Frank Capra

Frank Russell Capra (born Francesco Rosario Capra; May 18, 1897 – September 3, 1991) was an Italian-American film director, producer and writer who became the creative force behind some of the major award-winning films of the 1930s and 1940s. Born in Italy and raised in Los Angeles from the age of five, his rags-to-riches story has led film historians such as Ian Freer to consider him the "American dream personified."

Capra became one of America's most influential directors during the 1930s, winning three Oscars as Best Director. Among his leading films was It Happened One Night (1934), which became the first film to win the "Big Five Academy Awards", including Best Picture. Other leading films in his prime included You Can't Take It With You (1938) and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939). During World War II, Capra served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and produced propaganda films, such as the Why We Fight series.

After World War II, Capra's career declined as his later films such as It's a Wonderful Life (1946) were critically derided as being "simplistic" or "overly idealistic". In succeeding decades, however, these films have been favorably reassessed.

Frank Capra (disambiguation)

Frank Capra (1897–1991) was an Academy Award-winning Italian-American film director.

Frank Capra may also refer to:

See also

Frank Capra, Jr.

Frank Warner Capra (March 20, 1934 – December 19, 2007), known as Frank Capra, Jr., was an American studio executive. He was one of the three children of film director Frank Capra and his second wife, Lucille. His own son, Frank Capra III, is an assistant director.

Capra, Jr. was president of EUE Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington, North Carolina, and a member of the North Carolina Film Council. He entered show business, becoming a television and film producer.

Death

Frank Capra, Jr. died on December 19, 2007, aged 73, at a hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, after a long battle with prostate cancer.

Filmography