Today in History – Director Frank Capra passes away

CAIRO – 3 September 2017: September 3 marks the anniversary of the death of acclaimed Hollywood director Frank Capra, best known for directing the 1946 Christmas classic 'It's a Wonderful Life.'

Born in Italy on May 18, 1897, Capra's family moved to the U.S. at an early age and settled in Los Angeles. Despite the fact that his parents wanted him to quit school and get a job, Capra dug his heels and insisted on getting an education so that he could fulfill the American Dream.

However, his first plan for a career didn’t involve movies; it wasn't even in a creative field. Capra was studying Chemical Engineering at the Throop College of Technology (now the California Institute of Technology) when he was introduced to poetry, and became so enamored he took up writing.

After graduation and serving in the U.S. army, Capra would eventually enter into the world of movies by directing various silent films, including several of actor Harry Langdon's most successful movies. In 1928, Capra would begin his era with Columbia studios, directing silent films for them until their move to sound, with Capra having proven to be one of their most dependable filmmakers.

The 1930s would mark the rise of Capra's success with 1933's 'Lady for a Day'. Starring May Robson and Warren William, the film was a hit and won Capra his first Academy Award nomination for Best Director. His next film 'It Happened One Night', starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert, was an even greater success, this time winning 5 Oscars, with Capra receiving the Best Director award.

Having made a name for himself, Capra would continue following his directing career to new heights, winning his second Best Director Oscar with 1936's ‘Mr. Deeds Goes to Town’, starring Gary Cooper. Capra was on a roll, and would win a third Oscar for Best Director with 1938's ‘You Can’t Take it With You’, which featured the talents of Lionel Barrymore and James Stewart.

After winning his fourth Best Director Oscar in 1940 with his acclaimed title 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington', Capra would then be drafted for the Second World War, where he would use his directing skills to produce propaganda pieces.

In 1946, he would direct 'It's a Wonderful Life', with Stewart again, and truly establish himself as a director that would never be forgotten. It was nominated for 5 Oscars.

Fittingly, Capra's final film, 1961's 'Pocketful of Miracles' was a remake of the one that propelled him into fame, 'Lady for a Day', this time starring Glenn Ford and Betty Davis.

Capra passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind a long, successful career and a truly wonderful life.