Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Listy things - Jimmy Stewart

Favorite James Stewart films:

1. The Flight of the Phoenix (1965)
2. The Naked Spur (1953)
3. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
4. Rear Window (1954)
5. Vertigo (1958)
6. The Man from Laramie (1955)
7. Bend of the River (1952)
8. The Far Country (1954)
9. The Philadelphia Story (1940)
10. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)

Like John Wayne, there's no time when I can't remember Jimmy Stewart. He's my dad's favorite actor. I love watching all of his films, but because I gravitate towards Westerns, those are what dominate my favorites list for him. My sister used to complain that there were "happy" Jimmy Stewart roles (early years) and "cranky" Jimmy Stewart roles (later years). She prefers the early stuff, I prefer the later stuff, but he was so good at both.

8 comments:

Patti said...

I love that you are doing this series...it's been so fun discovering new (to me) movies for some of these guys.

I do like Jimmy, but not nearly as much as I like other guys. Well, he's my daughter's favorite classic movie actor, and she tells me quite often that I am "insane" to like Robert Ryan ahead of Jimmy. (She says that lovingly, of course!)

I did record The Naked Spur the other day...specifically for Robert Ryan. I haven't had time to watch it yet. I will let you know what I think of it.

I'm quite sure my favorite Jimmy role is Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. I think that was the most fabulous performance of his career...I have NO IDEA how he didn't win the Oscar that year. He was positively brilliant! I also love It's a Wonderful Life and Shenandoah.

Oh, a few months ago, my daughter and I were doing a re-watch of the 80's mini-series, North and South (with Patrick Swayze). Jimmy had a part in one of the final episodes, and he looked so the same as when he was younger. The man aged well!!

Happy Thanksgiving to you!!

Patti said...

Just had to tell you...guess what I watched this evening? Yes, The Naked Spur. I actually enjoyed it!! (Your guy Meeker met as violent an end as my guy Ryan!)

Maybe in time I will actually cultivate a liking for Westerns!!

Tom said...

Interesting choice of the Flight of the Phoenix as #1. Nice list!

DKoren said...

You know, Patti, I've never seen "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." I need to put that on my list, because it's so famous, and because so many people love it. I haven't seen "Shenandoah" either. One of these days!

And I'm glad you got to see "The Naked Spur." I'm glad you enjoyed it. Looking forward to your review. And yeah, neither of our guys has a happy ending in that one!

---

Hiya Tom - well, "Flight of the Phoenix" is one of my top five favorite movies of all time, that's how highly I regard it, so it has to be at the top of any Jimmy Stewart list from me! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

Patti said...

I look at my comments, and I always leave such lengthy ones...sorry about that. I just love discussing classic movies and classic movie actors and actresses...and you just can't do that without being wordy!!

Anyhow, I was popping by to let you know that this Wednesday, the 30th, in the early morning hours, Red Light is going to be on TCM. I remember when I posted about that, you mentioned that it was on your want-to-see list, so I wanted to give you a heads-up.

And, yes, you must see Mr. Smith Goes to Washington...and Shenandoah. I know, I know...so many great movies, so little time to watch them all.

Hamlette (Rachel) said...

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is worth seeing, but it's not one I own, so not one of my faves. Not that Jimmy isn't quite brilliant in it, because he is, but it just doesn't push my buttons, I guess. Now Harvey -- I love that one. Hits so many of my favorite themes, and it's such an unusual movie, concept, role... I so dig it.

On your list, my faves are probably #s 10, 3, 9, and 4. I am not a fan of Vertigo. But at last I've seen all the films in one of your top ten lists!

Patti said...

I wanted to thank you for your very insightful comment on my "From Here to Eternity" post. I commented back to you, but I didn't know if you would know that. I definitely understand feeling "out of step" with others with regard to certain movies. I feel like that alot, because there are several film everyone seems to love and I just can't get into them.

I've missed your lists, so I hope you will be back soon with another one.

Have a wonderful day,
Patti

DKoren said...

Hamlette - I guess it's a sign of how ubiquitous Jimmy Stewart is that we've both seen all these movies, but can't say the same for John Wayne. Interesting! I've never seen "Harvey" either. Should put that one on my list too.

Patti - I love lengthy comments! Where else do we get to discuss movies like this? Write away!