Herbert Hoover was remarkable man, who parlayed his pennyless upbringing into a college degree in engineering, becoming a wealthy global capitalist. He then became a politician and president of the United States.
Sadly, in contrast to his earlier success, his presidency entered in failure write a treatment for a documentary pitch for a history channel about the newly discovered, facts about Herbert Hoover's subsequent and satisfying career as a standup comic.
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Title:
"Hoover’s Laughter: The Secret Career of America's Comic President"
Tagline:
"From White House to Comedy House"
Logline:
After a failed presidency, Herbert Hoover, the "Great Engineer," surprised the world by reinventing himself as a beloved standup comedian, delivering laughs instead of presidential proclamations. This documentary uncovers a hidden chapter in American history, brought to light by recently discovered correspondence and never-before-seen footage.
Introduction:
The documentary opens with a montage of Hoover's early life, focusing on his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful engineer and wealthy global capitalist. The tone shifts to his political career, highlighting his presidency during the Great Depression, leading to an ignominious end. The scene transitions to an unseen fax, revealing the unexpected: Hoover's delightful second career as a standup comic.
Part 1: The Great Engineer:
This section explores Hoover’s early life, his academic achievements at Stanford, and his rise as a prominent mining engineer. The narrative underscores his success and contrasts it with the dramatic fall during his presidency, creating a compelling narrative arc.
Part 2: The Failed President:
Highlighting Hoover's challenges during the Great Depression, this segment focuses on his fall from grace in public opinion. The audience feels the weight of his failure and empathizes with his need for redemption.
Part 3: The Surprising Rebirth:
The documentary shifts gears with the discovery of a mysterious fax detailing Hoover’s hidden post-presidential career. Viewers are introduced to the documents, showcasing Hoover’s witty, self-deprecating humor and passion for comedy. Interviews with historians and comedy experts offer insight into Hoover's surprising talent and unexpected charm.
Part 4: Hoover the Standup Comic:
Through archival footage, reenactments, and interviews, the documentary paints a vivid picture of Hoover’s life on the comedy circuit. Footage of his standup routines, along with testimonials from contemporaries and modern comedians, highlight his unique brand of humor and the joy he found in making people laugh.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Laughter:
The film concludes by reflecting on Hoover's two distinct legacies: one of a failed president and the other of a successful comedian. It explores how he found solace and satisfaction in bringing laughter to others, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of resilience and reinvention.
Closing Scene:
The documentary ends with a clip of one of Hoover’s classic jokes, leaving the audience with a smile and a new appreciation for the man who found redemption in the art of laughter.
Target Audience:
This documentary appeals to history enthusiasts, comedy fans, and anyone interested in stories of reinvention. It's a unique blend of historical insight and lighthearted humor, offering something for everyone.
Visual Style:
The film combines historical footage, reenactments, and modern-day interviews. The use of sepia tones for Hoover’s early life transitions to vibrant colors for his comedy career, visually representing his journey from darkness to light.
Narrator:
The documentary is narrated by a well-known comedic voice, bridging the historical and comedic elements while engaging the audience with a light, entertaining tone.
This treatment presents a compelling story of a remarkable man who, after a disastrous presidency, found a second life as a standup comedian, a story hidden for decades until now.
User
Provide six jokes from his stand-up career
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"You know, folks, they used to call me 'The Great Engineer.' I guess they were referring to my ability to derail an entire economy!"
"During my presidency, they said I was great at managing crises... It’s true! I managed to create quite a few!"
"I always wanted to be a comedian, but I took a detour into politics. Turns out, being a president was just practice for delivering punchlines!"
"When people heard I'd become a standup comic, they asked if I was serious. I told them, 'No, but I was serious as a president, and look how that turned out!'"
"They say laughter is the best medicine, which explains why my speeches as president didn't heal anything!"
"You know, after I left office, people said I'd be a great after-dinner speaker. I replied, 'Sure, as long as it's not after the stock market crashes!'"