Library to Showcase Western Film Series

A western film series will blaze into Simi Valley on Sunday with the showing of the John Wayne classic “Stagecoach” at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

The free screening is part of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation’s “Celluloid Cowboys” film series. Movies begin at 2 p.m. every Sunday through Aug. 18 at the library, 40 Presidential Drive, near Simi Valley.

In his days as a Hollywood actor, Reagan had trouble landing parts in western films, because studios were reluctant to cast him as an action hero.

“With Reagan, it was not action so much as it was romantic comedy,” said Lynda Schuler, a foundation spokeswoman.

So series organizers say it is fitting that the film series showcase a movie genre the former president so admired.

“This area was a location site for half of the western movies and television series ever made,” Schuler said. “Ronald Reagan loved western films.”

Schuler said Reagan appeared in two westerns: “Cattle Queen of Montana” and “Santa Fe Trail.”

The film series coincides with the library’s “Rawhide” exhibit of western art, which includes gifts that Reagan received while in office and objects from his Santa Barbara ranch.

Other films scheduled for the series include: “Son of Paleface” starring Bob Hope and Jane Russell on Aug. 4, “Shane” with Alan Ladd and Jean Arthur on Aug. 11 and “Way Out West” starring Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy on Aug. 18.