Jackie, Ethel, Joan: The Women of Camelot (2001)

Jackie, Ethel, Joan: The Women of Camelot Poster

They were more than Washington wives. They were part of an American dream known as Camelot. With strength and cunning they upheld their public image by concealing their private truths. Jackie, Ethel and Joan had little choice. They were Kennedy women. What really unfolded behind the monolith of Kennedy power is revealed for the first time: the true story of the Kennedy reign told through the eyes of the three women who lived it.

Film Overview
"Jackie, Ethel, Joan: The Women of Camelot" is a 2001 drama film directed by Larry Shaw. The film focuses on the females of the Kennedy family, one of America's many politically powerful households throughout the mid-20th century. It particularly focuses on Jacqueline Kennedy (Jackie), Ethel Kennedy, and Joan Kennedy and their distinct relationships with their charming but problematic spouses, JFK, RFK, and Ted Kennedy respectively. The film, based on the book by J. Randy Taraborrelli, delves into their personal lives, enduring spirit, and the challenging trials they faced.

Cast and Characters
Jill Hennessy plays Jacqueline Kennedy, the stylish very first lady who recorded America's heart and dealt with public analysis after her partner's assassination. Lauren Holly appears as Ethel Kennedy, RFK's steadfast partner with an indomitable spirit, and Leslie Stefanson as Joan Kennedy, Ted's other half who dealt with her partner's infidelity and her own addictions. The males in their lives are depicted by Robert Knepper (JFK), Daniel Hugh Kelly (RFK), and Matt Letscher (Ted).

Plot Summary
The drama unfolds by checking out the lives of these 3 women, how they intertwine with each other and their journeys through their turbulent marriages that were always under the public eye. Jackie Kennedy stands as the most known amongst the three women, with her renowned design and grace. The movie showcases her struggles after JFK's assassination, and how she strived to keep her strength for the sake of her kids.

Ethel, partner to the equally ambitious RFK, is represented as a strong, lively lady. She holds her household together through the catastrophes that befall them, including her other half's murder, remaining real to the Kennedy's legacy of strength. Finally, Joan Kennedy's character lives a darker life, struggling with alcohol addiction and anxiety, worsened by her other half Ted's famous indiscretions.

Styles and Analysis
"Jackie, Ethel, Joan: The Women of Camelot" goes beyond the glamour related to the Kennedy household to expose the stress, loss, and heartbreak these ladies sustained. It mainly focuses on their durability and capability to survive and prosper despite the national and individual catastrophes they faced.

The movie depicts the dichotomous life within the Kennedy family, both the general public fascination and the private turmoil. It also explores the power dynamics and gender roles widespread during that age, highlighting the sacrifices these women needed to make in support of their partners' political ambitions.

Conclusion
Combining drama, history, and the long-lasting appeal of the Kennedy misconception, the movie provides an informative take a look at the lives of the 3 Kennedy females who were unknowingly thrust into the spotlight. It's a tale of strength, survival, and sacrifice, exposing a more intimate side of the Kennedy household's tradition.

"Jackie, Ethel, Joan: The Women of Camelot" provides a voice to these women's stories, often eclipsed by their popular spouses, making it an appealing expect history enthusiasts and drama enthusiasts alike.

Top Cast

  • Jill Hennessy (small)
    Jill Hennessy
    Jackie Kennedy
  • Lauren Holly (small)
    Lauren Holly
    Ethel Kennedy
  • Leslie Stefanson (small)
    Leslie Stefanson
    Joan Kennedy
  • Daniel Hugh Kelly (small)
    Daniel Hugh Kelly
    John F. Kennedy
  • Robert Knepper (small)
    Robert Knepper
    Robert F. Kennedy
  • Matt Letscher (small)
    Matt Letscher
    Ted Kennedy
  • Harve Presnell (small)
    Harve Presnell
    Joe Kennedy
  • Charmion King
    Rose Kennedy
  • Shawn Lawrence (small)
    Shawn Lawrence
    Alex Carter
  • Russ Baker
    Honor Guard Lieutenant
  • Paula Barrett (small)
    Paula Barrett
    Woman in Garden