The real Reagan record on civil rights

Michael Taube - Hollywood's liberal establishment often claims that freedom of expression creates a more vivid landscape for motion pictures. The desire for artistic liberty in popular films such as "Lincoln," "Argo" and "Zero Dark Thirty" is said to trump the need for historical accuracy.

However, placing real-life events on the back burner isn't something to be admired. It provides Tinseltown with ample opportunity to launch further attacks against certain public figures and rewrite history as it sees fit.

We can add Ronald Reagan's treatment in "The Butler" to the list. This film is a loosely based account of former White House head butler Eugene Allen's 34-year career (1952-1986). It's a good movie overall, and will likely be a strong contender at next year's Oscars.

Naturally, I don't want to spoil the film's plot, but I will say this much: When it comes to re-enacting Mr. Allen's life story in the imaginary guise of Cecil Gaines, played by Forest Whitaker, it would be inaccurate to say that filmmakers think honesty is the best policy.  More   PTG