Graduate Liberal Studies

Wesleyan University
Middletown, CT 06459
860-685-2900

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ARTS 616
Frank Capra's Film and Archive

Marc Longenecker

Course Schedule
June 30

THE MATINEE IDOL (alt: SUBMARINE)
-Discuss organization of course
-Intro to Capra: biography, filmmaking style
-Lecture on film analysis
-Preview examples of archival materials
July 2 YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU
-Continue discussion of film analysis
-Discuss Capra protagonists/villains
-YCTIWY production, promotional materials
-Give first assignment
July 7

IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT*
-Production materials: scripts, correspondence
-Brief lecture/discussion
July 9

PLATINUM BLONDE (alt: LADY FOR A DAY)
-Background on Robert Williams, Jean Harlow
-Preview production materials for DEEDS
-Give second assignment
July 14

MR. DEEDS GOES TO TOWN*
-Promo documents, correspondence
-Lecture/discussion on Gary Cooper, Jean Arthur
July 16

RIDING HIGH or MEET JOHN DOE        
-extensive production materials available for both
-Discuss problematic productions
July 21

MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON*           
-Production materials           
-Lecture/discussion on film
July 23

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE           
-Mr. Smith wrap-up           
-Discuss Capra post-Columbia           
-Production materials           
-Lecture/discussion on film
July 28

A HOLE IN THE HEAD*
-Correspondence
-Discuss production circumstances
-Give third assignment
July 30

MEET OUR MR. SUN (or class option)        
-Background on late-period Capra
-Production materials, contracts correspondence

*Summer series screenings. Lecture/discussion take place beforehand.
Supplemental Texts

Capra, Frank. THE NAME ABOVE THE TITLE
McBride, Joseph. THE CATASTROPHE OF SUCCESS
Play: Hart and Kaufman, YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU