Hollywood starlet becomes political puppet master—wait, is this a documentary or a prestige drama?
Part of a series of portraits of past first ladies, this PBS documentary explores the political and personal lives of former first lady Nancy Reagan, who moved from Hollywood to the California governor's mansion -- and eventually the White House. While playing a behind-the-scenes but integral role in the president's policies, she also launched a campaign to "Just Say No" and later cared for her ailing husband as he suffered from Alzheimer's.
Editing
Seamless weaving of archival footage into coherent narrative arc
Production
Judy Woodruff's measured narration elevates PBS pedigree
Director
Mary Beth Durkin
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This aired as part of PBS's 'American Experience' First Ladies series, which notably gave more runtime to Eleanor Roosevelt than any other subject.
Released while Reagan was still alive but largely absent from public life, making Nancy's on-camera reflections essentially her final authorized testimony.
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