The Hunt for John Wilkes Booth

The Hunt for John Wilkes Booth (2007)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

Very good documentary from The History Channel takes a look at John Wilkes Booth's actions on April 14, 1865, which led to the death of President Abraham Lincoln and the next twelve days as the assassin discovered that he was the most wanted man in America. Historians Terry Alford, Michael Kauffman, Doris Kearns Goodwin and U.S. Marshall John Clark are among the people interviewed as they discuss the assassination of the President and Booth's actions after wards, which led to several others being killed and convicted of crimes. I think the most fascinating aspect of this entire story is just hearing how Booth thought for certain that he was going to be held as a great man because of what he did. It's funny to think that he was basically riding around thinking he was a hero not knowing that nearly everyone hated him and wanted to see him captured. The stories dealing with Booth finally finding out that he was hated were quite strange and then we go into his diary writings where he's clearly upset that he's being looked at as a monster. A lot of details are given about the 12 days following the assassination as we hear about Booth's tracks but we also hear what else was going on in regards to hunting down other people involved. We also learn how the entire country was thrown in a state of chaos as those showing sympathy towards Booth were often killed. There have been many documentaries about this subject but there's no question that this here is one of the best. I'm sure history buffs won't learn anything new but this is a great place for those unfamiliar with all the events to start.

Exceptional documentary from the History Channel before they became nothing but reality shows. It covers the night of the Lincoln assassination and the two weeks after it leading up to John Wilkes Booth's death. Highly informative and interesting with some great insight into what happened with Booth after the assassination. I've never really heard about his diary or the things in it but it gives a fascinating look at his thought process. He really believed he would be seen as a hero. The reenactments are great, especially since they're largely silent with the narrator and various historians providing commentary. Doris Kearns Goodwin, Michael Kauffman, Betty Owensby, Terry Alford, and gravelly-voiced Roger McGrath are among the commentators. I've seen McGrath on many other historical programs, particularly those focused on the Old West. It doesn't just cover the hunt for Booth, though. It also covers the aftermath of the assassination, the hunt for Booth's co-conspirators and the effects Lincoln's murder had on his friends, family, and the country.

I've watched it many times since it first aired. It's one of the best TV docs I've ever seen. It's still being shown from time to time but only on History Channel's sister H2 (formerly History International). This is because, as I said before, all History Channel shows now are programs about pawn shops, truck drivers, and lumberjacks. If you catch this on one day, make sure you check it out. It's excellent.