall be the policy of

it shall be the policy of this nation with regard to any

this nation with regard to any nuclear missile launched from

nuclear missile launched from any nation in the western

any nation in the western hemisphere is an attack.

Hemisphere is an attack. A lot of people were very

a lot of people were very scared that it would be the end

scared that it would be the end of our world.

Of our world. Those generals, they wanted to

those generals, they wanted to go to war.

Go to war. I walked by his office all

I walked by his office all the time.

The time. Sometimes he would take me out

sometimes he would take me out for a walk around the lawn.

For a walk around the lawn. He didn't very often did that.

He didn't very often did that. Just walk quietly.

Just walk quietly. As Soviet ships sail toward

as Soviet ships sail toward Cuba, Kennedy defies his

Cuba, Kennedy defies his military advisers and orders a

military advisers and orders a naval blockade.

Naval blockade. Kennedy demands that the missile

Kennedy demands that the missile sites be dismantled.

Sites be dismantled. Khrushchev refuses.

Khrushchev refuses. From then on there was no

from then on there was no waking or sleeping and I don't

waking or sleeping and I don't know which day was which.

Know which day was which. There was no day or night.

There was no day or night. That's the time I've been the

that's the time I've been the closest to him.

Closest to him. She really knew what was

she really knew what was going on.

Going on. She was a sounding board.

She was a sounding board. And they were really growing

and they were really growing closer together through this

closer together through this trauma.

Trauma. As the days go by, the

as the days go by, the pressure mounts on Kennedy to

pressure mounts on Kennedy to invade Cuba.

Invade Cuba. An act that would result in war.

An act that would result in war. On the 13th day, Kennedy and

on the 13th day, Kennedy and khrushchev finally break the

khrushchev finally break the deadline.

Deadline. I have today been informed by

I have today been informed by khrushchev that all weapons will

khrushchev that all weapons will be withdrawn in 30 days.

Be withdrawn in 30 days. Nuclear war averted, Kennedy

nuclear war averted, Kennedy presents his closest advisers

presents his closest advisers with Tiffany silver calendars

with Tiffany silver calendars marked with the 13 crucial days.

Marked with the 13 crucial days. He also gives one to Jackie.

He also gives one to Jackie. And finally when it was over,

and finally when it was over, he started giving that calendar

he started giving that calendar to everyone.

To everyone. I was surprised that I had one.

I was surprised that I had one. It was elevating her as

it was elevating her as someone he looked upon with as

someone he looked upon with as much respect as did he his own

much respect as did he his own brother and was by his side

brother and was by his side during those 13 days.

During those 13 days. That gift was incredibly

that gift was incredibly important to her and she

important to her and she treasured it all her life.

Treasured it all her life. Yesterday, a shaft of light

yesterday, a shaft of light cut into the darkness.

Cut into the darkness. Negotiations were concluded in

negotiations were concluded in Moscow to ban all nuclear tests

Moscow to ban all nuclear tests in the atmosphere.

In the atmosphere. 1963 had been a good year for

1963 had been a good year for Jack and Jackie.

Jack and Jackie. And the most important thing in

and the most important thing in their personal lives right then

their personal lives right then was they were looking forward to

was they were looking forward to the birth of a third child.

The birth of a third child. Jackie was surrounded by

Jackie was surrounded by Kennedys who were having loads

Kennedys who were having loads of children, including Bobby and

of children, including Bobby and Ethel who had gone on to have

Ethel who had gone on to have 11.

11. The president wanted a large

the president wanted a large family and Jackie felt

family and Jackie felt inadequate.

Inadequate. She had these terribly difficult

she had these terribly difficult pregnancies.

Pregnancies. Seven years earlier, Jackie

seven years earlier, Jackie went into pre mature labor.

Went into pre mature labor. But Jack was totally absent.

But Jack was totally absent. In 1956, she gave birth to a

in 1956, she gave birth to a still born daughter whom she

still born daughter whom she named Arabella.

Named Arabella. Jack was away being a playboy in

Jack was away being a playboy in the south of France.

The south of France. And it really took somebody

and it really took somebody saying to him, you have to get

saying to him, you have to get on a plane and go home and be

on a plane and go home and be with your wife at this moment.

