Capra, << KAP ruh, >> Frank (1897-1991), was an American motion-picture director. He became noted for his comedy-dramas dealing with a “little man” standing up against corruption in society. These films include Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936), You Can’t Take It with You (1938), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), and Meet John Doe (1941). Capra won Academy Awards for his direction of Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, You Can’t Take It with You, and It Happened One Night (1934). His other films include Lost Horizon (1937), It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), and State of the Union (1948). During World War II (1939-1945), he produced the Why We Fight series for the United States Army.
Frank Rosario Capra was born in Palermo, Sicily, on May 18, 1897. He moved to the United States at the age of 6. He studied chemical engineering in California before entering the motion-picture industry in 1922. Capra directed several of comedian Harry Langdon’s silent films, including The Strong Man (1926) and Long Pants (1927). His autobiography, The Name Above the Title, was published in 1971. Capra died on Sept. 3, 1991.
