When a biographer assumes the weight of researching and writing about a legend within a particular industry, few undertake a man so complex, or with a career so relevant, or a life so intertwined with history as filmmaker Frank Capra. But then, few writers are as accomplished as Sam Wasson, known for numerous movie industry-based books, including my personal favorite, “The Big Goodbye: Chinatown and the Last Years of Hollywood”. With access to Capra’s personal archives, Wasson goes deep on multiple aspects of Capra’s fascinating life … a life of ups and downs; and one that certainly proves the adage: “Each man’s life touches so many other lives.”
At nearly 660 pages, the book requires a serious commitment from the reader. Fortunately, the reward is a journey that covers Capra’s family’s emigrating to this country, his achievement of the American dream, the height of recognition and fame, and a lasting legacy with beloved films. Beyond those familiar pieces, we go back to the times when Hollywood was discovering sound and developing the popularity of movies; some of the impact of the Great Depression; the devastation, sacrifices, and true patriotism of World War II; and the cultural and economic shifts of a post-war universe. Wasson even dives into the scandal of communism, blacklists, and naming names … and the role of the House Un-American Activities Committee.
Many of Frank Capra’s affiliations throughout his career are well known: Columbia Pictures founder Harry Cohn, renowned screenwriters Robert Riskin and Jo Swerling, and A-list movie stars Barbara Stanwyck and James Stewart. Writer Wasson explores each of these relationships, in addition to going deep on lesser-known topics like Capra’s organizational and political involvement with the Academy and Directors Guild, and his direction of propaganda films under the banner “Why We Fight” during WWII. What sets this book apart are the stories and details attached to each of these.
Speaking of stories, Wasson includes little vignettes throughout … things we’ve never previously heard, yet they provide a better understanding of Capra the person, rather than merely Capra the famous director. Will Rogers at the Academy Awards is certainly a shocking incident, a personal moment with President Franklin Roosevelt at the White House is memorable, and there are a few marital items included involving Capra and Lu, his wife and key supporter for more than fifty years. An extensive section on James Stewart is included, outlining his service as a fighter pilot – all of which is connected to his relationship with a director (and man) he trusted, Frank Capra.
As one would expect (and hope for), there is a section of the book dedicated to IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946) – this after dropping many related nuggets throughout the book. Some may think even more should have been included regarding this most beloved movie, however, Wasson delivers significant details surrounding topics like the communism fallout in Hollywood and how Capra was involved (an informant) and impacted. Once again, it’s the specifics that make the difference. It’s staggering how Frank Capra rose from deep poverty to become a part of so many aspects of American history, while working in the movie industry from the 1920’s through the 1960’s. Movie lovers remember him for his classic movies (sometimes referred to as Capra-corn) like IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT (1934, 5 Oscars), MR DEEDS GOES TO TOWN (1936, one Oscar), LOST HORIZON (1937, 2 Oscars), MR SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939, one Oscar), and IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946). Sam Wasson’s book ensures that this wonderfully complex man … one who was sometimes controversial … receives the full life treatment. It’s a treatment that’s quite a treat for the reader.
Available from HARPER COLLINS beginning October 27, 2026
Available from AMAZON beginning October 27, 2026
