JFK: The Last Speech: Film Screening and Discussion

JFK: The Last Speech

In this era of political tension, when civic culture is fractured and when the value of the liberal arts is questioned, a message from 1963 has particular resonance.

Twenty-seven days before he was assassinated, President Kennedy came to Amherst College to honor the poet Robert Frost in a speech Stewart Udall called “the most majestic” of Kennedy’s career. He spoke of the relationship of poetry to power and of a view shared with Frost that power must be exercised, but wisely — tempered by a moral restraint inspired by the arts and a liberal arts education. And, he spoke of the obligation of those “given a running start in life” to serve the public interest.

The award-winning documentary, JFK: The Last Speech, communicates the impact of this message through the stories of Amherst alumni and students and reflections by prominent scholars and political observers. Produced by an award winning filmmaker, this film will ignite public discourse on enduring values and on our shared responsibility for the public interest. It is a call to action to rebuild our civic sphere — infused with broad sympathy, understanding, and compassion.

Winner of film festival awards including “Best Documentary,” “Best Feature,” and “People’s Choice.”

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