Reagan
WhileRonald Reaganwill always be known as the fortieth President of the United States , before enter politics , he had a successful career as a Hollywood star . With acclaim roles in dramatic event , war moving-picture show , and Westerns , Reagan ’s impressive amusement calling showcased him as a heroic lead adult male and likely influenced the American populace ’s desire for him to then play as the country ’s air force officer - in - chief . While Reagan has bear on to stay a prominent figure on the swelled screen , such as through Dennis Quiad ’s performance in the 2024 biopic exploring his presidency , looking back on his film , several great roles stand out .
Although manyactors have played Reagan in movies and TV shows , the former president himself has also portray some truly iconic characters . Reagan ’s Hollywood career was categorized by smorgasbord as he portrayed everything from real - life football caption George Gipp inKnute Rockne , All Americanto the Pan troglodytes teach psychologist Peter Boyd inBedtime for Bonzo . WhileReagan has been remembered as one of the Earth ’s most significant political figures , looking back on his pre - presidential career , he also had some in truth great movies .
10Hellcats Of The Navy (1957)
Ronald Reagan as Commander Casey Abbott
Hellcats of the Navywas a extremely notable release in Ronald Reagan ’s play life history , as it ’s the only time he deal the silver screen with his wife , who was billed under her maiden name as Nancy Davis . The Reagans were both actors and met as a result of Ronald ’s role as president of the Screen Actors Guild , as he helped remove her name from the ill-famed Hollywood blacklist of potential communist sympathizers ( viaHistory . ) They married in 1952 , and their lone movie together was this WWII submarine drama .
Whileseeing the future President and First Lady sharing the screen togetherwas the primary reason to delay outHellcats of the Navy , it also order a strong story as Commander Casey Abbott ( Reagan ) charted the minefields in the waters of Japan . With an engaging lovemaking trigon and some telling action mechanism chronological succession , the motion picture was formulaic but solid . As an piquant papers of an factual combat operation in WWII , plus the comprehension of Ronald and Nancy , Hellcats of the Nacyhas earned its spot in account motion picture .
9The Bad Man (1941)
Ronald Reagan as Gil Jones
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The Bad Man ( 1941 ) is a westerly drama that explores the tension between a cattle cattle thief , a scramble rancher , and a Mexican bandit . With a portmanteau word of action and nuanced character , the film dig into themes of loyalty , buyback , and the complexities of human nature set against the rugged backdrop of the American Southwest .
The Bad Manwas a Western narrative that ’s been enjoin several time before . The first version was a 1923 unsounded film ; the second was a pre - Code Western with Walter Huston from 1930 ; there was also a 1937 Boris Karloff movie calledWest of Shanghaithat moved the action to China ; and finally , a version sport Ronald Reagan in a likable functioning as the ranchman Gil Jones . As a tale of forbid love life , dark bandit , and financial suffering , The Bad Manwas a pugnacious - and - tumble character Westernthat highlighted Reagan ’s impressive onscreen personal magnetism .
The Bad Manwas also free under the titleTwo - Gun Cupid , and thing really kicked into gear once Wallace Beery showed up as the famed bandit Pancho Lopez and stole Gil ’s oxen . There ’s a lot of over - the - top push inThe Bad Man , and Beery , in particular , played his function for laugh to groovy effect . While it does not have the same appealingness and lasting power as thebest Westerns ever made , there ’s still plenty to pop the question here , and Reagan showcased the heroism and leading man magic spell that help oneself win him the presidency so many years later .
8Desperate Journey (1942)
Ronald Reagan as Flying Officer Johnny Hammond
despairing Journey ( 1942 ) follow a group of polish Allied airmen as they voyage hard knocks and evade seizure in Nazi - occupied Europe , showcasing their perseverance and ingenuity in the human face of horrendous circumstance .
Desperate Journeywas a flick that ’s remember primarily due to its incredible lead power , as Ronald Reagan shared the screen with Hollywood picture Error Flynn . This WWII military action and aviation movie featured a group of aeronaut whose ship was fritter down and captured by German soldier near the Polish molding . With no choice but to scat the Third Reich using their own wiliness and wits , the five capture subsister plot their escape using their psyche , muscle , and fists .
WhileDesperate Journey’splot was similar to that of other propaganda delineation from the same period , such asTarget for TonightandMan Hunt , it was an enjoyableWWII picture made while the conflict was still ongoing . In many ways , Desperate Journeywas a harbinger to the later popular sitcomHogan ’s Heroes , which featured a dramatis personae of POVs during WWII . While Reagan was occasionally criticized for his want of act range , Desperate Journeywas perfectly in his wheelhouse , and he gave a compelling performance as the fly officer Johnny Hammond .
Custom image by Yailin Chacon.
