The Missiles of October (TV 1974)

Based in part on Robert F. Kennedy's book, "Thirteen Days," this film profiles the Kennedy Administration's actions during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Director:

Anthony Page

Writers:

Stanley R. Greenberg, Robert F. Kennedy (book)

Stars:

William Devane, Ralph Bellamy, Howard Da Silva

Won 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 1 win & 8 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
William Devane	...	President John F. Kennedy
Ralph Bellamy	...	U.N. Ambassador Adlai Stevenson
Howard Da Silva	...	Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev
James Hong	...	U.N. Secretary-General U Thant
Martin Sheen	...	Att. Gen. Robert F. Kennedy
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
James T. Callahan	...	David Powers, Special Assistant to the President
Peter Canon	...	Admiral's Aide
Keene Curtis	...	John McCone, Director CIA
Charles Cyphers	...	Press Photographer
Clifford David	...	Theodore Sorensen, Special Counsel
Francis De Sales	...	Senator
John Dehner	...	Former Secretary of State Dean Acheson
Peter Donat	...	David Ormsby-Gore, British Ambassador to U.S.
Andrew Duggan	...	Gen. Maxwell Taylor, Army Chief of Staff
Richard Eastham	...	Gen. David M. Shoup, USMC Commandant

Storyline

Based in part on Robert F. Kennedy's book, "Thirteen Days," this film profiles the Kennedy Administration's actions during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

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Plot Keywords:

cuban missile crisis | missile | month in title | diplomat | politics | 

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Genres:

Drama | History | Thriller

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 December 1974 (USA)

Also Known As:

13 päivää, jotka järkyttivät maailmaa

Company Credits

Production Co:

Maljack Productions, Viacom Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

150 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This was originally shot on videotape, and first shown in this format, but when it was sold to local stations, it was transferred to film.

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Goofs

When President Kennedy addresses the nation, the camera is a Philips PC-70 color camera which was not available until several years later. The actual address was televised with two RCA TK-30 black-and-white cameras (the second was a backup).

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Quotes

Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev: [thinking about President Kennedy on the other side of the world, before being interrupted again] Just now, I work and he sleeps. Then, he works and I sleep.
[pauses]
Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev: Perhaps soon we both sleep...

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Connections

Referenced in The Goonies (1985)

User Reviews

Fine performances.

This made for TV picture got rave reviews when it came out in 74. William Devane does a great job in his portrayal of JFK. Martin Sheen was also good as RFK. Howard Da Silva not to be overlooked as Nikita Khrushchev. When viewed today the filming technique may seem dated and dull but if that can be overlooked the content of the film is still powerful. Additionally it's all based on an actual historic event.