The Missiles of October
starring: William Devane, Ralph Bellamy, Howard Da Silva, James Hong, Martin Sheen
directed by: Anthony Page
directed by: Anthony Page
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Product Description:
This recreation of the events leading up to the cuban missile crisis begins with kennedys discovery of soviet missiles in cuba & follows his difficult decision-making process. Commentary by william devane ralph bellamy martin sheen & howard da silva.Studio: Mpi Home VideoRelease Date: 06/26/2001Run time: 150 minutesRating: NrDirector: Anthony Page
Amazon.com:
Without becoming didactic, The Missiles of October does an outstanding job of presenting many points of view on the Cuban missile crisis. The film humanizes Kennedy's near impossible task of avoiding war without compromising national security. The earnestness of this 1974 made-for-television dramatization may briefly remind one of social studies class--indeed it is at times difficult to maintain consciousness while the extensive cast of characters is being introduced at the opening. Not to worry, though--soon the power plays begin and The Missiles of October becomes completely gripping. Actual news footage is spliced in with the action, nicely serving as exposition and driving home just how very close the world came to nuclear war. A crew of excellent character actors flesh out the story and reveal the psychological games behind the language of diplomacy. William Devane takes on the difficult task of playing John F. Kennedy. While he doesn't quite capture Kennedy's charisma, he does occupy the role comfortably and effectively conveys the president's deep worry and determination to avoid war. Martin Sheen plays an engaging Robert Kennedy and Michael Lerner, oddly enough, manages to make Pierre Salinger absolutely fascinating. --Ali Davis
This recreation of the events leading up to the cuban missile crisis begins with kennedys discovery of soviet missiles in cuba & follows his difficult decision-making process. Commentary by william devane ralph bellamy martin sheen & howard da silva.Studio: Mpi Home VideoRelease Date: 06/26/2001Run time: 150 minutesRating: NrDirector: Anthony Page
Amazon.com:
Without becoming didactic, The Missiles of October does an outstanding job of presenting many points of view on the Cuban missile crisis. The film humanizes Kennedy's near impossible task of avoiding war without compromising national security. The earnestness of this 1974 made-for-television dramatization may briefly remind one of social studies class--indeed it is at times difficult to maintain consciousness while the extensive cast of characters is being introduced at the opening. Not to worry, though--soon the power plays begin and The Missiles of October becomes completely gripping. Actual news footage is spliced in with the action, nicely serving as exposition and driving home just how very close the world came to nuclear war. A crew of excellent character actors flesh out the story and reveal the psychological games behind the language of diplomacy. William Devane takes on the difficult task of playing John F. Kennedy. While he doesn't quite capture Kennedy's charisma, he does occupy the role comfortably and effectively conveys the president's deep worry and determination to avoid war. Martin Sheen plays an engaging Robert Kennedy and Michael Lerner, oddly enough, manages to make Pierre Salinger absolutely fascinating. --Ali Davis
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: 
- Great Movie, Horrible DVD
The Missiles of October is like watching a play in the sense that the sets and physical action are minimal. That means you're focused on the actors, most of whom don't disappoint. Devane basically channels Kennedy.
The problem is that by being focused on the actors, it's impossible to miss the sync issues that make this DVD almost unwatchable. Voices lag mouths by a fraction of a second, which becomes really distracting when there are close-ups -- and there are plenty in this movie... Read More
Rating: 
- Best ever recounting of the missile crisis.
I honestly think this is the best production of the Cuban Missile Crisis.William Devane's performance as Kennedy beats anything I've ever seen.Martin Sheen has Bobby Kennedy's mannerisms down to a T.
Rating: - One of TV's best!
I saw this on TV when it was aired several years ago. It is one of the best-acted docu-dramas made for TV, and with a few minor exceptions (like the absebce of Vice President LBJ who was in all the meetings), it hit the mark. I know several men in the armed forces and they agree the tension was as high as it was depicted.
Rating: - Missles of October
Far and away the best "made for Tv" play I've ever seen.
Rating: 
- A Timely Revisit
I took the time to revisit this film in view of the near end of the elections. While the 1974 made for TV production values pale in comparison to contemporary efforts--I must say that the cast is excellent.As Bush prepares to exit office, this film is a reminder of what grace under pressure was about. And how close we came to nuclear war in 1962. I was a9 year old child then and could not really appreciate state of the world. But in 46 years hence (and considering what we've had to live under ... Read More
- Great Movie, Horrible DVDThe Missiles of October is like watching a play in the sense that the sets and physical action are minimal. That means you're focused on the actors, most of whom don't disappoint. Devane basically channels Kennedy.
The problem is that by being focused on the actors, it's impossible to miss the sync issues that make this DVD almost unwatchable. Voices lag mouths by a fraction of a second, which becomes really distracting when there are close-ups -- and there are plenty in this movie... Read More
- Best ever recounting of the missile crisis.I honestly think this is the best production of the Cuban Missile Crisis.William Devane's performance as Kennedy beats anything I've ever seen.Martin Sheen has Bobby Kennedy's mannerisms down to a T.
- One of TV's best!I saw this on TV when it was aired several years ago. It is one of the best-acted docu-dramas made for TV, and with a few minor exceptions (like the absebce of Vice President LBJ who was in all the meetings), it hit the mark. I know several men in the armed forces and they agree the tension was as high as it was depicted.
- Missles of OctoberFar and away the best "made for Tv" play I've ever seen.
- A Timely RevisitI took the time to revisit this film in view of the near end of the elections. While the 1974 made for TV production values pale in comparison to contemporary efforts--I must say that the cast is excellent.As Bush prepares to exit office, this film is a reminder of what grace under pressure was about. And how close we came to nuclear war in 1962. I was a9 year old child then and could not really appreciate state of the world. But in 46 years hence (and considering what we've had to live under ... Read More
