1964 Campaign Ads

1964 Campaign Ads

VH1

Fall of 1964

Politics

VHS

C+

Three of the videos from the '64 campaign, alas missing the "Daisy Chain" and the one where actor William Bogert did "Confessions of a Republican."  Reagan says that he gets boiling mad when people say Goldwater has a temper, and no one points out the irony.  These videos were taped off of My Generation.

Reagan Speech on Iran-Contra, with Mitchell Response

Reagan Speech on Iran-Contra, with Mitchell Response

Tower Report

NBC

August 1987

News

VHS
B-

It's a little hard to judge this as entertainment per se.  I will say that, although the talking heads aspect of the speeches feels very dated, I was still drawn in.  In fact, although I no longer felt the fury or even dislike I once felt towards Reagan, I did find myself making (quiet) comments.  Reagan changed the subject from Iran-Contra to issues he felt he were more important, including the nomination of Robert Bork to the Supreme Court!  George Mitchell of Maine (still alive now at 83) in his response was very respectful, speaking of "mistakes" more than "crimes."

Weird Al Yankovic: Christmas at Ground Zero

Weird Al Yankovic: Christmas at Ground Zero
Song released November 1986
Music Video
VHS
B-

Al uses '50s footage of both Christmas and "duck and cover," including Reagan at the holidays.  The tune is bouncy, in contrast to its theme, but it's no "1999."

Mad Movies with the L.A. Connection: Episode 125, Best of Mad Movies

Mad Movies with the L.A. Connection: Episode 125, Best of Mad Movies
Syndicated
1985-86
Parody
VHS
B-

As the title suggests, the final episode of this one-season series is composed mostly of highlights, plus yet another home movie from a California resident.  The best of the best seems to be The Little Princess, with Shirley Temple possessed by a demonic doll.  President Reagan can be seen in clips from Santa Fe Trail, made when he was about 29.