In a significant moment for both history enthusiasts and collectors alike, rare footage of President John F. Kennedy’s motorcade, captured just moments after he was fatally shot in Dallas, has been sold at auction for a staggering $137,500. This remarkable film, recorded by Dale Carpenter Sr. on 8mm home movie, provides a unique glimpse into a pivotal moment in American history, illuminating the chaos and urgency that ensued following the assassination.
Dale Carpenter, an amateur filmmaker, was initially positioned along Lemmon Avenue in downtown Dallas, waiting to film JFK’s motorcade as it passed. However, in a twist of fate, he missed capturing the president’s limousine itself and instead recorded the procession of vehicles following behind. It wasn’t until 2010, when Carpenter’s grandson, James Gates, stumbled upon the old film reel tucked away in a milk crate, that the significance of this footage was rediscovered. Gates projected the film onto his bedroom wall and was “shocked” to realize the historical weight of what his grandfather had recorded.
The footage captures a tense moment as the president’s car races toward Parkland Memorial Hospital, reportedly at speeds reaching 80 miles per hour. One striking scene shows Secret Service Agent Clint Hill, who famously jumped onto the back of the limousine during the initial shots at Dealey Plaza, standing guard over Jacqueline Kennedy. This fleeting glimpse not only immortalizes Hill’s heroic actions but also highlights the panic and urgency of the situation. Jackie Kennedy’s iconic pink suit is visible in the brief film, further enhancing the emotional gravity of the moment.
The auction, conducted by RR Auction in Boston, began with a modest starting bid of $12,100 in October, ultimately culminating in a sale to an anonymous bidder. This footage, described by auctioneer Robert Livingston as “the first original real film you could really buy from November 2nd, 1963 since the Zapruder film,” underscores the ongoing fascination with JFK’s assassination and the quest for primary sources that illuminate that tragic day. The Zapruder film, another key piece of historical footage, has been extensively analyzed for decades, and this newly surfaced film offers a different perspective on the immediate aftermath of the assassination.
While RR Auction has released still images from the footage, they have opted not to publicly disclose the entire video, generating intrigue and speculation among historians and the public alike. The preservation and sale of such footage raise important questions about the ethics of commodifying moments of tragedy, as well as the responsibilities of collectors and archivists in maintaining historical integrity.
This sale not only highlights the intersection of history and commerce but also serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of sudden violence on a nation. As new generations continue to engage with this pivotal moment in American history, artifacts like Carpenter’s film provide essential insights, fostering a deeper understanding of the events that shaped the United States in the 20th century. In an age where digital technology often overshadows traditional media, this 8mm film stands as a testament to the enduring power of visual storytelling in capturing the human experience.