The Kennedys After Camelot (2017): Season 1, Episode 2 - Episode #1.2 - full transcript
Having you call Gwen Kopechne was...
was so wrong.
We should've had Ethel do it.
The press will wait for an official autopsy
report.
They'll get a leaked version.
And then we're left
doing damage control.
The point is we need to get
ahead of the report.
The point is there
can't be an autopsy.
Well, how do you figure
on stopping it?
We can't.
Only the Kopechnes can.
I wanna be alone.
Those guys are trying
to save your ass.
I didn't ask them to.
Tell them to go home.
They're here
because they care about
the future of this family.
We're talking legacy, Teddy...
I've been hearing that word
my whole life!
I'm sick of it! I'm running
a race against ghosts!
I can't win!
It's not against them.
You're running against yourself.
That's a race you can win.
You have to.
If not for yourself,
for your parents,
for Joan and the kids, for the millions
of people that hear the name Kennedy
and still hope the world can be better
than it is! That's your life, Senator!
Only you can take charge of it.
A direct pay-off's out of the question.
I'm not suggesting that.
What about Mary Jo?
Is there anything about their
little girl that the Kopechnes
wouldn't want the world to know?
We can't be seen as trying to
impugn the girl's reputa...
She was at a party
with a married man.
If we're not subtle about...
The time for subtlety is over!
Enough!
Mary Jo is dead
and I'm responsible.
What Teddy means...
I don't need an interpreter!
I'm gonna go on TV,
tell the truth so far as I know it.
Admitting guilt on television
would mean the end of everything
and what would that prove?
That I have some kind of conscience!
Conscience! Look, we know you do, Ted.
This is not about conscience.
This is about coming up
with a strategy to get
out of this situation.
You wanna make it look
like she deserved it?
No, I...
Maybe I could do more outside of office.
Can I get a cigarette?
Teddy, a private man with
a conscience can be good.
But a public man with a
conscience can be great.
We'll endure this, Teddy.
We've endured so much already.
This is just another test.
Let's not take any rash actions
that we will regret later.
The Kopechnes have to realize
that we are in this
together, how much
we have in common.
We understand loss.
We're gonna need more than that.
We're good people.
Good Catholic people.
May we come in?
Certainly, Father.
My daughter was a sweet girl.
A good girl.
We want answers, Father. We
deserve them, and so does she.
As human beings, we always
want answers,
but what we need is closure.
Only then can we heal.
That process begins with a
Mass of Christian Burial.
And the sooner...
But once she's buried, we'll
never know what happened.
That's why we want the autopsy.
Honey...
No, I think that they're hiding things.
The Kennedys. I think they're
hiding things to protect Ted.
In your grief, it may seem that way.
But isn't the important thing
how we can best serve Mary Jo?
She was...
She loved children.
She taught at the Mission
of St. Jude.
God has sent you a cross
no parent should have to carry,
but he's also given you the gift of faith.
Your healing,
and Mary Jo's everlasting life,
can only begin when her soul
is returned to God.
Good afternoon.
Mary Jo was a wonderful
young woman
and a loyal friend
to the Kennedys.
We ask
that you allow us this time
to grieve with her family
and all of those
who knew Mary Jo.
Thank you very much.
Can you tell us why the Kopechnes
decided not to have the autopsy?
Sir, what time were the police phoned?
Have you made any financial
settlement with the girl's family?
Think the girl's death will affect
your chances at being the president?
Who said that?
I did.
You look pale.
I know this hasn't been easy for you.
Maybe we could...
stay up here for the summer,
away from the press.
Take some time.
Together?
I can work by phone.
There are just a few loose
ends in the Senate,
trade bills pending,
minimum wage.
And when the baby's born,
we can go back to Washington.
By then, this will all
have blown over.
Blown over?
That's not what I meant by that.
It's gonna come around.
What happened.
To us.
This time, it's gonna come around.
Senator! Senator!
Senator!
Joansie?
Teddy...
Something's wrong.
I'm sorry, Senator.
Joan.
I thought you were taking
the kids to Greece.
I was on my way when Ethel called.
You changed your plans just for me?
Of course.
I'm sorry I told you to go to that service.
I feel horrible.
How are the children?
They were looking forward to having a...
a little sister or brother.
You're a good mother.
It's not your fault.
It's gonna be okay.
They're saying it's the Kennedy curse.
First Jack, then Bobby, then...
everything.
Who knows, maybe they're right.
There's no curse, Ted.
It's not about Jack or Bobby.
Don't use them.
It's you.
You used to take some responsibility.
"I can't be a Kennedy anymore.
"That's something I never
thought would happen.
"Our wonderful times together
"have made me what I am.
"Our sad times, too.
"I pray that you and Joan
"will find happiness,
"in your marriage
and with your children."
Oh, John...
Is it that one?
- Um...
I need the rear engine housing.
We're never gonna get this done.
A family: the mom, the dad, and the baby.
Just like yours.
But I don't have a dad anymore.
You what?
I don't have a dad.
I don't think that's true.
You know, just because you can't see him,
that doesn't mean his love is not all
around you, and you're gonna feel him
right here. He's with you
all the time, John.
Do you believe that?
I wanna ask you one question.
'Cause I hear you had a little
trouble, maybe? Is that true?
Why d'you hit that other boy?
You don't know?
Okay.
Have you spoken
to the headmaster?
I don't think it's wise
to make excuses for him,
because that won't
help him in the long run.
He's really putting up with a lot there,
and they're going at him about Jack,
pretending to shoot him
in the back of the head...
Kids can be really cruel.
But I see your point.
We all have a cross to bear,
and he'll have to find a better
way to carry his, because...
I hate to say it, but it's only gonna
get harder when he gets older.
That's what scares me.
I just want him
to have a normal life.
I think we're gonna be spending most
of our time in Europe from now on,
to get away from all of this.
He's come a long way, though, Jackie.
A really long way.
He's a strong little boy.
He is. He'll find a way
to endure.
He's his father's son.
He's his mother's son.
Are you saying I'm rebellious, Father?
I might be, Jackie.
J'aime celui-là.
Merci.
Right now I have to dance
with this beautiful lady.
Like an angel and a goddess in one.
Happy New Year.
Christina.
Phone for you, Papa. It's Maria.
You have nothing to worry about, she's
just calling to wish you a happy new year.
Now, I told the operator
not to put through any calls, so...
I know that she didn't
call me. You called her.
I don't know what you're talking about.
I won't have you disrespecting Jackie!
Papa!
Then get out!
No.
Ari, this is your house.
Your daughter's always welcome. Dance.
Okay, okay.
Never a dull moment when you're an Onassis.
I've always admired the way
you handle my sister, though.
I'm not cut out to live my father's life.
I don't want to be the heir apparent.
Then you shouldn't.
Tell that to him.
I think you're strong enough
to tell him yourself.
Maybe one day.
You're a wonderful son.
Happy New Year.
Happy New Year, Jackie.
Happy New Year.
♪ I fell in love ♪
♪ With everything about you
Your splendid style ♪
♪ The sparkle of your smile ♪
♪ There goes my heart ♪
♪ With every moment near you ♪
♪ I'm always walking ♪
♪ Under sunny skies ♪
♪ I'm always walking ♪
♪ Under sunny skies ♪
There are so many rooms
in this house, Jackie,
but this one is nothing.
Then why is it locked?
Because this is my home.
It's my home, too.
Come on, Ari.
You're very stubborn.
This is sick.
How could you?
This is where I come to...
feel close to you.
You turn me into a thing?
No!
Not a thing.
Never.
You're a prize.
I'm nobody's prize.
I'm your wife.
I'm a human being.
But I want to worship you.
I wanna be loved.
I do love you.
