City hall wouldn't be my choice as where to jump off a roof on Christmas Eve. A highly guarded tower in mid Manhattan would be my choice if I was inclined to do something like that. A big wealthy blowhard proves that corruption is king, and with political ambitions decides to run for President. But it's not quite time for the Antichrist to take over, and no amount of journalistic manipulation will change that, whether it's through social media or their own newspaper. Edward Arnold is the ruthless D.B. Norton whose obsession with power causes him to take over a dying newspaper, turning it around with sensation, but underestimating the power of the people: the real people. That's where the stars of this Frank Capra classic comes in, them being fired journalist Barbara Stanwyck and jobless baseball player Gary Cooper, hired by rehired Stanwyck and editor James Gleason to represent the average American man who will fulfill Stanwyck's column to represent the man who intends to jump off the roof on Christmas eve.
There's been constant discussion over this film for its message and especially over its conclusion. It's a masterpiece in many ways, certainly nor flawless, and exceptionally well acted. It's a reunion for Capra and Stanwyck, their first together in 8 years, coming at the height of her popularity, with three classics in one year, and one of two she starred in that year with Cooper. Stanwyck is feminine but tough, no namby pamby broad, ruthless in her ambitions, and yet with a strong ethical code that the promise of a ton of cash cannot buy. Cooper continues his continuation of the all American hero.
Supporting the two are imperious Arnold, wise cracking Gleason, and ornery Walter Brennan, giving his all as Cooper's sidekick. Spring Byington, Regis Toomey, Sterling Holloway and Gene Lockhart are secondary players who stand out amongst the usual assortment of Capra's regular ensemble players. It dies get a bit corny at times, but there are many moments that are really truth telling and honest. It's a movie that still provides hope in a difficult time and reminds us who really is running the show. Even in the most difficult times, it will be the real people who "trump" the tyrants.
There's been constant discussion over this film for its message and especially over its conclusion. It's a masterpiece in many ways, certainly nor flawless, and exceptionally well acted. It's a reunion for Capra and Stanwyck, their first together in 8 years, coming at the height of her popularity, with three classics in one year, and one of two she starred in that year with Cooper. Stanwyck is feminine but tough, no namby pamby broad, ruthless in her ambitions, and yet with a strong ethical code that the promise of a ton of cash cannot buy. Cooper continues his continuation of the all American hero.
Supporting the two are imperious Arnold, wise cracking Gleason, and ornery Walter Brennan, giving his all as Cooper's sidekick. Spring Byington, Regis Toomey, Sterling Holloway and Gene Lockhart are secondary players who stand out amongst the usual assortment of Capra's regular ensemble players. It dies get a bit corny at times, but there are many moments that are really truth telling and honest. It's a movie that still provides hope in a difficult time and reminds us who really is running the show. Even in the most difficult times, it will be the real people who "trump" the tyrants.