James Stewart: A Wonderful Life (1987)
A warm retrospective tribute on the life and career of actor James Stewart (1908-1997), hosted and narrated by Johnny Carson, with clips from many of his films and interviews with both Jimmy Stewart and several people who have worked with him. Carson interviews Stewart in a casual setting while strolling through movie sets and some of the settings for some of Jimmy's best known films. They discuss Mr. Stewarts philosophy of life and career. The movie clips shown cover the entire career of one of the most respected and beloved of American actors. Also interviewed are Jimmy's wife, Gloria, Katherine Hepburn, Peter Bogdanovich, Clint Eastwood, Richard Dreyfuss, then President Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan, Lee Remick and Gene Kelly.
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How sad is this?
Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.
The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.
One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.
James Stewart: A Wonderful Life (1987) *** 1/2 (out of 4) Johnny Carson hosts this nice tribute to actor James Stewart. The film shows clips from his most popular movies (with the exception of Rear Window, which was in rights troubles at the time) and features interviews with various co-stars and friends including Peter Bogdanovich, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Carol Burnett, Clint Eastwood, Richard Dreyfuss, Sally Field, Walter Matthau, Gene Kelly, Lee Remick and Katharine Hepburn. We get all sorts of nice stories told but the real highlight is Carson walking and talking with Stewart himself. An earlier interview is also shown with Stewart where he reveals various things including saying that Jean Harlow was the best kisser he was ever with in a movie. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington gets a lot of attention and Dreyfuss shares a lot of interesting thoughts about it. The Western's of Stewart's also get a lot of talk and some nice information is shared including the fact that he wore the same hat through most of these films. Oh yeah, Harvey makes a special appearance as well.
Any one-hour encapsulation of an important actor's life and work is bound to feel a little trivial and rushed. Still, this documentary does actually have Stewart in it, with Johnny Carson, and it does tell you a good deal about his life. However, The Greatest Show On Earth is mysteriously omitted, Rear Window isn't included because of copyright problems at the time, and his later pieces (Airport '77) are politely skipped over. But, for those who know nothing about Stewart's overall career, a worthy, short introduction...although watching the movies is a lot better.