It is hard to even imagine but this year the film turns 92 years old. But for this film's anniversary Warner Archive Collection has restored and released this classic on Blu-ray!
Synopsis: Judson Hammond is a corrupt U.S. president who after a near-fatal car crash, meets an angel who shows him the error of his ways. He awakens determined to right all of America's wrongs-now or by any means possible. Towering like a Yankee Colossus, he sweeps constitutional safeguards aside to tackle poverty, crime and world peace as a populist dictator, winning the adulation of a grateful nation.
Gabriel over the White House was adapted from a novel of the same name. But some of the elements were changed. While it is not a completely faithful adaption the spirit of the story is there. Walter Huston gives a wonderful performance as the corrupt president. Huston even said once that this was one of his favorite roles.
Director Gregory LaCava does a tremendous job in showing the before and after versions of Jud Hammond. LaCava surrounded Huston with a wonderful cast including Franchot Tone (Sadie McKee, Love on the Run, Reckless), Arthur Byron (The Mummy), C. Henry Gordon (The Charge of the Light Brigade), Dickie Moore (Oliver Twist), Karen Morley (Scareface), David Landau (I Am a fugitive from a Chain Gang), Smauel S. Hinds (it's a Wonderful Life) and Jean Parker (Lady for a Day).
Warner Archive Collection has transferred this film to Blu-ray in 1080p and i presented in 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The audio track is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. There is the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. Warner Archive has done another fine job with this pre-code drama. The black and white picture is really clean with a solid greyscale, dark blacks and bright and whites. This film transfer looks excellent on Blu-ray.
In addition to a crisp, clean looking film transfer Warner Archive Collection added some 1933 classic cartoons to this release. Take a look at the cartoons added to this Blu-ray!
* Bosko in Person (1933) Bosko and Honey perform on stage doing imitations of Maurice Chevalier, Greta Garbo and Jimmy Durante.
* Buddy's Beer Garden (1933) Buddy's day working at a German Beer Garden is documented.
* The Dish ran away with the Spoon (1933) Dishes and utensils wash, dry, and stack themselves. Then a spoon proposes to the dish.
Along with a spectacular looking transfer of this pre-code political drama the addition of 3 cartoons makes this release even better. The heavy content of Gabriel over the White House is off set perfectly by the fun of the lighthearted cartoons.
Gabriel over the White House was made close to 100 years ago and yet it is eerily reminiscent of what we see in our political world. Politicians on both sides want their own way and will do almost anything to get it. They could learn a lot from watching this film.
If you love the films of Walter Huston or political dramas, you need to check this new Blu-ray release of Gabriel over the White House. head over to MovieZyng or Amazon and order your copy today!
Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the best) Warner Archive's Blu-ray of Gabriel over the White House receives....
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