Jackie...
My husband was murdered...
so now you get to have me?
I thought you of all people
would understand.
Please.
I don't know what to say.
Don't say anything.
It's fine.
There. My Jackie.
There.
I love you.
Then this doesn't exist.
Ow!
Alright, kids, give him some room.
Give him some room.
Come on, Ted, you're never
gonna make the pros that way.
What happened? You landed on a rock?
Okay, let's walk it off.
I can't.
Of course you can.
Let's just pull this up and see
what we're dealing with here.
Chondrosarcoma.
It's a particularly aggressive
form of bone cancer.
I triple-checked
the results of the biopsy.
His leg will have
to be amputated
just above the knee
to prevent further spread.
Joansie...
This is what I meant
when I said it would all come around.
Joansie.
And you'll just go on,
because nothing ever happens to you!
Because you have no sense of remorse!
Come here.
- No!
Come here. Come here.
Stop it! Don't touch me!
I wish I had died instead of the baby.
I wish I was the one with cancer.
This is all my fault and I know it.
Alexandros Onassis, the only son
of Greek shipping tycoon
Aristotle Onassis, died today
in a hospital in Athens.
He was just 24 years old.
He died of injuries
suffered in a plane crash
yesterday.
Ari... it's me.
I know who you are.
You are Death.
Don't say that.
You killed your husband.
You killed my son.
You are cursed.
Everything you touch...
turns to death.
I never want to see you again.
She would've been seven next week.
My niece.
We'll...
pray for you.
How's your son?
Word gets around.
Oh, he's... he's gonna be all right.
We've been praying for you as well.
I'm...
sure they did all they could.
No!
They could've done more,
they might have saved her.
My brother sold his house.
I loaned them all I could.
She died over...
over money?
Welcome to the real world, Mr. Kennedy.
I'm kinda hungry.
Cheeseburger?
And a shake.
Teddy?
Hey, Pop?
A little girl died.
Because her parents couldn't
afford the proper care
to save her life.
Teddy,
what are you talking about?
My mother said...
God saved me for a purpose.
I think I know now
what that purpose is.
In the Senate today,
Senator Edward Kennedy introduced the
most comprehensive health care bill
in American history.
The bill would provide
catastrophic illness coverage,
hospitalization
and post-operative care, and
would, according to the Senator,
end the days when families
lose their loved ones
because of their
inability to pay
for the most basic human right.
Go, go, go!
Joansie, look at him!
He can do it!
Were you peeking?
No, no.
Hmm! Okay, one, two, three!
Wow!
Do you like it?
Thank you, Mom!
Can I take it out?
- Yeah.
Thank you.
Thanks, Mom.
Hello?
What?
Papa!
Papa...
Jackie?
My love...
it's me.
Jackie.
I wanted to thank you.
Do you know that...
you rescued me?
You rescued me when...
my life was in shadows.
And you brought me so much love.
And happiness.
Ari,
I will always love you.
You've always had good timing,
I'll grant you that.
He died before the divorce
could go through.
What do you want?
To find out what you want.
How much would it take?
To sever old ties,
to have no claims
to my father's estate
for you and your children.
I'm prepared to bleed a little.
Fifteen million?
Twenty?
I'll go to twenty-five if it means
I never have to see you again.
I know you don't believe it,
but I loved him.
Name your price.
I never discussed money with him,
and I won't with you.
Someone better, because if
you leave it to the courts,
you'll get nowhere near
what I'm willing to give.
What you're willing to give is nothing
compared to what I've had to take.
Now,
I'd like to be alone.
Thank you for coming,
and welcome to Viking.
In the Russian Style
is the glorious result
of Jacqueline's efforts. On
behalf of all of us at Viking,
thank you, Jackie.
As our Russian friends
would say, spasiba.
Our team is much stronger
with you on it.
You have to have discipline.
D, F, F, F, D, F.
Honestly, Mom, I don't wanna
talk about this right now.
John
What?
We're going to talk about this.
You ditched school twice
last week. Where were you?
Come on, Mom. Didn't you?
No! And your father didn't either.
Yeah, well,
I ditched the agents too.
Idiots.
They were looking for me
in Columbus Circle
while I was in Times Square.
Watching Star Wars.
They knew exactly where you were.
It's time for you to start growing up.
It's not about what you can get away with,
it's about who you wanna be.
Whatever.
Stop lying to your mother!
I'm sorry.
I know I'm disappointing her.
Yeah, you are.
At least I'll have accomplished something.
The first Kennedy to get bounced.
Ha! I hate to break it to you, kid...
Harvard, sophomore year.
I paid a friend to take
a Spanish test for me.
Boy, was my dad pissed.
Not because I cheated, but
because I got caught.
It was a failure,
a failure for all
of the world to see.
And in this family,
they do not tolerate failure.
It's...
lovely.
Now, I remember when Joe was ambassador
to England, he and I visited
the palace in St. Petersburg.
I miss him.
What's your secret, dear?
To moving on so successfully.
I don't know.
I guess it's the
same thing as you.
I do it all for the children.
I can't wait to see
how my grandchildren
will continue
what my husband started.
Dad sat me down
and he said: "Teddy,
"you can either have
a serious life,
"or a non-serious one.
"I'll love you either way.
"But if you're not serious,
I won't have much time for you."
Your dad,
Bobby,
now they lived serious lives.
Dad wasn't all serious,
if what I read is true.
He wasn't perfect.
Neither of them was.
They were men,
and men make mistakes.
But there's no shame in that.
The shame is in
not learning from them.
And by the end of his life,
your father was
a much better man
because of your mother
than he ever had been before.
Now do something about those grades,
or I'll poke your eyes out.
Come on, Joanie, we're going
out on the boat!
Get the lead out!
Go on outside for a minute.
Come on.
You gotta stop it.
It's ugly and it's weak.
What's going on here?
It's more than just you and Ted.
It's the family.
The family.
You have a job to do, Joan,
and that's to be a Kennedy wife
and raise Kennedy children.
That's what you
signed on for. We all did.
So do your job, kiddo.
I don't have the strength.
Mommy! Mommy!
Hold on a second, kids.
Gimme a minute. Gimme a minute.
God will give it to you.
All right, let's go.
Let's go! Go!
Already discussed it...
I'll get back to you.
How dare you be associated with this?
Did you read the Times'
book review?
"There's one word for this book,
and the word is trash,
and anyone associated with this publication
should be ashamed of herself."
Herself! That means me.
A plot to assassinate Teddy
after he's been elected
president?
And they think it was my idea.
You said you would
never publish this.
I told you about this project
as a courtesy, and at the time
you raised no objections.
We never discussed it.
I would've insisted it not
be published, you know that.
That is not your call to make. It was in
development long before you came here.
Withdraw the commitment.
I couldn't even if I
wanted to, and I don't.
This is a filthy, cheap,
disgusting exploitation...
It's a business. The Kennedy
franchise sells books.
We're not a franchise, we're a family.
Not anymore.
Tom, come on.
I've attracted authors who never
would've come to Viking.
And you became the darling of the
publishing world and you love it.
So do you. It helps you.
Recall this obscenity,
or I'll leave.
The choice is entirely yours.
Yeah, but was it really worth quitting
over some stupid book about me?
Of course.
I am a Kennedy.
I guess the trick to being
in this family is...
not being squashed by it.
Yes.
That is the trick.
Good night, Jacks.
- Good night.
What's going on?
What's going on?
- It's John, ma'am.
Where is he?
He took off into the park
on his bike and we lost him.
Where is my son?
You know what kind of
lunatics are out there?!
People who are after him
just because of who he is!
Ma'am, we have agents and police
officers all over the park.
What if he's not in the park?!
