Ronald Reagan: A Legacy Remembered

When Ronald Reagan was injured by a would-be assassin's bullet, he told his wife Nancy, “honey, I forgot to duck.” Calling the quip "a hallmark of his presidency,” this hagiographic look at “the private side” of America's 40th president spends more time on the traumatic events surrounding the assassination attempt than on the coverage of Reagan's entire political background, including his formative years as California's governor. CNN's Frank Sesno conducts soft-pitch interviews with Reagan administration officials including George Bush Sr., Jim Baker, Marlin Fitzwater, George Shultz, Caspar Weinberger, Ed Meese, and Patrick Buchanan. Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and former Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev also weigh in, along with the current President Bush. In addition, the Reagan family--Nancy and children--have a great deal of onscreen input, shaping the spin of the piece. Unfortunately, however, there are no journalists, political scientists, or historians interviewed or consulted here; a rather astonishing omission for a History Channel production. Think People magazine and you've got a feel for the piece, which is on par with Ronald Reagan, American President (VL-7/89) and Ronald Reagan: Great Communicator (VL Online, 2/00). Still, given the potential popularity of this profile, consider this a strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (R. Reagan)