In search of another Frank Capra

I will admit to taking a film study course while in college.  It was offered during intercession, the 2-week break between the fall and spring semesters.  An intercessioner attended class 5 hours per day, 6 days per week for 2 weeks.  I saw it as easy way to earn 3 credit hours.

We watched about 4 films per day, listened to instructor lecture on the movies' historical background, and the main characters. In exchange, we had to write a paper on each movie as to its theme, meaning to use, etc. Talk about an easy 3 credit hours!

The course was a study on the films of Frank Capra and Preston Sturges.  I had never heard of them.  Nor had I seen any of their movies.  Of the two, I enjoyed the Capra films the most:  "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town", "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington", "Lost Horizon", "Meet John Doe", "You Can't Take it Without", "It Happened One Night", and "It's A Wonderful Life". 

Capra had a recurring theme throughout this movies:  friendships were important; good wins out in the end; honesty was important; and, avoiding the sins of political corruption.  For a complete list of Capra's more popular movies, click here.

Capra saw movie making as his way to influence individuals, to remind them of simple and good values.  He felt a great burden and responsibiity toward those who attended the movie theatre.   He saw this as an opportunity to influence the audience with moral messages and values.

Many movie critics have sought to minimize Capra films as overly idealistic, preachy, and too sacrine.  Since that film class of many years ago, I have often bemoaned what Hollywood produces today: the violence, the corruption, and greed.  I believe our society and the generations since the Capra age have been unduly and negatively influenced by such movies and TV shows. 

Sadly, many producers do not take their role and responsibility as deeply as Frank Capra.