Four Days in November

Four Days in November is a gripping and compelling 1964 documentary, directed by Mel Stuart and with a stellar and somewhat unconventional cast featuring Richard Basehart, John Brewer, and Raymond Buck. The film, which is rooted in historical fact, takes a deep dive into the tragic events surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. The film skillfully blends dramatic reconstructions with actual footage, weaving together a chronicle that is both accurate and incredibly moving.

The film takes its title from the four-day period that forever altered the course of American history: November 22-25, 1963. Beginning with the morning of November 22nd and the fateful motorcade journey through Dallas, the film tracks the following events leading up to the burial of the assassinated president.

Richard Basehart, a well-established actor known primarily for his theatre work, puts in a superbly understated performance as the film's narrator. His rich, authoritative voice provides not just context and factual detail, but true emotional rawness that draws the viewer into the heart-wrenching reality of the situation.

John Brewer and Raymond Buck, who are not professional actors but actual witnesses of the various situations, bring an unparalleled credibility to the film. Brewer, a shoe store manager at the time, had a casual encounter with Lee Harvey Oswald the day of the assassination. Brewer's recollections provide an intimate insight into Oswald, perhaps more so than any actor's portrayal could.

Buck, the former president of the Dallas Chamber of Commerce, offers his perspective on the city's reaction to the assassination, providing a local point of view that grounds the national tragedy in a specific and poignant context. His calm and yet deeply affected demeanor shows a unique side to this public crisis - the personal element of shock and grief that permeated a city notorious for its unfavorable perception by Kennedy and his administration.

Where Four Days in November truly excels is in its meticulous attention to detail and its unflinching willingness to face controversial elements head-on. The film delves into the intricacies of the Warren Commission's investigation, casting a fair and objective lens on its procedures and findings. This exploration is not designed to point fingers or fuel conspiracy theories, but rather to offer an honest portrayal of what was officially determined.

In addition, the film provides an insightful look at the societal and political aftershocks of Kennedy's death. Through interviews and news footage, the film showcases the reactions of ordinary citizens, media, and political leaders alike. These reactions, ranging from intense grief to stunned disbelief, paint a vivid picture of a nation grappling with an unprecedented tragedy.

With regard to production values, despite being a documentary, the film doesn’t compromise on cinematic quality. Mel Stuart's deft direction and the skillful editing by Marshall M.Betz and Ernest W. Watts create a seamless blend of recreated moments and actual footage. They sustain the suspense and dramatic tension throughout the movie, proving that documentaries can be every bit as engaging as traditional films.

Four Days in November stands as a haunting and emotionally resonant exploration of one of modern history's most seismic and sorrowful events. It serves as a testament to a man and president, to a country in mourning, and to an investigation that sought to find answers in a time of chaos and confusion. The documentary doesn't merely present the facts of Kennedy's assassination; it digs deeper, delving into the heart of what those four days in November meant for those closest to the event, and for a country as a whole.

This film offers a profound historical, emotional and personal journey. If you’re a fan of fact-based dramas, political histories or gripping examinations of American history, Four Days in November is an unforgettable film that is as fitting as a social study as it is a mesmerizing cinematic experience.