I did know a bit about Jimmy Stewart’s war history and his subsequent struggles with PTSD however I knew nothing about Its A Wonderful Life and how it became a staple in the American Christmas experience. Somehow there was a strange yet wonderful destiny for both the actor and this little “failure” of a film. It ended up with lots of friends.
On another, much darker front, no doubt too late for mention in your newsletter, word of the death of Rob Reiner and his wife flew around the US and probably the world as well. It just seemed to top off a horrible, bloody weekend of news.
Thank you for the Jimmy Stewart article - had no idea! And I think the ‘70’s is when I first watched It’s a Wonderful Life on TV. One of my absolute favorite movies; I watch it every Christmas (and occasionally in July 😉). Merry Christmas 🎄🎅
Bravo! Jimmy Stewart is one of my favorite people. It's a Wonderful Life is in the mandatory rotation in our home during the Christmas holidays. When our kids heard the Liberty Pictures bell ringing at the opening credits, you could hear their eyes rolling. This year, I am rolling the movie for our grandchildren as a PSYOP...break them in young.
As a retired Air Force officer, I have a tremendous amount of professional respect for Brigadier General Jimmy Stewart's service. As an Oscar-winning celebrity, he could have easily gotten into an entertainment/morale unit, worked in military films, etc. He didn't -- instead, he actively sought out a front-line combat role. Brigadier General Stewart did not seek out or accept special treatment. His 20 combat missions were double the number that officers of his rank and position typically flew.
They don’t make them like Jimmy Stewart any more. I can’t imagine going off to war, let alone coming back home to a continent that did not experience the mass destruction of either world war. It comes a little closer home now with The Ukraine and Gaza being on TV regularly but still hard to fathom. Definitely tougher generations.
You can thank Tracy Ullman and her Fox series for the Simpsons. Running the last few years of the 80s it was, I think, the second Fox series after Married With Children.
“The Simpsons shorts are a series of 48 animated short films that aired as a recurring segment on Fox variety television FOX-AMC Video series The Tracey Ullman Show for three seasons, before the characters spun off into The Simpsons, their own half-hour prime-time show.”
Did not know that whole backstory about Jimmy Stewart - thanks!
What a beautifully written article on Jimmy Stewart. Most all know the story, but few have heard it told so beautifully. Thank you.
I did know a bit about Jimmy Stewart’s war history and his subsequent struggles with PTSD however I knew nothing about Its A Wonderful Life and how it became a staple in the American Christmas experience. Somehow there was a strange yet wonderful destiny for both the actor and this little “failure” of a film. It ended up with lots of friends.
On another, much darker front, no doubt too late for mention in your newsletter, word of the death of Rob Reiner and his wife flew around the US and probably the world as well. It just seemed to top off a horrible, bloody weekend of news.
Hard to believe Rob is gone. I grew up with him on All In The Family and followed him from then on. A brilliant actor and director.
The Stewart story: priceless!
I really enjoyed the story about Jimmy Stewart, thank you !
58 years old and still have not seen it. Thank you for sharing the backstory - I might give it a go now.
Best movie ever! In my opinion anyway. Give it a shot!
Thank you for the Jimmy Stewart article - had no idea! And I think the ‘70’s is when I first watched It’s a Wonderful Life on TV. One of my absolute favorite movies; I watch it every Christmas (and occasionally in July 😉). Merry Christmas 🎄🎅
Bravo! Jimmy Stewart is one of my favorite people. It's a Wonderful Life is in the mandatory rotation in our home during the Christmas holidays. When our kids heard the Liberty Pictures bell ringing at the opening credits, you could hear their eyes rolling. This year, I am rolling the movie for our grandchildren as a PSYOP...break them in young.
As a retired Air Force officer, I have a tremendous amount of professional respect for Brigadier General Jimmy Stewart's service. As an Oscar-winning celebrity, he could have easily gotten into an entertainment/morale unit, worked in military films, etc. He didn't -- instead, he actively sought out a front-line combat role. Brigadier General Stewart did not seek out or accept special treatment. His 20 combat missions were double the number that officers of his rank and position typically flew.
I feel so sad for Frank Capra & Liberty Pictures & the veterans that started it! I guess that’s another story!
But … What a great movie!! My all time favorite Christmas movie!!!
Another well written and fascinating story on Jimmy Stewart. Excellent writing. Thank you Bill!
They don’t make them like Jimmy Stewart any more. I can’t imagine going off to war, let alone coming back home to a continent that did not experience the mass destruction of either world war. It comes a little closer home now with The Ukraine and Gaza being on TV regularly but still hard to fathom. Definitely tougher generations.
You can thank Tracy Ullman and her Fox series for the Simpsons. Running the last few years of the 80s it was, I think, the second Fox series after Married With Children.
“The Simpsons shorts are a series of 48 animated short films that aired as a recurring segment on Fox variety television FOX-AMC Video series The Tracey Ullman Show for three seasons, before the characters spun off into The Simpsons, their own half-hour prime-time show.”