The series contains film and sound recordings related to the motion picture film, "The President: April 1968," including silent film footage that was not used in the finished film. The finished film is a narrative account of President Lyndon B. Johnson's activities for the month of April, 1968.
Included in the film is an excerpt from President Johnson’s address to the nation on March 31, 1968, announcing that he will not seek reelection. Also included are images of the front pages of several newspapers from the following day. The film contains footage of other speeches by President Johnson, including a speech at the National Association of Broadcasters conference and a special message to Congress on strengthening the international monetary system.
The film contains footage related to the death of Martin Luther King, Jr. It includes images of newspaper headlines, news footage from riots, a meeting between President Johnson and leaders of the black community, and President Johnson’s address to the nation proclaiming a Day of Mourning for Dr. King.
President Johnson’s meetings include: Robert F. Kennedy and advisers regarding the Vietnam War and the Vietnam Peace Talks; a discussion with Secretary-General U Thant; a gathering of advisers at Camp David, Maryland; a meeting with members of the Urban Institute; and a conversation with President Eisenhower.
The film features footage of visits to the White House by General Westmoreland and President and Mrs. Josef Klaus of Austria.
The film contains footage of President Johnson’s trip to Hawaii, which includes the Mexico-United States Interparliamentary Conference and a meeting with President Park of South Korea. Footage of other trips includes Mrs. Johnson's five-day trip across Texas, Johnson family Easter celebrations at the LBJ Ranch, and Mrs. Johnson’s tour of the Buchanan School playground in Washington, D.C.
Ceremonies, receptions and festivities contained in the film include: a ceremony for the new Archbishop of St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, a Democratic Party dinner in Chicago, the annual Diplomatic Reception, a luncheon in honor of private donors to the Beautification program, and Mrs. Johnson at the unveiling of the Bess Truman portrait.
Other political events included in the film are the announcement of Vice President Hubert Humphrey’s candidacy for the Presidency, the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, the signing of the DC Elected Board of Education Act, and the swearing-in of Marvin Watson as Postmaster General.
