Paul Fischer: JFK and LBJ

[John Simkin]

Paul Fischer was the presidential projectionist for 33 years. Now aged 75, Fischer has revealed what the American presidents since Harry Truman liked watching. Is it possible that this might provide clues about the assassination of JFK?

According to Fischer JFK favourite movie was Spartacus. Could this be politically significant? The film Spartacus was based on the book written by Howard Fast. The screenplay was written by Dalton Trumbo. Both men were former members of the Communist Party who had been blacklisted as a result of McCarthyism in the 1950s.

Dalton became the first blacklisted writer to use his own name when he wrote the screenplay for the film Spartacus. The film examines the spirit of revolt. Trumbo refers back to his experiences of the House of Un-American Activities Committee. At the end, when the Romans finally defeat the rebellion, the captured slaves refuse to identify Spartacus. As a result, all are crucified.

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAtrumbo.htm

LBJ used to watch the same movie over and over again. It was in fact a 10-minute homage to himself, narrated by Gregory Peck, and made on the orders of the White House staff soon after the assassination. As Fischer puts it: “LBJ was his own favourite movie star”.