I do get annoyed when I see the films of Frank Capra referred to as "Capracorn" since he made some of the loveliest slices of Americana during the 30's and 40's; this is one of a number that is guaranteed to leave me with a big fat smile on my face. It was voted best picture of the year and garnered Capra his third (!) directing Oscar. James Stewart and Jean Arthur play sweethearts from either side of the social divide; he is the son of uptight Edward Arnold and Mary Forbes, social snobs, and she is from an eccentric family headed by grandpa Lionel Barrymore. Love does conquer all in the end, but the sweetness of the romp to get there!
And what a dream cast: to mention just a few -- Donald Meek as a timid inventor (this little man lit up every small role he ever took), Ann Miller as a klutzy dancer with Dub Taylor as her xylophone-playing husband, Mischa Auer as a mad and hungry Russian, Harry Davenport as the judge with a twinkle in his eye, and in the crowd scenes Christian Rub whose name no one knows but whose face no one can forget. In fact even the smallest parts were taken by actors who shone. If you are looking for a happy experience, I can't recommend this film more.
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