Crucial Capra

by Erik J. Martin

Note: This is part 2 of a 2-part article on Frank Capra. Part 1 published last week.

Here are the essential must-see films in Frank Capra’s filmography (all are available on home video or DVD):

• It Happened One Night (1934): Screwball comedy starring Hollywood big guns Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert, who, along with the picture, won top Oscars
• Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936): Gary Cooper stars as a philanthropist who inherits $20 million and gives it away to the needy; co-starring Jean Arthur
• Lost Horizon (1937): A socially redeeming film about living in the mythical paradise of Shangri La, starring Ronald Colman and Jane Wyatt
• You Can’t Take it With You (1938): Another delightful screwball comedy (and Best Picture winner) that helped make Jimmy Stewart a star; also co-starring Jean Arthur
• Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939): Moving story of an everyman (Stewart) who bucks the political system and triumphs 
• Meet John Doe (1941): Uplifting tearjerker about a hobo (Gary Cooper) plucked by politicians to inspire the discouraged masses; co-starring Barbara Stanwyck 
• It’s a Wonderful Life (1946): Life-affirming classic that demonstrates how one man’s (Stewart) would-be unimportant life touches so many other lives; Donna Reed co-stars
  
  
  
• State of the Union (1948): Lovable comedy depicting Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn as a couple who will do anything for the Republican presidential nomination.