7Storm Warning (1951)
Ronald Reagan as Burt Rainey
violent storm Warning ( 1951 ) is a gripping American film noir that delves into the dark undertide of little - town sprightliness . It follows a woman ’s torturous discovery of wildness and corruption as she visit her baby , snarl her in a parlous showdown with moral and civic challenges . feature Ronald Reagan , Ginger Rogers , and Doris Day , the film presents a compelling geographic expedition of DoJ and complicity in a tense , atmospheric narrative .
Bigotry , violence against women , and familial disfunction were explored inStorm Warning , a inebriate noir about an investigative diarist savagely killed by the Ku Klux Klan . As a motion picture raise amid McCarthyism and the Red Scare , the fear and anxieties portrayed inStorm Warningdirectly refer to the hostile culture out of which it was acquire , and the motion picture has been criticized for not going far enough to address the racist chronicle of the KKK . WhileStorm Warningwas a pic pack with melodrama and messages , looking back on it through a New lens , it could have go much thick .
However , the highly political nature ofStorm Warningmade it a enthralling historical document , especially believe Ronald Reagan ’s time to come as the President of the United States . With some elements of its plot pull off fromA Streetcar Named Desire , Storm Warningrepresented the social woes of its time , as well as the shortcomings in Hollywood in getting the true substance of bigotry and prejudice . With Ginny Rogers and Ronald Reagan giving with child performance , a solid floor and some secure focussing help make up for its flaws .
The Bad Man (1941) is a Western drama that explores the tension between a cattle rustler, a struggling rancher, and a Mexican bandit. With a blend of action and nuanced characters, the film delves into themes of loyalty, redemption, and the complexities of human nature set against the rugged backdrop of the American Southwest.
6The Hasty Heart (1949)
Ronald Reagan as Yank, the American
The Hasty Heart ( 1949 ) is a poignant warfare drama that be a group of recovering soldiers in a Burmese hospital and their interactions with a stoical , impeded Scottish soldier . The film explores theme of camaraderie , cultural differences , and emotional healing , beautifully capturing the human spirit ’s resiliency against the backcloth of World War II .
Based on a play by John Patrick , The Hasty Hearttold the report of wounded soldiers in a Pacific mobile surgery unit immediately after World War II . With Ronald Reagan as the lone American who was simply known as Yank alongside an Englishman , a New Zealander , an Australian , and an African , The Hasty Heartboasted a muscular message about the value of love for countrymen from around the reality . With Patricia Neal as Sister Margaret Parker , the nurse looking after them , this was a compassionate , histrionic movie .
WhileThe Hasty Heartwas pack with themes of comradery and solidarity , thing bring a serious turn as the mankind rallied around the fresh arrive Scotch soldier they sleep together would die . WhileThe Hasty Heartwas known as a Reagan picture , it wasRichard Todd as the Scott named Lachie who was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor . With real earnestness and some heartfelt exposure , The Hasty Heartwas one of Reagan ’s most aroused moving-picture show .
5Bedtime For Bonzo (1951)
Ronald Reagan as Professor Peter Boyd
Throughout his administration , the perceive ridiculousness of Ronald Reagan starring in a movie opposite a chimpanzee was a consistent joke by commentators and in the media . However , look back onBedtime for Bonzo , this story about a psychologist test to learn human morals to a primate prevail up really well . As a picture addressing themes of education , genetics , and aroused stability , Bedtime for Bonzowas rich than its initial construct suggested , as its clever script powerfully explored the nature versus fostering possibility .
Although the yield was not without its return , asReagan was near stifle on set when the chimpanzee grabbed his tie - neck(viaMental Floss),Bedtime for Bonzowas popular enough to put on a continuation without Reagan ’s involvement calledBonzo go to College . With a bequest that even found its way into punk rock and roll history with The Ramones song “ My Brain Is hang Upside Down ( Bonzo Goes to Bitburg),”Bedtime for Bonzowas a uniquely lighthearted submission in Reagan ’s filmography .
4Dark Victory (1939)
Ronald Reagan as Alec Hamm
Dark Victory ( 1939 ) portray the emotional journeying of a high - society woman who learns she has a final illness . direct by a inviolable public presentation from Bette Davis , the motion-picture show explore themes of braveness , making love , and personal growth as she faces her mortality . This dramatic play underline the profoundness of human resilience and the impact of face liveliness ’s inevitable challenges .
concealment legends Bette Davis , Humphrey Bogart , and Ronald Reagan all come together for the histrionic triumph ofDark Victory . Witha tour of duty - de - force performance from Davis , this emotionally vivid story featured a untested socialite decide how she ’ll meet her terminal days after she ’s diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour . With underlying themes of fearlessness and courage , this poignant tearjerker knowingly pulled at audiences ' heartstrings with a protagonist it ’s out of the question not to feel for .
3The Killers (1964)
Ronald Reagan as Jack Browning
The Killers ( 1964 ) is a law-breaking thriller organize by Don Siegel , sport Lee Marvin , Angie Dickinson , and John Cassavetes . The moving-picture show observe two triggerman look into why their tardy aim did not flee from his impending decease . As they turn over deeper , they uncover a web of betrayal and deceit . Adapted from Ernest Hemingway ’s unforesightful narration , this is a remake of the 1946 movie and tick off Ronald Reagan ’s final act use .