With your wife at this moment. But in 1963, his mind set was

but in 1963, his mind set was very different.

Very different. When she went into labor.

When she went into labor. Mrs. Kennedy has given birth

Mrs. Kennedy has given birth to a four pound, 10.5 ounce baby

to a four pound, 10.5 ounce baby boy.

Boy. It was five and a half weeks pre

it was five and a half weeks pre mature.

Mature. Born by emergency c-section,

born by emergency c-section, baby Patrick has severe

baby Patrick has severe breathing difficulties.

Breathing difficulties. He is immediately taken from his

he is immediately taken from his mother and flown to Boston for

mother and flown to Boston for life-saving treatment.

Life-saving treatment. All Jack could do was watch

all Jack could do was watch through this little porthole in

through this little porthole in the room and see this child

the room and see this child inside an Incubator.

Inside an Incubator. When it was finally clear that

when it was finally clear that he was going to die, they

he was going to die, they brought him out and put him in

brought him out and put him in his father's arms.

His father's arms. Patrick Kennedy died at 4:04

Patrick Kennedy died at 4:04 A.M.

A.M. the struggle of the baby boy to

the struggle of the baby boy to keep breathing was too much for

keep breathing was too much for his heart.

His heart. Jackie only saw Patrick in an

Jackie only saw Patrick in an Incubator.

Incubator. She never had a chance to hold

she never had a chance to hold him in her arms.

Him in her arms. Jack was disconsulate and he

Jack was disconsulate and he immediately flew to the hospital

immediately flew to the hospital where Jackie was.

Where Jackie was. He came back from Boston to

he came back from Boston to me in the hospital.

Me in the hospital. And he walked in in my room.

And he walked in in my room. He just sobbed and put his arms

he just sobbed and put his arms around me.

Around me. After Patrick, I think they

after Patrick, I think they were a lot closer.

Were a lot closer. It's the first time I've ever

it's the first time I've ever seen them hold hands.

Seen them hold hands. It was symbolic that he would

it was symbolic that he would be so publicly tender to her.

Be so publicly tender to her. It showed the world that this

it showed the world that this was something that they were

was something that they were sharing and had in fact deepened

sharing and had in fact deepened their bond.

Their bond. A month later, Jackie writes

a month later, Jackie writes to Charles bartlett, the friend

to Charles bartlett, the friend who had introduced her to Jack.

Who had introduced her to Jack. It begins as a letter to

it begins as a letter to Charles for having been the

Charles for having been the match maker.

Match maker. I have so much to thank you

I have so much to thank you for, dear Charlie.

For, dear Charlie. All my life, Jack, John and

all my life, Jack, John and Caroline, when I think of the

Caroline, when I think of the narrow escapes, how we might

narrow escapes, how we might never have met, it is fright

never have met, it is fright quite frightening.

Quite frightening. I think the most poignant

I think the most poignant thing she writes, without Jack,

thing she writes, without Jack, her life would have been a

her life would have been a wasteland.

Wasteland. That's a very vivid image.

That's a very vivid image. You do get the sense that they

you do get the sense that they have achieved this in their

have achieved this in their marriage, and it is actually

marriage, and it is actually followed by her recommitment,

followed by her recommitment, really, to their marriage and to

really, to their marriage and to their political life.

Their political life. Two years ago, I introduced

two years ago, I introduced myself in Paris by saying I was

myself in Paris by saying I was the man who had accompanied Mrs.

The man who had accompanied Mrs. Kennedy to Paris.

Kennedy to Paris. Getting somewhat that same

getting somewhat that same sensation as I travel around

sensation as I travel around Texas.

Texas. There is no question that he

there is no question that he was thrilled that she wanted to

was thrilled that she wanted to come to Texas with him.

Come to Texas with him. That she wanted to campaign with

that she wanted to campaign with him.

Him. This is a very dangerous and

this is a very dangerous and uncertain world.

Uncertain world. We would like to live as we once

we would like to live as we once lived.

Lived. It was a bright, sunny day.

It was a bright, sunny day. And Jackie put on her

and Jackie put on her sunglasses.

Sunglasses. And Jack said, please take them

and Jack said, please take them off.

Off. I want them to see you.

