Films About Ronald Reagan
Films about Ronald Reagan often explore his dual legacy as both a Hollywood actor and a political figure, highlighting his journey from the silver screen to the White House. These films can range from biographical portrayals to fictionalized accounts that reflect his values and the political climate of his time. Below is a list of notable films that feature Ronald Reagan, either as a character or as a central figure in the narrative.
“Kings Row”, 1942
Director: Sam Wood
Often regarded as Reagan's best performance, he plays Drake McHugh, a young man who faces personal tragedy in a small town filled with dark secrets. The film is notable for its exploration of themes like betrayal and the loss of innocence [[2]](https://ew.com/article/2004/06/07/ronald-reagans-five-most-memorable-movies/).
Starring: Ann Sheridan, Robert Cummings, Ronald Reagan, Betty Field, Charles Coburn, Claude Rains, Judith Anderson, Nancy Coleman, Kaaren Verne, Maria Ouspenskaya, Harry Davenport, Ernest Cossart, Ilka Grüning, Pat Moriarity, Minor Watson, Ludwig Stössel, Erwin Kalser, Egon Brecher, Ann E. Todd, Scotty Beckett, Douglas Croft, Mary Thomas, Julie Warren, Mary Scott, Leah Baird, Walter Baldwin, Henry Blair, Joan Duvalle, Eden Gray, Ludwig Hardt, Herbert Heywood, Danny Jackson, Payne B. Johnson, Fred Kelsey, Hank Mann, Frank Mayo, Frank Milan, Jack Mower, Hattie Noel, Emory Parnell, Bertha Powell, Thomas W. Ross, Hermine Sterler, Elizabeth Valentine;
Production year: 1942;
Genre: drama, melodrama, detective;
Duration: 127 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Kings Row” on the website imdb.com
“Desperate Journey”, 1942
Director: Raoul Walsh
In this World War II adventure film, Reagan stars alongside Errol Flynn as a pilot who escapes from a German POW camp. The film serves as wartime propaganda, showcasing heroism and camaraderie.
Starring: Errol Flynn, Ronald Reagan, Nancy Coleman, Raymond Massey, Alan Hale, Arthur Kennedy, Ronald Sinclair, Albert Bassermann, Sig Ruman, Patrick O'Moore, Felix Basch, Ilka Grüning, Elsa Bassermann, Charles Irwin, Richard Fraser, Rudolph Anders, Henry Victor, Bruce Lester, Lester Matthews, Frank Alten, Louis V. Arco, John Banner, Barry Bernard, Walter Bonn, Sven Hugo Borg, John Breen, Walter Brooke, Steve Carruthers, Russell Custer, Harold Daniels, Helmut Dantine, Leslie Denison, Carl Ekberg, Charles Flynn, Arno Frey, Gene Garrick, Frederick Giermann, Henry Guttman, Eddie Hall, Carl Harbaugh, Ludwig Hardt, James Harker, William Hopper, Kurt Katch, Harry Lewis, Rolf Lindau, Jack Lomas, Frank Mayo, Peter Michael, Ray Miller;
Production year: 1942;
Genre: action, drama, adventure, war;
Duration: 107 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “Desperate Journey” on the website imdb.com
“The Voice of the Turtle”, 1947
Director: Irving Rapper
This romantic comedy features Reagan as a soldier on leave who falls in love with a woman played by Eleanor Parker. The film is a light-hearted exploration of love and relationships during post-war America [[3]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Reagan_filmography).
Starring: Ronald Reagan, Eleanor Parker, Eve Arden, Wayne Morris, Kent Smith, John Emery, Erskine Sanford, John Holland, Douglas Kennedy, Ernest Anderson, Lois Austin, Richard Bartell, Nanette Bordeaux, Peter Camlin, Tristram Coffin, Bunty Cutler, Noel Delorme, Bernard DeRoux, Suzanne Dulier, Sarah Edwards, Ross Ford, Alan Foster, William Gould, Doris Kemper, Joan Lawrence, Jack Lee, Philip Morris, Brian O'Hara, Nino Pipitone, Robert Spencer, Nick Stewart, Helen Wallace, Elaine Morey, Frank Wilcox;
Production year: 1947;
Genre: melodrama, comedy;
Duration: 103 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “The Voice of the Turtle” on the website imdb.com
“Bedtime for Bonzo”, 1951
Director: Frederick De Cordova
In this comedy, Reagan plays a college professor who attempts to raise a chimpanzee as if it were a human child. The film is often remembered for its quirky premise and Reagan's comedic performance.
Starring: Ronald Reagan, Diana Lynn, Walter Slezak, Lucille Barkley, Jesse White, Herbert Heyes, Herb Vigran, Harry Tyler, Edward Clark, Edward Gargan, Joel Friedkin, Brad Browne, Elizabeth Flournoy, Howard Banks, Perc Launders, Brad Johnson, Billy Mauch, Ann Tyrrell, Bonzo, Ginger Anderson, Leslie Banning, Tommy Bond, Bridget Carr, Larry Carr, Larry Crane, John Daheim, Irmgard Dawson, Johnny Duncan, Jack Gargan, Ed Jarga, Philo McCullough, Frank Nelson, Chip Perrin, Purv Pullen, Midge Ware, Steve Wayne, Lawrence A. Williams;
Production year: 1951;
Genre: melodrama, comedy, family;
Duration: 83 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,5;
“Cattle Queen of Montana”, 1954
Director: Allan Dwan
Reagan stars as a rancher in this Western film, which tells the story of a woman who fights to maintain her cattle ranch amidst various challenges. The film reflects Reagan's affinity for the American West and its values [[3]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Reagan_filmography).
Starring: Barbara Stanwyck, Ronald Reagan, Gene Evans, Lance Fuller, Anthony Caruso, Jack Elam, Yvette Duguay, Morris Ankrum, Chubby Johnson, Myron Healey, Rodd Redwing, Paul Birch, Byron Foulger, Burt Mustin, Dorothy Andre, George Bell, Bob Burrows, Wayne Burson, John Cason, Albert Cavens, Bill Coontz, Art Felix, Danny Fisher, Roy Gordon, Jonathan Hale, Betty Hanna, Carl Mathews, Joe Phillips, Riza Royce, Ralph Sanford, Milan Smith, Tom Steele, Glenn Strange, Harry Tyler, Bob Woodward;
Production year: 1954;
Genre: drama, western;
Age: 12+;
Duration: 88 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,6;
These films not only showcase Reagan's acting career but also provide insight into the cultural and political narratives of his time, making them significant in understanding his legacy.
In conclusion, the selection of films about Ronald Reagan offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and legacy of one of America's most iconic presidents. From biopics that delve into his early days as an actor to political dramas that explore his time in office, these films provide a captivating exploration of Reagan's charisma, leadership, and impact on the nation. Whether portraying his rise to power or examining the complexities of his presidency, these movies shed light on the man behind the politician, painting a nuanced portrait that both informs and entertains. Through the lens of cinema, we are able to witness Reagan's journey and gain a deeper understanding of the profound influence he had on American politics and culture.
