The new movie “Reagan” has a powerful scene in which a pastor tells the California governor that he one day will become president if he remains faithful to God. Singer Pat Boone was there and also appears in the movie.
“It was during a prayer circle we formed with Reagan and Nancy in the governor’s mansion,” he says.
It’ is just one of several instances in which Reagan’s deep faith is reflected in popular movie. This week it shot past big Hollywood blockbusters to claim the #1 spot in per-screen averages. As of Thursday, demand is causing theaters to add more screens across the country this weekend.
#1 film in nation
Starring Dennis Quaid, the film has received 98% CinemaScore by viewers while typically leftist reviewers have awarded it just 22% on RottenTomatoes. That’s the biggest gap in moviegoers vs. critics since the 2000 film “Boondock Saints.
Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, “Reagan” follows Ronald Reagan from his dusty small-town roots to the glitter of Hollywood, and then on to commanding-in-chief. It’s directed by Sean McNamara (“Soul Surfer,” “Miracle Season”) and written by well-known screenwriter Howard Klausner who penned “Space Cowboys” for Clint Eastwood.
Quaid’s co-stars include Academy Award winner Jon Voight; Golden Globe nominee Penelope Ann Miller; BAFTA nominee Mena Suvari; Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award nominee Kevin Dillon; and Disney star David Henrie.
The Pat Boone – Reagan Connection
Boone, now 90, and his late wife Shirley became friends with Ronald and Nancy Reagan in the 1960s when their children attended school together. Boone also supported Reagan’s political career and attended the 1976 Republican Convention in Kansas City as a Reagan delegate.
Photo Courtesy Pat Boone.
“Shirley and I, Pastor George Otis and a businessman and a couple of other Christian people had gone from LA to Sacramento to attend and be part of a Kathryn Kuhlman rally,” he said. “It was in a big downtown arena. And it was mainly worship, but then people got healed in her meetings. And we went up to that, because it was really spectacular.”
After the Kuhlman event, the group drove to the governor’s mansion to visit with Reagan.
“We just had tea and some cookies and talked about what we just experienced,” Boone told Crosswalk Headlines last week. “And Reagan was very interested in it, being a Christian himself. And as we started to leave, George Otis said, ‘Governor, can we have just a word of prayer with you before we leave?'”
Reagan agreed. “And so we just joined hands in a circle, and each of us led part of a prayer,” Boone said. Eventually, the moment arrived for Otis to pray.
“And then, in a different voice, we heard him say, ‘My son, I am well pleased with you. If you continue to walk uprightly before me, you will dwell at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.’” Boone said. “And another pause, and then George finished in his own voice the prayer, and we looked up at Reagan — he was glassy-eyed because he’d been feeling the current coming from George Otis’ hand. All he could say was, ‘Well, that that was something.'”
READ: Ronald Reagan forgave would-be assassin John Hinkley
Reagan won the GOP nomination and then the general election in 1980, defeating Democratic incumbent Jimmy Carter. Boone phoned Reagan on election night and reminded him of the prophecy.
“I said, ‘Do you remember that evening in Sacramento, when that word came we were joining hands, that you might dwell at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue?’,” Boone said. “He said, ‘I’ve thought about it many times in the last few months.'”
Critics have called it a cinematic experience that transcends the boundaries of a traditional biopic, offering a profound exploration of the enduring impact of the power of one man who overcame the odds. “Told through the voice of Viktor Petrovich, a former KGB agent whose life becomes inextricably linked with Ronald Reagan‘s when Reagan first catches the Soviets’ attention as an actor in Hollywood, this film offers a perspective as unique as it is captivating,” says Showbiz Direct.
To watch the official trailer for “REAGAN,” click here. Visit Reagan.Movie for ticket information.
–Dwight Widaman | Metro Voice