Book excerpt: "Frank Capra: A Life" by Sam Wasson
Summary
Sam Wasson’s biography of Frank Capra describes Jimmy Stewart’s return to film after World War II and his anxiety about starring in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Capra also faced uncertainty as he began production, with the script still changing and many of his usual collaborators unavailable.Key Facts
- Stewart’s contract with Liberty Pictures barred the company from publicizing his service as a U.S. Army officer during World War II.
- “It’s a Wonderful Life” was Stewart’s first film in almost five years.
- Stewart worried that audiences might have forgotten him and said he felt frightened about returning to work.
- The excerpt says Stewart had spent about 2,000 hours flying overseas during the war.
- Capra began filming the movie on April 15, 1946.
- The first filming days included a dance scene at Beverly Hills High School, where George and Mary fall into a swimming pool.
- Sam Wasson’s book is titled “Frank Capra: A Life” and was published by Harper.
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