The definitive answer to who took the cine film of the JFK shooting is undeniably Abraham Zapruder. This simple answer, however, belies a complex history of ownership, controversy, and enduring significance. Zapruder’s 8mm color home movie, capturing the assassination in chilling detail, remains the single most important piece of visual evidence related to the event.
The Day in Dealey Plaza: Zapruder’s Perspective
Abraham Zapruder, a dress manufacturer, intended only to film President Kennedy’s motorcade as it passed through Dealey Plaza on November 22, 1963. Standing on a concrete pedestal near the grassy knoll, he used his Bell & Howell Zoomatic Director Series camera to record what he expected to be a routine and celebratory moment. He had requested his secretary, Marilyn Sitzman, to stand next to him to steady him.
The unexpected horror unfolded before his lens. His footage captured the moment of the first shot, then the fatal headshot that ended Kennedy’s life. The Zapruder film, as it became known, instantly became a priceless and potentially dangerous artifact.
Immediate Aftermath and the FBI
Immediately after the shooting, Zapruder returned to his office, deeply shaken by what he had witnessed. He understood the significance of his film and contacted the authorities. The Secret Service and the FBI quickly arrived, and Zapruder handed over the original film, retaining two copies for himself.
He later sold the rights to the film to Life Magazine for $150,000. Zapruder stipulated that Life should use the film with discretion and not for sensationalistic purposes, a request that was not always fully honored.
The Film’s Journey Through History
The Zapruder film was initially kept from public view, only accessible to investigators and researchers. However, its existence fueled speculation and conspiracy theories. Over the years, the film has been meticulously analyzed, frame by frame, to understand the events of that day and to try to decipher the truth behind the assassination. It became a crucial piece of evidence for the Warren Commission and subsequent investigations. Ultimately, the film was returned to the Zapruder family and later purchased by the U.S. government.
Unpacking the Details: FAQs About the Zapruder Film
The Zapruder film is much more than just footage of a tragic event. Its history, analysis, and interpretation are interwoven with the larger narrative of the JFK assassination. Let’s delve into some frequently asked questions:
FAQ 1: What type of camera did Abraham Zapruder use?
Zapruder used an 8mm Bell & Howell Zoomatic Director Series camera with a zoom lens. This particular model was relatively common at the time, but its role in documenting history transformed its status. This camera shot at 18.3 frames per second.
FAQ 2: Where exactly was Zapruder positioned when filming?
Zapruder stood on a concrete pedestal, now marked with a memorial plaque, near the corner of Elm and Houston Streets in Dealey Plaza. His vantage point offered a clear view of the presidential motorcade as it approached the Texas School Book Depository.
FAQ 3: How many frames are in the Zapruder film?
The original Zapruder film contains 486 frames. Each frame has been meticulously examined, analyzed, and debated by researchers and conspiracy theorists alike.
FAQ 4: Why was the Zapruder film initially kept from public view?
The graphic nature of the film, particularly the depiction of President Kennedy’s head wound, was deemed too disturbing for widespread public consumption in the immediate aftermath of the assassination. There were also concerns about its potential to incite further unrest.
FAQ 5: What is the significance of frames 312-313 of the Zapruder film?
Frames 312 and 313 show the moment of the fatal headshot. This is arguably the most controversial and heavily analyzed section of the film, used to support various theories about the number and direction of shots fired.
FAQ 6: Who owns the Zapruder film today?
The United States government owns the Zapruder film. It was purchased from the Zapruder family in 1999 for $16 million. The film is stored in the National Archives and Records Administration.
FAQ 7: Is the Zapruder film available for public viewing?
While the original film is carefully preserved, copies are available for public viewing, often through online sources and in documentaries. However, access to high-resolution copies may be restricted for copyright reasons.
FAQ 8: Has the Zapruder film been altered or tampered with?
This is a question frequently asked. Experts largely agree that while the film has been copied and possibly enhanced for clarity over the years, there is no credible evidence to suggest that the original film was altered or tampered with to change the sequence of events.
FAQ 9: What impact did the Zapruder film have on the Warren Commission’s report?
The Warren Commission heavily relied on the Zapruder film in its investigation. It used the film to establish the timeline of events and to support its conclusion that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. However, some critics argue that the Warren Commission misinterpreted or selectively used the film to fit its narrative.
FAQ 10: How does the Zapruder film contribute to assassination conspiracy theories?
Despite the Warren Commission’s findings, the Zapruder film has been a significant source of fuel for conspiracy theories. Its graphic depiction of the assassination, coupled with perceived inconsistencies in the official narrative, has led many to question the lone gunman theory. The angles, number of shots, and the reactions of people in the film have been debated endlessly.
FAQ 11: What technological advancements have been applied to analyze the Zapruder film?
Over the years, advanced computer technology and image enhancement techniques have been used to analyze the Zapruder film. These technologies have allowed researchers to stabilize the film, enhance clarity, and even create 3D models of the scene to better understand the events of that day.
FAQ 12: What is the enduring legacy of the Zapruder film?
The Zapruder film’s enduring legacy extends far beyond its role as a piece of evidence in the JFK assassination investigation. It represents the power of amateur filmmaking to capture history in real-time. It serves as a stark reminder of a tragic event and continues to be a subject of intense scrutiny and debate, a testament to its profound impact on American history and collective memory. It also raises ethical questions about what should be viewed, when, and for what purpose.
Conclusion: The Film That Changed Everything
The Zapruder film, taken by Abraham Zapruder on that fateful day in Dallas, remains a pivotal piece of evidence in understanding the events surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. While its initial purpose was simply to document a historical moment, it became an unintentional record of tragedy, forever shaping the narrative of a nation. Its enduring power to provoke discussion, investigation, and reflection solidifies its place as a significant historical document. The film will continue to be examined and re-examined, sparking controversy and shedding light on a dark chapter in American history for generations to come.