mbrindell This is a jaw-dropping movie. It screams "pre-Code," and causes one to realize the potential power that Hollywood and "The Industry" have at their disposal.I won't relate the plot; that would simply spoil the surprises. Please don't seek out a detailed synopsis before viewing this film. One should be exposed to this Hollywood artifact without any preconceived notions. Know that it is hard-core pre-Code, but not so much regards its sexual content and bloodshed. Think in terms of dirty politics and the millions of disenfranchised tax payers, and then toss in the deepest depths of the Depression.This is a historical document, one that should be studied by historians and sociologists. Like many films, this movie must be viewed within the context of its time. To do otherwise is dishonest.Do you like pre-Code? Do you enjoy historical Hollywood? Do you follow U.S. history? Do you want to experience the sights & sounds, the ranting and ravings, the deepest and darkest secrets of Depression Era folks. THIS FILM IS MUST-SEE VIEWING.

utgard14 Judson Hammond (Walter Huston) is sworn in as the new President of the United States. It's quickly obvious that he's nothing more than another politician with no intention of trying to fix the nation's problems, such as staggering unemployment, bootlegging, and unpaid war debts. After Hammond is in a car accident (for driving 100 mph!), some outside force seems to come over him. Suddenly he's completely changed and starts making radical decisions that ultimately lead to him becoming a dictator! Fascinating political drama that has to be seen to be believed. Obviously, it has great historical value and lots for history buffs to chew over. Franklin Roosevelt and wife Eleanor loved the film. FDR was a part of the process of making it, even giving script notes to the filmmakers! The movie was produced by FDR supporter William Randolph Hearst (Citizen Kane himself) and the star Walter Huston was as big an FDR booster as they come. This was made during the Great Depression and, in many ways, this story reflected the desire of the Roosevelts and supporters to fix the country by any means necessary. It's interesting to think about the real-world implications as you watch the movie.

MartinHafer The film is a sort of modern fairy tale and begins with the inauguration of a new President. This one is COMPLETELY unlike any other president (uh, huh), as he has absolutely no ambition to do or change anything--even though the country is in the midst of the Depression. When he's asked important questions at a press conference, his answers have absolutely nothing to do with what was asked. When there is an army of unemployed who are converging on DC (like the real-life 'Bonus Army' during the Hoover administration), he's shown playing with his young nephew--oblivious and happily so. To put it bluntly, he's a selfish and lazy jerk.When the President is in a motorcade, he behaves very irresponsibly--choosing to drive his own car AND drive it like a maniac. As he drives at 100 miles per hour, his escort can't even keep up and the audience knows something is about to happen. Naturally, there is an accident and he's expected to die. BUT, unexpectedly, he awakens and is physically fine, but is also a thoroughly changed man. Instead of the lazy jerk he'd been, he's now a good man ready for action--even if the Congress and his own Cabinet couldn't care less. Assuming near dictatorial powers, he now does exactly what needs to be done for good of the nation. And, in the process, he introduces an enlightened form of socialism for the good of America. How this all came to be and what happens next you'll just have to see for yourself.The film comes across as a very entertaining and well-meaning film--and clearly a product of the times. While most will no doubt enjoy it, the film scared the crap out of me. Although the film was not meant as a ringing endorsement for National Socialism (i.e., the Nazis), the message could easily be interpreted as approval for such a heavy-handed and all-controlling government that is acting 'for the good of the nation'. While in the case of this film the President is a benevolent dictator, such unhealthy desires for a tough guy who does what MUST be done (despite the Constitution) is a very dangerous idea indeed! Hitler himself sold his nation a similar bill of goods--which looked awfully attractive back in 1933. Hitler ALSO asked his congress to declare a state of emergency, dissolve themselves and grant him almost unlimited powers. At least this is my perspective as a history and government teacher.Well made, well meaning...and a bit dangerous. By the way, for you fans of classic Hollywood films, get a load of the performance of Mischa Auer as a reporter who confronts the President. His usual accent and European manners are just about completely absent here--probably one of the very few times he played a role this way during his career.

moonspinner55 Walter Huston is excellent as always portraying a Depression-era President of the United States who sees his work for the American people as just another job. He's reckless and cavalier, but after coming out of a coma brought about by a car wreck, the lazy leader suddenly reforms and gets down to business. He wants his entire Cabinet to resign and Congress to adjourn so that he can take control over the U.S. via a one-man dictatorship. Dated, though still interesting piece of political folly and impudence, written by Carey Wilson from an "anonymous" novel, was probably a timely and enjoyable picture of its day; however, with Hitler's dictatorship in Germany about to change all of Europe, the movie soon lost its novelty (and the fascist overtones and the subtle religious angle, with Huston apparently overtaken by an otherworldly spirit, likely didn't help matters). Were the filmmakers trying to say that if God has His way, America would best be ruled under Marshall Law? One can certainly enjoy the picture without having to parallel its tactics with events in world history, although some may argue this angle is the only thing which keeps the film engaging. In either event, the acting is solid (if occasionally broad), the editing is sharp, and director Gregory La Cava does striking work; his strong, provoking visual sense causes several sequences to resemble German Expressionism. **1/2 from ****