Nov. 5, 1963 | JFK Film on Bill of Rights

Nov. 5, 1963 - President Kennedy filmed a short speech today in observance of Bill of Rights Day, Dec. 15, for distribution to theaters throughout the country. The film was made at the request of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations as part of a drive sponsored by the movie industry to remind the American public of the significance of the Bill of Rights. The speech, which runs 2½ minutes, was filmed at the White House by a cameraman for News of the Day, a newsreel service. About 1,000 prints of the film will be made available to theaters free of charge by the National Screen Service. This was the first public-service film made by President Kennedy at the request of motion picture industry leaders. Similar films have been made for theatrical release by other Presidents since the advent of talking features in 1927, most frequently in connection with bond drives, health campaigns, and national welfare issues.

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