Watching this program, one would never recognize the man who unethically obtained a copy of Carter's debate handbook prior to the televised presidential debates; disregarded the Constitution on at least one occasion (the bombing of Libya), and maybe more; and had a difficult time separating his Hollywood career--with its black and white code of the west--from his political career, where such an attitude was foolish at best, and potentially destructive, at worst. Originally produced for the Reagan White House as a promotional tool for Party supporters, this compilation of interviews (many commissioned specifically for this program) and filmed speeches (along with rare, never-before-seen, clips) covers the major events of the Reagan Presidency: the release of the American hostages from Iran, the Hinckley assassination attempt, the Challenger tragedy, the U.S.S. Stark tragedy, the Libya bombing run, etc. Throughout, the perspectives offered by Casper Weinberger and James Baker III are, needless to say, salutary to the point of reverence. But, the bulk of the program, is given over to Reagan's speeches--which are, by and large, boring and melodramatic. The best laugh comes near the end of the program when Reagan is said to have been Hollywood's "most popular leading man, second only to Errol Flynn." Thus is history rewritten. Although basically an extended commercial for Ronald Reagan, this program does contain a significant amount of historical footage, and libraries may want to purchase for this reason. Otherwise, this is not recommended.
Ronald Reagan: An American President
(1989) 60 m. $29.95. Edmonds Associates, Inc. Vol. 4, Issue 5
Ronald Reagan: An American President
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