He has been gone for two hours!
Someone could have grabbed him!
What are you DOING?!
John!
I'm OK, Mom.
They found him leaving the
east meadow without his bike.
Some guy jumped
out of the bushes
and hit me with a stick.
He took it.
There are a lot of addicts in the area.
Probably trying to turn the bike into cash.
I'm warning you, Mr. Price.
If anything happens to my children,
I won't be as easy on the Secret
Service as I was in Dallas.
I can always get another bike.
You could have been kidnapped!
Or worse!
Mom...
I want Jack...
remembered the way I knew him.
Could we start with Texas?
Sure.
It was the biggest motorcade
from the airport.
And it was hot.
And they were gunning
the motorcycles
and there were these backfires
and I heard this noise and
I thought it was a backfire...
Then one of the men
grabbed Jack's arms, and...
and said, "NO! NO!"
I saw
a piece of his skull
coming off of his head.
And all the way to the hospital,
I tried to hold
the top of his head down.
Maybe...
I could keep it in.
But when I got to the hospital,
they made me wait
in this hallway.
And I just kept thinking,
"Well, maybe,
"maybe he'll live
"and everything will be OK
and our country will be OK
and our family will be OK."
With the memory of gas rationing
still fresh in the minds of voters,
with interest rates soaring
above 20% and with the recent
hostage taking of U.S. embassy workers
by Iranian terrorists in Tehran,
President Carter's approval rating
has fallen to a new low,
leading to speculation
that he may be challenged
by fellow Democrats prior
to next year's election.
Typical Boston spring.
It's cold and wet.
You could come down next week.
We could grab lunch.
You know I have my AA meetings.
I go twice a day.
It'd be nice to see you.
How about Thursday?
Thursday sounds great!
If this is gonna work, then
Joan's gotta stay sober.
Simple as that.
She's trying, Ethel.
Sobriety is one thing, but Ted and
Joan have been separated for almost...
Not legally.
It doesn't matter.
You can't run for president
unless she's at your side.
Heya, doll!
Joansie!
I thought we were having lunch.
You look great!
Have a seat.
There you go.
What is this?
I'm going for the nomination.
You hear people talking.
They're sick of Carter.
But I need your help.
I can't do this without you.
I want this.
We'll be back
in the White House.
I've been putting this off since '68.
It's now or never.
You'd make a great president, Teddy.
But I can't.
I'm sorry.
I need more time
to work on myself.
I really do.
I think we could have made it.
Well, it's great about
Teddy, don't you think?
He's gonna beat Carter hands-down.
Thank you.
That'll be all.
I hear they recruited Joan.
- Mm-hmm.
We're all gonna get
on board. Even Rose!
It'll be just like the old days.
Jackie?
You're gonna get on board.
No.
I don't want him to run.
The country's going to hell, Jackie.
Jack had his time.
Bobby...
Bobby never got his chance.
But Teddy can take back
what's ours.
Nothing will ever
bring back what we lost.
He's our last hope.
And there's a lot more at stake here
than what you want.
There is a lot at stake. There's Ted.
Joan.
Joan will be fine.
Joan can't handle this right now.
Jackie, are you with us or not?
Ethel...
Ethel, you don't have to leave like this.
Yeah, smile for us!
It's horrible!
Thank you.
Ethel said you won't help us.
I wouldn't put it that way.
How would you put it?
Are you sure it's the right thing?
He may never get another chance.
I mean for you.
You don't think I can handle it.
I didn't say that.
Jack would never have been
have been president if you
weren't there with him.
You know what it means to be
important to your husband.
I've never had that.
I want it.
I want to feel valued...
I understand.
But do you want to be a wife,
or a widow?
Don't you think I've thought about it?
I've lived it.
And there's a hole
in my heart that...
will never be filled.
And in the hearts of my children.
I couldn't bear to see
that happening to you.
I still love him.
In spite of all...
What means more to you?
His love or his life?
Alright, Ted.
You guys know the rules?
Policy issues only:
inflation, interest rates,
increase the amount
of global prestige...
That's it.
- Good.
Kennedy! Kennedy!
Kennedy! Kennedy! Kennedy!
Kennedy! Kennedy!
Kennedy! Kennedy!
Kennedy! Kennedy! Kennedy!
Kennedy! Kennedy!
Kennedy! Kennedy!
Right here, right here Sir!
- Sir?
Senator, my question's
for Mrs. Kennedy.
Do you believe your husband's
story about Chappaquiddick?
Yes,
I believe my husband's story,
which he told to me right after,
uh, the incident.
And it seems to me that, uh,
I've heard,
um, my husband's story,
and various versions
of his story by other people
for a decade.
A long time.
And I don't believe anything new
is going to come out of,
you know, all these stories.
Thank you.
Any more questions?
- Yes, Sir!
John, you're not
going to law school?!
Stanislavski said, "Uh-uh."
When did you make that decision?
About four years ago.
You just never
wanted to hear it.
If that's what you want to do, do it!
But if you're going to be
a struggling artist,
I won't pay for it.
Use my inheritance.
You don't have access to it for five years.
Wow, that's great, Mom. So
you can keep me on your leash?
I'm not trying to keep you on a leash.
You care about appearances.
You care about how it'll look
because I'm a Kennedy.
- John!
I want you to do something
important with your life!
I want you to do something that
would make your father proud...
My father is dead!
And whether I make money as a lawyer
or starve as an actor
isn't gonna bring him back!
And wasting my life
doing something I hate,
will that make him proud?
Don't walk away...
Senator Kennedy,
why do you want to be President?
- Well, I, um...
I have a great belief
in this country,
that it is, um...
There are more natural resources
than any other
nation in the world.
I would, uh...
feel that, uh,
it's imperative
that this country
either move forward,
otherwise it...
uh...
moves backward.
That was a disaster!
What the hell happened?
The son of a bitch sandbagged me!
- He asked what
the American people have every
right to know and you answered
with... with natural resources!
He should have warned me in advance!
That way, I could have prepared!
You think he would have asked the
same question to Jack or Bobby?
Wouldn't have had to prepare.
They knew why they were running,
and they knew it in their bones!
How do we salvage this?
CBS did a phone survey
right after the broadcast.
70% of respondents
found you to be
an unacceptable
alternative to Carter.
We'll never recover from this.
Senator Kennedy, a couple
of words on the reaction...
- For me, a few hours ago,
this campaign came to an end.
For all those whose cares
have been our concern,
the work goes on,
the cause endures
the hope still lives,
and the dream shall never die.
Cheers and tears
filled Madison Square Garden
in New York last night,
as Senator Edward Kennedy,
the last surviving
son of Camelot,
saw his presidential aspirations
come crashing down.
Just so you know, I'm
quitting the acting thing.
I'm gonna go to law school.
The primetime TV interview
proved to be his downfall,
as Senator Kennedy
appeared to stumble his way
through policy questions...
I'm glad I was with you.
It'll be nice to be at the Cape.
I'll see you in a week.
- Ted!
I've filed for divorce.
Teddy never would have done it.
We'd have just gone on,
making each other miserable.
I'm sorry.
But I have to take
control of my life.
Teddy has many good qualities.
Of course, I was
always old fashioned.
I don't smoke,
I don't drink, I just...
had lots of children.
And you...
are the mother of his.
They need you.
They need you to be
sound and healthy.
You're doing
the only thing you can.
You...
You'll be in my prayers.
How do you feel
about failing the bar exam
for the second time?
- Well, obviously,
I'm, uh, very disappointed.
Again.
But, God willing,
I'll pass it the next time,
or the time after that,
or I'll pass it when I'm 95.
Have you told your mother?
- I tried.
But fortunately,
the line was busy.
What do you think her reaction will be?
