Movie Nights with the Reagans, by Mark Weinberg

In the current political environment, it certainly is refreshing to look back to an era in which the President of the United States was almost universally loved and admired.  Even though he had his detractors, as every politician does, there is little question in my mind that Ronald Reagan was one of the most beloved and popular presidents in our history.

Mark Weinberg worked closely with Reagan throughout his administration as a special advisor and press secretary.  As part of his duties, he accompanied President and Mrs. Reagan on their weekend retreats to Camp David.  While at Camp David, the Saturday night routine had the Reagans inviting everyone at Camp David to the living room of Aspen Lodge for a movie, complete with popcorn, followed by casual conversations about the film.  They usually watched current releases, but occasionally pulled out an oldie featuring Reagan himself.  Weinberg writes about these movie nights in Movie Nights with the Reagans: A Memoir.

Weinberg makes one thing clear from the start, and the tone of the book reflects it: he loves the Reagans.  This is no tell-all exposé.  His affection and admiration for the first couple never dims, and he expresses deep appreciation for the experiences he had with them during Reagan's presidency and after (he continued working for President Reagan after he left office).  Given Reagan's public persona, and bolstered by Weinberg's stories, I found myself longing for another Reagan.

Each chapter focuses on a movie, or in some cases movies with related themes.  Weinberg gives details about the movie, the circumstances of the week or day leading up to the Saturday night viewing, and reflections on the post-movie discussion.  But he works each movie into the broader picture of the presidency and events and issues of the day.

In some cases, themes or even quotes from the movie might turn up in Reagan's speeches or policy talks.  But in most cases, he simply loved movies, sans politics.  Regarding the feminist themes of 9 to 5, and the fact that one of the stars, Jane Fonda, was married to "the liberal activist and fierce Reagan critic Tom Hayden," Reagan didn't care.  "That was politics.  I think he just wanted to see a funny film."

Besides his love of movies, Weinberg's account demonstrates President Reagan's kindness, thoughtfulness, and gentility.  He reminded his staff that "people like to be uplifted, and they responded to leaders who appealed to their hopes and aspirations."  Once, when speaking to Mrs. Reagan about a cabinet member known for being rude to junior staff, Weinberg said, "But Mrs. Reagan, if the most important and busy man and woman in the world always had time to be courteous to people, why couldn't he?"  Throughout the book Weinberg writes about many small kindnesses the Reagans extended to staff, to strangers, and to others around them.

I couldn't help comparing Reagan to the current occupant of the White House.  On this measure, I think there are some similarities.  Trump always seems to have kind things to say about servicemen and first responders, and plenty of stories have been circulated about his expressions of appreciation and assistance for people who work for him, as well as for strangers.  However, Reagan insisted on treating his opponents with respect, and hated the use of coarse language both in personal interactions and in entertainment and media.  Trump is well known for speaking ill of his opponents and, as we all know too well, does not avoid coarse language.  We can only hope that as Trump matures in office (if you can talk about someone in his 70s maturing) he will emulate Reagan's example.

Movie Nights with the Reagans will make you nostalgic for the 1980s.  On a very small level, you might be inspired to watch some of these movies that came out decades ago.  But on a much deeper level you will be reminded of a man who set a great example of leadership, patriotism, and civility.  May the leaders of today and the future look to Reagan as an example and mentor.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!