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Uncovered Video: Ronald Reagan And James Dean



Apr 20, 2010 9 Comments ›› Pat Dollard

The Atlantic: Today, it’s an astonishing, even eerie, scene: the icon of modern American conservatism, whose rise to political prominence was galvanized by the cultural rebellion of the 1960s, fighting off an attack-at-gunpoint by the quintessential modern American rebel. But when “The Dark, Dark Hours” episode of General Electric Theater aired live from Hollywood on December 12, 1954, Ronald Reagan and James Dean were just two actors yet to find the roles that would define them.

No one has seen this episode in the decades since; the kinescope has been locked away, until now. My friend Wayne Federman, a writer for NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, unearthed the broadcast, condensing it from its original 23 minutes (without commercials) into the six-minute version you see below. (Federman is planning a retrospective of Reagan’s television career for next year’s Reagan centennial.)


  • thrasymakhos

    I miss Reagan mightily…mightily.

  • The Sentinel at the Gate

    I doubt we will ever have another president of this stature. Only piss ants!

  • Minuteman01

    :beer:

  • Cold Soldier

    Damn, Damn, Damn. I forgot how comforting , just seeing him, and his voice was. It reminds me of my Dad. I was growing up durning Regans term’s, and thats some of my fondest memories I have of my Dad. The one thing that brought us together more than anything else was “old movies”, mostly John Wayne. I was 22 when he passed. :cry:

    Thanks Pat :!:

  • http://twitter.com/RTHTGakaRoland Roland

    Very nice find.

    We once had a Man as a President :!:

    I came of age and cast my first vote for President for Reagan in his run for his second term, a good memory.

  • http://www.fullcirclethinker.com Fullcirclethinker

    And just as revealing:

    Ronald Reagan remained true to the character he portrayed. He went on to serve his country with honor and dignity, a real man contributing to this great nation long after he has passed from the scene by defending what is good and just.

    On the other hand:

    James Dean remained true to the character he portrayed. He lived fast, died young and contributed NOTHING to this great nation!

    It is just like those who hate the law, war and guns. They protest in the streets, carrying their protest signs and go home feeling better about themselves. However, when someone like the punk Dean portrayed (in both the video an in real life) breaks into their little corner of the world and threatens them with violence, what is the first thing they do? They run to those they hate for help.

    When will we ever learn?

  • TerryTate

    Yeah, that pretty much sums up liberal vs. conservative….

  • rightangle

    Looks like obama with the gun forcing the good doctor to treat one of his deadbeat 60s radical buddies without regard to the necessary care available for his true survival. Good to see Ron smacking that punk around.

  • David Ross

    Viva la Reagan Revolucion!!! :beer: