James Stewart (1908 - 1997)
James Stewart probably appeared in more
classics of the American cinema than any other actor. His persona which
at first glance might seem limiting is actually very flexible making
him at home in westerns, thrillers, dramas and comedies. He was one of
the favourite actors of two of the greatest directors of American film
: Alfred Hitchcock and Frank Capra and was also lucky enough to appear
in their finest works.
From the start of his film career Stewart seemed to have a knack for appearing in interesting and entertaining films. He even sang Cole Porter's Easy to Love to Eleanor Powell in Born To Dance (1936). Although he was under contract to MGM Stewart's first great role came on loan to Columbia in Frank Capra's You Can't Take It With You (1938) which established the gangly,youthful, honest Jimmy audiences were to adore. His next film for Capra Mr Smith Goes To Washington (1939) was one of his very best and he really delivered in the famous filibuster scene in which he speaks to the US congress trying to appeal to their belief in honesty and justice. As Tom Destry he tried to dispense the same in his first Western Destry Rides Again (1939).
Returning to MGM Stewart co-starred with Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn in The Philadelphia Story (1940). He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as newspaperman Macauley Connor. After war service Frank Capra directed Jimmy in another fine performance in perennial favourite It's A Wonderful Life (1946). Other interesting post war Stewart films included the film noir Call Northside 777 (1948) and his first for Hitchcock : Rope (1948).
Hitchcock almost viewed Stewart as his onscreen alter ego and together they made three more films : Rear Window (1954), The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) and Vertigo (1958). On stage and screen Stewart played the loveable Elwood Dowd with his imaginary rabbit friend in Harvey (1950). Another important director-star association Stewart had in the Fifties was with Anthony Mann who hardened the honest Jimmy image for westerns like Winchester 73 (1950), Bend In The River (1952), The Naked Spur (1953) and The Man from Laramie (1954).
Other fine Stewart performances included those in Otto Preminger's Anatomy of a Murder (1959) and John Ford's The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962). From the Sixties on Stewart's films became less consistent but he kept working into the Eighties. He left a rich legacy of classic performances.
Written content copyright Derek McLellan,2005.From the start of his film career Stewart seemed to have a knack for appearing in interesting and entertaining films. He even sang Cole Porter's Easy to Love to Eleanor Powell in Born To Dance (1936). Although he was under contract to MGM Stewart's first great role came on loan to Columbia in Frank Capra's You Can't Take It With You (1938) which established the gangly,youthful, honest Jimmy audiences were to adore. His next film for Capra Mr Smith Goes To Washington (1939) was one of his very best and he really delivered in the famous filibuster scene in which he speaks to the US congress trying to appeal to their belief in honesty and justice. As Tom Destry he tried to dispense the same in his first Western Destry Rides Again (1939).
Returning to MGM Stewart co-starred with Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn in The Philadelphia Story (1940). He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as newspaperman Macauley Connor. After war service Frank Capra directed Jimmy in another fine performance in perennial favourite It's A Wonderful Life (1946). Other interesting post war Stewart films included the film noir Call Northside 777 (1948) and his first for Hitchcock : Rope (1948).
Hitchcock almost viewed Stewart as his onscreen alter ego and together they made three more films : Rear Window (1954), The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) and Vertigo (1958). On stage and screen Stewart played the loveable Elwood Dowd with his imaginary rabbit friend in Harvey (1950). Another important director-star association Stewart had in the Fifties was with Anthony Mann who hardened the honest Jimmy image for westerns like Winchester 73 (1950), Bend In The River (1952), The Naked Spur (1953) and The Man from Laramie (1954).
Other fine Stewart performances included those in Otto Preminger's Anatomy of a Murder (1959) and John Ford's The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962). From the Sixties on Stewart's films became less consistent but he kept working into the Eighties. He left a rich legacy of classic performances.
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James Stewart image from
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