You Can't Take It With You (1938) Columbia Pictures Director: Frank Capra Producer: Frank Capra Cast: Jean Arthur, Lionel Barrymore, James Stewart. Awards ceremony: -11th Academy Awards: February 23, 1939. Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles, California. Other films nominated for Outstanding Production this year: -The Adventures Of Robin Hood. -Alexander's Ragtime Band. -Boys Town. -The Citadel. -Four Daughters. -Grand Illusion. -Jezebel. -Pygmalion. -Test Pilot. Plot summary: The son (JAMES STEWART) of wealthy Wall Street mogul Anthony O. Kirby (EDWARD ARNOLD) falls in love with a stenographer (JEAN ARTHUR) but unfortunately for him his snobbish parents take an instant disapproval of the girl and her eccentric family. However, Mr. Kirby eventually gets the bug out of his fat arse and gives his blessing for their marriage and we have a happy ending for all involved. Standout scene: When Vanderhof receives a visit from the Inland Revenue and has to explain why he hasn't being paying his taxes for the past 20 years. His rationale is fantastic and puts across some strikingly valid arguments in his defense. "I don't believe in it!" Facts: -The 11th Academy Awards. -The film was nominated for 7 Academy Awards. -Third Oscar win for director Frank Capra. -This was the second Best Picture film to feature Lionel Barrymore (the first was Grand Hotel). -The title of the film is mentioned in dialogue by Lionel Barrymore during the jail cell scene. -Regular Hal Roach stars appear in the film, including (click link for screenshot): Kay Deslys, Clarence Wilson. Personal opinion: A stellar performance from Lionel Barrymore who not only has the best scene in the entire movie but comes across as being the most loveable of all the characters (he managed to do the same thing in GRAND HOTEL). The film waivers between flat, mildly entertaining and explosive at times. The film bottoms out when Tony and Alice go out for their date and have a long conversation sitting on the bench. However, the courtroom scene is particularly a turning point in the film when Alice (JEAN ARTHUR) erupts in protest over her future husband and his parents, putting them firmly in their places. It's a WHOAH! moment for sure! I thought James Stewart - very early in his illustrious film career here - was unusually awkward and wooden. On the whole, the film is moderately average for the most part but there is enough in there to recognize its quality as well. No way was it a better film than The Adventures Of Robin Hood, which it beat for the Best Picture award. Did it deserve the Oscar? NO. 6/10

Review date: 12 February 2025