It’s a Wonderful Birthday – Jimmy Stewart

An American original was born today in 1908.  In honor, here’s a career retrospective – in pictures – Jimmy Stewart.  The measure of a Man – a wonderful Actor.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

His words:

There ought to be a law against any man who doesn’t want to marry Myrna Loy.

If I had my career over again? Maybe I’d say to myself, “Speed it up a little”.

I have my own rules and adhere to them. The rule is simple but inflexible. A James Stewart picture must have two vital ingredients: it will be clean and it will involve the triumph of the underdog over the bully.

[asked how he wanted to be remembered] As someone who believed in hard work and love of country, love of family and love of community.

John Wayne was the greatest cowboy. Henry Fonda was the better actor but John Wayne, well, he was a champ.

[on Joan Crawford] My first impression of Joan Crawford was of glamor.

[on Jean Arthur] Jean was the finest actress I ever worked with. No one had her humor, her timing.

[on Margaret Sullavan] She could do maybe a look, or a line or two, but they would hit like flashes or earthquakes.

I suppose people can relate to being me, while they dream about being John Wayne.

When it came to kissing, Harlow was the best.

♦

For and by Turner Classic Movies (TCM), narrated by his friend, George Kennedy, a tribute.