Latest news with #Capra
Newsweek
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Mr. Capra's Wonderful Life: An Immigration and Love Story for the Ages
It's story for the ages. The man who brought iconic classics to the big screen, including his three Academy Award winners—It Happened One Night, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town and You Can't Take It With You—has a life story that's as remarkable as any movie he ever made, including Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and his 1946 classic It's a Wonderful Life. Frank Capra's origin story is itself a classic American story. And a classic love story, too. Not just his love of people and the medium he would come to master—film—but his love of America. His love of the country that adopted him. Indeed, Capra so loved his country that he served, at the height of his career, directly under Chief of Staff General George Marshall (the most senior officer commanding the U.S. Army) to help bring to life the seven-episode documentary series Why We Fight during World War II. The films were commissioned by our government to boost the morale of Americans in the fight overseas. And millions of Americans at home. One film in the series—Prelude to War—won the 1942 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. By 1945, the year Capra was discharged as a colonel, 54 million Americans had seen the films. Capra, for his service to his country, was awarded the Legion of Merit and Distinguished Service medals. Director Frank Capra smiles as he holds the Life Achievement Award he was presented by the American film Institute during the Tenth Annual American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award Dinner at the Beverly Hilton Hotel... Director Frank Capra smiles as he holds the Life Achievement Award he was presented by the American film Institute during the Tenth Annual American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award Dinner at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles on March 5, 1982. More AP Photo/Nick Ut Francesco Rosario Capra's love affair with America began not too many years after he was born in 1897 in Palermo, Sicily. Capra was named for his grandfather, who had built and designed churches for a living. The youngest of seven children, his parents—Roman Catholics both—immigrated to the United States in 1903, ending up in Los Angeles. Like millions of immigrants before and after, the Capras didn't come here to change America: They came to have America change them. And change the Capras lives for the better America did. How much did Capra love his country? In 1982, while being honored in Los Angeles by the American Film Institute (AFI) with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Capra seized the opportunity to thank the American people—and America itself—for the opportunities and freedom his adopted country afforded him. In a speech in front of the titans of the movie industry, Capra started by thanking the many people who guided him along the way—great writers, actors and executives alike. He then explained the secret to his success as a storyteller. "The art of Frank Capra is very, very simple," he said. "It's the love of people, and add two simple ideals to this love of people—the freedom of each individual and the equal importance of each individual—and you have the principle upon which I based all my films." This was not mere sentiment Capra was expressing, and he knew more than most how to summon sentiment in his storytelling. Those words sprang from a deeper well: from his Catholic worldview, and the ideals, and governing principles, of the country he loved. But Capra wasn't finished, saving the best part of his speech—and the most personal part of his speech—for last. It started humbly and evocatively. "An occasion like this, when we all get together to pay homage to our craft, forces me to think, 'How the hell did I get up here?'" Capra said, followed by laughter from the crowd. Capra continued: "Nearly 79 years ago, I celebrated my sixth birthday in the black dark hole in a creaking ship, crammed with retching, praying, terrorized immigrants. Thirteen days of misery, and then the ship stopped. And my father grabbed me and carried me up the steep iron stairs to the deck and then he shouted, 'Chico, look at that!' At first, all I saw was a deck full of people crying on their knees, crying and rejoicing. My father cried, 'That's the greatest light since the Star of Bethlehem.' I looked up, and there was a statue of a great lady [Statue of Liberty]. Taller than a church steeple, holding a lamp over the land we were about to enter. And my father said, 'It's the light of freedom, Chico. Freedom.'" The audience was mesmerized as Capra recounted this pivotal moment in the life of his family in vivid detail, putting the audience on that ship as only a master storyteller can do. Capra continued, with stars like Bob Hope and Bette Davis on the edge of their seats, and the edge of tears. Capra closed things out looking up to the heavens to address his deceased family members, and this time, it was Capra himself who was on the edge of tears: "So, finally, there is something I must say to some other members of my family, and I believe they will hear me. Mama, Papa, big brother Ben, Josephine, Tony, little sister Ann, remember the day we arrived at the Southern Pacific Station here in Los Angeles, and Papa and Mama kissed the ground? Look, the American Film Institute has given me their Lifetime Achievement Award, and for that, I am thanking them and all my friends who've come here. But for America—just for living here—I kiss the ground." When Capra received his AFI award, President Ronald Reagan said: "You have recognized and helped us recognize all that is wonderful about the American character." Capra's films also helped us recognize the character of Jesus. "Movies should be a positive expression that there is hope, love, mercy, justice and charity," he said in a 1960 interview. "A filmmaker has the unrestricted privilege of haranguing an audience for two-hour stretches—the chance to influence public thinking for good or for evil. It is, therefore, his responsibility to emphasize the positive qualities of humanity by showing the triumph of the individual over adversities." Capra died peacefully in his sleep at his home in La Quinta, California, in 1991 at age 94 in the country he loved, surrounded by the people he loved. And the God he loved, too. They say that art mirrors life, but life sometimes mirrors art. That at least was Capra's hope. The headline to his New York Times obituary said it best: Frank Capra, Whose Films Helped America Keep Faith in Itself, Is Dead at 94.
