Famous Filmmaker
1897 – 1991
Frankie is Frank Capra, an Academy Award-winning director whose movies were suffused with affectionate portrayals of the common man and the strengths and foibles of American democracy. He was the first to win three directorial Oscars — for “It Happened One Night” (1934), “Mr. Deeds Goes to Town” (1936) and “You Can’t Take It With You” (1938).
Most people know him for “It’s a Wonderful Life” which has become a holiday classic.
But what some may not know is that Capra did a series of “Why We Fight” World War II propaganda films per the request of General George Marshall and the U.S. War Department.
His approach, “one-man, one film” with complete control from concept to delivery, was unique for that time period.
Notable Quotables:
“A hunch is creativity trying to tell you something.”
“There are no rules in filmmaking, only sins. And the cardinal sin is dullness.”
“What interests people most is people.”
The last quote came from Capra’s autobiography.
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The following are some relevant clips from the soon to be published iBook Jedemi Chronicles (In Heaven When You Smile – The Taming of Viv).
There is a reference to Frankie’s Lost Horizon film.
Turner Classic Movies website has a nice write-up about Capra’s “Lost Horizon.”
Capra got Columbia studio head, Harry Cohn to buy the rights to the James Hilton book which inspired the movie.
http://youtu.be/SxKoaIq6DcY
Capra talks to Dick Cavett about Lost Horizon
It’s a story about instinct…
Clip: Confusing… Why? That’s because you’ve always been a part of Shangri-La without knowing it.
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[…] Frankie is Frank Capra, an Academy Award-winning director whose movies were suffused with affectionate portrayals of the common man and the strengths and foibles of American democracy. […]