My mother has a great capacity
for handling the good
and the bad,
and given all the bad
that she's seen,
this isn't so bad.
I embarrassed you, the family...
I know how much you want this.
You didn't embarrass me.
I saw you on the news.
And you didn't let them see
how much it hurt.
That took courage and strength.
You are so much
like your father.
He'd be proud of you.
You can take it again next year.
Yeah.
How are the children doing?
Caroline's my little helper.
But John John will
belong to the men now.
I want him to grow up
to be a good boy.
I have no better dream for him.
Maybe...
I don't know...
He's so interested in planes,
maybe he'll be
an astronaut or...
maybe he'll just be
regular John Kennedy
fixing planes on the ground.
We've traveled
a long road.
N'est-ce pas?
- Absolument.
You've been an excellent mother.
And I always admired
how you triumphed
over the adversities.
They've asked John to
speak at the convention.
It's a great honour.
Why are you not happy about it?
I'm afraid...
that they'll push John
like they pushed Jack.
Jack grew to love it.
And John...
will be remarkable.
It's in the blood.
- Thank you!
Thank you very much!
Go, John!
Over a quarter-century ago,
my father stood before you
to accept the nomination
for the presidency
of the United States.
Thank you.
So many of you
came into public service
because of him.
In a very real sense,
because of you,
he is with us still.
Kennedy!
Kennedy! Kennedy!
For that,
I am grateful to all of you.
I owe a special debt
to the man his nieces
and nephews call Teddy.
He has shown
that an unwavering
commitment to the poor,
to the elderly,
to those without hope
is the greatest reward
for public service.
Woohoo!
He has shown that our hope
is not lost idealism,
but a realistic possibility.
Thank you.
- The torch has been passed.
Kennedy! Kennedy!
Kennedy! Kennedy!
Thank you.
What do I say to him?
You saw his face light up.
What if he wants
to follow after Jack?
I'm the last one to ask.
I had it right in my hands.
The best thing that ever happened to you
was not being president.
It was there for the taking!
You didn't want it.
You know in your heart you didn't.
The hell with it.
Maybe I should just call it a day.
Retire.
You know what they're saying
about me on the floor?
That I'm an impediment to
the passage of legislation.
Me!
That I'm an embarrassment to the party.
Forget legislation. Forget the party.
Look what it's doing to you!
Get rid of it.
Pour it down the drain.
'Cause it's killing you
and it's killing
the ones who love you.
That's what I used to say to Joan.
Ted.
You've been in the Senate
for 30 years.
You could be here another 30.
You can help more people
than Jack or Bobby ever did.
Whatever you accomplish
won't mean anything
if you're not
the best man you can be.
The best father you can be.
And right now,
Teddy, you're not.
And in your heart,
you know that.
- I am painfully aware
that the criticisms
directed at me
involve far more
than just honest disagreements
with my political position.
It also involves
the disappointment
of my friends
and members of my own family.
To them, I say,
I recognize my shortcomings,
the faults in the conduct
of my private life,
and I realize that I alone
am responsible for them,
and I am the one
who must confront them.
Hi.
- Hi.
It was a good speech.
Well, it was meant for you.
Of all the people
I've hurt in my life,
I've hurt you the most.
And I'm...
I'm ashamed by that.
I used to blame you.
You were my excuse for drinking.
For everything.
But it was really me.
Once I realized that...
I'll be alright.
I hope you will be too.
Can I...
buy you a cup
of coffee sometime?
I don't think so.
Let the word go forth
from this time and place
to friend and foe alike
that the torch has been passed
to a new generation
of Americans,
born of this century,
tempered by war,
disciplined by a hard
and bitter peace...
proud of our ancient heritage
and unwilling to witness
or permit...
a slow undoing
of those human rights
to which this nation
has always been committed
and to which
we are committed today.
At home...
and around the world.
- I'm so ashamed of myself.
Jack...
everything he ever quoted
was Greek or Roman,
and the only thing
that's running through my head
right now is a song
from a Broadway musical.
At night,
we listened to songs on this,
this scratchy old Victrola.
He loved this song
called Camelot.
"Don't let it be forgotten...
"that once, there was a spot...
"for one brief,
shining moment...
that was known as Camelot."
I thought the pain
was just an ulcer.
But it's not.
You wouldn't have
called me otherwise.
Oh, Teddy.
It's non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
Jackie.
I'm only telling you.
But the kids...
You need to tell them.
I know.
Not now.
I'll tell them when I have to.
I feel like I failed them.
But you've always been good
at toeing the party line.
And the party line is...
Paris in the spring.
Can you do that?
You're too young, Jacks.
Don't feel sorry for me.
I've had
the most wonderful life.
I feel sorry for me.
I feel sorry for all of us.
You need to be strong.
I get my strength from you.
And now's your chance to prove it.
If anyone asks
how I'm doing...
"Paris in the spring."
Yes, that's it.
"For one brief, shining moment
that was known as Camelot."
And it will never be that way again.
"And it will never be that way again."
That is the whole point
of the piece, Al!
They, uh, want to cut
the reference to Camelot.
They feel it is overblown
and melodramatic.
It stays, Mr. White.
Or I'll give
the exclusive to Newsweek.
Mrs. Kennedy has just threatened
to give the story to Newsweek.
Mom?
You can't read in your sleep.
Hi.
- Hi.
How are you?
- I'm good.
I've been thinking...
I might run for Congress.
Hm?
People tell me
everywhere I go that...
that I could do it,
I should do it.
Do you wanna do it?
- Yeah.
Why?
I'm supposed to.
Aren't I?
I'm his son.
People tell me
it was the best time
of their lives.
- John.
People say that Camelot was...
was so special!
Honey, I made that up.
I invented it
one night on the Cape,
about 30 years ago.
For an interview
just after he died.
I was in so much grief...
and I needed
a pretty story to wrap it in.
I needed to see it as...
this magical place.
You mean none of it was true?
There were wonderful times.
And it was magical.
It was the way
I wanted him to be remembered.
And it worked.
But, sweetheart,
Camelot was my story.
It doesn't have to be yours.
Public career is
something to be valued,
but only if you value it.
Not because...
you feel like you owe me or...
or him...
or some ideal
that never really existed.
I don't want
what happened to Teddy to
happen to you.
You have your whole life
ahead of you.
Have a family.
It's the most important thing
and it's the only
thing that lasts.
Will you help me up?
Sure.
Pretty heavy.
It's so good.
Well, you eat
as much as you want.
Ethel.
We've always had
our ups and downs.
The downs were my fault, Jackie.
I want you to know...
I admire how true
to yourself you are.
You're a wonderful woman.
And you've been
a wonderful sister.
Most of the time.
Hmm. This is for you.
Between us.
You'll be with God soon.
And with Jack.
I'll be happy to see him.
She said she's proud of me.
She'll be with us
for the rest of our lives,
guiding us and loving us
in spite of our flaws.
You're the only real father
I've ever known.
Whatever I am,
I'm a better man
than I used to be.
Because of her.
I will miss her.
You have your whole life
ahead of you, John.
And it's gonna be great.
Everything checks out,
Mr. Kennedy.
It's John.
I, uh, hope you don't mind,
but your father
was a hero of mine.
Still is.
Yeah. Mine, too.
Someday, you're going
to put this country
on the right road again,
just like he would've.
We need you, John.
We need the dream.
Have a good flight.
Thanks.
What are you thinking about?
My mother.
My father. The dream.
Is it what you want?
I think maybe it is.
Would you be with me?
Yeah.
I guess we'll
never know until we try.
With a good conscience
our only sure reward,
with history the final judge
of our deeds,
let us go forth to lead
the land we love,
asking His blessing
and His help,
but knowing that here on Earth,
God's work must
truly be our own.
