While he is easily one the most recognizable directors ever, with a string of classic films, about everyday heroes who struggled against adversity in search of the American dream, Frank Capra is also the man who single handedly save the Academy Awards from a disastrous demise during their humble first years!

Capra's contribution to the Academy Awards started on a rocky note during the 1933 ceremony.  His film, Lady for a Day, was nominated for four Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actress for May Robson, Best Writing for Robert Riskin, and Best Director for Capra, himself.  Despite heavy competition from classics such as 42nd Street, State Fair and The Private Lives of Henry VII, Lady for a Day was the favorite to win.

After a string of modest hits, Lady for a Day, about poor Apple Annie, who uses her street savvy friends to stage a fake society life for her, when her estranged daughter comes to visit, captured the hearts of audiences everywhere, and became his first bona fide classic.    

At the ceremony, the first ever public humiliation was suffered, when the evenings host, Will Rogers, opened the envelope for Best Director.  He said "Come and get it, Frank," causing applause and cheers from the audience.  Capra stood up to accept what he thought was his award.  He, and the audience were horrified to discover that Rogers was actually talking about the other Frank who was nominated, Cavalcade's Frank Lloyd.

Capra survived the embarrassment, and the next year released the picture that would change his life forever.  At the 1934 Oscar ceremony, Capra assembled all of the same guests from the previous year, in an effort to 'exorcise some ghosts'. It worked, as his film, It Happened One Night, won all of the major awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Director for Capra.

That same year, Capra was nominated as President of the Academy, at a time when many of the members were threatening to boycott Academy functions, including the Oscar's, in light of what they felt was unfair practices and treatment, on the part of the Academy and studio bosses.  

When many actors threatened to boycott the ceremony in 1936, Capra took hold of the situation by making the event a tribute to director D.W. Griffith.  "We had to do something," he said.  "The Academy was dying."  Despite the fact that many of the actors and writers didn't show up, D.W. Griffiths did appear, and he achieved what was recorded as the first standing ovation.  The show was a rousing success.

By the following year, Capra had worked tirelessly to meet the demands of critics over voting integrity, and settle some of the ill-will that many members had.  Among his additions, included two new categories, Best Supporting Actor and Actress. He also changed the voting structure, deeming that nominations would be determined by fifty members of the five branches of the Academy, and that the Best Picture would be voted on by all members.

Capra worked as the Academy's president for over five years, during which time he was also President of the Director's Guild.  

In the meantime, Capra's work as a director was getting better and better.  He continued with a string of hits in the 1930's that included Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, Lost Horizon, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and You Can't Take It With You, which went on to win the Best Picture of 1937, as well as a second Oscar for Capra's directing.  He became the first director to have his name above the credits, along side his star's.

Capra left Columbia in 1940 and signed up with Warner's where he produced Meet John Doe and Arsenic and Old Lace.  He responded to the call of duty when World War II hit, producing war documentaries and propaganda films.  

After the war, his star seemed to fade with State of the Union and It's a Wonderful Life, which were both box office failures.  His career fizzled in the 1950's, as after doing a couple of Bing Crosby films, he found himself working on television productions.  

Capra attempted a comeback with A Pocketful of Miracles in 1961, but the film was not a great success.  

Capra was discovered once again in the 1970's, as his films made their way onto critics lists, and one of his films, It's A Wonderful Life, turned up as a perennial Christmas classic on television.

Here is a selection of Frank Capra movies on DVD

and VHS

When she is questioned for brining a man in the room, she winks back, "He all right!"  Of course, Pierre is gay.

Apple Annie is introduced donning her new look.

Lady for a Day is available on DVD and VHS!