Film Review: You Can’t Take It With You

I recently acquired the Frank Capra collection, featuring 5 of his best movies in one fantastic little set. Best $60 I ever spent, I’d say.

You Can’t Take It With You is a film I’d never seen all the way through, but heard fellow classic film enthusiasts rave about.  It features two of Capra’s favorite actors, Jimmy Stewart and Jean Arthur, as well as an ensemble of other interesting characters.

Alice (Jean Arthur) comes from an eccentric family. Her father makes fireworks in their cellar, her sister is constantly dancing, her mother decided to write plays when a typewriter was delivered to the house by accident, and her grandfather left his job simply because it wasn’t fun. Tony (Jimmy Stewart) on the other hand, is a vice president banker where his father plays an important, stern role and his mother is a snooty socialite. Somehow, Tony and Alice fall in love. Although knowing that their families are bound to clash, they intend to marry.

The film, based off a play of the same name, focuses on their romance and family issues in the first half, but by what would be the third act in the play, the perspective switches to focus on Alice’s grandfather and Tony’s father. Two polar opposites, and one could stand to learn a lot from the other.

I really loved every character in this film, and how well-rounded they were able to become even if they had little screen presence. Alice’s family is endlessly amusing, and watching them interact with Tony’s uptight parents is just simply fun.

There also resides beneath the goofy conflicts, a great message about life. Alice’s grandfather lives by the notion that all individuals should be able to do what they love, and not have to suffer through life for wealth. After all, “you can’t take it with you”.

Independence Day: Get patriotic with these films

For my American friends, it is officially the 4th of July, the day we celebrate our independence. I find that nothing makes me feel more patriotic then a good classic film. Can’t decide what you should watch to get in the mood? Well, that’s why I’m here!

Mr.Smith Goes To Washington

The story of a small-time hero who fights a corrupt government. This movie is incredibly inspirational, and James Stewart is simply amazing as a bumbling fool who finds his stance and gives it everything he has. In moments of his intense speeches, you are completely riveted and rooting for him. A true underdog overcoming tale.

Yankee Doodle Dandy

Nothing says America like a good old-fashioned musical (or maybe that’s just me?) James Cagney was more so known for his roles as gangsters, but he does well as a “song and dance man” in this biographical musical about George M. Cohan, the man behind the song “Yankee Doodle Boy”.

Young Mr.Lincoln

A more fictional account of the early life of Lincoln, during his days as a lawyer. Nonetheless, a very patriotic film.

Happy 4th!

Film Review: The Greatest Show On Earth (1952)

I love a good circus, don’t you? Granted I haven’t been to one since I was 5, but I remain a big fan of anything circus related, making this movie a must-see.

This is the second time I’ve viewed it, the first I hadn’t seen it in its entirety. It’s got an amazing cast which includes Charlton Heston, Betty Hutton, Dorothy Lamour, Cornel Wilde and Jimmy Stewart.

It was also interesting that the film was made with the help of the actual Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Baily circus, featuring its actual  performers and clowns (including Emmett Kelly) the actors were trained in their characters professions and did the acts themselves.

There are movies I’ve seen in the past on the subject of Circus or Carnival life that fall short, simply because they lack the realism of what the circus is about, especially behind the scenes. This movie felt genuine, like I wasn’t watching actors in costume.

That being said, the movie is a bit of a Soap Opera. The circus, especially in the past, was a very gritty and often crooked lifestyle. While they managed to squeeze a little bit of that in, it was still very idealistic and romanticized. However, that seems to be a trend in most films made in the 1950s.

I can’t say I enjoyed the over-acting, either. Some of the characters were a little too much for my taste and I felt like rolling my eyes or laughing at some serious moments. Melodramatic would be the right word, I think. It’s complete with love-triangles, life-altering injuries, murder suspects, and train wrecks.

I have to point out that Jimmy Stewart was amazing for a minor character, as Buttons the clown. Although he did have his own side-story, he wasn’t billed as a star in the film. In fact, the only time you see him out of clown make-up is for a brief moment in a photograph. Still, with such a small part, he managed to steal the audience’s attention every time he was on screen.  He worked personally with Emmett Kelly to perfect the act of the clown, and did a fantastic job. And in the more serious moments, really made you feel for his character.

I was surprised to hear that this film won the academy award for Best Picture. While enjoyable and interesting, I never thought it ranked quite that high. I do, however, think it’s worth a watch. It’s purely entertaining, so don’t look for too much beyond the surface.