Closed Captioning by SETTE inc
was so wrong.
We should've had Ethel do it.
The press will wait for an official autopsy
report.
They'll get a leaked version.
And then we're left
doing damage control.
The point is we need to get
ahead of the report.
The point is there
can't be an autopsy.
Well, how do you figure
on stopping it?
We can't.
Only the Kopechnes can.
I wanna be alone.
Those guys are trying
to save your ass.
I didn't ask them to.
Tell them to go home.
They're here
because they care about
the future of this family.
We're talking legacy, Teddy...
I've been hearing that word
my whole life!
I'm sick of it! I'm running
a race against ghosts!
I can't win!
It's not against them.
You're running against yourself.
That's a race you can win.
You have to.
If not for yourself,
for your parents,
for Joan and the kids, for the millions
of people that hear the name Kennedy
and still hope the world can be better
than it is! That's your life, Senator!
Only you can take charge of it.
A direct pay-off's out of the question.
I'm not suggesting that.
What about Mary Jo?
Is there anything about their
little girl that the Kopechnes
wouldn't want the world to know?
We can't be seen as trying to
impugn the girl's reputa...
She was at a party
with a married man.
If we're not subtle about...
The time for subtlety is over!
Enough!
Mary Jo is dead
and I'm responsible.
What Teddy means...
I don't need an interpreter!
I'm gonna go on TV,
tell the truth so far as I know it.
Admitting guilt on television
would mean the end of everything
and what would that prove?
That I have some kind of conscience!
Conscience! Look, we know you do, Ted.
This is not about conscience.
This is about coming up
with a strategy to get
out of this situation.
You wanna make it look
like she deserved it?
No, I...
Maybe I could do more outside of office.
Can I get a cigarette?
Teddy, a private man with
a conscience can be good.
But a public man with a
conscience can be great.
We'll endure this, Teddy.
We've endured so much already.
This is just another test.
Let's not take any rash actions
that we will regret later.
The Kopechnes have to realize
that we are in this
together, how much
we have in common.
We understand loss.
We're gonna need more than that.
We're good people.
Good Catholic people.
May we come in?
Certainly, Father.
My daughter was a sweet girl.
A good girl.
We want answers, Father. We
deserve them, and so does she.
As human beings, we always
want answers,
but what we need is closure.
Only then can we heal.
That process begins with a
Mass of Christian Burial.
And the sooner...
But once she's buried, we'll
never know what happened.
That's why we want the autopsy.
Honey...
No, I think that they're hiding things.
The Kennedys. I think they're
hiding things to protect Ted.
In your grief, it may seem that way.
But isn't the important thing
how we can best serve Mary Jo?
She was...
She loved children.
She taught at the Mission
of St. Jude.
God has sent you a cross
no parent should have to carry,
but he's also given you the gift of faith.
Your healing,
and Mary Jo's everlasting life,
can only begin when her soul
is returned to God.
Good afternoon.
Mary Jo was a wonderful
young woman
and a loyal friend
to the Kennedys.
We ask
that you allow us this time
to grieve with her family
and all of those
who knew Mary Jo.
Thank you very much.
Can you tell us why the Kopechnes
decided not to have the autopsy?
Sir, what time were the police phoned?
Have you made any financial
settlement with the girl's family?
Think the girl's death will affect
your chances at being the president?
Who said that?
I did.
You look pale.
I know this hasn't been easy for you.
Maybe we could...
stay up here for the summer,
away from the press.
Take some time.
Together?
I can work by phone.
There are just a few loose
ends in the Senate,
trade bills pending,
minimum wage.
And when the baby's born,
we can go back to Washington.
By then, this will all
have blown over.
Blown over?
That's not what I meant by that.
It's gonna come around.
What happened.
To us.
This time, it's gonna come around.
Senator! Senator!
Senator!
Joansie?
Teddy...
Something's wrong.
I'm sorry, Senator.
Joan.
I thought you were taking
the kids to Greece.
I was on my way when Ethel called.
You changed your plans just for me?
Of course.
I'm sorry I told you to go to that service.
I feel horrible.
How are the children?
They were looking forward to having a...
a little sister or brother.
You're a good mother.
It's not your fault.
It's gonna be okay.
They're saying it's the Kennedy curse.
First Jack, then Bobby, then...
everything.
Who knows, maybe they're right.
There's no curse, Ted.
It's not about Jack or Bobby.
Don't use them.
It's you.
You used to take some responsibility.
"I can't be a Kennedy anymore.
"That's something I never
thought would happen.
"Our wonderful times together
"have made me what I am.
"Our sad times, too.
"I pray that you and Joan
"will find happiness,
"in your marriage
and with your children."
Oh, John...
Is it that one?
- Um...
I need the rear engine housing.
We're never gonna get this done.
A family: the mom, the dad, and the baby.
Just like yours.
But I don't have a dad anymore.
You what?
I don't have a dad.
I don't think that's true.
You know, just because you can't see him,
that doesn't mean his love is not all
around you, and you're gonna feel him
right here. He's with you
all the time, John.
Do you believe that?
I wanna ask you one question.
'Cause I hear you had a little
trouble, maybe? Is that true?
Why d'you hit that other boy?
You don't know?
Okay.
Have you spoken
to the headmaster?
I don't think it's wise
to make excuses for him,
because that won't
help him in the long run.
He's really putting up with a lot there,
and they're going at him about Jack,
pretending to shoot him
in the back of the head...
Kids can be really cruel.
But I see your point.
We all have a cross to bear,
and he'll have to find a better
way to carry his, because...
I hate to say it, but it's only gonna
get harder when he gets older.
That's what scares me.
I just want him
to have a normal life.
I think we're gonna be spending most
of our time in Europe from now on,
to get away from all of this.
He's come a long way, though, Jackie.
A really long way.
He's a strong little boy.
He is. He'll find a way
to endure.
He's his father's son.
He's his mother's son.
Are you saying I'm rebellious, Father?
I might be, Jackie.
J'aime celui-là.
Merci.
Right now I have to dance
with this beautiful lady.
Like an angel and a goddess in one.
Happy New Year.
Christina.
Phone for you, Papa. It's Maria.
You have nothing to worry about, she's
just calling to wish you a happy new year.
Now, I told the operator
not to put through any calls, so...
I know that she didn't
call me. You called her.
I don't know what you're talking about.
I won't have you disrespecting Jackie!
Papa!
Then get out!
No.
Ari, this is your house.
Your daughter's always welcome. Dance.
Okay, okay.
Never a dull moment when you're an Onassis.
I've always admired the way
you handle my sister, though.
I'm not cut out to live my father's life.
I don't want to be the heir apparent.
Then you shouldn't.
Tell that to him.
I think you're strong enough
to tell him yourself.
Maybe one day.
You're a wonderful son.
Happy New Year.
Happy New Year, Jackie.
Happy New Year.
♪ I fell in love ♪
♪ With everything about you
Your splendid style ♪
♪ The sparkle of your smile ♪
♪ There goes my heart ♪
♪ With every moment near you ♪
♪ I'm always walking ♪
♪ Under sunny skies ♪
♪ I'm always walking ♪
♪ Under sunny skies ♪
There are so many rooms
in this house, Jackie,
but this one is nothing.
Then why is it locked?
Because this is my home.
It's my home, too.
Come on, Ari.
You're very stubborn.
This is sick.
How could you?
This is where I come to...
feel close to you.
You turn me into a thing?
No!
Not a thing.
Never.
You're a prize.
I'm nobody's prize.
I'm your wife.
I'm a human being.
But I want to worship you.
I wanna be loved.
I do love you.
Jackie...
My husband was murdered...
so now you get to have me?
