You Can't Take It with You is a 1938 American romantic comedy film directed by Frank Capra, and starring Jean Arthur, Lionel Barrymore, James Stewart, and Edward Arnold. The film is adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning 1936 play of the same name by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart.
The film's is known for its entertaining and hilarious portrayal of the eccentric family. The movie has been praised for its humor and the chemistry between the lead actors, particularly Jean Arthur and James Stewart.
It is based on the play "You Can't Take It with You" by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, which premiered in New York in 1936. The play and the subsequent film adaptation emphasize the theme of embracing individuality and non-conformity in the face of societal expectations.
In summary, You Can't Take It with You is a classic romantic comedy that has stood the test of time, delivering a heartwarming and humorous portrayal of the clash between two very different families and the universal theme of love conquering all.
Plot
It tells the story of a man from a family of rich snobs who becomes engaged to a woman from a good-natured, but decidedly eccentric, family. The film received positive reviews for its direction, acting, and production. It won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1938.
The film's plot revolves around the madcap adventures of a quirky family during the Great Depression, conveying the message that money isn't everything and that one cannot take it with them. The story is a life-affirming comedy that emphasizes the value of human connections over material wealth.
The story takes place entirely in the large house of the eccentric New York City family, the Vanderhof-Sycamore-Carmichael family.
Trailer
Cast
- Jean Arthur as Alice Sycamore
- Lionel Barrymore as Martin Vanderhof
- James Stewart as Tony Kirby
- Edward Arnold as Anthony P. Kirby
- Mischa Auer as Kolenkhov
- Ann Miller as Essie Carmichael
- Spring Byington as Penny Sycamore
- Samuel S. Hinds as Paul Sycamore
- Donald Meek as Poppins
- H.B. Warner as Ramsey
- Halliwell Hobbes as DePinna
- Dub Taylor as Ed Carmichael
Director: Frank Capra
Writer: George S. Kaufman, Moss Hart, Robert Riskin
Box Office Gross: No information
Genre: Comedy
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 23, 1938
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 28, 2015
Themes and Reception
The play and film You Can't Take It with You are known for conveying several key themes and have received positive reception for their portrayal of these themes.
Themes:
Individuality and Non-conformity: The story emphasizes the importance of embracing individuality and non-conformity in the face of societal expectations. The eccentric Vanderhof-Sycamore-Carmichael family marches to the beat of their own drum, finding pride and joy in their unique hobbies and lifestyle.
Living Life to the Fullest: The play and film convey the message of living life to the fullest and enjoying the present moment. The characters in the story, through their eccentricities and pursuit of happiness, reinforce the idea that one can only live life to the fullest by doing whatever makes them happy.
Reception:
The play and film have been well-received for their meaningful and heartwarming portrayal of these themes. The story's message of "live in the now—and enjoy life by doing what makes you happy" has resonated with audiences, making it a tribute to all eccentrics.
The film adaptation of You Can't Take It with You won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1938, indicating its critical acclaim and positive reception.
Visual Styles & Setting
The visual styles and setting of You Can't Take It with You have been a subject of interest in various productions. The play's setting is typically depicted as a brightly colored box set, as mentioned in a thesis project from Central Washington University.
Additionally, a director's note from the Indiana Repertory Theatre expresses curiosity about the design of the lighting, set, and costumes for the play.
Furthermore, the set was designed by the Rockwell Group, as mentioned in an article from Galerie Magazine. These sources indicate that the visual styles and setting of the play involve a vibrant and colorful box set, with a focus on the design of lighting, set, and costumes to bring the story to life on stage.
Trivia
Cast Showoff: The character Essie, known for her dancing, is often played by skilled dancers.
Behind-the-Scenes Secrets: The film has fascinating behind-the-scenes secrets and trivia, although specific details are not provided.
Film Length: The 1938 feature film usually ran to 8000 feet of film, but Frank Capra shot 329,000 feet for this one, indicating the extensive filming process.
Fun Fact
A fun fact about the film You Can't Take It with You is that Lionel Barrymore, who played the eccentric patriarch in the film, portrayed his character with a broken leg. This was due to the fact that shortly before filming began, Barrymore lost the use of his legs to crippling arthritis and a hip injury.
To accommodate him, the script was altered so that his character had a broken leg, and Barrymore performed the film on crutches, showcasing his dedication to the role despite his physical challenges.
