Whom the Gods Destroy (1934)
John Forrester, the most successful producer on Broadway, is madly in love with his wife Margaret and dreams of a future where his son Jack will follow in his footsteps. However, during a trip to England to produce a show, the ship he is on encounters a derelict wreckage and starts to sink. In the chaos, Forrester saves numerous lives, but in a moment of terror, he puts on a woman's clothing to escape unnoticed. After being rescued and landing on the coast of Newfoundland, the villagers, who are unaware of his identity, curse him. However, he is taken in by Alec, who helps him keep his identity a secret. Upon returning to New York with a fabricated story of his survival, Forrester cannot bring himself to reveal himself to his family or friends after seeing the plaque honoring his heroism in his theater. He chooses to remain thought of as dead, living as a vagrant and taking odd jobs, as he observes his now-adult son struggling as a producer. When the son's latest play fails, Forrester approaches him, posing as an old friend of his father, and provides assistance. The play is a success and Jack invites his mother to meet his mentor. When she recognizes her husband, the two of them come to the decision that they still have happiness ahead of them, without revealing the truth to Jack.