Gabriel Over the White House is one of the most unique, disturbing, and thought-provoking American political films ever made. Released in 1933, it raises questions that are still relevant today, particularly in the era of Donald Trump, the alt-right, and widespread distrust of government institutions. While not widely known, Gabriel Over the White House is unforgettable in its themes and content, offering a dark vision of American politics
The film was released three weeks after Franklin Delano Roosevelt was sworn in as president in 1933, during a time when America was grappling with the Great Depression. While FDR experimented with radical policies to save the country, Gabriel Over the White House explored a more extreme scenario in which a president goes much further to consolidate power.
The film was released three weeks after Franklin Delano Roosevelt was sworn in as president in 1933. I first saw the movie in the 1980s. I found it oddly compelling but outlandish. The idea of an American president declaring himself a dictator, calling for the suspension of the constitutions, using the military against civilians in an effort to keep power, and displaying an erratic personality caused many observers to question his sanity, which seemed outlandish and impossible.
Today, the film appears strangely prescient. Donald Trump declared he would be a dictator for a day, called to suspend the Constitution, entertained the notion of using the military for civilian law enforcement to hold onto power, and has behaved in ways that made prosecutors question his sanity.
“Gabriel Over the White House” – Background
“Gabriel Over the White House ” was made in 1933. After eight years of Republican laissez-faire presidents, America had plunged into the Great Depression. Franklin D. Roosevelt desperately tried radical social and political experiments to save the country. Some of his programs were successful; others were not. It is significant that “Gabriel Over the White House ” was made in the middle of these profound events. The movie is not a political allegory, looking back and offering an alternative history. Instead, it is a bizarre and fascinating film made as the nation was deep in despair.
“Gabriel Over the White House” – Prologue
The film opens with a dim-witted, handsome, empty-suit Republican president being inaugurated. He is a womanizer and a man of limited intellect. Clearly, he is based on 
President Warren Harding. When a reporter asks how he will attack the question of unemployment, the President (Walter Huston) replies:
“The American people have risen before, and they will rise again. Gentlemen, remember, our party promises a return to prosperity.”
That is a perfect politician’s answer. It sounds terrific but says nothing. We see him meeting with his Cabinet and agreeing to do whatever the party bosses want.
The President has no interest in actually solving problems. His only goal in politics is to keep his party in power. The seemingly straightforward plot turns in an eerie direction when the President is involved in a terrible car crash. He enters a coma that seems to be permanent. The country prepares for his death. However, a mysterious, unseen force (the angel Gabriel?) enters the room and awakens him from the coma. President Hammond emerges a completely changed man. Those changes lead to the bizarre political philosophy of “Gabriel Over the White House.”
“Gabriel Over the White House” – Story
Hammond adopts a strange blend of totalitarian populism, combining the forceful leadership of Benito Mussolini with elements of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. His plans for immediate relief for farmers and the destitute resemble socialist policies, but his authoritarian methods—suspending democracy and using military force—veer into dangerous territory.
However, he also decided that American democracy is inefficient and that we need a politically incorrect strongman as President. Hammond lambastes Congress and the media for not focusing on the real problems of America. He taps into an outrage that would resonate with many supporters of Donald Trump. Just as Donald Trump has suggested building a gigantic wall on our Southern border, banning all Muslims from immigrating to America, and forcibly 
removing 11 million illegal immigrants, Pres Hammond announces that Congress and the Constitution are inadequate for dealing with the serious problems of crime, terrorism, and war. He demands Congress adjourn so he can take upon himself dictatorial powers! As an example, he mobilizes a federal police squad comprised of a military unit to rid the big cities of gang problems.
With no Congress to oppose him and the citizens desperate for a strong president to take action and solve the problems, federal tanks rolled into the streets. They round up urban 
gang members who are not subject to civil trials but rather to military court marshals. These military tribunals end in summary executions.
Turning his attention to foreign affairs, he threatens the world with war unless the destitute European nations scrap their battleships and repay their World War I debts to America. Again, he eerily presages Donald Trump’s call to scrap existing treaties, ignore our traditional alliances, create an isolationist and aggressive foreign policy, and force other nations to help solve America’s financial problems!
“Gabriel Over the White House” – Why You Should See It
This little-seen, very strange, and decidedly disturbing film from almost 85 years ago is not for the casual viewer. Nor is “Gabriel Over the White House” for the old movie buff looking for a feel-good TCM classic.
Nonetheless, it is unforgettably unique and very well produced. Lovers of history, politics, or tremendously unusual old films will find this a frightening, fascinating, and weirdly contemporary classic movie.
Gabriel Over the White House is not just a relic of its time but a chilling vision of how power can be manipulated in moments of national crisis. This is a must-watch for lovers of history, politics, and unique films for anyone curious about how eerily relevant old political cinema can be to modern-day issues.”
Barry,
I have checked my local libraries; neither has it. Do you know where there is a copy of this movie available?
Thank you,
John D.
Hi, John!
I know in Deerfield it can be ordered through interlibrary loan!
Let me know what you think after you see it! It is truly strange!
Barry