American Experience: Reagan — PBS Documentary, 2-Disc DVD Set (New)
Explore the remarkable and contested life of Ronald Reagan in Reagan, the PBS American Experience documentary examining his journey from small-town Illinois and Hollywood to the California governor's mansion and the White House. Through archival footage, interviews, and historical analysis, this in-depth television biography traces Reagan's political ascent, communication skills, policy choices, and enduring influence on the United States.
The program examines both Reagan's admirers and critics, placing his presidency in the context of the Cold War, economic change, debates over the federal government's role, and major domestic and international events.
Subjects & Historical Figures
- Ronald Reagan — Actor, California governor, and 40th President of the United States
- Nancy Reagan — First Lady and influential partner in Reagan's public life
- Mikhail Gorbachev — Soviet leader whose negotiations with Reagan shaped the final years of the Cold War
Hollywood Connections & Historical Trivia
From Hollywood to Washington: Before entering politics, Reagan worked as a film and television actor and served as president of the Screen Actors Guild.
Film career: Reagan appeared in films including Knute Rockne, All American (1940), King's Row (1942), and Bedtime for Bonzo (1951).
Television connection: He hosted and appeared in General Electric Theater, helping establish his public persona well before his presidential campaigns.
California governor: Reagan served two terms as governor of California, from 1967 to 1975, before winning the presidency in 1980.
Presidential era: His administration's tax and economic policies, relationship with organized labor, Cold War strategy, and responses to social crises remain subjects of historical debate.
PBS American Experience: The long-running documentary series presents researched portraits of major events and figures in American history, combining archival material with expert perspectives.
Product Details
- Title: American Experience: Reagan
- Format: DVD, 2-disc set
- Program type: Television documentary biography
- Original program: 1998 (cataloged DVD release year: 1997 in some retail databases)
- Studio: PBS
- Genre: Documentary / American History / Political Biography
- Condition: New / Sealed
- UPC: 841887050098
Lori's Lots discount: Eligible purchases may qualify for the 38% lot discount, subject to store terms.