History's Greatest Mysteries Season 1 Episode 16 Lee Harvey Oswald: 48 Hours to Live
- November 22, 2013
- 85 min
In season 1, episode 16 of History's Greatest Mysteries, entitled "Lee Harvey Oswald: 48 Hours to Live," the events leading up to John F. Kennedy's assassination on November 22, 1963 are examined in great detail. Through the use of archival footage, interviews with witnesses and experts, and dramatic reenactments, the episode delves into the life of Lee Harvey Oswald, the man who has been famously accused of JFK's murder.
The episode opens with footage of the motorcade in Dallas, Texas on that fateful day, followed by images of Oswald being apprehended two days later for the murder of Dallas police officer J.D. Tippit. From there, the narrative shifts back to Oswald's upbringing in New Orleans and his history of instability and radical political views. Experts discuss Oswald's time living in the Soviet Union and Cuba, where he displayed a desire to defect and sympathized with Communist ideology.
The episode also covers Oswald's actions in the days leading up to the assassination, including his purchase of a rifle, his attempts to rent a room overlooking the motorcade route, and his odd behavior at work. Crucially, the show also examines the assassination itself, covering the various conspiracy theories that have arisen over the years, including the possibility of multiple shooters and the involvement of government agencies.
The episode also introduces new evidence, including never before seen footage of Oswald in Mexico City, where he is believed to have met with Cuban/ Soviet officials. The footage is analyzed by experts, who use it to shed new light on Oswald's possible motives for assassinating JFK.
Throughout the episode, various experts weigh in on the evidence, offering possible explanations for Oswald's actions and highlighting the lingering questions surrounding the assassination. The show offers a detailed account of the assassination and the events leading up to it, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in one of America's most enduring mysteries.
