Robert Kennedy

‘RFK: Legacy’ is a deep-dive into the history of America and the lives and work of RFK and RFK Jr.

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The new film from Angel Studios, RFK: Legacy, looks at the history of the United States from the 1960s to today through the lives and legacies of Robert F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. These two men, father and son, have had an enormous impact on the country, each in their own ways.

Filmmaker Oliver Stone and his son Sean set out to show how the two men elevated themselves and how each of them set out to improve the lives of others. While RFK never made it to the White House himself, his legacy has woven itself through the history of the last half of the 20th century. And the trajectory of RFK Jr. has also impacted the lives of people in this country and around the world with his investigative efforts and subsequent lawsuits.

RFK went to Harvard and then on to the University of Virginia Law School. RFK Jr. went to Harvard and then on to the University of Virginia Law School. It looked as though the son was about to follow in his father’s footsteps, however there were other forces pulling at RFK Jr. that initially led him away from politics and to the environmental field where he used his talents (and sensitivity) to clean up the rivers, take large companies to court for their carcinogenic ingredients, and eliminate mercury from vaccinations.

The life and career of RFK Jr. is told primarily through his interview with Oliver Stone. They also delve deeply into the assassination of his father in 1968, and Bobby as well as comments from those who also investigated the event. The conclusion might be shocking to many viewers, however it makes more sense than the official findings.

And the assassination of President Kennedy takes on a new perspective with the comments by Bobby who explains what his father knew about the events in Dallas and what he wanted to do about it. These facts might be eye-opening for those who believe in the lone gun theory, however with the recent release of files, they are more compelling and truthful.

Looking back at the career of RFK and how the country was in turmoil during his final years, is a history lesson that delves into specific events and situations. The country was deeply divided and RFK, as well as many others, felt he was the only person who could bring it together and make it whole again. But that was not to be.

As his father wanted to unite the country, so did RFK Jr. who took up the mantle, or the torch, but his voice was silenced by the left. Knowing he had much to give to the country, he joined the Trump team and is now the Secretary of Health and Human Services. His mission is “To Make America Healthy Again.” The MAHA movement is getting criticism by the left but that does not dissuade him from continuing to make life better for Americans. As he said, the notion that he is “anti-vax” is not true. He is for vaccinations as long as they have been thoroughly tested and deemed safe, and wants to make that clear.

Bobby Jr. does not shy away from discussing his past drug addiction, and explains how he became addicted and finally sober. His candid interview is refreshing and explains a lot about the man.

So, by combining the lives and careers of both Robert F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in this one documentary, complete with films and photos, comments and insight from friends and historians, and the memories and statements from RFK Jr., this film is basically a lesson in the history of the country for the last 60 years as well as the careers and devotion to the country of the two men. 

The pursuit of justice and accountability was front and center for Robert Kennedy and is the same for his son. They both faced criticism and were maligned for their views and actions, yet both men put others before themselves.

With the elevation of RFK Jr. on the world stage, the life, career, and assassination of RFK has also been brought to the forefront. Facts, memories, thoughts, and insight combine to bring a well-rounded look at the two men.

Directed by Sean Stone, RFK: Legacy is an important film for today’s audiences. It is mesmerizing, educational, insightful, and captivating.

The film is now streaming on Angel.

Images courtesy Angel Studios

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

 

 

‘Return to Mt. Kennedy’ is a family affair

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

In 1965 the Canadian government wanted to do something to honor President John Kennedy. They decided to find an unexplored mountain and name it Mt. Kennedy. Then Jim Whittaker, the first American to climb Mt. Everest, led an expedition up Mt. Kennedy in the Canadian Yukon, with Senator Robert Kennedy joining the team. Kennedy had never climbed a mountain and was afraid of heights, but he felt he had to do it as a tribute to his slain brother. When they got near the summit Whittaker stepped aside, letting Robert Kennedy be the first person to stand on the top of that mountain. Fifty years later, Whittaker’s sons Bob, Leif, and RFK’s son Christopher returned to meet the challenge of their fathers. This documentary, Return to Mt. Kennedy, not only follows this latest trek up the mountain, but also gives plenty of background on all of the people involved in the first expedition as well as this follow-up climb.

The film includes never before seen footage of the original climb, with RFK and Whittaker. It also looks at the second generation of climbers, most notably Bob Whittaker who was named after RFK. After the initial climb, the Whittakers and the Kennedys became fast friends and Jim talks about how he stepped in to become one of the many surrogate fathers to the RFK brood of 11 kids.

Chris Kennedy was talked into joining this new trek up the mountain and along the way encountered some pretty rough situations. The three men basically walked in the steps of their fathers fifty years later.

Besides being the first American to climb Mt. Everest, Jim Whittaker, a true outdoorsman, became CEO of REI and both families shared a love of the outdoors and the wilderness. That is what Bob Whittaker has tasked himself with doing these days, although his earlier life was far different, as viewers discover.

Return to Mt. Kennedy is an interesting look at the two generations and the confluence of circumstances that brought them together in spirit fifty years apart. The film is available on digital platforms November 5, 2019.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.

‘RFK: The Kennedy Family Remembers’ on History Channel

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


To honor the life of their father on the 50th anniversary of his assassination, Kathleen, Kerry, and Robert Kennedy, Jr. talk about their dad and his life and times. In RFK: The Kennedy Family Remembers, viewers get an inside look at the man who affected so many people, especially during the last year of his life.

Besides the three (of eleven) children of Robert and Ethel Kennedy, Kennedy insiders and historians also weigh in and discuss the evolution of RFK from the time he was Attorney General under the Kennedy Administration to his death. His fight for economic and racial justice, his depth of compassion, and his commitment to this country is front and center.

This film shows the evolution of the man. He had a great capacity for change, and that is exactly what he did and why he was beloved.

Looking briefly at the Cuban Missile Crisis, Apartheid in South Africa, Poverty in the American South, and the War in Vietnam, the film provides a good sketch of RFK during these critical times. It’s not an intricate documentary, yet it is a good representation of the ideals and the history that led RFK through the 1960s. He forged his own way after coming out of the shadow of his brother, and he was a beacon of hope for the country in a troubled time.

For those of us who were alive, it’s difficult to believe it has been 50 years since his death. In many ways it feels like just yesterday but when we look at the things that have happened since 1968, it seems like centuries ago. The death of Robert Kennedy was perhaps the most pivotal point in recent American history, even more so than the assassination of President Kennedy. With the death of RFK, the country turned a sharp corner and many people, including Robert Kennedy, Jr., say we are where we are today because of the assassination.

I have often been asked if I thought the world would be completely different had RFK not been assassinated. My answer is always, “Yes.” Even if he had not been elected president, he would have been a major factor. And had he become the president, the entire world would definitely be a different place in which to live.

“To tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world.” That is what we would have strived for. That is what he strived for.

RFK: The Kennedy Family Remembers premiers June 4, 2018 on History.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter