PROFILES IN COURAGE (1964-1965) – This television series took its name from the late President John F. Kennedy’s non-fiction book of that title. Some of the episodes dramatized specific sections of JFK’s book while others depicted what the producers felt were similar instances of political figures facing tough choices.
Those choices were between following their conscience or following what was best for their political career at the time.
John F. Kennedy’s book – like many (probably all) such works by sitting politicians – was supposedly ghost-written and dealt purely with senators, the office Kennedy held when putting the book together.
The television version of Profiles in Courage ran for 26 episodes, each of which filled a 1-hour time slot with commercials.
NOTEWORTHY EPISODES:
OSCAR W. UNDERWOOD (Nov 8th, 1964) – Senator Underwood was a top contender for the Democrat presidential nomination in 1924. However, he obeyed his conscience by speaking out against the Ku Klux Klan, one of the Democrat Party’s most powerful forces.
His courageous stand cost him the presidential nomination and then his senate seat. Sidney Blackmer played Oscar Underwood and Victor Jory played Charles Carlin.
MARY S. MCDOWELL (Nov 15th, 1964) – Mary McDowell was a New York teacher during World War One. She refused to support the war effort via War Bonds rallies or sign a loyalty oath due to her religious principles as a Quaker.
McDowell lost her job and was publicly vilified, with the New York Times going so far as to write that her case “proved that Quakers and other pacifists ought not to be allowed to teach children”. Rosemary Harris starred as Mary McDowell and Albert Salmi played Mr. Schneider. Continue reading
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