(2023, UK, 92')
Frank Capra is a champion of the American Way of Life and of the American Dream. A young, penniless Sicilian immigrant, Capra took the humblest jobs to support his family, and was later able to climb the ladder of Hollywood to become one of the greatest American storytellers. Menial worker first, he tried his hand as gag man, too, and said role was the one to start his career in movies. His first directorial works were for Harry Langdon’s gags: The Strong Man (1926), Long Pants (1927). Fame came with It Happened One Night (1934), awarded Best Film, Best Direction, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay.
Comedies followed: Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936), You Can’t Take It with You (1938) (Best Film and Best Direction), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), and Meet John Doe (1941). In 1971, Capra wrote his autobiography, The Name Above the Title, a reference to him being the first Hollywood director who placed his name above the film’s title in the opening credits. A perfect example of the self-made man, a humble immigrant turned international celebrity. John Ford recognized him as “an inspiration for those who believe in the American Dream”.
