Mr Capra Goes to Hollywood

Original version

BBC Radio 4 Extra

BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 LW

Documentaries

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Mr Capra Goes to Hollywood

An exploration of the filmmaker Frank Capra's enduring vision of the American dream.

4 Extra Debut. An exploration of the filmmaker Frank Capra's enduring vision of the American dream, including It's A Wonderful Life. From 2013.

"The art of [my films] is very, very simple... it's the love of people. Add two simple ideals to this love of people - the freedom of each individual and the equal importance of each individual - and you have the principle on which I've based all my films."  

Frank Capra, 1982.

This is an exploration of the filmmaker Frank Capra's enduring vision of the American dream. The man behind It's a Wonderful Life, Mr Smith Goes to Washington, Mr Deeds Goes to Town and It Happened One Night, he remains one of America's most popular directors - yet his movies can still divide critics.

Was he simply a peddler of sentimental 'Capra-corn' or do his films offer a much more complex view of American life?

Discover what makes  a movie 'Capra-esque' - looking at the balance of humour and heart in his films through to their occasional dark, noir-like edges - as well as unpicking how the 'Capra-esque' has filtered down into the contemporary American political landscape.

Contributors:

Jeanine Basinger 
Andrea Seabrook 
Peter Swaab 
Michael Newton 

Producer: Eleanor McDowall

A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2013.

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Mr Capra Goes to Hollywood

Genres

Formats

BBC Radio 4 Extra

About BBC Radio 4 Extra