Back in America after a long series abroad, Alex and Jonathan look at the life and work of all-American director Frank Capra with It Happened One Night (1934), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), and Arsenic and Old Lace (1944). We talk about the limitations and creativity that came from the Hays Code, innovations Capra made in directing and filming movies, and how his life and outlook is reflected in his films.
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Skip to: It Happened One Night (6:23), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (26:54), Arsenic and Old Lace (48:19), Overall (1:00:22), Coming Attractions (1:12:47)
Resources referenced in this episode:
- Frank Capra’s Autobiography The Name Above the Title
- The History of Hollywood Censorship and the Rating System
- Frank Capra Interview
- Alex on Twitter: @AlexGeringer
- Jonathan on Twitter: @JSSatchell
Next week we look at a new genre to the podcast, musicals:
- 42nd Street (1933)
- Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
- La La Land (2016)
Intro/Outro Music:
Ash by Mike Braudrick