Fox News
27-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Fox News
Redecorate for summer with these 14 Way Day sales
Now that warmer weather has arrived, it's time to refresh your home for the summer months. New decor and furniture can brighten up your space and make your home feel more comfortable. You can redecorate for less during Wayfair's Way Day Sale. Way Day is Wayfair's largest sale of the year, and it runs from April 26-28. You can get up to 80% off on thousands of products, all with free shipping. Rugs are up to 80% off, while living room furniture and decor are up to 60% off. Original price: $140 Adding some art to your walls can transform a room without much effort on your part. "Pompom Botanical II" is a beautiful print that depicts unique pompom flowers, an ideal painting for warmer summer weather. You can choose from three different-sized canvases, so you can fit this painting in anywhere. Original price: $507 Leave behind boring mirrors and put up this Capra metal flat wall mirror. The unique design adds some character to your bathroom, bedroom or any other room in your home. There are multiple hooks on the back that make it easy to hang, and the metal frame keeps the mirror secure. Original price: $469 Create a farmhouse look and get the cooling properties of a fan all in one. The Farmhouse rattan ceiling fan includes a beautiful rattan cage, a fan and built-in lights. The fan has six speed settings, so you can cool any room in your home as much or as little as you want. Original price: $1,102.45 Turn your entryway into an elegant space with an antique wood console table. The Roman-style legs give this piece a classy look while providing a space to store your necessities or add decorations. Choose from navy, white, gray or brown and customize the piece to your liking. ORGANIZE YOUR SMALL SPACE WITH THESE 8 SPACE-SAVING ITEMS Original price: $22.35 per sq. ft. Want to switch up your kitchen or bathroom backsplash? Now is the perfect time. This Kirshe glass mosaic wall tile is just $7.59 per sq. ft. The unique glass design brightens up any space, while adding a delicate elegance to the space. Original price: $499.99 Add a new focal point to your living room with this Kars nail-head upholstered recliner. This chair will give your living room a timeless look and give you space to kick back and put your feet up at the end of a long day. For those who don't want a bulky recliner, this chair won't take up a ton of room. Original price: $859.99 Feel like a king or queen with this upholstered wingback bed. Choose from a black or white finish, and you'll have a bed that completely transforms the look of your room. The frame is made from a soft velvet fabric that's extremely comfortable to recline on. Original price: $430 The Flatiron Oriental rug is the perfect combination of light, airy colors and classic, elegant design that will add to any space in your home. The rug is both stain-resistant and pet-friendly, so homes full of kids and pets won't do any damage. Original price: $520 Prefer a modern vibe in your home? The Lurdes geometric area rug is a super-soft, minimalistic rug that comes in nine different colors. Although it's made from a cushy fabric, the rug won't hold stains and just needs to be spot-cleaned with soap and water. Original price: $392 If you're a fan of antiques, this Elivra iron top end table will fit perfectly with the rest of your decor. The handcrafted finish and chunky design offer a unique look. The metal frame also works for modern-looking rooms, or rustic decor. Original price: $642.24 These Braden solid wood top end tables look like wine or beer barrels, and will give you the rustic look you've always wanted. They are solid wood, so they're as durable as they are stylish. Original price: $3,779.10 Have you been dying to add another sink to your bathroom? An Aiana double bathroom vanity can make your dreams come true. You get two beautiful farmhouse sinks surrounded by rustic barnwood. The three drawers and two