this is a must read. Ronald Reagan like me was an actor before he was president (spoiler I do not become president) so just to see what movies he found interesting is a cool moment.

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. Here is my honest review.

A few years ago I read a book that compiles letters Ronald Reagan wrote to Nancy. The glimpses it gave to Reagan showed him as more than President. With that in mind, I was eager to pick up this book and see more about the normalcy of their lives. Each chapter revolves around a movie that the Reagans screened during his years in the White House. It goes beyond giving their impression/reaction to the movie and to how it impacted the policies and decisions that shaped so much of his time as President, without being overly political.
If you are a Reagan fan, you will enjoy this book.
If you are not a Reagan fan, but enjoy movies, I also think you would enjoy this book.

I was always a fan of President Ronald Reagan. I consider him to be one of the best Presidents this country has ever had the good fortune of electing. Having read biographies on the man I found that while some ridiculed him for being little more than an actor it was the life he led in Hollywood that actually prepared him for political office. Not only did it teach him how to communicate with people, it also provided him with an opportunity to meet people from one end of the country to the other while he was a representative for General Electric who used his celebrity status to promote their goods.

MOVIE NIGHTS WITH THE REAGANS is a memoir by Mark Weinberg who served as a speech writer and advisor to Reagan. In that capacity he not only had access to the President but became part of his inner circle, a group that would accompany him when he’d make weekend trips to Camp David. It was there that Reagan and his wife Nancy would screen movies each week.

What Weinberg does with this book is discuss not just the films that were screened but their effects on the President and what was taking place in the country as each film was shown. Obviously the President can’t just pop into the local theater to see a movie. Current hits were provided for them to watch or old films that were favorites screened. Even movies that Reagan himself starred in were viewed and he was both wistful of the times he made them and joked about them at the same time.

Movie that were screened that were part of the pop culture of the time found themselves worked into the speeches that Reagan made, like the film WAR GAMES into discussions of missile defense or discussions of family values found in certain movies that were watched. In particular he noted to those around him the values seen in the movie BACK TO THE FUTURE as Marty goes back to a simpler time. As Weinberg notes in the book he implored them to “…embrace the simple values that informed this earlier era, to recapture the grit and spirit of togetherness that helped win World War II and usher in the prosperity of the 1950s.”

TOP GUN was a favorite, mostly because it portrayed the military in a positive light, something that had been missing for a while after the Vietnam War. The film reflected Reagan’s feelings about the military. In discussing that film he notes that the previous year at a speech observing Memorial Day at Arlington Cemetery Reagan had observed that “there is a special sadness that accompanies the death of a serviceman, for we’re never quite good enough to them – not really; we can’t be, because what they gave us is beyond our powers to repay.” It is moments like these that display the human side of Reagan that many might not be aware. With this book we get a glimpse of that man.

Not only does Weinberg present the movies, discuss them and their effects on the President he talks about the atmosphere among the group as well. They became close and movie nights were something that they all looked forward to. The Reagans as well, providing them a chance to kick back and relax while Ron handled the most difficult job in the world.

The book reads easily and is broken into chapters based on the movies viewed. It isn’t a movie review book though but more a document of history behind the scenes. When it comes to learning about the man in charge of this country, what better way for him to be revealed? A solid book and one worth reading.

The first president I remember really knowing about. I loved the inside look into the real people behind the public faces. Politics aside, this book makes you feel as if you are settled in to a cozy chair with good friends watching some amazing movies. Loved it.

The author was lucky enough to spend 8 years at Camp David watching movies with President Reagan and his family. Democrat or Republican, this book was an interesting read, as it gave some insight into the President's viewing habits. This was a really fun read and made me wish for books like this about other Presidents.

Ronald and Nancy Reagan enjoyed relaxing with a movie, the art form that brought them together. Every weekend at Camp David, they screened a movie, current or oldie.
Mark Weinberg, as an assistance press secretary, went with them to Camp David and was invited with all the small staff to watch with the Reagans.
Weinberg discusses topics related to the films. For instance, Oh God 2 featured Reagan’s old friend, George Burns, a simple man, not full of himself, always happy. He was one of the few stars Reagan had semi-regular correspondence with throughout the presidency.
This film was an overt defense of spirituality and faith, which the Reagans appreciated. They liked the old movies that didn’t have modern films’ profanity, sexuality, gritty realism, and less than sunny political perspective. The movies of yesteryear were far better.
Movies like Raiders of the Lost Ark was as close to films of Reagan’s era as an 80s movie could be, with clear cut heroes and villains, a peppy theme song, and seat-of-your-pants adventures.
Chariots of Fire led Weinberg to comment on Reagan being an Anglophile, great friends with Margaret Thatcher and the British royal family.
With Back to the Future, Weinberg remembered that Reagan’s old agent Lew Wasserman contacted him, saying director Robert Zenecki was considering Reagan for the part of the 1885 mayor of Hill Valley in Back to the Future III.
Several other films bring interest reflections on the Reagans and their beloved movie business. This is a quick reading, enjoyable book.

