Primary + Interview

Screening to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the passing of John F. Kennedy

This landmark documentary on john F, Kennedy travels along with the then-senator as he campaigns against Hubert Humphrey for the 1960 Democratic presidential nomination. Allowing viewers to experience events along with the Kennedys, the film captures JFK’s rational, charismatic presence, the frenzied urban crowds, Jackie Kennedy’s calm radiance, and Humphrey’s populist appeal. Revealing the personalities and politics of the campaign trail as they had never been seen before, “Primary” offers a compelling glimpse into the early career of one of the world’s most captivating leaders.

Filmmaker Robert Drew pioneered cinéma vérité in America by developing cameras and sync-sound equipment that were for the first time small enough to move along with people and capture real life as it happened. The groundbreaking films by Drew and his Associates set a new standard for documentary filmmaking, creating what John F. Kennedy understood would be a new form of history.

The 53 minute documentary will be followed by a pre-recorded conversation between our manager, Neil, and film historian and associate professor of cinema at San Francisco State University, Joseph McBride. Joe was 12 years old when he met and campaigned for Kennedy, and appears in the film. The interview was recorded in 2020 during lockdown for a planned screening at Ipswich Film Theatre which sadly never took place. our thanks to King Street Cinema (formerly Ipswich Film Theatre) Managing Director, Dan Champion for editing the interview film and to Emily from Janus Films for permission to screen the documentary.

Programme Type: Film

Director: Robert Drew

Cast: John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy

Certificate: U

Running Time: 100 minutes