The President Vanishes (1934)
Directed by William A. Wellman
Genres - Crime |
Sub-Genres - Political Thriller |
Release Date - Nov 17, 1934 (USA - Unknown), Nov 17, 1934 (USA) |
Run Time - 86 min. |
Countries - United States |
MPAA Rating - NR
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Synopsis by Craig Butler
Based upon a novel anonymously written by Rex Stout, The President Vanishes has as its title character a peace-loving man with distinct anti-interventionist views. As the picture opens, President Craig Stanley (A.S. Byron) finds himself in a bit of a bind: he fervently believes that the United States should stay out of the war in Europe, but the tide of public opinion seems to be turning against him, influenced by a loud and demonstrative fascist group (the Gray Shirts), influential arms manufacturers and powerful pro-war publishers. Congress seems to be unflinchingly pro-war, and is about to meet to "discuss" whether America should get involved in the deadly conflict. Suddenly, a surprise announcement is made: the President has been kidnapped. Overnight, public opinion regarding the war reverses. The American people, knowing of the President's strong anti-war stance, believe that the pro-war forces are behind the abduction, resulting in rioting and national unrest.
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Themes
Keywords
politician, politics, war, President