President’s Day is a federal holiday that is celebrated on the third Monday of February each year. It is a day to honor all past presidents of the United States, including those who have not been portrayed in movies. But you might be surprised at a few lesser known portrayals of presidents in movies.
While many presidents have been depicted in films and television shows, there are plenty who have not yet been given the full Hollywood treatment. These presidents may not have had the same level of public notoriety or historical significance as others, but they still played an important role in shaping the United States.
James Buchanan
One president who hasn’t been conventionally portrayed in a movie is James Buchanan. He served as the 15th president of the United States from 1857 to 1861. Buchanan was faced with many challenges during his presidency, including the growing tensions between the North and South over slavery. His presidency is often criticized for his inability to effectively address the issue. He angered the North by not stopping secession while at the same time refusing Southern demands. His inaction failed to stall the coming Civil War.
Oddly enough, the 2019 indie film Raising Buchanan tells the story of a desperate woman who steals the dead body of Buchanan in a ransom attempt. The comedy movie takes a darkly funny turn when no one seems really interested in the theft.
Franklin Pierce
Another president who hasn’t had a memorable portrayal in a movie is Franklin Pierce. He served as the 14th president of the United States from 1853 to 1857. Pierce’s presidency was marked by a number of controversies. For one, the Kansas-Nebraska Act led to increased tensions between the North and South (there seems to be a theme here!). And despite his efforts to promote unity, his presidency is often viewed as a failure.
Pierce briefly appears in the 2016 horror-comedy film President’s Day as well as a 1944 biopic called The Great Moment. But if he ever gets the full Hollywood treatment, we might suggest Benedict Cumberbatch to play the lead. Cumberbatch has appeared in a number of period dramas, and can walk the line between confident politician and a leader struggling to keep the peace.
Millard Fillmore
A third president who hasn’t really been portrayed in a movie is Millard Fillmore. He served as the 13th president of the United States from 1850 to 1853. Fillmore’s presidency was also marked by a number of controversies, including the Compromise of 1850. The passing of the compromise led to a brief truce in the battle over the expansion of slavery, but still maintained its legal practice.
Fillmore makes a brief appearance in the 2009 film Lost River: Lincoln’s Secret Weapon, but has otherwise not made the cut. Should there ever be an interest in exploring Fillmore’s life and presidency on screen, character actor Stephen Root could fit the bill. Depending on the tone, Root could play the maligned Fillmore with a sarcastic whimsy.
Calvin Coolidge
Calvin Coolidge served as the 30th President of the United States from 1923 to 1929. He is often remembered for his conservative policies and his reluctance to get involved in foreign affairs. He is also remembered for his famous quote, “The business of America is business.”
As for the movie business, Coolidge actually made history as the first president to appear in a silent film. His 1925 inauguration was the first to ever broadcast, fitting his “Silent Cal” nickname.
Herbert Hoover
Herbert Hoover, on the other hand, served as the 31st President of the United States from 1929 to 1933. He is often remembered for his handling of the Great Depression, which began during his presidency. Despite his efforts to address the economic crisis, his presidency is often criticized for his inability to effectively address the issue.
The 1996 TV movie The Angel of Pennsylvania Avenue saw Thomas Peacocke play President Hoover. And prior to that, Franklin Cover played a role as Hoover in the 1982 historical drama The Day the Bubble Burst.
Harry S. Truman
Harry S. Truman served as the 33rd President of the United States from 1945 to 1953. He is often remembered for his role in the Cold War and his decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. Despite his decision to use atomic weapons, his presidency is often viewed as a success.
However, this will be the last time Truman can appear on this list. Gary Oldman will play the 33rd President in the upcoming Christopher Nolan film, Oppenheimer, about the American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.
Presidents in Movies: Celebrating History On and Off the Screen
These presidents may not have had the same level of public notoriety or historical significance as others, but they still played an important role in shaping the United States. Each president, whether they have been depicted in a movie or not, had their own unique challenges and successes that contributed to the country’s history.
It is important to remember that not all presidents will be depicted in movies or television shows, but that does not mean that their contributions to the country should be overlooked. President’s Day is a day to honor all past presidents, regardless of whether they have been portrayed in popular media.
While President’s Day is a time to celebrate the legacy of great leaders like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, it is also important to remember the many other presidents who have served our country.
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