Ethel and 41

This weekend I watched the documentaries Ethel and 41 on HBO GO. First of all let me just start by saying that I LOVE documentaries, and HBO GO has a few really great ones right now so be sure to check them out.

Image  via Capitol File Magazine

I first heard about the documentary Ethel while watching the news and when I learned that I could watch it was online I was thrilled. Ethel is a documentary about Ethel Kennedy, the wife of the late Robert Kennedy. The documentary was directed and produced by Ethel’s 11^th child, Rory Kennedy. The film offers a deeper look into the life of Ethel Kennedy, who really is a fascinating woman. There are short clips of home movies that show Ethel Kennedy as a young girl and then as a mother and of course as the wife of Robert Kennedy. The documentary provides a glimpse into her life, as she constantly stood by her husband and supported him throughout his career. Many of Ethel Kennedy’s children participated in the film, telling stories about their mother. The film really opened my eyes into what an amazing woman Ethel Kennedy is, and how strong she was after the death of Robert Kennedy. I learned a great deal not only about her life when Robert Kennedy was alive, but the role she took on after his death and her ongoing involvement in politics today.

Image via CultureMap Houston

After watching Ethel, in browsing through some of the other documentaries online I found 41. The documentary 41 chronicles the life of George H.W. Bush, the 41^st President of the United States. The documentary includes interviews with President Bush about his life growing up, and his life after his marriage to his wife Barbara, the death of his daughter Robin, and his time not only as President of the United States but also as Vice President for Richard Nixon and the significant events that marked both of these times in the White House. I learned so much about President Bush’s role before making it to the White House, including his work abroad in China and then for the C.I.A.

Both Ethel Kennedy and George H.W. Bush have fascinating stories and these documentaries are worth watching. Not only are Mrs. Kennedy and President Bush both members of important families in our country, but also they have both done so much in public service and these documentaries are a great tribute to all of their successes.