Movie Questions: Thirteen Days Name_____________________ Period____
(The Cuban Missile Crisis)
As you watch the film, answer the following questions in the space provided.
1. The film is told through the eyes of Kevin Costner’s character. What role does Costner play? What was his
job in the Kennedy White House?
2. Why was the discovery of Soviet missiles in Cuba such a threat to the United States?
3. In reacting to the discovery of the missiles, what were the possible courses of actions that could have been
taken by President Kennedy? (Hint: What were some of the different ideas of his advisers?) What were the
risks associated with each course of action? Make sure you explain each option.
4. What course of action does President Kennedy ultimately take?
5. What role does Robert Kennedy play throughout the crisis?
6. Explain how the crisis gets resolved. (What deal does the United States and the Soviets cut?)
7. How does President Kennedy’s handling of the crisis impact his image? World opinion?
--The End--