Frank Capra: The Catastrophe of Success

Moviegoers often assume Frank CapraÂ's life resembled his beloved films (such asMr. Smith Goes to WashingtonandItÂ's a Wonderful Life). A man of the people faces tremendous odds and, by doing the right thing, triumphs! But as Joseph McBride reveals in this meticulously researched, definitive biography, the reality was far more complex, a true American tragedy. Using newly declassified U.S. government documents about CapraÂ's response to being considered a possible Â"subversiveÂ" during the postÂ-World War II Red Scare, McBride adds a final chapter to his unforgettable portrait of the man who gave usIt Happened One Night,Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, andMeet John Doe.