Posted on 07/12/2009 10:27:44 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
Remember the scene near the end of It's a Wonderful Life, where Jimmy Stewart, playing the role of George Bailey, breaks down in a pub, crying out to God in utter despair? (Watch the scene here; fast-forward to the 5:30 mark.)
Apparently Stewart wasn't really acting; those tears were real.
In this 1977 article that Stewart wrote for Guideposts, the actor recalls that George "is unaware that most of the people in town are arduously praying for him. In this scene, at the lowest point in George Bailey's life, Frank Capra was shooting a long shot of me slumped in despair. In agony I raise my eyes and following the script, plead, 'God...God...dear Father in heaven, I'm not a praying man, but if You're up there and You can hear me, show me the way, I'm at the end of my rope. Show me the way, God...'
"As I said those words, I felt the loneliness and hopelessness of people who had nowhere to turn, and my eyes filled with tears. I broke down sobbing. This was not planned at all, but the power of that prayer, the realization that our Father in heaven is there to help the hopeless had reduced me to tears."
In the article, Stewart further discusses the making of the film, his faith, and how his dad held him accountable to attend church once he moved to LA from little Indiana, Pennsylvania. A good read about a fine man and a classic movie.
ARTICLE FOLLOWS....
(Excerpt) Read more at blog.christianitytoday.com ...
I’ve always been in love with Jimmy Stewart.
That’s one of my very favorite songs to sing. Everything about it is special and beautiful.
The point was that even Stewart has his dark night of the soul.
Enjoy that movie. Though it was never the tradition it is in some places.
ping
Burl Ives has a diffferent second verse, and I love that too:”he knows our name, he guardeth us from danger; ..
bump for later
We’ve a pic of you two together, somewhere.
I think MGM tried to make him sing...once.
“Everytime a bell ring an angel gets his wings.”
What a great thread! Thanks for the ping :)
You’ll like this thread too :)
You are most welcome! :)
I knew You’d enjoy it.
I didn’t know that. Thanks.
Anyone know how to find a copy of “Carbine Williams” starring Jimmy Stewart ?
Hi Jonny. Been awhile since we chatted. Thanks for pinging me to this article LOVE Jimmy Stewart, as you know. :)
Heaven is sooooooo lucky.
FYI...Tuner Classic Movies - http://turnerclassic.moviesunlimited.com/product.asp?Carbine Williams (1952)
In this fondly remembered biopic, James Stewart stars as David Marshall "Marsh" Williams, the creator of the M-1 Carbine automatic rifle that became famous during World War II. After being sent to prison for shooting a federal officer, Williams is given a chance to reform by a kindly warden--setting in motion a series of events that result in his invention. With Jean Hagen, Wendell Corey, Carl Benton Reid. 91 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
SKU: D25814
EA view details $17.99
Cool ! Thanks,
I had searched for this title (internet) a couple of years ago with no luck. I thought it might be an interesting flick.
Thanks again !!
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