I thought you of all people
would understand.
Please.
I don't know what to say.
Don't say anything.
It's fine.
There. My Jackie.
There.
I love you.
Then this doesn't exist.
Ow!
Alright, kids, give him some room.
Give him some room.
Come on, Ted, you're never
gonna make the pros that way.
What happened? You landed on a rock?
Okay, let's walk it off.
I can't.
Of course you can.
Let's just pull this up and see
what we're dealing with here.
Chondrosarcoma.
It's a particularly aggressive
form of bone cancer.
I triple-checked
the results of the biopsy.
His leg will have
to be amputated
just above the knee
to prevent further spread.
Joansie...
This is what I meant
when I said it would all come around.
Joansie.
And you'll just go on,
because nothing ever happens to you!
Because you have no sense of remorse!
Come here.
- No!
Come here. Come here.
Stop it! Don't touch me!
I wish I had died instead of the baby.
I wish I was the one with cancer.
This is all my fault and I know it.
Alexandros Onassis, the only son
of Greek shipping tycoon
Aristotle Onassis, died today
in a hospital in Athens.
He was just 24 years old.
He died of injuries
suffered in a plane crash
yesterday.
Ari... it's me.
I know who you are.
You are Death.
Don't say that.
You killed your husband.
You killed my son.
You are cursed.
Everything you touch...
turns to death.
I never want to see you again.
She would've been seven next week.
My niece.
We'll...
pray for you.
How's your son?
Word gets around.
Oh, he's... he's gonna be all right.
We've been praying for you as well.
I'm...
sure they did all they could.
No!
They could've done more,
they might have saved her.
My brother sold his house.
I loaned them all I could.
She died over...
over money?
Welcome to the real world, Mr. Kennedy.
I'm kinda hungry.
Cheeseburger?
And a shake.
Teddy?
Hey, Pop?
A little girl died.
Because her parents couldn't
afford the proper care
to save her life.
Teddy,
what are you talking about?
My mother said...
God saved me for a purpose.
I think I know now
what that purpose is.
In the Senate today,
Senator Edward Kennedy introduced the
most comprehensive health care bill
in American history.
The bill would provide
catastrophic illness coverage,
hospitalization
and post-operative care, and
would, according to the Senator,
end the days when families
lose their loved ones
because of their
inability to pay
for the most basic human right.
Go, go, go!
Joansie, look at him!
He can do it!
Were you peeking?
No, no.
Hmm! Okay, one, two, three!
Wow!
Do you like it?
Thank you, Mom!
Can I take it out?
- Yeah.
Thank you.
Thanks, Mom.
Hello?
What?
Papa!
Papa...
Jackie?
My love...
it's me.
Jackie.
I wanted to thank you.
Do you know that...
you rescued me?
You rescued me when...
my life was in shadows.
And you brought me so much love.
And happiness.
Ari,
I will always love you.
You've always had good timing,
I'll grant you that.
He died before the divorce
could go through.
What do you want?
To find out what you want.
How much would it take?
To sever old ties,
to have no claims
to my father's estate
for you and your children.
I'm prepared to bleed a little.
Fifteen million?
Twenty?
I'll go to twenty-five if it means
I never have to see you again.
I know you don't believe it,
but I loved him.
Name your price.
I never discussed money with him,
and I won't with you.
Someone better, because if
you leave it to the courts,
you'll get nowhere near
what I'm willing to give.
What you're willing to give is nothing
compared to what I've had to take.
Now,
I'd like to be alone.
Thank you for coming,
and welcome to Viking.
In the Russian Style
is the glorious result
of Jacqueline's efforts. On
behalf of all of us at Viking,
thank you, Jackie.
As our Russian friends
would say, spasiba.
Our team is much stronger
with you on it.
You have to have discipline.
D, F, F, F, D, F.
Honestly, Mom, I don't wanna
talk about this right now.
John
What?
We're going to talk about this.
You ditched school twice
last week. Where were you?
Come on, Mom. Didn't you?
No! And your father didn't either.
Yeah, well,
I ditched the agents too.
Idiots.
They were looking for me
in Columbus Circle
while I was in Times Square.
Watching Star Wars.
They knew exactly where you were.
It's time for you to start growing up.
It's not about what you can get away with,
it's about who you wanna be.
Whatever.
Stop lying to your mother!
I'm sorry.
I know I'm disappointing her.
Yeah, you are.
At least I'll have accomplished something.
The first Kennedy to get bounced.
Ha! I hate to break it to you, kid...
Harvard, sophomore year.
I paid a friend to take
a Spanish test for me.
Boy, was my dad pissed.
Not because I cheated, but
because I got caught.
It was a failure,
a failure for all
of the world to see.
And in this family,
they do not tolerate failure.
It's...
lovely.
Now, I remember when Joe was ambassador
to England, he and I visited
the palace in St. Petersburg.
I miss him.
What's your secret, dear?
To moving on so successfully.
I don't know.
I guess it's the
same thing as you.
I do it all for the children.
I can't wait to see
how my grandchildren
will continue
what my husband started.
Dad sat me down
and he said: "Teddy,
"you can either have
a serious life,
"or a non-serious one.
"I'll love you either way.
"But if you're not serious,
I won't have much time for you."
Your dad,
Bobby,
now they lived serious lives.
Dad wasn't all serious,
if what I read is true.
He wasn't perfect.
Neither of them was.
They were men,
and men make mistakes.
But there's no shame in that.
The shame is in
not learning from them.
And by the end of his life,
your father was
a much better man
because of your mother
than he ever had been before.
Now do something about those grades,
or I'll poke your eyes out.
Come on, Joanie, we're going
out on the boat!
Get the lead out!
Go on outside for a minute.
Come on.
You gotta stop it.
It's ugly and it's weak.
What's going on here?
It's more than just you and Ted.
It's the family.
The family.
You have a job to do, Joan,
and that's to be a Kennedy wife
and raise Kennedy children.
That's what you
signed on for. We all did.
So do your job, kiddo.
I don't have the strength.
Mommy! Mommy!
Hold on a second, kids.
Gimme a minute. Gimme a minute.
God will give it to you.
All right, let's go.
Let's go! Go!
Already discussed it...
I'll get back to you.
How dare you be associated with this?
Did you read the Times'
book review?
"There's one word for this book,
and the word is trash,
and anyone associated with this publication
should be ashamed of herself."
Herself! That means me.
A plot to assassinate Teddy
after he's been elected
president?
And they think it was my idea.
You said you would
never publish this.
I told you about this project
as a courtesy, and at the time
you raised no objections.
We never discussed it.
I would've insisted it not
be published, you know that.
That is not your call to make. It was in
development long before you came here.
Withdraw the commitment.
I couldn't even if I
wanted to, and I don't.
This is a filthy, cheap,
disgusting exploitation...
It's a business. The Kennedy
franchise sells books.
We're not a franchise, we're a family.
Not anymore.
Tom, come on.
I've attracted authors who never
would've come to Viking.
And you became the darling of the
publishing world and you love it.
So do you. It helps you.
Recall this obscenity,
or I'll leave.
The choice is entirely yours.
Yeah, but was it really worth quitting
over some stupid book about me?
Of course.
I am a Kennedy.
I guess the trick to being
in this family is...
not being squashed by it.
Yes.
That is the trick.
Good night, Jacks.
- Good night.
What's going on?
What's going on?
- It's John, ma'am.
Where is he?
He took off into the park
on his bike and we lost him.
Where is my son?
You know what kind of
lunatics are out there?!
People who are after him
just because of who he is!
Ma'am, we have agents and police
officers all over the park.
What if he's not in the park?!
He has been gone for two hours!
Someone could have grabbed him!