I want them to see you. As they're in the motorcade,

as they're in the motorcade, governor connelly's wife turns

governor connelly's wife turns on jfk and say, you

the president is turning on to elm street.

To elm street. It will be only a matter of

it will be only a matter of moments before he arrives.

Moments before he arrives. Even the freeway was jam packed.

Even the freeway was jam packed. They're in the car.

They're in the car. Jackie thinks that she hears

Jackie thinks that she hears some back fires.

Some back fires. And she turns to look at her

and she turns to look at her husband.

Husband. And she sees literally his

and she sees literally his brains being blown out.

Brains being blown out. It appears as though

it appears as though something has happened in the

something has happened in the motorcade route.

Motorcade route. The sounds and the screaming

the sounds and the screaming and the motors racing.

And the motors racing. For him to literally fall into

for him to literally fall into her lap so that she is staring

her lap so that she is staring into the wound and knowing that

into the wound and knowing that he's gone.

He's gone. There are people running up

there are people running up the hill alongside elm street.

The hill alongside elm street. She's in a war zone.

She's in a war zone. She starts to climb out of the

she starts to climb out of the car.

Car. And then Clint hill, the

and then Clint hill, the secret service agent, pushes her

secret service agent, pushes her into safety but now she's back

into safety but now she's back in the horror of this chamber in

in the horror of this chamber in which her husband has been

which her husband has been murdered.

Murdered. Coming directly to the

coming directly to the hospital.

Hospital. President Kennedy has been

president Kennedy has been assassinated.

Assassinated. It is official now.

It is official now. The president is dead.

The president is dead. There's only one word to

there's only one word to describe the picture here.

Describe the picture here. And that's grief.

And that's grief. Secret servicemen standing by

secret servicemen standing by the emergency room, tears

the emergency room, tears streaming down their face.

Streaming down their face. This is probably going to be

this is probably going to be one of the last times she is

one of the last times she is with him ever.

With him ever. Very soon they'll come put him

very soon they'll come put him in a casket.

In a casket. She wants to give him something.

She wants to give him something. Something personal that she can

something personal that she can put in with him to have a piece

put in with him to have a piece of her with him.

Of her with him. And she chooses her wedding

and she chooses her wedding band.

Band. And removes it from her finger

and removes it from her finger and attempts to place it on his.

And attempts to place it on his. President Kennedy's body is

president Kennedy's body is to be placed aboard air force

to be placed aboard air force one.

One. Already arrangements for

already arrangements for swearing in the new president

swearing in the new president have been made.

Have been made. She is wearing a

she is wearing a blood-stained suit.

Blood-stained suit. And she is asked, would she like

and she is asked, would she like to change?

To change? And she refuses.

And she refuses. And says with maybe anger, I

and says with maybe anger, I want them to see what they've

want them to see what they've done to Jack.

Done to Jack. I do solemnly swear that I

I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute --

will faithfully execute -- standing next on lyndon

standing next on lyndon Johnson, yes, she is in shock.

Johnson, yes, she is in shock. She's already thinking.

She's already thinking. What is she going to do to

what is she going to do to preserve her husband's legacy?

Preserve her husband's legacy? On the flight back, she is

on the flight back, she is talking about wanting her

talking about wanting her husband's funeral to be just

husband's funeral to be just like Lincoln's funeral.

Like Lincoln's funeral. She knows the symbolism of

she knows the symbolism of the Lincoln martyrdom should

the Lincoln martyrdom should infuse her husband to the united

infuse her husband to the united states and the world.

States and the world. And back in Washington.

And back in Washington. We literally gasped to see Mrs.

We literally gasped to see Mrs. Kennedy appear behind the casket

Kennedy appear behind the casket streaked with her husband's

streaked with her husband's blood.

Blood. She was the message that her

she was the message that her husband had been killed in a

husband had been killed in a political assassination.

Political assassination. President Kennedy's body is

president Kennedy's body is returned to the white house.

Returned to the white house. Only then does Jackie finally

only then does Jackie finally leave his side.

Leave his side. That was a moment, I'm sure,

that was a moment, I'm sure, of profound isolation for her.

Of profound isolation for her. In the eight seconds that it

in the eight seconds that it took fire off three shots, she

took fire off three shots, she lost her husband, her job, and

lost her husband, her job, and her home.

