I started my yearly Xmas season rewatch of Capra classics leading up to It’s a Wonderful Life.

American Madness (1932)
Ever wonder where the Capra film we all think of that culminated in IAWL originated? Look no further. This is the film where Capra and Robert Riskin hit upon that particular blend of populism, individualism, integrity, spirit and stories that would make Depression era audiences feel as if they were finally being heard.
As an early talkie the technique on display is frankly astonishing. There are moments of overlapping dialogue that would have made Howard Hawks sit up and take notice. Many of the themes that turn up later in the other films first appear here in a different variety with the big centerpiece being the run on the bank.
Without a doubt this is a great film of the 30’s, another of the Capra canon that is horrendously unknown and a release way ahead of its time in presentation.

It Happened One Night
Simply put-if you haven’t seen this then you’re missing out. It is that important of a classic title and one that has inspired so much in competition that many of its elements have sunk into to popular consciousness. What remains however it its Depression era roots and innate grittiness that gives the film and its central romance a certain reality which is driven home by Capra’s ability to make every moment so believable.
this time I watched the Columbia spiffed up Laserdisc version and it’s a very nice presentation despite not having the gorgeous 4K restoration Sony allowed Criterion to release.