The documentary “Ethel’’ also captures many lighter moments in Ethel Kennedy’s 17-year marriage — including an extraordinary surprise gift from hubby Bobby at her birthday party.
“At one point, Daddy and Uncle Steve [Smith] went outside to a car, and they pulled out a guy who was wearing a tuxedo and wrapped up all in ribbons with a big pink bow,’’ her son Joseph Kennedy recalls in the film.
“They laid the guy down at Mom’s feet,’’ he continues, and when Ethel Kennedy unwrapped him, it was legendary dancer Gene Kelly.
“He grabbed Mommy and danced her around the floor,’’ Joseph Kennedy continues. “It was a birthday present she would never forget.’’
Filmmaker Rory Kennedy says she searched high and low for photos or home movies taken at the party.
“Believe me, I tried,’’ she laughs. “I ended up having to license a clip [of Kelly] from ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ for $4,000.”
