Watch You Can't Take It With You

You Can't Take It With You is a delightful comedy-drama that was released in the year 1938. Directed by Frank Capra, the film stars Jean Arthur, James Stewart, and Lionel Barrymore in leading roles. The movie tells the story of a quirky family, the Vanderhof-Sycamore-Carmichael clan, who live in a large, dilapidated house in New York City. Led by the kind and eccentric Grandpa Vanderhof, played by Lionel Barrymore, the family members follow their own idiosyncratic pursuits and generally eschew the conventional lifestyle of the city's elite. Alice Sycamore, played by Jean Arthur, is the only "normal" member of the family, working as a stenographer for a high-powered Wall Street executive, Anthony Kirby Sr. (Edward Arnold). Alice falls in love with Kirby's son, Tony Kirby (James Stewart), who is tasked with acquiring the Vanderhof house for his father's company. As Alice and Tony navigate the choppy waters of their relationship, the film brings us into the lively world of the Vanderhof-Sycamore-Carmichael family. Penny Sycamore (Spring Byington), Alice's mother, writes terrible plays that the family insists on staging in their living room. Mr. De Pinna (Samuel S. Hinds) is a firework manufacturer who lives with the family because he came to deliver some items and decided to stay. Essie (Ann Miller), Alice's kooky sister, is a terrible dancer who dreams of joining the ballet. Her husband, Ed Carmichael (Dub Taylor), is an amateur printer who is always tinkering with his press. The quirky family's antics and their interactions with each other lead to a series of hilarious and heartwarming scenes. They are happy-go-lucky people who don't conform to the societal norms but radiate happiness. The movie showcases the importance of love, contentment, and finding value in the small things in life. With all these characters fighting to maintain their own unique way of life, the stage is set for a clash between two very different families- the Vanderhof-Sycamore-Carmichael clan and the cold-hearted Kirbys. This sets up the central conflict of You Can't Take It With You, as Alice must choose between her own family and her growing feelings for Tony. The film is an excellent showcase for its talented cast. James Stewart turns in a charming performance as the earnest Tony Kirby, while Jean Arthur is typically brilliant as the conflicted Alice. Lionel Barrymore provides steady guidance to the whole family as Grandpa Vanderhof, stealing several scenes with his dry bon mots. Overall, You Can't Take It With You is a delightful comedy that still holds up well over 80 years after its initial release. It is a heartwarming reminder that happiness can be found in unexpected places and that the most important things in life cannot be bought with money. It is a true classic which is sure to put a smile on anyone's face.