Today is a big day, the centenary of James Stewart – 100 years since his birth on 20 May 1908. In many ways he is a difficult star to define. Known for his ‘everyman’ persona he also proved to be an actor of unusual intensity. Witness the desperation found in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), The Naked Spur (1953) and Vertigo (1958).
A particular favourite of mine, I hope to look more closely at James Stewart and his films in upcoming posts as way of celebration.
Seeing as we’ve all seen his Capra and Hitchcock films over and over again, I would suggest watching these five films to celebrate Jimmy:
The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
Winchester ’73 (1950)
The Man From Laramie (1955)
Strategic Air Command (1955)
The FBI Story (1959)
Let me know what you think. Which five would you pick to celebrate the work of James Stewart?
The Classic Film Show 
6 comments
Comments feed for this article
July 14, 2008 at 6:01 am
Travis
Everytime a bell rings an angle gets its wings. It’s a wonderful life is Jimmy Stewart’s best movie.
July 14, 2008 at 6:51 am
Christian
Hi Travis – yes, It’s a Wonderful Life is superb. Have you seen any of the movies above? You should really check them out if you get a chance.
July 14, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Travis
I haven’t seen much of James Stewart. The ones I have seen are (Vertigo, Rear Window, How the West was won, Shop around the corner, its a wonderful life, rope.)
November 30, 2009 at 5:54 am
Robyn
The Shop Around the Corner is such a funny, smart, and wonderful film! Great first-on-the-list choice.
September 20, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Padraig
I always had a soft spot for ‘Harvey’, but no one else I know cared for it much!
February 19, 2011 at 6:01 am
Mary
My 5 favorite movies are Chyenne Social Club, Harvey Winchester 73 , A Rare Bred & Mr. Hobbs Takes A Vacation.