Posted on 02/19/2007 5:52:35 PM PST by Mr. Brightside
New footage of JFK in Dallas released
By Ed Stoddard
Mon Feb 19, 4:52 PM ET
DALLAS (Reuters) - Previously unreleased footage of John F. Kennedy's fateful motorcade in Dallas moments before he was gunned down was released on Monday, a surprising new detail in a saga that has gripped the United States for four decades.
The silent 8mm film shows a beaming Jacqueline Kennedy close up in vivid color waving to the crowd.
A group of excited bystanders -- women sporting big 1960s hairstyles -- waves to the cameraman shortly before the motorcade sweeps past.
The president's coat is clearly if briefly seen bunched up on his back -- a detail that will be scrutinized by conspiracy theorists who see evidence of a plot in, among other things, the fact the bullet wounds on his jacket and body did not appear to match.
The film was donated to the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas by amateur photographer George Jefferies and his son-in-law, Wayne Graham. It was released to coincide with the Presidents Day federal holiday.
Museum curator Gary Mack said he was not surprised Jefferies took so long to come forward.
"Everyone who captured the motorcade before the assassination thinks their pictures are unimportant. But to historians, all photos and home movies are important to possibly answer questions that will be asked in the future," he said.
Located in the former Texas School Book Depository building where Lee Harvey Oswald shot Kennedy from a sixth-floor window on November 22, 1963, the museum is devoted to Kennedy's presidency and the events surrounding his assassination.
The footage was taken less than 90 seconds before the fatal shots were fired. The 40-second film also shows the scene of the crime the following day.
The footage is sure to be new fodder for conspiracy buffs who have long maintained Kennedy was the victim of a sinister plot orchestrated by shadowy elements in either the government, the "military-industrial complex," the Mafia or communist Cuba.
"I've already seen the footage on a conspiracy Web site -- it's interesting for the conspiracy researchers to study Kennedy's coat which appears to be bunched up on his back," Mack said.
He said since Kennedy's jacket was riding high on his back, the entry wound in his body did not match the expected position in his coat -- grist for the conspiracy mill that charges more than three shots were fired.
Investigators maintain the shooting was carried out by Oswald acting alone. The most complete and best-known film of the Kennedy assassination to come to light was taken by bystander Abraham Zapruder.
Mack said the new footage offered the best view of Mrs. Kennedy in the motorcade he had ever seen.
I'll always think Carlos Marcellos was behind it.
Looks just like Kennedy's profile from the half dollar.
Is it just me, or was Jackie O. a hottie?
That's fantastic. ROFL
Jackie was a hottie who reeked of class, until she married Onassis.
Johnson had it done.
I think 8mm was 16 frames per second.
Thanks. In which case the bullet would travel (1/16)*(2000)=125 feet per frame
You are 100% correct, by far the Best looking first lady ever.
All that picture needs is the 9/11 backpack guy in the background!
Just won't be a true photo on Free Republic until someone photoshops either tourist guy or looter guy into the background or foreground.
You're right. Marvelous photo.
The sixth floor window that Oswald used was just sold at auction for 3 mil.
Jackie was a complete hottie and like all Kennedy women was a complete Doormat!
Pray for W and Our Troops
Typically, photos have copyright (note spelling) terms. The copyright holder has rights that go way back; he decided to license them fir a few days. He wants it out in the news; when it's no longer news, if you want to use it in a book or a documentary, you have to pay again.
I can remember the contrast between Jackie and the previous 2 first ladies: Eleanor Roosevelt and Mamie Eisenhower. I have to admit that she did look much better than they!
Bogus bid. The auction was voided., It'll be back on the block again soon.
All gone in an instant.
Commend each day to the merciful hands of God, for who knows what lies in store.
You forgot Bess Truman, but your point still stands.
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