Young Joe, the Forgotten Kennedy (1977 TV Movie) User Reviews (3)

Terrific Bit of US History

[raymond-andre · 9/10 · 26 April 2009]

I saw this on television on the late show when I was still in high school. I have yearned to see it again ever since.

From what I remember, a very interesting insight into the grooming of a young American heir apparent.

I was struck by the Family scenes in Boston with Joseph Sr... the famous football games in the yard... (much like the ones we used to have in our own yard when I was a kid) The portrayal of life in a bomber wing in England during WWII during the bombing of Germany... The love story between Joseph Jr. with a woman who may or may not have been an appropriate match. A well crafted film that shows so many moments in the life of a family in a time of crisis. And the ending is superb.

One scene shows a dinner at the Kennedy home after JFK's near scrape with death after the sinking of his PT boat in the Pacific. A guest makes an awkward toast to the "hero of the Kennedy family" to which Joe jr graciously rises and says "To my brother Jack". I remember feeling the thrill of seeing these private moments.

A tale of two tragedies.

[mark.waltz · 8/10 · 7 December 2023]

The alleged curse of the Kennedy family began with the deaths of two of Joe Sr. And Rose's children, those being Joe Jr. And Kathleen, both in their 20's. The large catholic family was close as long as everyone obeyed the elders, and patriarch Joe Sr. (Stephen Elliott) and Rose (Gloria Stroock) were not happy with the rebellion of daughter Kathleen's (Darleen Carr) love for a non-catholic British aristocrat, no matter how powerful. Joe Jr. (Peter Strauss) is poised to be the next patriarch, lovingly controlling his siblings, usually under pressure from his parents.

But just because they are domineering and set in their ways doesn't change their love, however controlling they are. It's just that the expectations are too great for all of their large offspring to endure, and a set-up of Joe as a future political king leaves others in his shadow as papa Joe Sr. Overlooks the younger sons Jack ("John"), Ted and Bobby. When pilot John has a heroic rescue of his troop on the PT 109, it's silently a slam to Joe Sr. Whose father seems disappointed that it wasn't him.

The use of mostly unknown actors playing a good majority of the family makes it focused on character, not on celebrity, and that's a good element in this family drama with a world war II background. It's easy to see why the charismatic family rose as tops in American society and politics, and why their fascination continues to this day.

Strauss is excellent as Joe, but his Boston accent sometimes disappears. Barbara Parkins, as the married woman he loves (and probably would have been forbidden to marry) is also good. Steve Kanaly, later of TV's "Dallas", ironically plays a character named Ray. Sam Chew Jr. Plays John who only by tragic circumstances moves up the line of succession. Not perfect, but definitely enlightening and entertaining.

Exciting movie, I was in a unbilled bit role.

[rainbowarrior-160-108817 · 10/10 · 15 November 2014]

Filmed in Seattle's,Pioneer Square location,this film was big news in '76.I was young and eager to learn the craft, (as this was my 2nd film to be in). The bar room scenes,and Joe as a boy, were favorites.I studied Peter Strauss and Barbara Parkins acting,and they were fantastic in their love scenes! B. Parkins, was very stunning! The war scenes were very realistic,as were the ballroom scenes, filmed in the(then)Olympic Hotel.I met most of the leads and crew, and it one of the highlights of my early career in films,stage and TV.I was only 23 and tried out for the comedy, buddy role...but lost out to a stronger contender! So I was cast in a bit role. I'll never forget the marriage scene! I found the director was very easy to take direction from, and the whole cast and crew worked well together! I wish the film would be played more! I keep watching for it to come on TV (even though I have my own copy)! I've got great memories,I loved working in this film, and loved my experiences in it! Thanks for the memories, Gary Zahnow