Desertman84
David Frost Interviews Richard Nixon a.k.a.The Nixon Interviews were a series of interviews of former United States President Richard Nixon conducted by British journalist David Frost. They were recorded and broadcast on television in four programs in 1977.After his resignation in 1974, Nixon spent more than two years away from public life. In 1977, he granted Frost an exclusive series of interviews. Nixon was already publishing his memoirs at the time; however, his publicist Irving "Swifty" Lazar believed that by using television Nixon could reach a mass audience. In addition, Nixon was going through a temporary cash flow problem with his lawyers, and needed to find a quick source of income. This is probably one of the most brilliant interviews conducted ever to a former President of the United States.It presents to us the real and true Richard Nixon.David Frost was also spectacular as the interview as he was able to obtain answers to question in a forthright manner.And of course,who could forget the classic Nixon quote when Frost asked the former President about the legality of the president's actions,"Well, when the president does it, that means that it is not illegal." Absolutely,classic!!!!
paudie
Absolutely riveting stuff. This is because of Frost's deep knowledge of the details of Watergate. It is clear he has spent months researching the events leading up to Nixon's resignation and of course the damning Oval office tapes. He appears to knows as much about the subject as Nixon,enabling him to probe little by little, setting out his opinion on Nixon's actions, how he has come to that opinion and inviting Nixon to disprove his opinion. Nixon never really does. Nixon comes across as a typical politician, never really accepting blame for his actions and unconvincingly setting out arguments in his defence. Worn down in the end and perhaps having a moment or two of clarity he gives as close to an apology as you could expect from a man in his position. The present day interview with Frost on the DVD set out the events surrounding the interviews. This is interesting given the recent movie based on the events.However, don't forget this interview took place very soon after Watergate so it was not necessary to do any scene setting for viewers. You will want to know your Erlichmann's from your Haldeman's and what happened when to fully understand what the protagonists are talking about.
roledquist
ksf-2 in a comment states we don't get to hear Mr. Nixon say 'if the President does it...it's not illegal' I beg to differ. My comment regards the David Frost Interviews Richard Nixon two DVD set...the re-release of the interviews originally done in 1977 which is the set ksf-2 left comment upon. He states it was an entertaining hour and a half. The interviews feature two sections on the first DVD and three sections on the second. My word, this presentation runs at least 6 hours and it is all fascinating as it regards real events which are admittedly now historical. Besides discussing Watergate. Mr. Nixon whole Presidency is examined by Mr. Frost...the actual point to hear Mr. Nixon say 'if the President does it...it's not illegal can be heard starting at the 35th minute on the first section 'War At Home and Abroad' of the second DVD. Plain as day. Absorbing.
David (DMP-2)
This is an excellent documentary. This answered a lot of the questions that people had about Richard Nixon's presidency. I will say the content of this documentary is excellent and very informative, it also made me appreciate Nixon's presidency much more, But it is very drawn out, 5 videos with a total of 6 hours can wear you out. I highly recommend seeing it (especially people who disliked Nixon's presidency). Really well done. A must see. I highly recommend it. It's pretty cheap on DVD now, I think. I really don't know what else to say, but I need to fill 10 lines which is kind of ridiculous, but OK. Still have not quite filled 10 lines.
AD
