{"id":4864,"date":"2017-04-17T13:33:42","date_gmt":"2017-04-17T17:33:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.staging3.octaneseating.com\/?p=4864"},"modified":"2024-06-27T12:32:07","modified_gmt":"2024-06-27T16:32:07","slug":"white-house-screening-room","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/octaneseating.com\/blog\/white-house-screening-room\/","title":{"rendered":"The White House Family Theater Over the Years"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” centered_text=”true” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″]\n

President Obama has been known to reference pop culture in speeches and statements, so it’s clear he keeps up with movies. But did you ever wonder how he sees them? Taking POTUS to the closest cinema in DC would be a logistical security nightmare, but Barack and the rest of the First Family don’t have to leave the White House to see the latest movies. Instead, they can just head to the Family Theater located in the East Wing of the White House to get a cinema experience at home.<\/p>\n

Jimmy Carter once famously said, “Do you know I can get any movie I want?”, and Donald Trump enjoyed his surprising first movie in the White House Family Theater amidst great social controversy. \u00a0Do you know what that movie was?<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” centered_text=”true” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491862723735{padding-bottom: 50px !important;}” el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″]\n

The Early Days of Movies in the White House<\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491862742942{padding-bottom: 50px !important;}” el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″]\n

Movies screenings in the White House got off to a controversial start in 1915 when Woodrow Wilson held a screening of the racist movie “The Birth of a Nation,” which glorifies the KKK. That screening likely took place in the Central Hall as there was no established screening room in the White House in those days.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491862771403{padding-top: 50px !important;}” el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″]\n

It wasn’t until 1942 when the East Wing of the White House was built that a cloakroom was converted into what is now The Family Theater. Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was president from 1953 to 1961 seems to be the first POTUS to have used the room often. He loved westerns and reportedly watched more than 200 during his time in office.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” centered_text=”true” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″]\n

The Family Theater Over the Years<\/b><\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491863242940{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;}” el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″]\n

Every President has reportedly used the Family Theater for various purposes over the years. JFK and his family watched films from a rocking chair because he suffered from back pain. Lyndon B. Johnson rarely used the room but did hold 12 back-to-back screenings of a 10-minute film about himself. Richard Nixon and his best friend watched more than 150 movies together in the theater. According to historians, the film \u201cPatton\u201d and musicals were their favorites.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1494852818777{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;}” el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″]\n

Jimmy Carter was only in office for four years but held 480 screenings in The Family Theater. He is known for being the first President to watch an X-rated movie in the theater, as he and his family watched the movie “Midnight Cowboy” together in the room.<\/p>\n

Although he was an actor himself, Ronald Reagan did not use the theater often. He and Nancy preferred to watch movies at Camp David. One favorite film of his was “High Noon”, and the Reagan\u2019s had a fondness for Jimmy Stewart classics.<\/p>\n

Under the Clinton Presidency, the screening room was used often. Bill and his family watched a variety of movies ranging from dramas like “Schindler’s List” to comedies like “The Naked Gun.”<\/p>\n

George W. Bush also liked comedies; the “Austin Powers” movies were one of his favorites. After 9\/11, George became more interested in war movies and screened many that were made during the 1990s and early 2000s. He also liked to rehearse major speeches in the screening room.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” centered_text=”true” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491862930724{padding-bottom: 50px !important;}” el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″]\n

What the Family Theater Looks Like<\/b><\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1492461312897{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;}” el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″]\n

While the Family Theater has had a variety of facelifts over the years, its basic layout has remained much the same. Since Eisenhower’s presidency, there have always been four plush chairs in the front for the President, his family and honored guests. Today, the front row seats are red tone-on-tone floral print upholstered chairs with rolled arms, skirted bases and loose kidney-shaped cushions. Behind the front row seats are 40 simple hinged theater seats arranged in ten rows of four. The slim profile seats feature nailhead trim that coordinates with the ottomans.<\/p>\n

In the old days, free-standing ashtrays were placed between the front row seats, but those were replaced by side tables by the Clintons. When the room was redone during George W. Bush’s presidency in 2004, matching upholstered square ottomans with nailhead trim were placed in front of each front row seat. The ottomans are commonly used as foot stools, but they also serve as makeshift tables for snacks and drinks.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1492461328270{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;}” el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″]\n

Through its early years, the Family Theater had gold curtains covering the walls and electric candelabra wall sconces for illumination. During the Clinton Presidency, the sconces were removed and floral curtains in tones of cream and red replaced the old fabrics. The checkerboard tile floor was also replaced with red carpet.<\/p>\n

During the Bush renovation, the curtains were removed completely from the wall. Red paint was applied and gold molding was added to the wall panels, and dark wood trim was added. Red carpeting still remains in place on the floor. One of the first groups of guests to enjoy the new theater was a group of school children that Laura Bush invited for a screening complete with popcorn in 2005.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” centered_text=”true” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1491862999060{padding-bottom: 50px !important;}” el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″]\n

The Obama\u2019s in the Family Theater<\/b><\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″]\n

Barack and Michelle Obama have a weekly movie night tradition. On Fridays if the two of them are both at home, they head to the Family Theater to watch a film together. The movies are almost always first-run films. The Obama\u2019s are able to select the movies that they want to see, and then the Motion Picture Association of America delivers them right to the White House. Although they’re still inside the White House, the Obama\u2019s get to enjoy a true theater experience; the POTUS once showed David Letterman a photo of he and Michelle watching “Up” at home wearing 3D glasses.<\/p>\n

The Family Theater isn’t just used by the first family. Up until November 2013, the Obama\u2019s hosted film screenings for invited guests in the theater on a regular basis. Since then, the Family Theater has hosted a few get-togethers. In February 2015, the POTUS and French President Fran\u00e7ois Hollande retired to the room after a state dinner to watch “The Monuments Men” along with George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray and Grant Heslov. Later that year, the White House held a transgender film night, inviting nine LGBT activists and artists to watch the movie “The Danish Girl” and the Amazon TV series “Transparent.”<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” centered_text=”true” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1492462886992{padding-bottom: 50px !important;}” el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″]\n

Donald Trump’s Surprising First Screening<\/b><\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″]\n

Donald J. Trump enjoyed his first presidential screening on the official White House calendar watching the Disney Pixar movie Finding Dory on a Sunday afternoon at 3 pm ET. \u00a0The sequel to Finding Nemo scored the largest domestic opening of all time for an animated movie when it was released. \u00a0It also famously cast a wide ranged political response on social media and the news, when Trump chose this specific movie about a separated family in search of reuniting because it was watched by the President on the same weekend of his infamous travel ban against certain Muslim nations. \u00a0 This highly contested ban was instituted by the President because these nations were deemed to present a threat to the security of the United States.<\/p>\n

The First Lady Melania Trump announced on May 12, 2017, that the White House would include, for the first time ever, the White House family\u00a0theater in guided tours of the property. \u00a0 “I believe everyone who takes the time to visit and tour the White House should have as much access to its rich history and wonderful traditions as possible.\u00a0 It is my hope that our visitors truly enjoy the newest piece of the tour.”<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” centered_text=”true” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” el_class=”.blogpostfont” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1493123340828{padding-bottom: 50px !important;}” el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″]\n

Presidents and Their Movie Habits Over The Years<\/b><\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text]
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