The Killerswas aworthy remake of a authoritative film noirthat play as the 2nd projection screen adaption of Ernest Hemingway ’s 1927 short level of the same name . As Ronald Reagan ’s final film persona before entering politics , he ended this era of his career on a eminent Federal Reserve note asThe Killersstood as one of the good film noirs ever made . Starring opposite Lee Marvin , The Killerswas about two gun who , after their victim did n’t attempt to escape being murdered , tried to uncover the closed book of who ordered the hit and what their intentions were .
While the previous 1947 version ofThe Killerswas a favorite of Hemingway , who called it “ the only good ikon ever made of a story of mine ” ( viaFar Out ) , this update translation outdid its forerunner in many room . As a more streamlined and vivid adaptation , The Killerswas an engrossing film noir load down with enigma and intrigue . As one of Reagan ’s finest films , it ’s interesting to think where his life history would have gone had he stay in the picture show after this firing and how he would have fared in the more gritty New Hollywood apparent movement of the 1970s .
2Knute Rockne, All American (1940)
Ronald Reagan as George Gipp
Knute Rockne All American ( 1940 ) chronicles the lifespan of the fabled Notre Dame football coach from his baseborn root to his influential career , emphasizing his dedication to the sport and his impact on American football . The film foreground key moments in Rockne ’s vocation , include the development of the forward qualifying and his motivational prowess , portraying a legacy that has left a lasting imprint on collegiate sport .
This summercater biopic told the true news report of Notre Dame ’s legendary football game omnibus , Knute Rockne , and the impressive success of the Fighting Irish football team . With Ronald Reagan as George Gipp , Notre Dame ’s first Walter Camp All - American , who died tragically at age 25 due to complications from strep pharynx , Knute Rockne , All American , acted as a powerful display case of the tenacity of American sportsmanship . An iconic release in Reagan ’s back catalogue , the next President was even often referred to as the Gipper in the medium .
The legacy of Reagan ’s roleKnute Rockne , All Americanwas so swell that he really revived the famous movie quote “ Win one for the Gipper ” as a catchword during his presidential safari . With unbelievable relevance , the musical phrase was later let out by the the like of George H. W. Bush , George W. Bush , and Bob Dole to highlight Reagan ’s political relevance even after his destruction . As an excited plastic film with quite a little of poignant setting , Ronald Reagan was an all important part of the success ofKnute Rockne , All American .
1Kings Row (1942)
Ronald Reagan as Drake McHugh
business leader Row ( 1942 ) is a dramatic exploration of the life and relationships in a little American town at the spell of the 20th C , dealing with composition of friendship , ethical motive , and societal secret .
Anyone who has propagatedthe long - standing hearsay that Ronald Reagan ca n’t actwill be rapidly hush by his life history - best operation inKings Row . free-base on the novel by Henry Bellamann , Reagan played the wealthy Drake McHugh , who ’s hale into work after his trust investment trust dried up . After wound his legs in an fortuity , McHugh became an amputee , which led to the most affective and powerful scene in his life history as he heartbreakingly screams , “ Where ’s the rest of me ? ” when discovering his newfound circumstance .
Reagan clearly connected with this conniption as he titled his 1965 autobiography , Where ’s the balance of Me?,which he wrote during his run for governor of California . WhileKings Rowwas propose for several Academy Awards , Reagan ’s performance was not one of them , and he unfortunately never gained a nomination throughout his entire acting vocation . While it may not have earned the accolades it merit , Kings Rowwas trulyRonald Reagan’sgreatest achievement as an thespian .
Sources : History , Mental Floss , Far Out
Dark Victory (1939) portrays the emotional journey of a high-society woman who learns she has a terminal illness. Led by a strong performance from Bette Davis, the film explores themes of courage, love, and personal growth as she faces her mortality. This drama underscores the depth of human resilience and the impact of confronting life’s inevitable challenges.
The Killers (1964) is a crime thriller directed by Don Siegel, featuring Lee Marvin, Angie Dickinson, and John Cassavetes. The film follows two hitmen investigating why their latest target did not flee from his impending death. As they delve deeper, they uncover a web of betrayal and deceit. Adapted from Ernest Hemingway’s short story, this is a remake of the 1946 film and marks Ronald Reagan’s final acting role.
Knute Rockne All American (1940) chronicles the life of the legendary Notre Dame football coach from his humble beginnings to his influential career, emphasizing his dedication to the sport and his impact on American football. The film highlights key moments in Rockne’s career, including the development of the forward pass and his motivational prowess, portraying a legacy that has left a lasting impression on collegiate athletics.
Kings Row (1942) is a dramatic exploration of the lives and relationships in a small American town at the turn of the 20th century, dealing with themes of friendship, morality, and societal secrets.
