Frank Capra's American Dream (TV Movie 1997)

Frank Capra’s American Dream: Directed by Kenneth Bowser. With Ron Howard, Robert Altman, Jeanine Basinger, Edward Bernds. Ron Howard hosts a biography of the life and career of filmmaker Frank Capra, including interviews with the director’s friends, colleagues and admirers.

“Solid, interesting, informative documentary on Frank Capra both the man and his improbable journey from immigrant poverty to being one of the best known directors of all time.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOne of the most interesting aspects is the way the documentary shows Caprau0026#39;s best work was often darker and less corny or sentimentalized than itu0026#39;s remembered. Heroes earn any happy endings they get, and there is often pain, self-doubt and loss along the way. It makes the valid point that emotional and ultimately hopeful is far different from sentimental and corny, and Capra knew and fought for that difference. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eFor the most part the interviews with other directors, actors, friends and family are very effective. Although there are a few Hollywood types whou0026#39;s connection to Capra and his work seems tenuous at best, and sometimes analysis gives way to gushing. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWhile not quite deep, emotional or revelatory enough to be a great film, it is a very good one, that any film buff should certainly see.”