You Can't Take it With You

Since last year, I've seen four movies directed by Frank Capra. Those four are Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, It Happened One Night, It's a Wonderful Life and You Can't Take It With You, the latter I'll be reviewing.

Tycoon Anthony P. Kirby (Edward Arnold) fully expects that his son Tony (James Stewart) will follow in his footsteps, but Tony's only real interest is in his secretary and fiancee Alice Sycamore (Jean Arthur). His parents are appalled that he wants to marry a stenographer but, to humor him, agree to dine with her family. This is doomed from the start, as they are a collection of free spirits with little visible means of support presided over by Alice's wise grandfather Martin (Lionel Barrymore). It also turns out that buying thier house is key to Tony Sr.'s latest mega-project.

Although it is typical Capra (it ends on a happy note), I still liked it. The chemistry between Stewart and Arthur is good, and the movie had the right mixture of comedy and romance.

My Rating: ****1/2