As a theatre arts teacher, several plays touched a special place deep within my soul. This particular play’s premise had such a huge impact that I directed it several times throughout my 35-year teaching career, making sure different generations reaped the benefit of its brilliant words. It wasn’t just me who thought this because the authors, Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, were awarded a Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1935. It was a huge Broadway hit and ran for over 800 performances. Then, in 1938, the movie rights were obtained for $200,00 and soon adapted into a screenplay. In 1939, it won two Oscars for Best Picture and Frank Capra for Best Director. This is an extraordinary resume for any piece of art.
What captivated me was always the simplistic story about a group of quirky characters who lived their lives enjoying every moment while still finding joy and kindness within their world every day. It was a tale about a family that respected the wisdom of their elders and listened intently to everyone around them, even when they disagreed. It was about giving and doing the right thing for those in need. It was never about money or the lack of it. Human decency, goodwill, and love were the keys to leading a good life because, after all, YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU. Truer words were never spoken so succinctly while delivering such a powerful, lasting punch. It made a difference in how I viewed my own life and what I wanted to leave as my legacy in addition to my children.
YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU increased the cast from nineteen characters to over a hundred. The writers took the story outside Grandpa’s home and offered subplots and several additional locations. Despite all these changes, the writers kept true to the original script. While rewatching the film, I recalled and recited major dialogues and monologues from memory. They were brilliant words written for all time.
The illustrious Lionel Barrymore portrayed Grandpa Martin Vanderhoff, the foundation of the family. He was so committed to this role. The writers gave him a creative way to get through the excruciating arthritic pain in his legs, which required a shot every hour for some relief. They added Grandpa using crutches for a sprained ankle, which he supposedly got while sliding down the banister at his home. (Knowing Grandpa, I would believe it.) Barrymore projected confidence and showcased trust in every spoken word.
Tony (James Stewart) and Alice (Jean Arthur) were the lovebirds. Their chemistry was sweet and believable. Anyone could see they were in love, and that’s stellar acting. I enjoyed Stewart’s quieter demeanor in YCTIWY. It was intense and mesmerizing. In fact, the entire female crew and ensemble said in later interviews that they were totally ‘ga-ga’ over James during filming. James and Jean would later portray another crazy couple in MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON.
Ann Miller was only fifteen when she was cast as Essie, the wannabe dancer. Even though she would go on to find fame as an incredible dancer in later years, she was not a trained ballerina or on her toes. Every scene was sheer agony for her feet. She would often be found crying in corners of the set, but audiences would never see that when the cameras were rolling. Stewart was said to bring her boxes of chocolates for her perseverance.
The cast also included Spring Byington, Edward Arnold, Dub Taylor, and Eddie ‘Rochester’ Anderson. These were phenomenal casting choices and represented impressive, masterful performances.
There were wonderful, memorable lines that I can’t seem to let go of, such as:
- I got myself in a monastery, and I can’t seem to get out.
- Don’t believe in paying income tax.
- There are too many ‘isms’ in America…communism, fascism, and voodooism. Whatever happened to Americanism?
- YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU, so what good is it?
- It stinks.
- Once a wrestler, always a wrestler.
YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU is an uplifting comedy classic. It oozes sweetness and goodness from its audience thanks to the genius of Frank Capra. Yes, it is predictable, but it is an inspiring slice of Americana that cannot be denied. “The only thing you can take with you is the love of your friends.” Falling in love with this film was just as easy a few days ago as it was the first time I read the play and watched it at the movie theater decades ago.
It is available on TCM.
