Gabriel Over the White House (1933)

Judson Hammond, a bachelor and political puppet, ascends to the presidency of a Depression-ridden America. His interest lies not in the governance of the nation but rather in maintaining a fulfilling personal life – an entanglement with Pendola Molloy, his "unofficial" girlfriend whom he recruits as his personal assistant. The burden of presidential duties falls onto his devoted secretary, Hartley Beekman. Hammond remains blissfully detached, viewing the escalating national unemployment and rampant racketeering, embodied by notorious criminal Nick Diamond, as mere local nuisances. During an aimless joyride, a near-fatal car accident inflicts severe injuries upon Hammond, but he emerges miraculously changed. This transformation, perceived by Pendy, who has in the meantime found herself falling for Beekman, seems to be guided by an unseen higher force. Now, Hammond is ready to sink his teeth into the societal ills plaguing his country. Embracing a new kind of presidency, Hammond charges headfirst into tackling unemployment, rampant crime, and international debt issues lingering from the Great War. This newfound determination to implement change puts him at odds with his party, Congress, gangsters, and even global powers. Yet, undeterred, he marches on, fueled by a vision of world peace and a compulsion to right the wrongs of his nation. This tale of a transformed leader in a troubled time weaves a compelling narrative of political resilience and personal change.

Gabriel Over the White House is a drama movie featuring Walter Huston.

Gabriel Over the White House is currently streaming on DIRECTV.