By Jane Sonneman, Archivist
We come to this place for the sixth installment of our Archives Staff Picks. We come to the JFK Library to see some of our staff’s favorite documents and images related to the silver screen because we need that – all of us. Where collection materials and cinema combine in a dazzling display that can be viewed in person or online!
Harpo Marx, the harp-playing, second-oldest sibling in the Marx Brothers comedy act, sent this telegram congratulating John F. Kennedy on his recent nomination as the 1960 Democratic candidate for President. An old friend of the Kennedy family through JFK’s film-financier father, Harpo Marx tells the new candidate to send regards to his parents. I love the playful line “Do you need a harp player in your Cabinet?” – and judging from his very colorful campaign publicity photograph, he would’ve made an enthusiastic Administration member!
– Stacey, Archives Reference
On June 19, 1963, Warner Brothers officially released the film PT 109 based on the book by Robert J. Donovan, PT 109: John F. Kennedy in WWII. The film and the book both tell of John F. Kennedy’s heroism in the aftermath of a Japanese destroyer attack on the PT boat that Kennedy led. The President and the Kennedy family had input into the production, with test reels of various actors submitted to the White House. The President chose Cliff Robertson to play him as then Lt. John F. Kennedy and on April 24, 1963, Mr. Robertson visited the White House.
Despite hopes for a successful film, PT 109 received a lukewarm response. There were various production issues that affected storyline cohesion and President Kennedy himself suggested that at 2 hours and 20 minutes, the film might be too long. The film’s run lasted only five months as it was withdrawn in the United States following the assassination on November 22, 1963.
– Maryrose, Archives Reference
On April 25, 1939, the first major film adaptation of Emily Bronte’s 1847 novel Wuthering Heights held its European premiere at the Gaumont Theatre in the Haymarket area of London. Starring two leading actors of the time, Laurence Oliver (as Heathcliff) and Merle Oberon (as Cathy), the film went on to earn eight Academy Award nominations, winning in the category of Best Cinematography. President Kennedy’s father, Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., who was serving as United States Ambassador to Great Britain in London at the time (and also had ties to the movie industry), attended the premier with his wife, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy. They are pictured here with the film’s star, Merle Oberon (second from right), and its director, Alexander Korda (far left), outside the theatre. The Gaumont Theatre no longer exists, but in 2007, Wuthering Heights was selected for preservation by the National Film Registry.
– Laura, Archives Digitization
This press release during the 1960 presidential campaign details the Hollywood Program Committee for Kennedy. This group of roughly 200 members included a number of big Hollywood names such as Marlon Brando, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Rod Serling, and was chaired by Henry Fonda. The committee campaigned and raised funds for the Kennedy-Johnson ticket, working with the Democratic party and the Citizens for Kennedy Committee. On September 14, 1960, Kennedy sent this letter to Leonard Karzmar, the coordinator for the committee, thanking him for their work.
– Corbin, Archives Reference
James Cagney (1899-1986) was an American actor and dancer. He is known for playing complex tough guys in films such as The Public Enemy (1931), Taxi! (1932), Angels with Dirty Faces (1938), Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942), and White Heat (1949). As a young man, Cagney became interested in soil conservation and farming. According to a 2011 article in Martha’s Vineyard Magazine, he purchased more than 200 acres of land in the town of Chilmark on Martha’s Vineyard in 1936 and developed it into a farm and summer estate for his family. The quiet, tranquil environment on the island allowed him to escape the pressures of Hollywood. As he wrote in his autobiography, “I couldn’t think of anything more satisfying, more life-fulfilling, than living on a farm surrounded by salt water.”
In early 1969, however, there were plans to expand the runways at Martha’s Vineyard airport to accommodate large jet planes. Cagney wrote to Senator Edward M. Kennedy to protest these plans and ask him to protect the island’s “natural wonder and peaceful haven.” He laments, “Is there to be no end to the destruction of all that is natural and worthwhile? Please give it some thought.” After a few years of legal battles, the project went forward, although residents did prevent the taking of state forest land for the expansion.
– Christina, Archives Processing
Here is a flyer advertising an appearance by movie star and singer Judy Garland at an event in Wiesbaden, Germany, in 1960 to rally absentee voters for presidential candidate John F. Kennedy. Judy Garland later visited President Kennedy at the White House on November 28, 1962, and is seen in this photograph leaning against the desk in the Oval Office. Entertainers Danny Kaye and Carol Burnett (who is mostly hidden) are also in the photograph with President Kennedy and Special Assistant to the President Dave Powers.
JFKWHP-ST-505-7-62. President John F. Kennedy visits with entertainers in the Oval Office. Left to right: President Kennedy; Judy Garland (in back); Danny Kaye; Special Assistant to the President, Dave Powers; Carol Burnett (mostly hidden). White House, Washington, D.C.
-Bill, Archives Digitization
Several years ago, we discovered that Arthur Schlesinger reviewed movies for Show magazine, and that he often screened these movies in the Projection Room (White House Theater). The movies screened and guest lists for viewing are documented in his personal papers collection. Here is a guest list for one of my favorites, The Music Man, screened on Saturday, May 5, 1962 — the movie hit theaters on June 19, 1962. It went on to be the 3rd highest-grossing film for 1962.
I enjoy the note about the run time, “3 hours (at least).” Just in case you were wondering, actual run time: 2 hours 31 minutes.
– Abbey, Archives
While working with the White House Social Files for a research question, I came across a letter author and screenwriter Truman Capote sent to First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1963. My favorite part of this document is the photograph Capote included of himself and his dog — his “Independent Deterrent,” Charlie.
Born in 1924, Capote was celebrated for his early work writing short stories and later literary works including Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1958) and In Cold Blood (1965), the latter of which is mentioned in this letter to Kennedy as his “murder-book.” Both works were turned into award winning films and are listed in the National Film Registry. Capote also wrote a handful of screenplays during his career including Beat the Devil (1953) and The Innocents (1960).
– Jane, Archives Processing