Previously unseen footage of President John F. Kennedy’s motorcade heading towards a Dallas hospital after he was shot was recently sold at auction for $137,500. The footage was captured by Dale Carpenter Sr. on 8mm home film and was discovered by his grandson, James Gates, in 2010. Gates was surprised by the significance of the footage once he projected it onto his bedroom wall.
Carpenter had initially set up on Lemmon Avenue in downtown Dallas to film JFK’s motorcade. He missed capturing the president’s limousine but managed to record the other cars in the procession. The film then shows Kennedy’s car racing towards Parkland Memorial Hospital after the president had been shot. Secret Service Agent Clint Hill can be seen on the back of the limousine, guarding Jacqueline Kennedy as they sped down the empty I-35 at 80 MPH. The footage, which lasts about ten seconds, also shows Jackie’s iconic pink suit.
According to Gates, this footage is the first original film from November 2nd, 1963 that could be purchased since the Zapruder film. RR Auction has released still photos from the footage showing the president’s limousine speeding down 1-35 but has not publicly shared the entire video. The bidding for this historic footage began at $12,100 back in October and was eventually sold to an anonymous bidder.
This rare find offers a first-hand look at the events surrounding the assassination of President Kennedy and provides a unique perspective on the moments immediately following the shooting. Carpenter’s decision to film the motorcade on that fateful day in Dallas has given future generations a glimpse into this tragic chapter in American history. The discovery and sale of this footage highlights the enduring interest in JFK’s presidency and the circumstances surrounding his death.
The footage captures the chaos and urgency of the situation as Kennedy’s motorcade rushes towards the hospital, with Agent Clint Hill bravely guarding the first lady in the aftermath of the shooting. The historical significance of this film, along with its previously unseen nature, makes it a valuable and important piece of memorabilia from one of the most pivotal moments in American history. The sale of this footage for a substantial sum underscores the enduring fascination with President Kennedy’s legacy and the lasting impact of his presidency.
