The Atlantic Uncovers TV Episode Starring Ronald Reagan, James Dean

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by Frances Martel | 7:57 am, April 23rd, 2010

» 3 comments

A generation removed from the Ronald Reagan era, it is often difficult to remember that the roots of America’s most beloved conservative were in Hollywood. The Atlantic has uncovered a poignant reminder of that: an episode of the 1950s program General Electric Theater starring Reagan and a pre-megastardom James Dean.

The Museum of Broadcast Communications describes General Electric Theater as “a mix of romance, comedy, adventure, tragedy, fantasy and variety music… the General Electric Theater presented top Hollywood and Broadway stars in dramatic roles calculated to deliver company voice advertising to the largest possible audience.” In the episode starring Reagan and Dean, “The Dark, Dark, Hours,” Dean played an angsty teenager seeking medical attention for a friend from Reagan, a doctor.

The episode was discovered by Wayne Federman, a writer for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon who is currently working on a compilation of Reagan’s television performances in anticipation of the president’s 100th birthday next year.

The 3-minute clip released by The Atlantic below:

General Electric Theater, James Dean, Museum of Broadcast Communications, Ronald Reagan, The Atlantic, TV, Wayne Federman

http://gordonbloyershow.com gordonbloyershow

Good stuff. Great show. Great actors. Great President.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Felix-Omai/703282693 Felix Omai

Oh fer chissakes!
SO SAD THAT DEAN AND NOT RONNIE DIED!
Great pres.? I’m gonna puke.
http://thedailybarb.com Jack Burns

I use to watch him on TV when I was a kid. I remember him advertising. 20 mule team Borax. When I lived In California. He was Governor. I thought that was great. Then When he became president it was like heaven! Economy was the best ever when he was president. That is, until the Democrat’s in congress got greedy an saw all the money flowing and decided it was a time to raise taxes!.