cabinets provide plenty of storage space, and the whole vanity is easy to install on your own. COZY AND TRENDY BATHROOM RUGS AND MATS FOR WINTER Original price: $104.99 A set of velvet curtains create an elegant look and trap heat or cold, depending on the season. The French pleat only adds to the elegance and eliminates the need to iron out wrinkles. Choose from gorgeous colors like light pink, rose, emerald, blue and cream, and perfectly customize the curtains to the room. For more Deals, visit Original price: $224.68 Save space and create a luxurious design with a paneled wood barn door. The white finish brightens up any room, whether you use the door as an entryway, closet door or just an art piece. The barn door comes with high-quality hardware and tracks for easy installation.
Forbes
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Not A Mirage: La Quinta Is A Golfer's Desert Oasis
The Nicklaus Course at PGA West For a good handful of decades now, I have utilized the Coachella Valley as an escape hatch from the hurly-burly and persistent thrum of Los Angeles, a city with more angles than angels on a given day. The desert escape two hours west of the city is perhaps best known for the mid-century kitsch of Palm Springs, where rat-pack royalty like Sinatra and Bob Hope, and even a true king--the one and only Elvis Presley–maintained homes away from home. Mini- and maxi-malls now line Highway 111 that runs north/south through the desert communities here, that and miles of golf-centered residential communities packed with retirees and snowbirds come the winter months. A desert house designed by Richard Neutra for Edgar J. Kaufmann, Palm Springs, California, January ... More 1970. Lita Baron approaches, while in the foreground Nelda Linsk (right) wife of art dealer Joseph Linsk, is talking to her friend, Helen Dzo Dzo. (Photo by) Palm Springs proper is a fantastic destination for architecture zealots: Desert Modernism is the prevailing style, a minimalist pastiche of flat or butterfly roofs, open floor plans and a blissful blend of indoor and outdoor spaces. Frank Lloyd Wright disciple Richard Neutra's pair of masterpieces--the Miller and Kaufmann Residences--are well worth a tour, as are homes by John Lautner and Donald Wexler. You can self-explore these marvels by car or seek expert guidance from the folks at Modern Tours Palm Springs. Martinis are in order, as well as garish floral print shirts and oversized sombreros. Much as I relish a visit to Palm Springs proper, it does get fairly packed with vacationers from autumn until springtime, and especially during spring break and the nearby Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in mid-April. For older codgers like me who prefer golf clubs to nightclubs, a serene and charming alternative is the city of La Quinta, best known for its incomparable golf courses at PGA West and the historic La Quinta Resort & Club, another redolent whiff of Hollywood's glorious days gone by. La Quinta Resort offers a quiet place for a nap amidst a garden setting. There are also 41 pools ... More scattered amidst the casitas at the desert resort. (Photo by Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Director Frank Capra–who adapted his screenplay for 'It Happened One Night' at the resort--is but one of dozens of Tinseltown's marquee names who flocked to La Quinta for needed rest and relaxation. 'It is the kind of place everyone was looking for,' he said, 'a wonderful green oasis in the middle of the desert, and it is absolutely private.' Chances are he'd have run into colleagues like Bette Davis or Clark Gable there, or even the reclusive Greta Garbo, pictured with Capra poolside in the below photo. Garbo and Capra, cold-chilling at La Quinta Resort. Nowadays, you're more likely to find musicians performing at Coachella at the resort, or tennis legends like Serena Williams or Roger Federer, who call one of the cozy casitas home while appearing at celebrity events at the stadium court. Live like the pampered