Quiz
Reflecting his personal 'immigrant dream' where a humble underdog rises to great heights, director Frank Capra succeeded in rescuing which low-budget 'Poverty Row' studio, ultimately transforming it into a major Hollywood powerhouse?
Frank Capra: From Sicily to Los Angeles
Born in Bisacquino, Sicily, five-year-old Francesco Capra boarded a ship to New York in 1903. The family traveled in steerage, a miserable experience that ended with the inspiring sight of the Statue of Liberty. They settled in a working-class Italian neighborhood in Los Angeles, where Capra worked numerous odd jobs to support his family.
Chapter 1
The immigrant dream of Frank Capra
Chapter 2
The historic screwball comedy peak
Chapter 3
Capra and the World War II effort
Chapter 4
The struggle and triumph of a holiday classic
Ch 1 · The immigrant dream of Frank Capra
schopenhauer Capra broke into the film industry by completely fabricating his directing experience to land a silent movie job in San Francisco.
Fun Fact
Caltech graduate: Frank Capra is the only major Golden Age Hollywood director to hold a degree in chemical engineering from Caltech.
schopenhauer Before directing films, Capra earned a degree in chemical engineering from Caltech, making him one of Hollywood's most scientifically trained directors.
Glossary
american dream (noun)
The belief that anyone in the United States can achieve success and prosperity through hard work. Capra achieved this after arriving from Sicily in 1903, eventually winning three Best Director Academy Awards.
The belief that anyone in the United States can achieve success and prosperity through hard work. Capra achieved this after arriving from Sicily in 1903, eventually winning three Best Director Academy Awards.
Quiz
Which landmark did Frank Capra cite as his most inspiring sight when arriving in America?
BETA
schopenhauer Match classic movie scenes to master the timeline of Frank Capra's legendary filmography.
Quiz
Where was film director Frank Capra born before immigrating to the United States?
Quiz
Which odd job did Frank Capra do in San Francisco before conning his way into film?
Quiz
Which minor 'Poverty Row' studio did Frank Capra join in 1928, helping elevate it to a major player?