Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936)

Memorable, crazy movie

Excellent, Without a doubt!!

Did you people see the same film I saw?

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

I've long been a fan of director Frank Capra. I can still remember seeing MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON years ago and being moved by it on some VHS station in the 60s. In college I was fortunate enough to be present when Capra made a visit to Ball State to speak and was even lucky enough to pose a question to him. Afterward he sat with the audience to view what he said was his and his close friend Jimmy Stewarts favorite movie IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. It was my first time viewing it and it's been a favorite ever since.Since then I've been blessed with the chance to see the rest of his films. The invention of video tape and then DVD has given film fans the opportunity to enjoy the films they used to have to wait to see on late night fuzzy channels on TV. Not only that, most are being brought out with extras to enjoy as well as in the clearest presentations ever. Such is the case with this film.For those who haven't seen the film it tells the story of Longfellow Deeds (Gary Cooper), part owner of a tallow works, greeting card poet and tuba player in a small town, who suddenly inherits $20 million from his late uncle. While this in itself doesn't change Deeds it has a great effect on all who worked for his uncle and want to retain as much of that wealth for themselves as possible.Deeds is convinced to move to the big city and to take over things. But this is a Capra film and when they say take over it means be a figurehead while the conniving bankers and traders retain as much control of the wealth as possible. Not only that but every group looking for a handout appears at his doorstep, too many for him to see through it all and realize which is legitimate and which is just someone looking to dip into his pocket.While the biggest of these financial crooks, a lawyer who worked for his uncle, tries to keep as many away from Deeds as possible, reporter Louise "Babe" Bennet (Jean Arthur) makes her way into the fold playing the damsel in distress in need of assistance from Deeds. Of course while he sees through a number of the phonies around him Deeds falls for Louise. During the course of the movie she falls for him as well.Confronted by a poor man who views him simply as another rich taker, Deeds realizes he can do something of value with his wealth and tries to establish a system to help the poor. He will offer 10 acre lands to anyone free if they are willing to work the land for 3 years. This sets him in the crosshairs of the corrupt powers that be and soon he has a fight on his hands.As with a number of Capra films we once again have the little guy going up against the corporate big wigs whose sole concern is making and taking money. Made during the Great Depression the film resonated with so many who lost everything at the time. It solidified the status of Cooper as a leading man and Arthur, who starred in several Capra classics, shows why he often chose her.The movie is filled with humor both in the writing and in the performances. Not all the laughs come from the dialogue and many are situational. It's hard to find something this good these days but it happens now and then. Capra always seemed to know just which buttons to push in his films. It wasn't that he held all corporate big wigs and bankers to a higher standard but he recognized and highlighted those that were corrupt and self-serving. In the end by sticking up for the little guy he made a career for himself and a reputation that has remained as one of the most gifted directors of all time.This new release is a treat for fans and non-fans alike. To begin with Sony has restored the film to the best condition ever found for the film. Scratched prints had been released in the past but this edition features the film in pristine fashion with a frame by frame restoration in 4K from the original camera negative making it the cleanest and clearest version of the film to date. Extras include a feature and commentary by Frank Capra Jr. (a successful producer in his own right) and the original theatrical trailer. This release is also offered in a Digi book format which offers and essay on the film along with plenty of black and white photos from the film.If you're a Capra fan then this is the edition of the film you'll want to add to your collection. If you've never seen the film then this is one to pick up to discover just how great Capra films were. Once you finish my guess is you'll seek out the others he made and enjoy them just as much as this one.

from the entire work, so rich, of Frank Capra, for me, this film defines him in profound manner. because it is a manifesto. about social values, about the clash between perspectives about life and importance of honesty, about profound values who define America. and the best thing is the option for Gary Cooper as mister Deeds, not only for the impeccable explore of the nuances of role but for the status of symbol of the return to the simplicity who gives sense to existence. sure, it is not an original idea. but it is so useful for our time. because the challenges are the same. the same must be the answer. honest to yourself. convinced by the clear border between wrong and right. generous because it could not be other choice. revolutionary because yours mission is to remind the importance of simple gestures who gives sense and joy. a film about a simple man. and his fundamental choices.