Her home. And she said, I have worked

and she said, I have worked so hard at the marriage and

so hard at the marriage and succeeded, and he had really

succeeded, and he had really come to love me.

Come to love me. And to congratulate me on what I

and to congratulate me on what I did for him.

Did for him. She said just, when we had it

she said just, when we had it all settled, she had the rug

all settled, she had the rug pulled out from under her

pulled out from under her without any power to do anything

without any power to do anything about it.

About it. That's not true, actually.

That's not true, actually. She had power and she used it.

She had power and she used it. In the imposing rotunda of

in the imposing rotunda of the capitol, the casket rests on

the capitol, the casket rests on the same catapult used when

the same catapult used when Abraham Lincoln's body lay in

Abraham Lincoln's body lay in state nearly 100 years ago.

State nearly 100 years ago. Jackie wishes to walk behind

Jackie wishes to walk behind her husband's casket.

Her husband's casket. This presents a notice player

this presents a notice player for the secret service.

For the secret service. The secret service says if

the secret service says if you're going to march from the

you're going to march from the white house to street Matthew's

white house to street Matthew's cathedral, about seven, eight

cathedral, about seven, eight blocks, surrounded by tall

blocks, surrounded by tall buildings, the very kind of

buildings, the very kind of building the president was shot

building the president was shot from in Dallas, world leaders,

from in Dallas, world leaders, and president Johnson and Mrs.

And president Johnson and Mrs. Johnson are going to want to

Johnson are going to want to march in solidarity with you,

march in solidarity with you, too.

Too. The secret service says under

the secret service says under no circumstances should

no circumstances should president Johnson take that

president Johnson take that risk.

Risk. That day Kennedy's assassin

that day Kennedy's assassin is shot in Dallas.

Is shot in Dallas. Jackie stage managed her

Jackie stage managed her husband's funeral perfectly.

Husband's funeral perfectly. Every detail, riderless horse,

every detail, riderless horse, two heartbreaking children

two heartbreaking children standing next to her with John

standing next to her with John John saluting as his father's

John saluting as his father's coffin rolled by.

Coffin rolled by. And Jackie holds firm to her

and Jackie holds firm to her final wish.

Final wish. Jackie walked with Bobby and

Jackie walked with Bobby and Teddy, followed by all these

Teddy, followed by all these other world leaders, Charles

other world leaders, Charles de gaulle and prince Philip,

de gaulle and prince Philip, Halle selassie.

Halle selassie. Believed to be first time a

believed to be first time a president's widow has walked in

president's widow has walked in his funeral procession.

His funeral procession. All followed behind the

all followed behind the president's casket.

President's casket. Jackie doesn't know whether

Jackie doesn't know whether president Johnson has joined the

president Johnson has joined the procession.

Procession. She turns to see he's defied the

she turns to see he's defied the secret service.

Secret service. She smiles, the only smile

she smiles, the only smile displayed those four days.

Displayed those four days. She's so happy that Johnson

she's so happy that Johnson has followed her lead.

Has followed her lead. Fact these leaders put their own

fact these leaders put their own lives at risk meant a lot to

lives at risk meant a lot to her.

Her. I remember my parents saying

I remember my parents saying if she can get through this, so

if she can get through this, so can we.

Can we. These became iconic moments

these became iconic moments for the nation when the

for the nation when the presidency reminds US of who we

presidency reminds US of who we are.

Are. The funeral was incredibly

the funeral was incredibly memorable capstone to this all

memorable capstone to this all too brief presidency.

Too brief presidency. It really was the beginning of

it really was the beginning of the creation

a week after her husband's assassination, Jackie calls

assassination, Jackie calls journalist and historian

journalist and historian Theodore white to hyannisport.

Theodore white to hyannisport. Wants a piece for "life"

wants a piece for "life" magazine.

Magazine. He was the chronicler and

he was the chronicler and "life" magazine had great power.

"Life" magazine had great power. She is obsessed with how the

she is obsessed with how the president will be remembered.

President will be remembered. Trying to get jump on the first

trying to get jump on the first grasp of history, journalism.

Grasp of history, journalism. Midway through recalling the

midway through recalling the events in Dallas in graphic

events in Dallas in graphic detail, Jackie suddenly changes

detail, Jackie suddenly changes the subject.

