James “Jimmy” Stewart’s 108th birthday was May 20, and he remains, by all accounts, one of the best and most memorable actors of the 20th century. The movies he was in and the roles he played are forever etched in the American conscience; if you have not had the chance to watch him I highly suggest taking the time to watch the films on this list – disappointment will not follow.
Jimmy Stewart was a giant on- and off-screen. In his first decade of active film work, he was in 29 films, appearing in eight in 1936 alone. Off-screen he was active in Broadway and radio and served in the Army Air Forces and the Air Force Reserves for 28 years, all while still acting. He was a man who, when faced with the question of how best to serve his country, charged full-steam ahead. Modern America was greatly shaped and influenced by him.
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So, in honor of Jimmy Stewart’s belated birthday, I present his top 11 films and roles.
11. Film: "The Gorgeous Hussy" Role: Roderick “Rowdy” Dow
As one of Stewart’s first roles, his acting in "The Gorgeous Hussy" is solid, but not anything spectacular. I include it on this list because it is a great film showing 1820s politics with the likes of Andrew Jackson, Martin van Buren and John C. Calhoun, and it is an excellent way to see Stewart before he became a leading man.
10. Film: "Call Northside 777" Role: P.J. McNeal
Another one of his more dramatic roles, "Call Northside 777" was based on real events to boot. Stewart plays a reporter covering a murder investigation in Chicago. He is skeptical of the accused’s guilt, and investigates the case to prove him innocent. This is a very good movie with all-around solid acting.
9. Film: "Anatomy of a Murder" Role: Paul Biegler
Paul Biegler is a small town lawyer defending an army lieutenant accused of first-degree murder who has no recollection of the murder. His wife claims that the murdered man raped her, which would account for her husband’s inability to remember the murder. This film is a great courtroom drama and great Stewart.
8. Film: "The Man Who Knew Too Much" Role: Dr Ben Mckenna
"The Man Who Knew Too Much" is a Hitchcock remake of a Hitchcock original. Both films are great in their own respects, but most critics, myself as well, agree that the remake featuring Stewart is better. Dr. Ben Mckenna and his family are on vacation in Morocco when a family member is kidnapped. The great Hitchcock plot is well worth seeing both versions. If you like "North by Northwest"and "Casablanca" you will like this film.
7. Film: "The Philadelphia Story" Role: Macaulay "Mike” Connor
This film's all-star cast features Stewart, Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant, Ray Grant and Ruth Hussey. Mike Connor is a reporter covering the second wedding of a Philadelphia socialite, and the result is a great plot filled with chaos. I do think that Stewart’s performance is overshadowed by the total weight of the cast, but it's still a great role for him.
6. Film: "Mr Hobbs Takes A Vacation" Role: Roger Hobbs
While Stewart is best known for his dramatic roles, he does comedy very well, too. Roger Hobbs decides to take a vacation with his family, children, grandchildren and everyone. As anyone who has gone on this type of vacation knows, chaos ensues. Maureen O’Hara stars opposite Stewart, and their dynamic adds to the entire experience.
5. Film: "Vertigo" Role: Det. John "Scottie” Ferguson
"Vertigo" is classic Alfred Hitchcock and Jimmy Stewart. Stewart plays Scottie Ferguson, a former detective who was forced into early retirement after an incident that caused him to develop acrophobia and vertigo. He is hired by a PI to look into a wife who is acting strangely. The film is a cinematic masterpiece with great acting by all involved.
4. Film: "Rear Window" Role: L.B. “Jeff” Jeffries
One of my all-time-favorite movies, "Rear Window" features a plot device borrowed by many writers today. Stewart plays photographer Jeff Jeffries who, after breaking his leg on a shoot, is confined to a wheelchair in his Greenwich Village apartment. To keep himself occupied he people-watches across the courtyard of his building, and one night he thinks he sees his neighbor murder his wife. This is one of Stewart’s best roles, full of suspense and shock around every turn.
3. Film: "Harvey" Role: Elwood P Dowd
For the theatre kid in me, "Harvey"and Stewart’s portrayal of Elwood Dowd are models for stage acting. The plot follows Dowd’s life around town, pretty simple stuff, until you discover that Dowd believes that a six-foot-two-and-a-half-inch pooka is following him around. Hilarity ensues in trying to get him committed to a mental hospital.
2. Film: "It’s A Wonderful Life" Role: George Bailey
I know I will probably get flack for not having this as No. 1, but I stand by it. George Bailey has been trying to advance his life and get out of his one-horse town. He has always led a good life, that is, until his business loses $8,000. He claims that never being born would be better for everyone in his life. At this, an angel comes down and makes it so. Together they see how horrible a George-less world would have been. Stewart’s portrayal of George Bailey defines Christmas in the minds of many people, including mine.
1. Film: "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" Role: Jefferson Smith
My all time favorite Stewart film is "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." Jefferson Smith is a young and naïve man and head of the Boy Rangers who is appointed to fill a vacant Senate seat. He has grand ideas of how to enact change from his office. He quickly finds Washington to be corrupt and manipulative ("House of Cards"did not just stumble upon this idea), but maintains his character. Every facet of Stewart’s acting – dramatic, comedic, tragic – are all seen in this film, and even though Stewart was a staunch Republican all his life, his portrayal of Sen. Smith does not show leanings one way or another. All around his best film.
Jimmy Stewart is easily my favorite screen actor of all time, and I love all of these movies. I hope you take the time to watch all of these, and experience the greatness that is James Maitland Stewart.