Frank Capra classic about a good-natured small town man named Longfellow Deeds (Gary Cooper) who inherits a fortune and finds himself surrounded by opportunists in the big city. Iconic role for Gary Cooper, who's in his element playing an upright, unassuming guy who gets a crash course in the cynical ways of the world. Jean Arthur, charming and lovely as ever, is splendid as the reporter covering Deeds, at first intent on making fun of him like he's a country bumpkin, only to find herself gradually falling in love with him. As usual with Frank Capra's movies, the supporting cast is made up of excellent character actors like George Bancroft, Lionel Stander, Ruth Donnelly, Douglas Dumbrille, and H.B. Warner. A delightful jewel in the crown of Capra, one of my favorite directors and one who is sadly all-too-often dismissed by film snobs. This is a great one that definitely belongs in the "they don't make 'em like this anymore" category. See the crappy Adam Sandler remake for proof of that.

One of the things that make everyone different is because we all have different dreams, different desires as to what we want out of life or how we feel the world should work. I'll admit I do have a soft spot for director Frank Capra and his films, despite how much time has gone by the content has always made them timeless (in my book anyway) this is my second favorite film from him.I do like the story, it's true that it may seem a tad unrealistic in places but it's a movie what do you expect and realism is boring (to me anyway). And the plot is a bit plausible, who's to say no one inherits a big fortune.What make this story stand out for me are the characters and what they do throughout the film, that to me is one of the reasons why I like most of Frank Capra's film are that their actually concerned about characters not just plot line alone.I really like the protagonist Longfellow Deeds played brilliantly by Gary Cooper. His character I find relatable and easy to emphasize with because I myself am a bit like him, because the thing about him is he's an outsider, he simply want to just do his own thing. Three things I really like about the guy are the fact that he isn't afraid to act on his feelings or do what he feels like doing. One example is when he hears a fire brigade and runs to help out, nothing wrong with that personally I think it's the most sensable thing to do, help where help is needed.Another is the fact that he loves playing the Tuba because it makes him feel good and think, for me it's writing or physical exercise. But also it's just plain fun, there doesn't have to be a reason for it. But most importantly that his heart truly is in the right place, he's selfless he really does care about other people along with his significant other Babe Bennet.Babe Bennet (Jean Arthur) I also like she's a strong female character, I really like the chemistry between both Longfellow and her I felt it was believable; this film is also one of the only romance stories I actually like because of that.She's a character that you can easily forgive because of her redemptive quality. At first she kinda starts out as a bad guy, well OK not exactly more of a person whose head is in the wrong place. She goes out with Deeds at first for the wrong reason, to her he is her ticket to fame and success though exploitation and slander of his character; even she at first believes the lies. But of course as she spends more time with Deeds, he actually touches one thing she's lost touch with for so long her heart and she realizes that he's the real deal. From that we hope it's not too late for her to do the right thing but also for Deeds to forgive her somehow.I even like how the film despite having comedy and fun isn't all fun and games but actually the film is a bit dark from the prejudice he's forced to endure and takes a really unfun turn when it gets down to the trial scene. Which was a ploy to both hinder Deeds selfless act but worst of all inflict disgusting prejudice for being him.Most of that the work of John Cedar (Douglas Dumbrille)whom is just a greedy blowhole whom has only one goal in mind which is just to get more money then he already has. But he's also a hypocrite, throughout most of the film he's trying to make himself seem like the good guy looking out for everyone, but in reality he doesn't give a crap about anyone else and is just looking out for just him.I'll admit that just made me feel heavy pathos for Deeds, but that just all the more made me want the character to win. Personally I feel Deeds was simply doing the right thing let alone the sensible thing. Deeds as he stated was content with not having a big fortune, why wouldn't he put it to good use, actually why wouldn't anyone. As well as the bile crap he had to endure from some of the beginning to the end of the film which I felt was uncalled for, most of the sources that have brought this on him are unreliable and don't even know him. So what if he does this or that, or is simply different he's not harming anyone; we're all individuals we all do our own thing as well, it's human nature you can't stop this.This film has I feel a couple of good messages about the importance of being selfless, if you have the ability or opportunity then use it. But most importantly an anti-prejudice message, we should accept people for who they are for whatever makes them unique.A man of dreams are the kind of men that make big or small differences because they have the ability to turn dreams into reality.Rating: 4 stars