Director: Frank Capra

1947, 129

Screenwriter: Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, & Frank Capra based on Philip Van Doren Stern's novel.

Cast: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Henry Travers, Lionel Barrymore, Karolyn Grimes.

 

While Frank Capra’s tribute to caring, tolerance and community might have once seemed corny, 2019 has brought its message front and center. This holiday season treat yourself and the people you care about to Capra’s timeless film about the inter-connectedness of us all. James Stewart plays a decent small town guy who’s put his own dreams on hold to help others, only to see his optimism eroded by selfishness of a privileged few. It takes an angel named Clarence to reveal what Stewart’s world would be like without his sacrifice and commitment. Ranked as the #1 Most Powerful Movie of All Time by the American Film Institute.

“Capra imagines a world where resistance remains possible; and that the world we imagine together still has the capacity to shake the nations, and shut down the Powers that be, change your life, and save the soul of our community.” – Rev. Kendyll Gibbons Kansas City Star.