Watch Jackie, Ethel, Joan: The Women of Camelot
- 2001
- 1 Season
-
6.9 (474)
Jackie, Ethel, Joan: The Women of Camelot is a fascinating mini-series from Sonar Entertainment that unveils the untold stories of three women whose lives were forever changed by the assassinations of their husbands – President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. The story is set against the backdrop of the 1960s – a time of political upheaval, social transformation, and cultural revolution in America.
The show features three of the most iconic women of that era - Jackie Kennedy, Ethel Kennedy, and Joan Kennedy – who were brought together by their connection to the Kennedy family, but whose lives were vastly different. The mini-series explores the complexity of their relationships, their struggles, and their hopes as they navigated through their personal grief and public scrutiny.
The show is anchored by a stellar cast. Jill Hennessy masterfully embodies the grace, elegance, and poise of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Her portrayal of Jackie is nuanced and layered, capturing both her public persona and her private moments of sorrow and vulnerability. Lauren Holly plays the fiery and strong-willed Ethel Kennedy with fiery and unaffected energy, bringing her trademark intensity to every scene. Leslie Stefanson rounds out the trio as the quiet and introspective Joan Kennedy, capturing her struggle with alcoholism and the toll it took on her marriage and her family.
As the show unfolds, we see how these three women were shaped by their marriages to powerful men and how they coped with the burden of their husbands' high-profile lives. The show explores the Kennedy legacy through the eyes of the women who knew them best, revealing the tensions that existed within the clan, and the ways in which these women rose above their personal tragedies to leave a lasting mark on the world.
While the mini-series is principally about these women, it is firmly situated in the broader context of the turbulent 1960s. The show evokes the spirit of that era with its attention to period detail – from the fashion and music to the cars and architecture. It also explores the various social and political issues that were roiling America at that time, such as civil rights, women's rights, and the Vietnam War, providing a rich and textured backdrop against which the lives of these women play out.
The show is expertly directed by Larry Shaw, who balances drama and documentary elements with ease, giving audiences an intimate look into the private lives of these women while also providing a sobering commentary on the political realities of the time. The pacing is tight, and the storytelling is elegant and nuanced, as each episode explores a different facet of the lives of these women.
Overall, Jackie, Ethel, Joan: The Women of Camelot is a gripping and thought-provoking mini-series that sheds new light on three iconic figures from American history. The show is a testament to the strength, resilience, and humanity of these women, whose stories are often overshadowed by the men they loved. With its strong performances and engrossing storytelling, this mini-series is a must-watch for anyone interested in the captivating history of America in the 1960s.