What are you DOING?!
John!
I'm OK, Mom.
They found him leaving the
east meadow without his bike.
Some guy jumped
out of the bushes
and hit me with a stick.
He took it.
There are a lot of addicts in the area.
Probably trying to turn the bike into cash.
I'm warning you, Mr. Price.
If anything happens to my children,
I won't be as easy on the Secret
Service as I was in Dallas.
I can always get another bike.
You could have been kidnapped!
Or worse!
Mom...
I want Jack...
remembered the way I knew him.
Could we start with Texas?
Sure.
It was the biggest motorcade
from the airport.
And it was hot.
And they were gunning
the motorcycles
and there were these backfires
and I heard this noise and
I thought it was a backfire...
Then one of the men
grabbed Jack's arms, and...
and said, "NO! NO!"
I saw
a piece of his skull
coming off of his head.
And all the way to the hospital,
I tried to hold
the top of his head down.
Maybe...
I could keep it in.
But when I got to the hospital,
they made me wait
in this hallway.
And I just kept thinking,
"Well, maybe,
"maybe he'll live
"and everything will be OK
and our country will be OK
and our family will be OK."
With the memory of gas rationing
still fresh in the minds of voters,
with interest rates soaring
above 20% and with the recent
hostage taking of U.S. embassy workers
by Iranian terrorists in Tehran,
President Carter's approval rating
has fallen to a new low,
leading to speculation
that he may be challenged
by fellow Democrats prior
to next year's election.
Typical Boston spring.
It's cold and wet.
You could come down next week.
We could grab lunch.
You know I have my AA meetings.
I go twice a day.
It'd be nice to see you.
How about Thursday?
Thursday sounds great!
If this is gonna work, then
Joan's gotta stay sober.
Simple as that.
She's trying, Ethel.
Sobriety is one thing, but Ted and
Joan have been separated for almost...
Not legally.
It doesn't matter.
You can't run for president
unless she's at your side.
Heya, doll!
Joansie!
I thought we were having lunch.
You look great!
Have a seat.
There you go.
What is this?
I'm going for the nomination.
You hear people talking.
They're sick of Carter.
But I need your help.
I can't do this without you.
I want this.
We'll be back
in the White House.
I've been putting this off since '68.
It's now or never.
You'd make a great president, Teddy.
But I can't.
I'm sorry.
I need more time
to work on myself.
I really do.
I think we could have made it.
Well, it's great about
Teddy, don't you think?
He's gonna beat Carter hands-down.
Thank you.
That'll be all.
I hear they recruited Joan.
- Mm-hmm.
We're all gonna get
on board. Even Rose!
It'll be just like the old days.
Jackie?
You're gonna get on board.
No.
I don't want him to run.
The country's going to hell, Jackie.
Jack had his time.
Bobby...
Bobby never got his chance.
But Teddy can take back
what's ours.
Nothing will ever
bring back what we lost.
He's our last hope.
And there's a lot more at stake here
than what you want.
There is a lot at stake. There's Ted.
Joan.
Joan will be fine.
Joan can't handle this right now.
Jackie, are you with us or not?
Ethel...
Ethel, you don't have to leave like this.
Yeah, smile for us!
It's horrible!
Thank you.
Ethel said you won't help us.
I wouldn't put it that way.
How would you put it?
Are you sure it's the right thing?
He may never get another chance.
I mean for you.
You don't think I can handle it.
I didn't say that.
Jack would never have been
have been president if you
weren't there with him.
You know what it means to be
important to your husband.
I've never had that.
I want it.
I want to feel valued...
I understand.
But do you want to be a wife,
or a widow?
Don't you think I've thought about it?
I've lived it.
And there's a hole
in my heart that...
will never be filled.
And in the hearts of my children.
I couldn't bear to see
that happening to you.
I still love him.
In spite of all...
What means more to you?
His love or his life?
Alright, Ted.
You guys know the rules?
Policy issues only:
inflation, interest rates,
increase the amount
of global prestige...
That's it.
- Good.
Kennedy! Kennedy!
Kennedy! Kennedy! Kennedy!
Kennedy! Kennedy!
Kennedy! Kennedy!
Kennedy! Kennedy! Kennedy!
Kennedy! Kennedy!
Kennedy! Kennedy!
Right here, right here Sir!
- Sir?
Senator, my question's
for Mrs. Kennedy.
Do you believe your husband's
story about Chappaquiddick?
Yes,
I believe my husband's story,
which he told to me right after,
uh, the incident.
And it seems to me that, uh,
I've heard,
um, my husband's story,
and various versions
of his story by other people
for a decade.
A long time.
And I don't believe anything new
is going to come out of,
you know, all these stories.
Thank you.
Any more questions?
- Yes, Sir!
John, you're not
going to law school?!
Stanislavski said, "Uh-uh."
When did you make that decision?
About four years ago.
You just never
wanted to hear it.
If that's what you want to do, do it!
But if you're going to be
a struggling artist,
I won't pay for it.
Use my inheritance.
You don't have access to it for five years.
Wow, that's great, Mom. So
you can keep me on your leash?
I'm not trying to keep you on a leash.
You care about appearances.
You care about how it'll look
because I'm a Kennedy.
- John!
I want you to do something
important with your life!
I want you to do something that
would make your father proud...
My father is dead!
And whether I make money as a lawyer
or starve as an actor
isn't gonna bring him back!
And wasting my life
doing something I hate,
will that make him proud?
Don't walk away...
Senator Kennedy,
why do you want to be President?
- Well, I, um...
I have a great belief
in this country,
that it is, um...
There are more natural resources
than any other
nation in the world.
I would, uh...
feel that, uh,
it's imperative
that this country
either move forward,
otherwise it...
uh...
moves backward.
That was a disaster!
What the hell happened?
The son of a bitch sandbagged me!
- He asked what
the American people have every
right to know and you answered
with... with natural resources!
He should have warned me in advance!
That way, I could have prepared!
You think he would have asked the
same question to Jack or Bobby?
Wouldn't have had to prepare.
They knew why they were running,
and they knew it in their bones!
How do we salvage this?
CBS did a phone survey
right after the broadcast.
70% of respondents
found you to be
an unacceptable
alternative to Carter.
We'll never recover from this.
Senator Kennedy, a couple
of words on the reaction...
- For me, a few hours ago,
this campaign came to an end.
For all those whose cares
have been our concern,
the work goes on,
the cause endures
the hope still lives,
and the dream shall never die.
Cheers and tears
filled Madison Square Garden
in New York last night,
as Senator Edward Kennedy,
the last surviving
son of Camelot,
saw his presidential aspirations
come crashing down.
Just so you know, I'm
quitting the acting thing.
I'm gonna go to law school.
The primetime TV interview
proved to be his downfall,
as Senator Kennedy
appeared to stumble his way
through policy questions...
I'm glad I was with you.
It'll be nice to be at the Cape.
I'll see you in a week.
- Ted!
I've filed for divorce.
Teddy never would have done it.
We'd have just gone on,
making each other miserable.
I'm sorry.
But I have to take
control of my life.
Teddy has many good qualities.
Of course, I was
always old fashioned.
I don't smoke,
I don't drink, I just...
had lots of children.
And you...
are the mother of his.
They need you.
They need you to be
sound and healthy.
You're doing
the only thing you can.
You...
You'll be in my prayers.
How do you feel
about failing the bar exam
for the second time?
- Well, obviously,
I'm, uh, very disappointed.
Again.
But, God willing,
I'll pass it the next time,
or the time after that,
or I'll pass it when I'm 95.
Have you told your mother?
- I tried.
But fortunately,
the line was busy.
What do you think her reaction will be?
