(1938, Dir. Frank Capra)
In short: Alice Sycamore (Jean Arthur) is a stenographer who falls in love with the boss's son and VP of the company, Tony Kirby (James Stewart). Alice's eccentric family doesn't mix with Tony's high-class parents; meanwhile, Tony's father's company is trying to force Alice's grandfather to sell the family house. It's interesting to think of this film in the context of the Great Depression, though it doesn't seem to exist in the story. In the film, the big bank is trying to take away people's homes. In this era, this was a very real fear for many. The upper class is understandably portrayed as somewhat villainous, because so many people were struggling with money at the time. Everything about this movie is delightful, especially all the characters. Each character, especially the members of Alice's family, has such a distinct, eccentric, but still human personality. The story was really well-written (it helps that it was a Kauffman/Hart play before it was a movie) and all the elements of the story pay off really well. Some bits drag on a little, but not much, and it's still great nonetheless. Capra's directing style features prominently (it won him an Oscar!) and tells the story very effectively (I especially loved the running theme of the "Home Sweet Home" sign falling). All told, I absolutely loved it. 10/10 Russian Revolutions.
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AuthorEileen here, writing reviews for film class. Archives
April 2018
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