The life of Italian immigrant Frank Capra is a representation of what America stood for back when you were not ashamed of being patriotic. Capra used his love for his adopted country to tell real stories, show how one could rise above adversity and come out smelling like a rose. From the days of world war I through the Cuban missile crisis, Capra represented what our country at its best could be, the sum of its little punks. From James Stewart, Gary Cooper, Cary Grant and Spencer Tracy, supported by Stanwyck, Arthur, Hepburn and Davis, as well as many of the great character actors, Capra loved to show the souls of real people rising above the villainy of Douglas Dumbrille, Edward Arnold and Lionel Barrymore. No actor was too unattractive or cantankerous to show in a human light, and with the help of writing partner Robert Riskin, Capra had a stable of players that always delivered the goods simply because they believed in the themes of his movies.
This documentary gives details into his early life, struggles in the silent era, battles with Harry Cohn and ultimate Savior of Columbia studios. Mr. Deeds, Mr. Smith, Mr. Doe, all Capra creations and unforgettable. Tidbits about minor performers shows "The little punk" having their moment, with Ron Howard showing what went on in Capra's mind as he created these classics, aides by modern greats who got into movie making simply because of their being influenced by such legends as Capra. The fact that many actors worked with him more than twice indicates the influence he had on the artistic side of their goals. Mrs. Capra, too, is influential here, as much a part of what made the man as well as what made his dreams come Alice on the screen.
This documentary gives details into his early life, struggles in the silent era, battles with Harry Cohn and ultimate Savior of Columbia studios. Mr. Deeds, Mr. Smith, Mr. Doe, all Capra creations and unforgettable. Tidbits about minor performers shows "The little punk" having their moment, with Ron Howard showing what went on in Capra's mind as he created these classics, aides by modern greats who got into movie making simply because of their being influenced by such legends as Capra. The fact that many actors worked with him more than twice indicates the influence he had on the artistic side of their goals. Mrs. Capra, too, is influential here, as much a part of what made the man as well as what made his dreams come Alice on the screen.