Friday, January 12, 2007

Frank Capra

Godspy has an interesting article about the work of the son of Sicilian immigrants, Frank Capra, whose body of work changed the American cinematic landscape forever. One of my favorite of his films is The Bitter Tea of General Yen (1933) starring Barbara Stanwyck as an American missionary maiden in the clutches of a Chinese warlord. Share

6 comments:

Viola said...

Hello Elena,
I have become more interested in Marie Antoinette lately so I was delighted to find your blog!

You don't say here why you like this film so much?

Best Regards,
Lisa
www.webwritereditor.com
www.bookaddiction.blogspot.com

elena maria vidal said...

Hi, Lisa! Thanks for stopping by! Well, for one thing I like "The Bitter Tea" because it shows the clash of cultures, of east and west, of Christianity with paganism. Also, it is a beautiful love story between two mismatched people, who know that although it is an impossible situation, on one level they will always be together. A great performance by Babara Stanwyck in one of the few Capra melodramas is worth watching as well. Thanks again!

Viola said...

Hi Elena Maria,

Thank you so much for answering my question so quickly and for your lovely comment on my last blog entry.

"The Bitter Tea" certainly sounds like a very interesting movie - I always like Frank Capra movies so I am sure that I would like it! It will probably be hard to find in Australia but I'll try here first.

Best Regards,
Lisa
www.webwritereditor.com
www.bookaddiction.blogspot.com

elena maria vidal said...

You are welcome, dear, and I also put a link to your blog under "literary links." Oh, I do hope you find the film; it is worth seeing.

Lylia M said...

Dear Elena Maria,

Happy New Year! Have you read Capra's autobiography (The Name Above the Title)? The story of his early years in particular is a truly moving example of "the American dream" (and grindingly hard work on his part) that ultimately provided Capra with the opportunities he needed to achieve his remarkable career. I love the humanity and strong moral sensibility of his work (combined in many cases with great humor).

elena maria vidal said...

Hi, Lylia! No, I haven't read it but it sounds fascinating! Thanks!