You Can't Take It With You

You Can't Take It With You
1938 - Columbia
Directed By Frank Capra



SYNOPSIS

Tony Kirby (James Stewart) falls in love with his secretary (Jean Arthur.) He's the vice president of a firm headed by his father (Edward Albert.) His dad is looking to build a major factory in a neighborhood and the one hold-out happens to be the secretary's Grandpa (Lionel Barrymore.) Grandpa, his family, and friends that stay in his home are all eccentric free spirits that do as they please. When Tony has the two families meet their ways of life clash... and soon the police show up.



MY THOUGHTS

A delightful screwball comedy that actually has a message.

The film won Oscars for both director Frank Capra and Best Picture.

I did not find this as funny as other screwball comedies (like His Girl Friday) but there are many laugh-out-loud moments. The film's 2 hour plus run time might have diluted this, since most comedies run only about 1:30. But the film has many sequences that are hilarious.

The film does have a breezy, happy quality that may be shadowing a darker anti-capitalist message.

Opposed to the business-centric Kirbys, the eccentric family and friends isn't ruled by the almighty dollar and are all like-minded and live together in peace and harmony. This is like a commune is supposed to be run. The presence of an actual Russian character and some mention of 'the reds' adds to this and we're presented with a subtle Capitalism Vs. Communism debate. The film says communism is the better option. I may be looking too much into this, but oh well, it's something to think about. It's an interesting concept to dwell upon, since WWII was about to break out soon after this was released. (Maybe some pro-Russian sentiments =were in order?)
But this didn't distract me from the fun of the film.

All the actors contributed greatly to the film, but Lionel Barrymore stands out as Grandpa. He's one of those great film characters that you would want to know in real life. The rest of the film is populated by great character actors and future huge star James Stewart.

You Can't Take It With You's script (based on a play) kept the story moving without any dull moments.
The film is a delight and you shouldn't miss it especially if you're a fan of great screwball comedies.