'D.C. 9/11' Spins Tale of President on Tragic Day (New Movie)

Washington Post ^ | 6/19/03 | By Paul Farhi

[Jewels1091]

LOS ANGELES, June 18 -- In the hours after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, a bold, forceful President Bush orders Air Force One to return to Washington over the objections of his Secret Service detail, telling them: "If some tinhorn terrorist wants me, tell him to come and get me! I'll be at home, waiting for the bastard!"

Well, the president didn't actually speak those words. But it's close enough for the Hollywood version of events. In a forthcoming docudrama for the Showtime cable network, an actor playing the president spits out those lines to his fretful underlings in a key scene.

The made-for-TV film, "D.C. 9/11," is the first to attempt to re-create the events that swirled around the White House in the hours and days immediately after the strikes on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center.

[lambo]

I think they got Don Knotts for the part of Jennings.

[cyncooper]

Did you see this? I checked IMDB, and Timothy Bottoms is playing President Bush. Mary Gordon Murray is playing Laura. Didn't she used to be on "Ryan's Hope" or something?

No, I had not heard about this movie. I went and read the whole article just now. It sounds great! I seem to recall President Bush telling Tom Brokaw something pretty close to those words when he recounted his demand to return to the WH.

As to Mary Gordon Murray--you may be right. I'd need to see a pic. I won't be able to see it, either. I don't get any channels like Showtime.

[jammer]

Are you sure? I was under the impression that he made the announcement that afternoon (some ballgames had the announcement), which, considering the time zones, wasn't long after it happened. I could be wrong.

Private prayer: Lord, please forgive me for defending Franklin Roosevelt, a prime destroyer of the Republic.

[Howlin]

I have HBO, I just don't every watch it.....and I don't have Showtime!

[jackbill]

Are you sure? I was under the impression that he made the announcement that afternoon (some ballgames had the announcement), which, considering the time zones, wasn't long after it happened. I could be wrong.

I'm dead certain. The announcements at the "ball games" was primarily at, I believe, the New York Giants football game and it was made by the regular PA announcer.

Roosevelt didn't say a word to the American people until December 8.

[jammer]

Nope, baseball game.

[arasina]

But the movie, which includes some documentary news footage, has already drawn scattered criticism. Writing in the Toronto Sun, columnist Linda McQuaig compared it to Hollywood's mythologizing of figures like Wyatt Earp and added that it "is sure to help the White House further its two-pronged reelection strategy: Keep Americans terrified of terrorism and make Bush look like the guy best able to defend them."

And Texas radio commentator and self-styled populist Jim Hightower has derided "D.C. 9/11." On his syndicated radio program this week, Hightower said the movie will present Bush as "a combination of Harrison Ford and Arnold Schwarzenegger. . . . Instead of the doe-eyed, uncertain, worried figure that he was that day, Bush-on-film is transformed into an infallible, John Wayne-ish, Patton-type leader, barking orders to the Secret Service and demanding that the pilots return him immediately to the White House."

ROFL! Worried, are ya, McQuaig and Hightower? And you haven't even seen the film!

[ETCM]

And don't forget "The Contender", another liberal hit piece, just in time for the 2000 election. This election we get roger moore's crap. At least it won't be disguised as a real movie.

[jammer]

Thanks for the info on the speech. I was under a real misimpression--I just assumed that a leader would come out with an announcement. Guess it comes from assuming and from being in an era of instant communications. Thanks again.

[Slyfox]

I once saw Don Knotts at Detroit Metro airport. I pretty much reckon he'd decline the offer. He's played a lot of parts in his time, but I doubt he's ever played a lying sack of dooty before.

[rwfromkansas]

I will have my pastor tape this one for me if he gets Showtime. IF not, I will try my sister. If not that, then my brother.....lol.

It may be something I would like to show in my history classroom about Sept. 11, in addition to the CBS 9-11 documentary. I like the idea of showing a movie in addition.