Understanding Frank Capra

We watched “It’s a Wonderful Life” tonight and I loved it just as much as ever! Frank Capra made a number of meaningful and uplifting movies over the years, and I got to wondering how he did it.

Well, I found a few quotes that helped me better understand his perspective:

My films must let every man, woman, and child know that God loves them, that I love them, and that peace and salvation will become a reality only when they all learn to love each other.

Wow!

A friend who was a Christian Scientist encouraged him to view his talents in a different way:

The talents you have, Mr. Capra, are not your own, not self-acquired. God gave you those talents; they are his gifts to you, to use for his purpose.

And one final quote from the man himself:

The art of Frank Capra is very, very simple: It’s the love of people. Add two simple ideals to this love of people: the freedom of each individual, and the equal importance of each individual, and you have the principle upon which I based all my films.

No wonder I resonate with his movies!