We often talk about the soundtrack of our lives, but how often do we think about the movies that played during milestones? That's the refreshing approach Mark Weinberg takes in recounting his time working with the Reagans, both in office and after. His heartfelt memories of the Reagans and their movie nights at Camp David give an inside look at life in the White House, as well as a glimpse of the famously close bond the Reagans shared. You don't have to be a politics buff to enjoy this fond look back at the 80's through the man and the movies that defined the decade..

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!

I really enjoyed this book that was told in such an easy-going manner that it felt like the reader was right there at Camp David watching movies with the Reagans. It was refreshing to read about public figures without the usual bashing and tell-all negative aspects of them. Instead, we're treated with an account of people in the public eye and how they behave when they're in a relaxed atmosphere with friends. I thought it was very clever to use the movie titles as vehicles to move the narrative along since movies played such an important part in Reagan's life. The author comes across as a genuine person who found himself in an enviable position which he thoroughly enjoyed. I'm glad he decided to write this book and share that enjoyment with us.

I was not a fan of President Reagan. That being said, I very much enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the nostalgia of looking back at that time in history and I enjoyed the " behind the curtain look " at the Reagans as people. The author outlines affectionately the social movie nights and places them in some societal context quite gently. A most enjoyable read irrespective of one's politics.

Thank you to Net Galley for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review.

I just finished reading this book and it was so good! I love reading the behind-the-scenes presidential books. This one is very different but very entertaining. It takes a very different twist to the Reagan White House. Mr Weinberg was a spokesperson for the President and part of his duties were to go to Camp David on weekends when the President spent time there. Saturday nights were movie nights. A lot of the 80's classic movies mirrored what was going on in the country at that time. He shows those parallels. It is also interesting that Top Gun was one of the President's favorite movies and he even met with Tom Cruise. This book is a great trip down memory lane of one of my favorite presidents. #netgalley #MovieNightswiththeReagans

Movie Nights with the Reagans by Mark Weinberg
Mark Weinberg, former special advisor and press secretary to President Ronald Reagan gives us an inside look at that time in America. We see it through the movies that were popular then. We witness some of the inner workings of the Reagan White House. We get a behind the scenes look at state dinners and Camp David.
Mr. Weinberg is an unabashed fan of both the President and Mrs. Reagan. This is not a tell-all book nor does it deal much with politics except in the context of the movies being watched by most of us during that time. (Star Wars – yes; Bedtime for Bonzo – nope). It gives some insight into the family dynamics of the Reagans but is not intrusive.
While there are no earth-shattering revelations in the book concerning the Reagans, it does give us an almost nostalgic look back into that period in our history.
I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley and Simon & Schuster in exchange for my honest review. Thank you.
Simon & Schuster
Pub Date 2/27/18

The lights dim and the projector starts. The audience hushes. Later, after the movie is over, a small group gathers around the fireplace to trade stories, and chat about the film.

Yep--It’s just another night at Camp David’s “Aspen Lodge.” Nothing special—just munching on popcorn while watching movies with the Leader of the Free World.

In MOVIE NIGHTS WITH THE REAGANS, Mark Weinberg describes a dream come true. This twenty-three-year-old White House press aide was invited to stay with the president at Camp David for the weekends. Of course, that meant watching movies with the Gang.

Each chapter in the book recounts the events at one movie night. My favorite chapter in the book is, “Knute Rockne All American,” which the author describes as, “The Film That Created a Political Legend.” Of course, this was the film that earned Reagan “the Gipper” nickname. The author recalls what came after the screening:

“We had to shout over each other to ask questions. The president was more than happy to indulge us. He would tell the story of how he wanted the part and almost didn’t get it, of how much he liked playing football, and how honored he felt to work with Pat O’Brien.”

Then, someone asked Reagan about his most famous line from the film. Of course, Reagan remembered it perfectly and proceeded to recite the speech about winning “just one for the Gipper.”

Besides the actual movies, one funny part of the book recounts the time a visitor mentioned to Reagan that she “never cared for him as an actor, but “I think you are a great president.” Well, that slight about Reagan's acting ability bothered the president. Later, he wondered which movies the woman had seen that left her with a negative impression of his acting ability.

So all in all, I found MOVIE NIGHTS WITH THE REAGANS a fun read—but also a bittersweet read. I especially liked the chapters on the movies in which Reagan himself starred. I found the information about the contemporary world events not as interesting as the movie night experiences.

I can only imagine what it must have been like watching movies with Ronald Reagan and his inner circle. I appreciate the author’s fondness for the Reagans:

“Let me be clear at the outset: I am a proudly biased fan of President and Mrs. Reagan.”

Easy to see why.

Sometimes it's pleasant to read a book that simply reminds you of days gone by. This book is such a nice surprise.
Written as a first hand account by a White House staffer, the stories that accompany each movie are bittersweet to read. There is obvious affection by the author for President and Mrs. Reagan.
It was an absolute joy recalling many of the movies that were highlighted in this memoir.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from netgalley. All opinions are my own.