![Film Director Frank Capra](https://www.onthisday.com/images/people/frank-capra.jpg?w=360)
Profession: Film Director
Biography: Frank Capra was an Italian-American film director, producer, and writer who rose to prominence in the pre-World War II era of Hollywood. Known for his distinctive style and innovative storytelling, Capra created a number of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films that have since become classics.
Capra's films often highlighted the common man's struggles and triumphs, portraying characters who, despite facing significant obstacles, ultimately succeed due to their innate decency and integrity. His work on It Happened One Night (1934) earned him his first Academy Award for Best Director. He would go on to win the same award for Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936) and You Can't Take It with You (1938).
One of his most enduring films, It's a Wonderful Life (1946), though not initially a commercial success, has since become a beloved holiday classic. Today, Capra is remembered as one of the leading figures in the Golden Age of Hollywood, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of cinema.
Born: May 18, 1897
Birthplace: Bisacquino, Palermo, Italy
Generation: Lost Generation
Star Sign: Taurus
Died: September 3, 1991 (aged 94)
Married Life
- 1923-11-25 Film director Frank Capra (26) weds actress Helen Howell in San Francisco, California
- 1932-02-01 Film director Frank Capra (34) weds secretary Lucille Reyburn
Historical Events
- 1934-02-22 "It Happened One Night" directed by Frank Capra and starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert opens at NY's Radio City Music Hall (Academy Awards Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress and Screenplay 1935)
- 1934-03-16 6th Academy Awards: "Cavalcade" and its director Frank Lloyd, Charles Laughton (The Private Life of Henry VIII), and Katharine Hepburn (Morning Glory) win; host Will Rogers announces "Come and get it, Frank" and Frank Capra gets up
- 1938-08-23 "You Can’t Take It With You" from the play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, directed by Frank Capra and starring James Stewart and Jean Arthur premieres. Best Picture (1939)
- 1939-10-17 "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington", directed by Frank Capra and starring James Stewart and Jean Arthur, is released
- 1946-12-20 Christmas classic "It's a Wonderful Life" film, directed by Frank Capra, starring James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore premieres in New York