Shenandoah (1965)

The 1965 film “Shenandoah” is evidence that Jimmy Stewart is one of the finest actors we’ve ever seen come out of Hollywood. He truly was at his best in this film about a Virginia farmer named Charlie Anderson. Now a widower with a grown family, Charlie owns land in the Shenandoah Valley and is concentrating on his home, his family, and his own life. The Civil War is raging all around him, but he has decided it doesn’t concern him, and he chooses to stay out of it. His six sons have differing opinions, and their dinner conversations are often … Continue reading

Mr. Krueger’s Christmas (1980)

My very first memories of this movie take me back to the Visitor’s Center on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. I was about five, and we settled into the plush seats, knowing we were about to see something special. Jimmy Stewart stars as Willie Krueger, a widowed janitor who lives in the basement of the apartment building where he works. He’s spent the day sweeping pine needles out of the lobby as the tenants brought their trees up to their apartments, and now he’s ready to get his own place decorated for the day. His apartment is small … Continue reading

The Flight of the Phoenix (1965)

I watched “The Flight of the Phoenix” on the recommendation of a friend, and I have to say, I found it fascinating. I also have to say, this is one that you’ll want to watch after the younger children are in bed – you can enjoy it with your teenagers, but the themes are a bit too intense for children under the age of twelve. Jimmy Stewart stars as Frank Towns, a pilot with a second-rate airline. He’s flown with better outfits in the past, but his talent hasn’t diminished, just his job status. With him is Lew Moran, his … Continue reading

Hollywood Icons Live On

He’s an Academy Award-winner whose mark on Hollywood is still evident today. Actor Jimmy Stewart will be honored with a stamp bearing his face on Friday and you can join in on the festivities. The U.S. Postal Service will officially release the new Jimmy Stewart stamp at ceremonies in Pennsylvania and Hollywood. The Pennsylvania ceremony will be held at the Jimmy Stewart Museum in Indiana, the actor’s hometown. The other will be held at Universal Studios in Hollywood. The Postal Service first announced that Stewart would be gracing a stamp last October. The picture on the stamp is based on … Continue reading

10 Fun Facts about It’s A Wonderful Life

I love the movie It’s a Wonderful Life. By now, you probably all know the story – George Bailey’s life takes a bad turn and he is ready to give it all up until Clarence Oddbody, Angel Second Class rescues him and shows him how things would have been worse if George had never been born. No matter how many times I see it, it still gets to me. But, here are a few facts about the movie you may not have known: 10. What a Bargain! RKO Pictures bought the movie rights in 1946 for $10,000. 9. The Greatest … Continue reading