swells by checking into the Starlight Casita, a second-floor luxury room with arresting mountain views and a private patio replete with an outdoor fireplace. In the name of utter indulgence, soak in your own private hot tub while tucking into one of the Whirlpool Casitas, a good way to loosen up after a day on the links. Hole #7 PGA West Stadium Course PGA TOUR Archive via Getty Images Speaking of the game of gentlemen (and women of course), the family of golf courses at nearby PGA West are an integral component of a visit to La Quinta. Nine championship designs grace the mountain-surrounded greenery, as well as five clubhouses and two private clubs. Called 'the Western home of golf in America,' its courses are familiar to viewers of professional golf and NCAA tournaments. Those of a certain age may remember Lee Trevino's hole in one at the challenging Stadium Course during the 1988 Skins Game, earning him a cool million buckaroos (half of which he graciously donated to St. Jude Children's Hospital). PALM SPRINGS - A General View of the 9th hole on the Mountain course of the LA Quinta resort Golf ... More Course, Palm Springs California, United States of America.(Photo by) One would do well to tune up the old swing at one of the resort's two courses--the Mountain or Dunes layouts--before doing battle at Pete Dye's demanding Stadium layout. Dye also designed the Mountain Course, known for its dramatic elevation changes and eye-catching views of the Santa Rosa Mountains. The course's signature 16th hole is a par 3 with a tee shot over a cavernous quarry, a test of both skill and nerve alike. The Dunes Course is more of a traditional Scottish links design with its hard-rolling fairways and strategically-placed bunkering. After golf, it would behoove the hungry golfer to stop at Ernie's Bar & Grill in the PGA West Tournament Clubhouse, where the drinks are cold and frosty and the food several cuts above your usual golf course fare (revolving wrinkled hot dogs and bland processed turkey wraps, et al). We had a surprisingly credible/edible Margherita pizza with buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil, as well as a crisp and refreshing Chinese Chicken Salad. Okay, I confess, we also gorged out on The West Dog, an all-beef frankfurter with jalapeno aioli and PGA West's own house bacon on a brioche bun. House bacon! This ain't your pappy's golf course tubesteak, folks, and vive la difference. Point Happy Room at La Quinta Cliffhouse As cushy and cozy as life can get at the Resort, it does pay to take a short drive into the city of La Quinta proper to get a better picture of the town's charm and character. Dinner at the La Quinta Cliffhouse Grill & Bar is a mandatory watering hole, with its elegant indoor/outdoor setting abutting the rocky cliffs that surround the dining area. The pan-roasted Chilean Seabass was prepared perfectly, accompanied by sticky rice and a curry-coconut sauce. Down the road a piece near Old Town is another standout, Lavender Bistro, with its pistachio-crusted rack of lamb and Maine lobster ravioli among the best dinner choices. Its open-air terrace was packed with diners on a Tuesday night, which speaks volumes. A unique setting with great food and service. A view of Old Town, La Quinta CA Finally, if you need a pit-stop for coffee, craft beer or gift-gathering, Old Town La Quinta comprises over 30 eateries, boutiques, salons and services. Main Street Coffee is known for their friendly staff and fresh pastries, while the Alexandrite Active & Golf Wear shop will outfit you in style for golf, tennis, cycling and yoga. Remember, as Billy Crystal used to quip: 'It's better to look good than to feel good.' Top it all off with a Sunday visit to the Certified Farmer's Market every Sunday morning for locally-farmed honey, fresh-squeezed juices and bushels full of organic fruits and veggies. Not only is it pooch-friendly, our trusty hound Lucy found her way to some delicious treats--but then again, that crazy dog would eat anything!