My mother has a great capacity
for handling the good
and the bad,
and given all the bad
that she's seen,
this isn't so bad.
I embarrassed you, the family...
I know how much you want this.
You didn't embarrass me.
I saw you on the news.
And you didn't let them see
how much it hurt.
That took courage and strength.
You are so much
like your father.
He'd be proud of you.
You can take it again next year.
Yeah.
How are the children doing?
Caroline's my little helper.
But John John will
belong to the men now.
I want him to grow up
to be a good boy.
I have no better dream for him.
Maybe...
I don't know...
He's so interested in planes,
maybe he'll be
an astronaut or...
maybe he'll just be
regular John Kennedy
fixing planes on the ground.
We've traveled
a long road.
N'est-ce pas?
- Absolument.
You've been an excellent mother.
And I always admired
how you triumphed
over the adversities.
They've asked John to
speak at the convention.
It's a great honour.
Why are you not happy about it?
I'm afraid...
that they'll push John
like they pushed Jack.
Jack grew to love it.
And John...
will be remarkable.
It's in the blood.
- Thank you!
Thank you very much!
Go, John!
Over a quarter-century ago,
my father stood before you
to accept the nomination
for the presidency
of the United States.
Thank you.
So many of you
came into public service
because of him.
In a very real sense,
because of you,
he is with us still.
Kennedy!
Kennedy! Kennedy!
For that,
I am grateful to all of you.
I owe a special debt
to the man his nieces
and nephews call Teddy.
He has shown
that an unwavering
commitment to the poor,
to the elderly,
to those without hope
is the greatest reward
for public service.
Woohoo!
He has shown that our hope
is not lost idealism,
but a realistic possibility.
Thank you.
- The torch has been passed.
Kennedy! Kennedy!
Kennedy! Kennedy!
Thank you.
What do I say to him?
You saw his face light up.
What if he wants
to follow after Jack?
I'm the last one to ask.
I had it right in my hands.
The best thing that ever happened to you
was not being president.
It was there for the taking!
You didn't want it.
You know in your heart you didn't.
The hell with it.
Maybe I should just call it a day.
Retire.
You know what they're saying
about me on the floor?
That I'm an impediment to
the passage of legislation.
Me!
That I'm an embarrassment to the party.
Forget legislation. Forget the party.
Look what it's doing to you!
Get rid of it.
Pour it down the drain.
'Cause it's killing you
and it's killing
the ones who love you.
That's what I used to say to Joan.
Ted.
You've been in the Senate
for 30 years.
You could be here another 30.
You can help more people
than Jack or Bobby ever did.
Whatever you accomplish
won't mean anything
if you're not
the best man you can be.
The best father you can be.
And right now,
Teddy, you're not.
And in your heart,
you know that.
- I am painfully aware
that the criticisms
directed at me
involve far more
than just honest disagreements
with my political position.
It also involves
the disappointment
of my friends
and members of my own family.
To them, I say,
I recognize my shortcomings,
the faults in the conduct
of my private life,
and I realize that I alone
am responsible for them,
and I am the one
who must confront them.
Hi.
- Hi.
It was a good speech.
Well, it was meant for you.
Of all the people
I've hurt in my life,
I've hurt you the most.
And I'm...
I'm ashamed by that.
I used to blame you.
You were my excuse for drinking.
For everything.
But it was really me.
Once I realized that...
I'll be alright.
I hope you will be too.
Can I...
buy you a cup
of coffee sometime?
I don't think so.
Let the word go forth
from this time and place
to friend and foe alike
that the torch has been passed
to a new generation
of Americans,
born of this century,
tempered by war,
disciplined by a hard
and bitter peace...
proud of our ancient heritage
and unwilling to witness
or permit...
a slow undoing
of those human rights
to which this nation
has always been committed
and to which
we are committed today.
At home...
and around the world.
- I'm so ashamed of myself.
Jack...
everything he ever quoted
was Greek or Roman,
and the only thing
that's running through my head
right now is a song
from a Broadway musical.
At night,
we listened to songs on this,
this scratchy old Victrola.
He loved this song
called Camelot.
"Don't let it be forgotten...
"that once, there was a spot...
"for one brief,
shining moment...
that was known as Camelot."
I thought the pain
was just an ulcer.
But it's not.
You wouldn't have
called me otherwise.
Oh, Teddy.
It's non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
Jackie.
I'm only telling you.
But the kids...
You need to tell them.
I know.
Not now.
I'll tell them when I have to.
I feel like I failed them.
But you've always been good
at toeing the party line.
And the party line is...
Paris in the spring.
Can you do that?
You're too young, Jacks.
Don't feel sorry for me.
I've had
the most wonderful life.
I feel sorry for me.
I feel sorry for all of us.
You need to be strong.
I get my strength from you.
And now's your chance to prove it.
If anyone asks
how I'm doing...
"Paris in the spring."
Yes, that's it.
"For one brief, shining moment
that was known as Camelot."
And it will never be that way again.
"And it will never be that way again."
That is the whole point
of the piece, Al!
They, uh, want to cut
the reference to Camelot.
They feel it is overblown
and melodramatic.
It stays, Mr. White.
Or I'll give
the exclusive to Newsweek.
Mrs. Kennedy has just threatened
to give the story to Newsweek.
Mom?
You can't read in your sleep.
Hi.
- Hi.
How are you?
- I'm good.
I've been thinking...
I might run for Congress.
Hm?
People tell me
everywhere I go that...
that I could do it,
I should do it.
Do you wanna do it?
- Yeah.
Why?
I'm supposed to.
Aren't I?
I'm his son.
People tell me
it was the best time
of their lives.
- John.
People say that Camelot was...
was so special!
Honey, I made that up.
I invented it
one night on the Cape,
about 30 years ago.
For an interview
just after he died.
I was in so much grief...
and I needed
a pretty story to wrap it in.
I needed to see it as...
this magical place.
You mean none of it was true?
There were wonderful times.
And it was magical.
It was the way
I wanted him to be remembered.
And it worked.
But, sweetheart,
Camelot was my story.
It doesn't have to be yours.
Public career is
something to be valued,
but only if you value it.
Not because...
you feel like you owe me or...
or him...
or some ideal
that never really existed.
I don't want
what happened to Teddy to
happen to you.
You have your whole life
ahead of you.
Have a family.
It's the most important thing
and it's the only
thing that lasts.
Will you help me up?
Sure.
Pretty heavy.
It's so good.
Well, you eat
as much as you want.
Ethel.
We've always had
our ups and downs.
The downs were my fault, Jackie.
I want you to know...
I admire how true
to yourself you are.
You're a wonderful woman.
And you've been
a wonderful sister.
Most of the time.
Hmm. This is for you.
Between us.
You'll be with God soon.
And with Jack.
I'll be happy to see him.
She said she's proud of me.
She'll be with us
for the rest of our lives,
guiding us and loving us
in spite of our flaws.
You're the only real father
I've ever known.
Whatever I am,
I'm a better man
than I used to be.
Because of her.
I will miss her.
You have your whole life
ahead of you, John.
And it's gonna be great.
Everything checks out,
Mr. Kennedy.
It's John.
I, uh, hope you don't mind,
but your father
was a hero of mine.
Still is.
Yeah. Mine, too.
Someday, you're going
to put this country
on the right road again,
just like he would've.
We need you, John.
We need the dream.
Have a good flight.
Thanks.
What are you thinking about?
My mother.
My father. The dream.
Is it what you want?
I think maybe it is.
Would you be with me?
Yeah.
I guess we'll
never know until we try.
With a good conscience
our only sure reward,
with history the final judge
of our deeds,
let us go forth to lead
the land we love,
asking His blessing
and His help,
but knowing that here on Earth,
God's work must
truly be our own.
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