HansWind I can't recall having ever given any film, mini-series or TV series a '1' out of 10 before... and sadly I can't here. There is just barely enough good here to warrant a '4'. However, if ever any production deserved it, this one probably does. The casting is, for the most part, abominable. The acting is generally stiff and unsure. The attempts at accents are atrocious and laughable. The portrayal of Marilyn Monroe is bizarrely comic at best and insulting to both Monroe and the audience at worst.Jill Hennessy does have a few solid moments as Jackie, but not nearly enough to carry this painfully disjointed soap opera. Lauren Holly's Ethel would be more believable in a trailer park than Washington and Hyannisport. Leslie Stefanson's Joan is interesting and is easily the best of the three women's portrayals.The portrayal's of the Kennedy men are all weak and unconvincing. The only plus with the Kennedy men is that they are not on screen very often.Historically, it runs wild with rumor, innuendo, supposition and ignores many facts as they have been recorded by serious and knowledgeable historians. Sadly what could have been a tastefully done classic instead just reeks of the two-bit paperback hacks who wrote this tripe.I will say that the 2nd half of this mini-series is distinctly better than the first half. Unfortunately, by the time the 2nd half rolls around, it's way too late to save it overall.Another issue it has that seriously detracts from it coming across as a quality production is a very strong sense of being constantly 'rushed'. It literally speeds from one tragedy to another with no opportunity for the viewer to take in any real sense of sorrow. Oddly enough, despite my feeling that this isn't a very good production as it is, I think it would have probably benefit from an additional 90 minutes. This would have allowed the viewer a real chance to get to know and empathize with the characters.One exceptional line does rise above all others in this otherwise dismal program and it is delivered by Charmion King (as Rose Kennedy): "Great men have great flaws. It takes great women to accept them." This is as close as this film ever comes to being anything close to great.For those who want a strong, clear sense of some of this subject matter with first rate acting, writing and true 'Camelot' style, watch 'Kennedy', the 1983 production with Martin Sheen and Blair Brown. Sheen is very strong as Kennedy and Blair Brown is nothing short of brilliant as Jackie. The supporting cast is exceptional. The only serious weakness of that production is Vincent Gardenia's over the top portrayal of J Edgar Hoover. This is now available on DVD.In closing, all I can say is that with this much incredible material how could those involved have made... this?

Kennedy63 'Twas truly a marvelous experience to take in all the familial dynamics of the leading ladies of one of the US's great dynasties. Ethel's character being so brassy & foot-in-mouth outspoken was a personality I hadn't imagined. Jackie being so fond of Grandfather Joe was a surprise. Rose is exactly as I imagined her. Joan is more talented, and according to this show, has been under-credited for the successes of Senator Edward (Teddy) Kennedy.This docudrama is a lengthy one that I could have watched for many more hours. There is so much public knowledge of the Kennedy men so there were few surprises with the exception that I had forgotten two things: Senator Teddy Kennedy had been in a near fatal plane crash and broke his back in numerous places during a campaign; Senator Bobby Kennedy was already deceased at the time of Teddy's Presidential career damaging car accident that took the life of Mary Jo. (In hindsight, since the Kennedy brothers who ran for the US Presidency were both assassinated, I now view that tragic car accident as the blessing that kept Senator Edward Kennedy alive to this day and a senior member of the US Senate).The tensions that were brought forth between the women reveal that Jackie, the in-law, was oft times the glue that held them together and kept them close. It's time to know more about the rest of the Clan Kennedy women--the younger ones. I am left with wanting more. To me, that's the sign of a very well done docudrama.

Jennifer2005 This film is not as bad as the previous review states. It is very interesting. Jill H. does a great job of letting the audience in on the fact that Jackie O's voice changed from breathy to normal depending on her surroundings. She was shy and egar to please so it showed up in her voice. The other actors did very well in showing the complexity of the real life people they were playing.It is like a soap opera but so was the lives of the Kennedy's. They have endured assassinations, sexual scandals, failed marriages, loss of children and loved ones, and power, wealth, success. That sounds like a soap to me. Like anything though, if you want to get a real perspective on what it was like among the Kennedy women read the book this movie is based on. I read it before I saw the film and it was a little annoying to see how they tweaked some of the incidents. For example the beginning where Ethel pretends to not want to kiss Jackie on the cheek after Jack wins the election. In the book she is very cold to Jackie. Its a very awkward moment in front of the entire family.READ THE BOOK

lenaofthecity Jackie, Ethel, Joan: Women of Camelot was mostly historically accurate and not at all boring. Most of the performances shone (though I found the actress portraying Marilyn Monroe poor) especially Jill Hennessy as Jackie O. The important events from Kennedy history were for the most part accurate, except for one. (Slight spoiler). JFK was shot on a cold, rainy, November day but the show portrayed the shooting as happening in summer, on a nice day. The lead actresses were excellent, though the supporting roles were unstable. All in all, I give it a 9/10.Lena