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Vinny Capra continues his push to make the roster in Brewers' win over Cubs
MESA, Ariz. – The Spring of Vinny continues. Fighting for a roster spot and without any minor-league options remaining, all that Vinny Capra does is keep raking. With a three-run blast in the first inning Tuesday in a 9-7 win against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park, Capra moved to the top of the Cactus League home run leaderboard. Now sitting with five homers in 24 at-bats, Capra is batting .323 with a 1.353 OPS BOX SCORE: Brewers 9, Cubs 7 "Swinging the bat great," Brewers manager Pat Murphy said. "He's really put himself in the picture. That's all. That's what happens when you have a great spring, you put yourself in the picture. And he did." Two bench spots, at the very least, remain up for the taking for the Brewers. At this rate, one could very well belong to Capra, who otherwise would have to be designated for assignment or traded, when camp breaks in two weeks. Rhys Hoskins opened the scoring with a two-run blast, his fifth of Cactus League play to briefly take the league lead. Hoskins hammered a fastball from nemesis Justin Steele, who the Brewers struggle to hit in the regular season but not on this day in the Arizona sun. After Manuel Margot singled and Jake Bauers doubled, Capra launched his three-run homer to put the Brewers up, 5-0. Jacob Misiorowski nearly gave it all right back in a first inning that encapsulated all that the Misiorowski experience can be. He walked two, uncorked a wild pitch that scored a runner from second and gave up four runs while being unable to finish the inning. "If you can't throw anything else for a strike," Murphy said of Misiorowski's fastball, "it's going to get hit. Your heater is going to get hit. It can be 104 and it's going to get hit." Misiorowski came back out for the second inning and looked better, finishing the day with four strikeouts and four runs allowed in 1 ⅓ innings. "He wasn't sharp at all," Murphy said. "You're up five and you're feeling the pressure of holding it close. You're facing a good lineup. And he wasn't sharp. He showed his inexperience today." The Brewers weren't done against Steele. Bauers popped a two-run homer on a line to left field to score Oliver Dunn, who had reached via a bunt. Dunn himself then joined the party with the fourth homer of the day, a solo shot to left. Dunn is now batting .379 with a 1.128 OPS this spring. Rule 5 draft pick Connor Thomas allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits and a walk in his one inning of work, while Joel Payamps and Abner Uribe each threw clean innings. With two weeks of games left and minor-league games beginning, the Brewers continued to throw their MLB camp arms in Cactus League games. Cooper Pratt got in the game late at shortstop but did not bat. Kay-Lan Nicasia hit a RBI single off Cubs reliever Porter Hodge. Off-day Wednesday. Brewers at , 3:05 p.m. Thursday: Milwaukee LHP Tyler Alexander vs. Chicago RHP Davis Martin. Webcast - This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Vinny Capra continues his push to make the roster in Brewers' win
Fox News
08-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Conservative actors Robert Davi, Frank Stallone share list of movies 'every college student should see'
EXCLUSIVE - Former "Goonies" star Robert Davi and actor-musician Frank Stallone believe there are certain movies every college student should see before graduating – and it begins with one specific director. Davi and Stallone, who are both outspoken Hollywood conservatives, talked to Fox News Digital in separate interviews and suggested that any sound film culture education should start with famed Italian-American director Frank Capra. Capra was a three-time Oscar-winning director who served as the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 1935-1939. He directed one of the most well-known movies of all time, the Christmas classic "It's a Wonderful Life." But he was also known for a slew of political dramas that packed significant meaning. "He was brilliant – and he was a conservative his whole life," Davi told Fox News Digital. "Now, you don't hear enough about the Frank Capra films…. There are mixed messages in all of them, but basically he's conservative. And his films like 'Meet John Doe,' 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,' 'State of the Union'… all of his films have a political bent." "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," starring Jimmy Stewart, was nominated for 11 Oscars, winning Best Original Story. In the film, Stewart plays a bright-eyed Jefferson Smith as he's appointed to the U.S. Senate. While eager to do good on behalf of the American electorate, Smith discovers his superiors are corrupt and not in government for the right reasons. The film builds up to his inspiring filibuster in the Senate chamber and is one of the most memorable scenes in movie history in which he appeals to his fellow Americans' better nature. Davi also mentioned "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town," about small town man