AMC's "Broken Trail" was number one in the ratings Sunday night, besting everything on cable and network television. But it wasn't just the American public who loved the Robert Duvall-toplined western - the pic was also a hit with President Bush. The movie's star (and Presidential pal) screened the pic at The White House on June 11 and sources say the President enjoyed it. "He was joking during the screening and in good spirits," says one person in attendance.

After flying back from Camp David on Marine One, the President and First Lady Laura Bush joined about 30 guests in the White House screening room to watch the picture. Bush was the life of party. "He was telling stories and holding court," says the source. During the film's 15 minute intermission, Bush stayed in his seat to chat with guests. "He and Duvall were just telling jokes. It was like being at someone's house."

The screening was followed by a buffet served in the White House portrait room. Duvall sat with Laura Bush. Co-star Thomas Hayden Church ate with AMC President Ed Carroll, Rainbow President and CEO Josh Sapan, Cablevision Vice Chairman Hank Ratner and network Vice President Christina Wayne. No place cards were proffered, so guests were able to wander and freely mingle with The President and First Lady as they munched on steak, soft shell crab, quiche and veggies.

So how did the screening come about?

Seems Duvall and Bush hit it off when the President presented the actor with the National Medal of Arts last November. Bush is a fan of westerns. Duvall was making a western. The screening was soon scheduled.

Presidential approval is the icing on the cake for AMC and Duvall. The pic was an all time record breaker for the network, doing more than double AMC's previous best. It was also the highest-rated cable telecast of 2006, based on household delivery (6.7 million) and total viewership (9.8 million adults). It was also the most watched cable movie since 2001.