Lebenskünstler (1938)

Lebenskünstler: Directed by Frank Capra. With Jean Arthur, Lionel Barrymore, James Stewart, Edward Arnold. A man from a family of rich snobs becomes engaged to a woman from a good-natured but decidedly eccentric family.

“One message. u0026quot;Nothing is worth doing if you canu0026#39;t enjoy it, and when itu0026#39;s over- you canu0026#39;t take it with you!u0026quot;u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eDo any of Caprau0026#39;s works actually speak u0026#39;thatu0026#39; one particular message? Perhaps the closest to the above is u0026quot;It Happened One Nightu0026quot;. u0026quot;Lost Horizonu0026quot; is about rediscovery and peace of mind. u0026quot;Mr Smithu0026quot; is politically and small town oriented and u0026quot;Mr Deedsu0026quot; deals with the same except without some political yawn. George Bailey should have had a better dosage of the u0026quot;You Canu0026#39;t Take it With Youu0026quot; policy in u0026quot;Itu0026#39;s a Wonderful Lifeu0026quot;.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003enHere is a play that exercises Frank Caprau0026#39;s famous adage with all humour already built in. Why shouldnu0026#39;t it work? u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe stage version was a phenomenal success, written superbly by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. If their story is slightly lacking, look no further than the delightful cast of characters. Mr Poppins, toy and mask maker. Aliceu0026#39;s Father who meddles with fireworks. Essie the ballerina, Penny the playwright and the wonderful Russian ballet teacher. The uptight Kirby banking corporation. Then thereu0026#39;s the u0026quot;Mr Smithu0026quot; duo, Tony (Jimmy Stewart) and Alice (Jean Arthur). u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe stand out performer here, is naturally the lovable Lionel Barrymore as Grandpa Vanderfhoff. Although the first film in which the damaging effects of his arthritis began to show, Capra had his leg put in a cast and had him move around on crutches. He relishes his performance. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eI have heard of complaints which discuss the fact this film fails to address corruption and greed in a similar manner to u0026quot;Mr. Smith Goes to Washingtonu0026quot; which successfully played its part going against the American capital. Once again, Capra emphasises his favourite theme of the little guy up against the world and succeeds, but u0026quot;You Canu0026#39;t Take it With Youu0026quot; basically does not even make a mild attempt to criticise the American system of government, past or present, even though I know very little about it. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOn different levels, look at this film in the light of discussing heavier issues, as the aforementioned greed and corruption. I just donu0026#39;t think Mr Capra would have liked it as much for one of his works to be remembered like that, especially with the basic message staring at us right in the face. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003enNevertheless, it is another of Caprau0026#39;s life saving feel good movies. All it is encouraging us to do is to have a little fun. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eRating: 8/10”