Longfellow Deeds, who receives a fortune when one of his relatives dies, and "State of the Union," starring Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. Tracy plays aircraft tycoon Grant Matthews as he runs for political office at the urging of his girlfriend. Hepburn, who often starred opposite Tracy on the silver screen, plays his ex-wife. "They all give an understanding of the process and the corruption in our government, back from the 1930s, '40s and late '40s when 'State of the Union' was made," Davi said. "People should watch it again," Davi said of "Mr. Smith" and "State of the Union." "Because… yes, I've seen it. But then I watch it again to go, 'My God. You know, you can really feel the relevance… And knowing Capra was conservative, I'm sure there was a part… of the speech that Spencer Tracy gives that he probably affected or wanted in there because it's very left-leaning in some ways. But the film is a great exposé on the political – all of them are… There's just something about these films and just this director was amazing." In the "State of the Union" speech which Davi refers to, Tracy's character withdraws from the presidential race and apologizes to his fellow Americans for running a dishonest campaign. The Colorado Sun described Capra, who came to America as a six-year-old immigrant from Sicily, as having evolved into an "odd mix of conservative Republican, and pro-labor progressive, but always with sympathy for underdogs." Those sentiments have often come across in his motion pictures as he tends to put a spotlight on the working man who had a strong moral compass. Frank Stallone, an award-winning actor and musician and younger brother to Sylvester Stallone, had similar praise for Capra when asked the same question about which movies he wants college kids to watch, while throwing in a few other classics. "I would say 'It's a Wonderful Life,'" he told Fox News Digital. "I would say definitely 'Gone with the Wind.' Great movie. I would say 'Grapes of Wrath' with Henry Fonda. I would say, oh, 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.' A lot of the Capra movies are – '[Meet] John Doe,' because they dealt with kind of real, like the downtrodden. You know, of course, James Dean and 'Giant.'… Those are great. But the ones that I guess that would be message-y, that would kind of give a sense of America, where we're at – I mean, James Cagney in 'Yankee Doodle Dandy.' They were… it was really, truly entertainment. That's what it was there for. It wasn't there to bring you down." "Gone with the Wind" is an epic 1939 Civil War drama starring Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh. The movie focuses on Southern belle Scarlett O'Hara from her life on a plantation to her survival through the Civil War and Reconstruction, all while following her timeless love story with Rhett Butler. Famous lines from the flick such as, "After all, tomorrow is another day," suggest that the movie wants to leave its audience with feelings of hope and resilience. Stallone also encouraged college students to watch the 1946 movie "The Razor's Edge," starring Tyrone Power and Gene Tierney. The movie follows Larry Darrell, an American fighter pilot who returns from World War I disturbed by the violence he witnessed. He eventually travels to Paris and tries to live a modest life. Its overarching message is a young man's journey in finding meaning in life through spiritual growth and not material possessions. Conservative parents have been concerned by the state of "woke" education in recent years. Davi hopes his list will give young minds a better perspective on the world. To drive his point across, Davi pointed Fox News Digital to an interview he gave to The Hill in 2011 when he was asked what issue he'd discuss with then-President Obama if given the chance. "I would like to talk with him about the crisis in American education," Davi said at the time. "To help children reach their full intellectual potential, an education must include American values, civics and history. Our students must have an exceptional education that inspires them and builds upon our country's greatness, instead of a relativistic, socialistic worldview that wants to erase what our country stands for and has accomplished. There has been a systematic approach to undermine the 'Greatness of America' — a pervasive hipness in denigrating our country that flatters itself as being intellectually provocative." "America is an ideal," he later added. "A living dream that has been a beacon of hope for the world. Yes, at times, the men and women who make political decisions may be misguided and cause some to want to damn them. But if we erased America from world history, one must unequivocally agree the world would be a lesser place. Therefore, I say, 'God BLESS America!'" Davi hopes his own conservative views don't keep him from a spot in the anticipated "Goonies" sequel, he revealed exclusively to Fox Digital. "I'm concerned about it, yes," he said. "Because it's happened on other issues, other projects. And it's just, you know, I believe in free speech and not being politically correct all the time."
