Frank Capra Jr. Remembers: Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1999) watch online HD

This short documentary was made in 1999 to go with a new DVD release of the movie, "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town." Frank Capra Jr. talks about his father's making of the 1936 smash hit movie. He gives anecdotes about the casting and filming.

Frank Jr. was only two years old when Columbia released "Mr. Deeds." So, his remarks here are based on the stories and things he heard from his father and others. Frank Capra died at age 94 in 1991. In his years of growing up, Frank Jr. would hear his father talk about the various films he made. He would tell stories about the cast and crew. He would recall incidents that happened behind the scenes.

Frank Jr. was captivated by the stories, particularly since they were about well-known real life people. He would meet some of them on sets as he was growing up.

"Mr. Deeds" was the first of three films that Capra made with Jean Arthur. As tremendous an actress as she was, Arthur was very high strung before shooting. Capra says she would be a bundle of nerves and find every excuse not to be on the set for the start of shooting. But once his father got her in front of the cameras and shooting began, she took on her role naturally.

This short includes some film clips from the movie.