| Running Time: 135 mins
Unrated
For famous Christmas movies, Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" usually gets the most votes. However, in my mind, this little item is a far better, more watchable, less-likely to cause insulin shock Christmas movie.
If you are unfamiliar with the flick, it goes something like this: Barbara Stanwyck is Ann Mitchell, a plucky reporter for a daily newspaper (in an unnamed American city). When the paper is bought, wholesale changes are in store as the new owner (Edward Arnold) sends tough minded managing editor Henry Connell (James Gleason) over to trim the fat and breath life into the old paper.
In an effort to keep her job, Stanwyck cooks up a scheme about a man so mad with the state of society that he plans to jump to his death at midnight on Christmas Eve in protest. When the article is published, there is such an outcry at the man's plight that Connell realizes what a marketing opportunity he has on his hands. He re-hires Stanwyck, and they search for a suitable stooge to play the part of John Doe for their marketing campaign. When they discover down-and-out former minor league pitcher 'Long' John Willoughby (Gary Cooper), they realize they have their man.
I will not reveal any more of the story, simply because it is a wonderful and strange and brilliant trip to the end of the movie. Suffice to say that the plot twists and turns in many unexpected ways, and along the way, we are treated to great characters, awesome dialogue, brilliant performances and a truly inspiring message.
In the lead role of John Doe/John Willoughby, Cooper is in top form. He looks the part of the downtrodden everyman, beaten, bruised, thrown to the ground, but who can still retain his pride and dignity. Beside him, in a stunning performance, Walter Brennan is The Colonel, the dispenser of wisdom and the comic foil for much of the film.
In the pivotal role of Ann Mitchell, Barbara Stanwyck shines brightly indeed. Her presence on screen is mesmerising, and the chemistry between her and Cooper is hot and sparks from the very beginning. Watch the scenes with her and Gleason in particular for some superb Capra-esque dialogue. Wow. Speaking of Gleason, his turn as the crusty managing editor has to be seen. This is the model that all newspaper editor characters, from J. Jonah Jameson to Bud Grant would be molded upon.
Playing mogul D. B. Norton is Edward Arnold, and rather than the pompous blowhard often seen in this type of role, Arnold goes the other way, playing Norton with a soft-spoken approach that simply reeks of menace and danger. I can think of only Charles Laughton's sterling rendition of Dr. Moreau in The Island of Lost Souls in a role so softly chilling.
Behind the cameras, Capra weaves his traditional magic, using the play of light and shadow perfectly with his black and white presentation. Once again, the black and white medium leaps to startling life under his masterful command. One thing you'll notice is that Capra keeps the background music to a bare minimum, using visual imagery to set and enhance the mood, rather than forcing the viewer into a specific mode by using forceful background music. This makes the film far more powerful in the final say.
While "Meet John Doe" is far darker than "It's a Wonderful Life," as a Christmas tale it actually works better and has far deeper meaning, as relevant (or perhaps more) relevant now than in 1941 when the film was shot.
Dig this flick out from the deep classic shelves in your local video store and enjoy. |
