Watch The Butler ( 2013) Online Free Movie The Butler is a 2013 American historical drama film directed and produced by Lee Daniels and written by Danny Strong. Loosely based on the real life of Eugene Allen, the film stars Forest Whitaker as Cecil Gaines, an African-American who eyewitnesses notable events of the 20th century during his 34-year tenure serving as a White House butler. It was the last film produced by Laura Ziskin, who died in 2011.The film was theatrically released by The Weinstein Company on August 16, 2013, to mostly positive reviews and grossing over $176 million worldwide against a budget of $30 million. toolbar builder toolbar builder Movie Details: Directed by: Lee Daniels Produced by: Pamela Oas WilliamsLaura Ziskin,Lee Daniels,Buddy Patrick,Cassian Elwes. W ritten by: Danny Strong Based on: "A Butler Well Served by This Election" by Wil Haygood Starring: Forest Whitaker ,Oprah Winfrey. Music by: Rod