Connect with us

Features

Frank Capra – Mr Deed’s Wonderful Life

Published

on


The most “American” of American film directors was born in 1897 in the tiny Sicilian village of Bisacquino. Frank Capra nearly died during childbirth, but his grandfather, an amateur psychic, declared Frank would be known for his achievements around the world.

The Capras emigrated to Los Angeles, where Frank studied chemical engineering and then left to fight in World War I. Upon returning, Capra couldn’t find work. Frustrated yet eternally optimistic, Capra talked his way into directing a short called “Fultah Fisher’s Boarding House,” based on a Rudyard Kipling poem. That led to work on some classic “Our Gang” comedy shorts along with three silent features with comic Harry Langdon.

Capra became a company director with struggling Columbia Pictures in 1928. But it wasn’t until 1932’s “American Madness,” that Capra (with writer Robert Riskin) perfected his formula for victory in film: the tough-minded individual against an unscrupulous institution.

By 1934, Capra’s It Happened One Night (with a shirtless Clark Gable) made history. It was the first film to sweep all five major Academy Awards — after which the director became a hot Hollywood property.

Advertisement

Capra’s films, including Mr. Deed’s Goes To Town, Lost Horizon, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and It’s A Wonderful Life all had much in common. They were rife with idealism and faith in Everyman. Patriotism, goodness, the light after the darkness, the happy ending: Capra invented a style which is emulated by directors like Stephen Spielberg to this day.

During World War II, Capra shot various pro-Allies documentaries for the U.S. government and was awarded a Distinguished Service Medal in 1944. In 1959 and 1961 respectively, he directed A Hole In The Head with Frank Sinatra and A Pocketful of Miracles with Bette Davis. But his best work was his Columbia Pictures work.


Alastair James is the editor in chief for Memorable TV. He has been involved in media since his university days. Alastair is passionate about television, and some of his favourite shows include Line of Duty, Luther and Traitors. He is always on the lookout for hot new shows, and is always keen to share his knowledge with others.

Down Home Fab Down Home Fab
News41 mins ago

Season 2 Premiere, Down Home Fab, March 21, 2024, HGTV

Get ready for the Season 2 premiere of HGTV’s “Down Home Fab,” airing on Thursday, March 21, 2024. In this...

CBS Mornings CBS Mornings
News43 mins ago

Mia Armstrong, Joseph Morgan, CBS Mornings, March 21, 2024

Get ready for Thursday’s episode of CBS Mornings on March 21st as it brings together an intriguing lineup of guests...

Entertainment Tonight Entertainment Tonight
News45 mins ago

Jim Parsons, Jessica Lange, Entertainment Tonight, March 19, 2024, CBS,

In the latest episode of Entertainment Tonight, viewers can look forward to exploring Oprah’s new weight loss special. Additionally, Jim...

FBI FBI
News48 mins ago

FBI, March 19, 2024, CBS, “Sacrifice”

Get ready for a thrilling brand new episode of FBI titled “Sacrifice,” airing on CBS on Tuesday, March 19, 2024...

FBI: International FBI: International
News48 mins ago

FBI: International, March 19, 2024, CBS, “Death by Inches”

In the upcoming episode of FBI: International titled “Death by Inches,” set to air on CBS on Tuesday, March 19,...

FBI: Most Wanted FBI: Most Wanted
News49 mins ago

FBI: Most Wanted, March 19, 2024, CBS,

Gear up for another thrilling episode of FBI: Most Wanted titled “Desperate,” airing on CBS on Tuesday, March 19, 2024...

Night Court Night Court
News50 mins ago

Night Court, March 19, 2024, NBC, “The Duke’s a Hazard”

Night Court makes its return with an exciting episode titled “The Duke’s a Hazard” on NBC on Tuesday, March 19,...

Extended Family Extended Family
News51 mins ago

Extended Family, March 19, 2024, NBC, “The Consequences of Being Irish”

NBC’s Extended Family is set to air its brand new episode titled “The Consequences of Being Irish” on Tuesday, March...

Channel 4 Channel 4
News42 mins ago

Series Premiere, Walter Presents: Sweetheart, 14 April, 2024, Channel 4

Walter Presents and Channel 4 is set to premiere a new series, Sweetheart (original title Chouchou), which tells the compelling...

Great British Menu Great British Menu
News14 hours ago

The Finals: Starters, Great British Menu, 18 March 2024, BBC Two

Get ready for the brand new episode of Great British Menu, as national finals week kicks off with the starters...

Anton & Giovanni's Adventures in Spain Anton & Giovanni's Adventures in Spain
News14 hours ago

Series Premiere, Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain, 18 March 2024, BBC One

In the premiere episode of the brand new series “Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain,” Strictly Come Dancing stars Anton...

Panorama Panorama
News14 hours ago

Paying More for Less: Councils in Crisis, Panorama, 18 March 2024, BBC One

In the latest episode of Panorama, titled “Paying More for Less: Councils in Crisis,” viewers will be taken behind the...

Channel 4 Channel 4
News15 hours ago

Whites Only: Ade’s Extremist Adventure, 18 March 2024, Channel 4

In a thought-provoking and enlightening new documentary titled “Whites Only: Ade’s Extremist Adventure,” airing on Channel 4 on Monday 18...

Channel 4 Channel 4
News15 hours ago

24 Hours in A&E, 18 March 2024, Channel 4, “Season 32 Episode 3”

In the latest episode of Channel 4’s “24 HOURS IN A&E,” viewers are taken inside Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham,...

George Clarke's Remarkable Renovations George Clarke's Remarkable Renovations
News15 hours ago

Chiltern Hills Barber Shop, George Clarke’s Remarkable Renovations, 18 March 2024, Channel 4

In the latest episode of Channel 4’s “George Clarke’s Remarkable Renovations,” architect George Clarke continues to showcase the inspiring stories of...

Traffic Cops Traffic Cops
News15 hours ago

Traffic Cops, 18 March 2024, Channel 5, “Season 13, Episode 14”

In the latest episode of Channel 5’s “Traffic Cops,” viewers will once again be taken on a gripping journey alongside...

Popular