How It’s A Wonderful Life’s ‘livid James Stewart refused to work wit | Films | Entertainment | EUROtoday

James Stewart had a repute as one of many nicest guys in Hollywood and 1946’s It’s A Wonderful Life has turn into a timeless basic within the years since,

However, the shoot was fraught with stress and “insecurity” from the director, Frank Capra, right down to the writers and the celebs.

When the movie was launched, Stewart was so indignant and upset that he by no means labored with Oscar-winning co-star Donna Reed once more.

The movie is a couple of good however troubled man, George Bailey, who’s considering taking his life when a trainee angel, Clarence, units out to point out him how a lot his life has helped others.

The shoot was equally troubled. Capra labored on the screenplay with writers like Frances Goodrich and her husband, Albert Hackett, however was very demanding and likewise went to different writers behind their backs. Goodrich known as the director “that horrid man” whereas her husband referred to him as “a very arrogant son of a bi**h.” Meanwhile, Stewart might have been excellent casting as George, however he was very uncertain about returning to appearing after a distinguished military profession throughout World War II.

Speaking beforehand with Closer Weekly, Reed’s daughter, Mary Anne, stated: “I don’t like to mention this, but Capra and Jimmy Stewart had this whole success together before the war with Mr Smith Goes to Washington and all of that. Everyone participated in the war effort, but especially those two and they were gone from Hollywood for four or five years. There was a lot of insecurity on set, because Jimmy Stewart wasn’t sure if he wanted to act any more. He thought it was too frivolous, but Lionel Barrymore and others talked him into it. So, there was this insecurity on the set and mum was really not that well known. I mean, she was only 25 and I think signed her MGM contract at 21.”

In fact, Reed had been a standard Hollywood contract player, appearing in countless minor roles after signing on in 1941. Her wholesome girl next door looks and personality had made her very popular with GIs overseas during the war. Stewart’s regular co-star, Jean Arthur, was first offered the role of Mary but was battling health issues. Olivia de Havilland and Ginger Rogers were also considered. The latter turned the film down because she thought the role was “too bland.”

Eventually, Capra asked MGM to loan him Donna Reed, which was standard practice between studios in those days. The actress found herself on a set filled with tension, according to her daughter, and then was made to feel like a scapegoat when the film performed badly at the box office.

Despite its enduring popularity today, It’s A Wonderful Life only took $3.3 million on a $3.2 million budget when it was released. Hollywood films typically double their budget with production and marketing costs, so they need to take twice their original budget to break even.

Mary Anne said her mother “didn’t understand why there was so much insecurity and then Jimmy Stewart couldn’t understand why the movie didn’t do well, but that’s why they never did another movie together. He blamed her because she wasn’t as well known.”

Reed would go on to win the Best Supporting actress for 1953’s From Here To Eternity after which obtain new ranges of fame and acclaim starring in The Donna Reed Show from 1958.