S8-1a: Frank Capra: Film Viewing and Discussion Series

An Italian-born American film director, producer, and screenwriter, Frank Capra was the creative force behind several major award-winning films of the 1930s and 1940s. Born in Italy and raised in Los Angeles from the age of five, Capra's rags-to-riches story has led film historians to consider him the American Dream personified. His most-beloved films, many of which were made during the Great Depression, were a celebration of the strength of the American character. The mixture of patriotism, idealism, and sentimentality found in his best-known films was frequently called "Capra-corn", an epithet he begrudgingly accepted. However, a closer viewing of Capra's most famous films over time reveals a vision that despite the representatives of good seeming to prevail, the powerful forces of cynicism and greed remain alive and well. Each screening of this series will be done over the course of two sessions with plenty of opportunities for thoughtful discussion.

Purpose: Learn about Frank Capra, view some of his signature films and participate in group discussions

Facilitator: Mike Bannigan