You Can't Take it With You

Review #228
Columbia, 1938
Mov No. 4387
Genre: Comedy
Rated: G
Directed by: Frank Capra
Staring: James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Lionel Barrymore, Edward Arnold
Oscars: 2 wins (Picture, Director), 7 nominations (Supporting Actress (Spring Byington), Screenplay, Cinematography, Film Editing, Sound)
AFI 100 years, 100 _____ tributes: None
Runtime: 2h 6min
Best quote: "Maybe it'll stop you trying to be so desperate about making more money than you can ever use? You can't take it with you, Mr. Kirby. So what good is it? As near as I can see, the only thing you can take with you is the love of your friends." - Grandpa Martin Vanderhoff

Alice Sycamore (Jean Arthur) and Tony Kirby (James Stewart) are in love. However, their parents are at odds with each other. Tony's father, A.P. Kirby (Ed Arnold) wants 12 parcels of land surrounding a factory, and can only obtain them if Alice's Grandpa, Martin Vanderhof (Lionel Barrymore) will sell his land.

This is a screwball comedy, and screwball is something Frank Capra, the director, was very good at. The film, though, is somewhat boring, and at times moves slowly. But give Frank Capra credit, he does give us some funny scenes (like when the whole family gets arrested).

The film isn't dated, however, and Jimmy Stewart is very good for his part. So is Lionel Barrymore, too. On the downside, this isn't the best picture of the year by a long shot (give that to The Adventures of Robin Hood), but it is a good Frank Capra film, even despite it's flaws.

Movies it was nominated with for Best Picture:
The Adventures of Robin Hood, Alexander's Ragtime Band, Boys Town, The Citadel, Four Daughters, La Grande illusion (1937), Jezebel, Pygmalion, Test Pilot

Is the movie worth your time to watch?

FINAL RATING

07-04-08