Powerful

Bad Acting and worse Bad Screenplay

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

I've long been a fan of director Frank Capra. I can still remember seeing MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON years ago and being moved by it on some VHS station in the 60s. In college I was fortunate enough to be present when Capra made a visit to Ball State to speak and was even lucky enough to pose a question to him. Afterward he sat with the audience to view what he said was his and his close friend Jimmy Stewarts favorite movie IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. It was my first time viewing it and it's been a favorite ever since.Since then I've been blessed with the chance to see the rest of his films. The invention of video tape and then DVD has given film fans the opportunity to enjoy the films they used to have to wait to see on late night fuzzy channels on TV. Not only that, most are being brought out with extras to enjoy as well as in the clearest presentations ever. Such is the case with this film.For those who haven't seen the film it tells the story of Longfellow Deeds (Gary Cooper), part owner of a tallow works, greeting card poet and tuba player in a small town, who suddenly inherits $20 million from his late uncle. While this in itself doesn't change Deeds it has a great effect on all who worked for his uncle and want to retain as much of that wealth for themselves as possible.Deeds is convinced to move to the big city and to take over things. But this is a Capra film and when they say take over it means be a figurehead while the conniving bankers and traders retain as much control of the wealth as possible. Not only that but every group looking for a handout appears at his doorstep, too many for him to see through it all and realize which is legitimate and which is just someone looking to dip into his pocket.While the biggest of these financial crooks, a lawyer who worked for his uncle, tries to keep as many away from Deeds as possible, reporter Louise "Babe" Bennet (Jean Arthur) makes her way into the fold playing the damsel in distress in need of assistance from Deeds. Of course while he sees through a number of the phonies around him Deeds falls for Louise. During the course of the movie she falls for him as well.Confronted by a poor man who views him simply as another rich taker, Deeds realizes he can do something of value with his wealth and tries to establish a system to help the poor. He will offer 10 acre lands to anyone free if they are willing to work the land for 3 years. This sets him in the crosshairs of the corrupt powers that be and soon he has a fight on his hands.As with a number of Capra films we once again have the little guy going up against the corporate big wigs whose sole concern is making and taking money. Made during the Great Depression the film resonated with so many who lost everything at the time. It solidified the status of Cooper as a leading man and Arthur, who starred in several Capra classics, shows why he often chose her.The movie is filled with humor both in the writing and in the performances. Not all the laughs come from the dialogue and many are situational. It's hard to find something this good these days but it happens now and then. Capra always seemed to know just which buttons to push in his films. It wasn't that he held all corporate big wigs and bankers to a higher standard but he recognized and highlighted those that were corrupt and self-serving. In the end by sticking up for the little guy he made a career for himself and a reputation that has remained as one of the most gifted directors of all time.This new release is a treat for fans and non-fans alike. To begin with Sony has restored the film to the best condition ever found for the film. Scratched prints had been released in the past but this edition features the film in pristine fashion with a frame by frame restoration in 4K from the original camera negative making it the cleanest and clearest version of the film to date. Extras include a feature and commentary by Frank Capra Jr. (a successful producer in his own right) and the original theatrical trailer. This release is also offered in a Digi book format which offers and essay on the film along with plenty of black and white photos from the film.If you're a Capra fan then this is the edition of the film you'll want to add to your collection. If you've never seen the film then this is one to pick up to discover just how great Capra films were. Once you finish my guess is you'll seek out the others he made and enjoy them just as much as this one.

Frank Capra classic about a good-natured small town man named Longfellow Deeds (Gary Cooper) who inherits a fortune and finds himself surrounded by opportunists in the big city. Iconic role for Gary Cooper, who's in his element playing an upright, unassuming guy who gets a crash course in the cynical ways of the world. Jean Arthur, charming and lovely as ever, is splendid as the reporter covering Deeds, at first intent on making fun of him like he's a country bumpkin, only to find herself gradually falling in love with him. As usual with Frank Capra's movies, the supporting cast is made up of excellent character actors like George Bancroft, Lionel Stander, Ruth Donnelly, Douglas Dumbrille, and H.B. Warner. A delightful jewel in the crown of Capra, one of my favorite directors and one who is sadly all-too-often dismissed by film snobs. This is a great one that definitely belongs in the "they don't make 'em like this anymore" category. See the crappy Adam Sandler remake for proof of that.

Longfellow Deeds (Gary Cooper) is a beloved tuba-playing greeting card writer in the tiny Mandrake Falls in Vermont. When his forgotten banker uncle Martin Semple dies, he is the sole benefactor of the $20 million fortune. His uncle's scheming lawyer John Cedar (Douglass Dumbrille) brings him back to NYC and tries to hide his firm's stealing by getting him to sign the power of attorney. Ex-newspaperman Cornelius Cobb (Lionel Stander) tries valiantly to keep him out of bad PR trouble. Everybody is trying to take advantage of him thinking he's a small town simpleton. He wants to give away the fortune and rescue a damsel in distress. Ace reporter Babe Bennett (Jean Arthur) insinuate into his life by pretending to be poor girl Mary Dawson fainting in front of him. She starts writing articles giving him the nickname "Cinderella Man" which he hates.Gary Cooper is the everyman nice guy. He has a childlike wonder and a upstanding persona while maintaining a sincerity in his performance. Jean Arthur is terrific as a real broad and the heart winning love. Lionel Stander takes a consolation prize for his hard talking character. It's a simple premise that Capra uses to elevate the nobility of the common man. It does turn serious which is a bit jarring in tone. It doesn't have the same resonance as when it was made during the Great Depression.

A wonderful philanthropic film made in the turbulent times of 1930s.In 1933 during Great Depression, a wealthy man called Longfellow Deeds decides to go philanthropic and is accused of insanity too. The film in many ways is a testament to philanthropy and what money does to empower people and also how money acts as an evil to the bad fellows.The film is done well in terms of photography, sound and editing. It tops in writing and directing. I love the way Frank Capra puts out his films, though there are some cinematic liberties, overall it panned out well. There were a few questionable liberties too, but all is well if it ends well. Precisely, that is what happens with the film.Gar Cooper as Longfellow Deeds is wonderful and Jean Arthur as Louise "Babe" Benett was lovely, charming and admirable. The way Jean Arthur connives Deeds is wonderful too. Of course, there are moments where, Deed conveys how all the people he met in his life are fake and how lovable Babe is, show that is these are pure Capra moments, the initial master who drew emotions with a tear in the eye. Frank Capra began the march toward greatness with his earlier film "It Happened One Night" and continued it with this and his other wonderful films too.The film stands tall in history with several remakes or references down the years and is one of the finest to have come out in 1930's. Yet, I rate a few films of Frank Capra above this and I am going with a 3/5. Yes, it's lovable but it does not demand a repeat watch, unlike his other films. So thus, putting my rating down a bit.