Opened: September 29, 1938

Directed by: Frank Capra

Starring: Jean Arthur, Lionel Barrymore, James Stewart, Edward Arnold, Mischa Auer, Ann Miller, Spring Byington, Samuel S. Hinds, Donald Meek, H. B. Warner, Halliwell Hobbes, Dub Taylor, Mary Forbes, Lillian Yarbo, Eddie Anderson, Clarence Wilson, Josef Swickard, Ann Doran, Christian Rub, Bodil Rosing, Charles Lane & Harry Davenport

By adding in a dramatic plot but keeping the tone of the Vanderhof-Sycamore-Carmichael family light, You Can’t Take It with You is different than its stage production while remaining lighthearted.

Anthony Kirby (Edward Arnold) is trying to buy 12 houses on a block to create a new factory but can’t get Martin Vanderhof (Lionel Barrymore) to sell his. Unbeknownst to the older generations, Anthony’s son Tony (James Stewart) is in love with Martin’s granddaughter Alice (Jean Arthur).

Martin’s family is kept wildly zany, which brings good comedy to the film since the main story is more dramatic than the rom-com plot of the play. Changing the story works as it gives more depth, but don’t expect the same gushy feelings.

Arnold and Barrymore have great moments, especially when paired together.

Final say: Taking a different turn. ★★★★☆