The subject. She tells this very sweet

she tells this very sweet story that they would put on the

story that they would put on the soundtrack from the Broadway

soundtrack from the Broadway musical "Camelot," that the

musical "Camelot," that the president's favorite line was

president's favorite line was don't let it be forgot that once

don't let it be forgot that once there was a spot for one brief

there was a spot for one brief shining moment known as Camelot.

Shining moment known as Camelot. And then Mrs. Kennedy said there

and then Mrs. Kennedy said there will be great presidents again

will be great presidents again but there will never be another

but there will never be another Camelot.

Camelot. Arthurian legend is full of

arthurian legend is full of infidelity, betrayal, death and

infidelity, betrayal, death and loss.

Loss. So there's a darker side that's

so there's a darker side that's weirdly the truthful image.

Weirdly the truthful image. But like many things that Jackie

but like many things that Jackie Kennedy did it was brilliant

Kennedy did it was brilliant stagecraft.

Stagecraft. It was brief and shining.

It was brief and shining. White said she could have sold

white said she could have sold him the Brooklyn bridge.

Him the Brooklyn bridge. But she's pouring over his copy

but she's pouring over his copy and she edits it.

And she edits it. White files a story, editors a

white files a story, editors a little skeptical, is this

little skeptical, is this Camelot a little bit much?

Camelot a little bit much? She insists, no Camelot, no

she insists, no Camelot, no story.

Story. Country was enjoying a brief

country was enjoying a brief interregular numb before

interregular numb before Vietnam, before Watergate, an

Vietnam, before Watergate, an innocent america willing to be

innocent america willing to be lured into fantasy.

Lured into fantasy. A fantasy that was so appealing.

A fantasy that was so appealing. Jackie prepares to leave the

Jackie prepares to leave the white house for the last time.

White house for the last time. Dear Mr. Chairman president,

dear Mr. Chairman president, so now one of the last nights I

so now one of the last nights I will spend in the white house,

will spend in the white house, in one of the last letters I

in one of the last letters I will write, I would like to

will write, I would like to write you my message.

Write you my message. But Jackie's letter is not to

but Jackie's letter is not to a family member or close friend,

a family member or close friend, but Soviet premier nikita

but Soviet premier nikita khrushchev.

Khrushchev. I send it because I know how

I send it because I know how much my husband cared about

much my husband cared about peace.

Peace. Used to quote your words in some

used to quote your words in some of his speeches.

Of his speeches. In the next world the survivors

in the next world the survivors will envy the dead.

Will envy the dead. You and he were adversaries but

you and he were adversaries but you were allied in determination

you were allied in determination that the world shouldn't be

that the world shouldn't be blown up.

Blown up. Her final act in the white

her final act in the white house really revealed the depth

house really revealed the depth of her seriousness.

Of her seriousness. It's in that letter to nikita

it's in that letter to nikita khrushchev, urging him to

khrushchev, urging him to continue the nuclear disarmament

continue the nuclear disarmament talks that had begun with her

talks that had begun with her husband.

Husband. The danger which troubled my

the danger which troubled my husband was that war might be

husband was that war might be started, not so much by the big

started, not so much by the big men, but by the little ones.

Men, but by the little ones. While big men know the needs for

while big men know the needs for self-control and restraint,

self-control and restraint, little men are sometimes moved

little men are sometimes moved by fear and pride.

By fear and pride. It's really good let's continue

it's really good let's continue for future generations.

For future generations. If the Mark of a great

if the Mark of a great president is understanding the

president is understanding the big issues of the day, the Mark

big issues of the day, the Mark of a great first lady is a more

of a great first lady is a more subtle thing, and Jackie got

subtle thing, and Jackie got this.

This. And that is understanding the

and that is understanding the essence of the time.

Essence of the time. And america as a global player,

and america as a global player, she perfectly reflected that.

She perfectly reflected that. And in fact shaped it.

And in fact shaped it. Although she became Jackie

although she became Jackie o., and had a whole life as a

o., and had a whole life as a book editor and everything else

book editor and everything else that she did subsequent to the

that she did subsequent to the white house, she was in the end

white house, she was in the end inevitably defined by what she

inevitably defined by what she did as first lady.