HOLLYWOOD -- A taped message from Ronald Reagan will be aired as scheduled tonight at the Academy Awards ceremony, which was postponed for 24 hours following the attempt on the president's life, a spokeswoman said today.
Fay Kanin, president of the Acadmey of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, said the White House had advised academy officials to use the tape, which was made more than a week ago.
'The White House said we can do whatever we choose with the tape,' she said. 'We've decided to use it.'
The text of the message follows:
'Good evening to my fellow Americans eagerly awaiting the presentation of the 53rd Academy Awards. It's surely no state secret that Nancy and I share your interest in the results of this year's balloting.
'We're not alone. The miracle of American technology links us with millions of moviegoers around the world. It is the motion picture that shows us all, not only how we look and sound, but more important, how we feel. When it achieves its most noble intent, film reveals that people everywhere share common dreams and emotions.
'Tonight I applaud all who create, make, distribute, exhibit and attend movies. I salute the academy for the influence its work has had on the world's most enduring art form. Film is forever. I've been trapped in some film forever myself, and as a former member of the academy, I ask you now to join Nancy and me in enjoying this year's ceremonies.'
