Jimmy Stewart: It Wasn't A Wonderful Life

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

My dad was an alcoholic, migrant farm worker who had scarcely heard of Jimmy Stewart. Like Mr. Stewart, my dad enlisted in the Army Air Force, and fate stationed them at the same base in England. My dad said that pilots were generally a bit rude and cliquish, but one pilot always had a friendly greeting and a bit of conversation & gratitude for the enlisted men. That pilot was Jimmy Stewart. My dad didn't learn of his fame until after the war.

[@maryshanley329]

My Uncle Johnny flew with Jimmy Stewart in the bombers. He said the same; Jimmy Stewart was a genuinely good person.

[@daler.steffy1047]

What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing that with us.

[@patriciamccormick9321]

I wonder if your Dad drank to cope with his war memories. My grandfather confessed to my Dad at the end of his life that without whiskey the screams of the dying kept him awake at night. Only the whiskey silenced them he said and he started to cry and asked my Dad for forgiveness as he lay dying. . .

[@maryshanley329]

I don’t think that your Dad was at fault for his drinking. Those who have not been in battle cannot imagine the horrors of it. I remember mom told me about the civilian outrage about Gen. Patton. Patton was a very successful general, revered by his men. He fought Gen. Rommel in North Africa using tanks in the desert. Well, Patton was visiting a military hospital, with severely wounded men. Patton saw a soldier there who had not been wounded, became upset, and used his leather gloves to slap that soldier across his face. To Patton, he was a coward. It was filmed and was in the newsreels shown before the movies. The outrage by the American citizens was great. Of course that poor soldier had shell shock, which is now named PTSD In those days, one was expected to move seamlessly back into civilian life. There was very little help for these men, nor for the dedicated nurses. Had they sought help while still in the service, it was a black mark in their file.

[@hanagloriaedelblum5693]

Amazing story! What a beautiful tribute to Stewart and to your dad, for remembering such kindness.

[@kiemer13]

Jimmy Stewart was indeed one of the greats. Masculine, good looking, talented & gone down in history as ionic & remembered. As he got older he looked more handsome & Charismatic. ❤

[@catherinegearhart2102]

My Grandfather went to Princeton with Jimmy Stewart and knew him socially. My Grandfather always admired him and said that Stewart was exactly the same in person as he was on the screen.

[@PeriLyons123]

Oh how cool!

[@johnhardwick9911]

My father, CPT Lester C. Hardwick, served with Jimmy Stewart in the 453d Bomb Group in Old Beckenham England. He said that Jimmy was a regular guy. My dad would follow Jimmy with a briefing for the pilots on their mission success with photos. Dad was always a big fan of Jimmy Stewart as was I.

[@dmann1115]

How interesting!

[@PeriLyons123]

Grateful for your family’s service.

[@chessclinic]

He also lost another very dear friend: Grace Kelly. He actually travelled to Monaco for the funeral, where he gave the eulogy: “You know, I just love Grace Kelly. Not because she was a princess, not because she was an actress, not because she was my friend, but because she was just about the nicest lady I ever met. Grace brought into my life as she brought into yours, a soft, warm light every time I saw her, and every time I saw her was a holiday of its own. No question, I’ll miss her, we’ll all miss her. God bless you, Princess Grace.”

[@jpljthestelladoro]

I was honored to meet Jimmy Stewart in the early 90's. My mother-in-law was good friends with the Stewart's. Mr Stewart was sitting in back of us at church and it was a treat to meet him and listen to him sing. Elderly but that sparkle in his eyes forever young. 🎄🎁

[@jessrosefawkes2721]

Wow that is great jp. I would have been honoured to even be in the same building, never mind actually getting the chance to meat him lol. Thank you for your lovely comment JP. I wish u all the best and I hope u have a lovely Xmas and happy new year 😊 take care lv xxx

[@jpljthestelladoro]

@@jessrosefawkes2721 it was pure Magic when I touched his hand. I really didn't know his history that much. Thank you for the Christmas wishes. I hope for you and yours to be blessed & healthy in 2024

[@jimjoe9945]

Catholic?

[@jpljthestelladoro]

@@jimjoe9945 Presbyterian

[@jessrosefawkes2721]

@@jpljthestelladoro I bet it was jp. What an amazing story and memory that is. And you are most welcome lv. Merry Xmas and take care lv. Best wishes xx

[@meckismicki]

My favorite actor of all time. In 1970 I wrote him a letter, thanking him for his service to our country & told him my father was in WWII in the Army. I told him I just a girl with a crush & stayed up all night for a Jimmy Stewart marathon. It was a pretty lengthy letter. I never expected a reply. About two month later I received an autographed picture. I almost fainted when with he picture was a short hand written note!

[@sabrinafair35]

Aww! What a nice story!

[@doreenfriel7039]

Such a sweet story!!!

[@gemini_interests]

What did the note SAY???

[@jackiebeh6702]

Lucky you. He has always been a favorite of mine - Grace, honor, integrity.

[@babywah3290]

He had one of most memorable lines in Fool’s Parade that I recall and it’s stuck with me since. “God uses the good ones and the bad ones use God.” I particularly love his westerns❤❤

[@JamesBrown-ij1px]

Love Jimmy Stewart. Met him once in Beverly Hills in his later years, and he was still his awkward, stammering, charming self.

[@margaretlocke7938]

My admiration for Stewart will never cease

[@DulceN]

I’m 63 and grew up in Spain. I watched James Steward’s films since very young and he became one of my favourite actors. Now that I learnt about him I would have loved meeting this gentleman of the silver screen.

[@dmann1115]

After watching a video on Bob Hope's rather sleazy conduct with women his whole career, even at 80, while married to the same woman for 70 years, learning about Jimmy Stewart's stalwart character is very gratifying. Thanks!

[@beverlytolbert2278]

Yes, truly refreshing!

[@broadwaybaby348]

I'm watching 'It's A Wonderful Life' on Christmas Eve. I need it this year.

[@imhere653]

I hope you get what you need from watching it. Realizing what you need and knowing where to get it is probably the mastery of life. And kind of like the film says,"No man is a failure who has friends." I truly enjoy being a good friend. I'm sure I get more out of that than I get to give in the first place. Tell everyone who matters to you how you feel about them before Christmas passes. Their responses are interesting and telling.

[@JustMe-uu3bh]

I watch it every year myself, it's my favorite Christmas movie........the end all, be all. Donna Reed was so beautiful and they were so good together....it's the classic it deserves to be. ❤

[@JustMe-uu3bh]

so respect keeping Christ in Christmas, not using an "x" - using the shortcut. keep Christ in Christmas.....✝@@dazzlingdavedainty ✝

[@dazzlingdavedainty]

@@JustMe-uu3bh I shall go and stand in the corner immediately 🫡

[@JustMe-uu3bh]

OK, just remember, okay? God loves you, so remember that too. Now come out of the corner and come over here and have a cup of hot cocoa and a cookie - you're still a good boy! Merry Christmas, Dave! @@dazzlingdavedainty

[@nolaparton-jones8932]

Finally, A narration by a real human being who actually knows how to pronounce words! Thank you for this!! It was very enjoyable.

[@philsarkol6443]

This man has been in my eyesight through that little black&white tv since I was just a little boy. He graced our living room many times, through characters of a clumsy young man to an elderly doctor in a western, at christmas he visited us as a man who wanted to take his own life, and a wonderful life it turned out to be. He took our family away from dayly troubles or quarrels and through his iconic innocence and playfullnes he made us all drawn into the story, and we all felt as one big family without a care in the world! Thank you mr. Stewart , wherever you are...a true legend and a HERO..allways remembered!!

[@myjeevie]

Beautifully expressed comment. Kind regards to you.

[@heavencanwait421]

My most favourite scene was in The Philadelphia Story with Cary Grant. In it he was drunk and, apparently they kept the cameras rolling as he went off script. The grin on Grant’s face told it all. Just brilliant.

[@glindapower5707]

It is my understanding that Margaret Sullavan suffered from profound mental health issues and was difficult to work with as a result. (I don't think the health of the marriage between she and Henry Fonda helped matters. At all.) From what was relayed on TCM by the late Robert Osborne, many did not care to work with her and Jimmy petitioned hard to have her as his co-star in 'Little Shop Around the Corner'. Personally, I am NOT inclined to think that Jimmy held a torch for her during his lifetime but retained a fondness and loyalty not often found in Hollywood, or anyplace else, for that matter. He was, by all accounts, deeply in love with his wife, the sons he adopted from her first marriage and his daughters. He openly wept over the death of one son in Vietnam. He is often quoted as saying 'one woman, one home' and he lived his life accordingly. All too often, in my opinion, some stories are ginned up to make everyone seem like neurotic messes. I don't believe that of Jimmy, but if true, he hid it exceedingly well.

[@patriciamiller7595]

I agree. He struck me as a intrinsically decent man ,and I believe he was.

[@JustMe-uu3bh]

didn't know that. glad you mentioned Robert Osbourne, that was such a classy guy and so talented in his field, he is responsible for TCM in every way. fascinating guy. loved him and his interviews, so interesting. as for Jimmy Stewart, I am very happy he found happiness with his wife and their family........such a good guy, you could tell. loved him. classy. kind. God bless him, It's a Wonderful Life is my #1 favorite, especially at Christmas.

[@CarolStJohn-ev9ry]

I remember reading a book by Margaret Sullivan's daughter decades ago and she had a lot of angst because of her volatile mother, it was a messed up family.

[@HuahinTan-cs8xq]

Qqqqqq❤❤❤❤

[@charlesnolan7602]

I saw Jimmy on the big screen: 1963: "How the west was won," 1966: "The Flight of the Phoenix" Some other faves: Rear window Vertigo Shenandoah The Man who killed Liberrty Valance Mr Smith goes to Washington Philadelphia story It's a wonderful life Northside 777 Strategic Air comand

[@rvasquez8057]

A National Treasure is an understatement for Jimmy Stewart. Mr. Stewart really was Hollywood Royalty without the snobbish and pretentious attitude. He was a true star amongst stars. The term "Star" has been so diminished like the word "Hero" in today society. When you think of the pseudo celebrities, twitter and KZbin's self proclaimed stars of today, it is a joke. The term "Star", today has no weight, it requires no talent nor conviction, no substance, only followers. It has become a hollowed out footnote for some of the most loathed individuals in todays movies and on the small screen. Jimmy Stewart was not only a "Star" he was a veteran, a true Hero and a gentleman. Excellent video.

[@maryharris6680]

He was my favorite actor!! He was amazing in Harvey.

[@Gancanna]

Harvey is my favorite Jimmy Stewart film. No matter the role he played, he always brought the characters to life. Thank you for presenting his story with the grace and dignity that he deserved.

[@gerryowen5577]

It was 1975 and my wife and I were kids in our early '20's We were in London having just completed 7 weeks of bus camping all around Europe. We got together with friends to pay 5 UK Pounds for seats in a small theatre to watch the play Harvey with Jimmy Stewart live. I will never forget the absolute power of his performance. The moment he walked on the stage he had us in the palm of his hand. I learned a life lesson that night. That kindness and open heartedness can go hand in hand with enormous power. Jimmy Stewart was a great soul and a gift to the world.

[@Nosferata138]

Harvey is one of my all time favorites, hands down. 🐰 💕

[@lindaanthony7890]

I absolutely love the movie Harvey, and watch it through the year but especially on Easter. I believe it was Stewart’s favorite film, too. I would have loved to see him performing the part on stage.

[@Nosferata138]

@@lindaanthony7890 every man should strive to have the kindness of elwood p dowd. Wish i could find one...lol

[@WVgrl59]

Mine too. Although I like just about any Jimmy Stewart movie except the westerns

[@debrahouston2884]

Jimmy Stewart and Its a Wonderful Life are etched into my heart, mind and spirit... TY + God bless you, Mr. Stewart, for your professional work and your service to our nation and humanity! TY as well to this channel's host...Excellent!

[@denisefarmer366]

Wonderful Life is considered a classic. I hope he knew that before he died. ❤

[@susanrike7476]

I LOVE Jimmy Stewart. He has brought great joy and entertainment to people. He was extremely versatile -- drama, comedy, and beyond. The fact that he experienced trauma during his military service AND romantic heartbreak enhanced his varied performances. Made him human. He often said his favorite role was "Harvey," which he performed on stage. My 2 favorites are: "It's A Wonderful Life" and "Rear Window." Life has its ups and downs. Jimmy's life was a life well lived and more.

[@elaineproffitt1032]

I love "The Man Who Knew Too Much" and "Rear Window". We have lost so many wonderful actors. Its sad to know that their are no stars of that caliber to carry the torch. RIP all you leading stars! You are missed.

[@heavyhaul8621]

I fell in love with Donna Reed in that movie. She was wonderful.

[@justicewokeisutterbs8641]

I will always love and respect James Stewart. One of the things about him you mentioned briefly is that he was a model builder. This piqued my interest because my parents had a hobby ship that focused on model building, especially flying model airplanes, so I got a lot of exposure to model builders. It's a hobby that should be revived because it's such a character builder. Building flying model airplanes requires patience, attention to detail, dedication to quality work, skill and experience. It can take weeks or months to build a flying model; many of them, back in the day, at least, were carefully painted with layers and layers paint, sanded between the coats to get a perfect finish on paper or silk stretched over the balsa wood frame of the wings and fuselage. Some were scale replicas of real airplanes. Then, after all that careful work, the modeler would take the model plane out and risk flying it. In the time I watched men with this hobby I saw lots of models crash, sometimes completely destroying them, but I never saw a model builder show anything but grace over the loss. Losing all that work and care was the chance you took every time you flew. It doesn't surprise me at all that Jimmy Stewart was a model builder.

[@RaceLab37]

It was a pretty wonderful life! Jimmy Stewart is my favourite actor and that will not change.

[@greenhealer7136]

Jimmy Stewart was always my favourite growing up and watching the old classics...and yes "it's a wonderful life" is one of my favourite old movies...

[@Chutney1luv]

Regardless of what is said about Jimmy Stewart, he's been my favorite actor since I was a child! Harvey, It's A Wonderful Life and all of his movies are my loves! He's an amazing Veteran and I'll always love him, his acting and his humanity! 🥰❤🇺🇸❤️

[@regankercheval9296]

I could not agree more. What I would give to have each American 5th grader watch Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. They need to be old enough to comprehend, but young enough to receive patriotic inspiration without the popular "meh mentality" distracting from its message. Harvey is my all time favorite. I do wish that we had more film of Josephine Hull. That tug of the girdle scene was brilliant! I laugh each and every time I see that. The two of them were fantastic story tellers in their mannerisms, delivery and authenticity. Treasures for sure!!

[@celticqueen9762]

One of my all time favorite actors, he was a class act. Wasn't perfect, but then no one is. Compared to today's current crop he's a breath of fresh air.

[@Chutney1luv]

That's right!! 💯

[@JustMe-uu3bh]

This was very well done, and the narrator's accent was understandable for us Americans. Jimmy Stewart was the best - so thank you. No salaciousness, no scandals, just living his best life as a good, kind a heartfelt, patriotic, good American. God bless him.......

[@Swelte]

He's still a legend.

[@marcyking461]

...and always will be. True legends never die.

[@stevenhall9349]

It seems like people that can’t answer for their selves because they have died the more people try to destroy them. What a shame.

[@JamesVaughan]

Great actor, and my absolute favorite of all American actors.

[@beverlyhitchon4901]

I don’t know who the narrator is, but he is the best and I wish you would use him on all your videos! I grew up watching James Stewart and just love him. My all time favourite film is ‘it’s a wonderful life’. He could play serious roles and comedy roles so effortlessly. A truly lovely person and I believe he loved his wife and children very much. I’m taking the story of him and Margaret with a grain of salt. Sorry, that’s just my opinion and you’re not going to change it!😅 A brilliant video and more from this narrator please! ❤

[@betsygray9505]

Jimmy Stewart was a great actor. I grew up watching this legend in many films, encouraged by my mum who just adored him! She told me all about his involvement in WW2 and that he was a war hero. I had no idea he had risen so quickly through the ranks, nor that he suffered so much due to his wartime experiences. I am so glad he went back to acting and found happiness with his wife and family. Thanks for this very enjoyable biography. Impossible to pick a favourite film of his !

[@RuthHale-g7n]

I met Jimmy Stewart at the Premiere of ‘’ Cheyenne Autumn’’ I always wished I had a husband like him. He was a wonderful person.

[@beatleographer_10-51]

Very good! Jimmy Stewart has always been my lifetime favorite. The 1st movie I remember seeing him in was, "The Glenn Miller Story". It also made a huge Glenn Miller fan. This was many moons ago, kids.

[@martinbayliss3868]

It's a Wonderful Live is an all time great movie. I did not know it was Jimmy Stewart's first film after the war. Yes, you can see in his acting in It's a Wonderful Life all the pain and anguish coming out of him from WW2. In places It's a Wonderful Life is hard to watch because it's so so raw and powerful. But ultimately that film is pure good and has a universal, timeless message.

[@DebraBolter]

What a great narrative, luvd all Jimmy's films ,, obvious ones dont need to mention, he was one of the greats underrated actor

[@teresaj27]

I find it absolutely amazing that Jimmy Stewart was a pilot yet did a movie about another celebrity but in the musical field. The story of Glen Miller is one of my favorite movies from Jimmy Stewart and the shocking end to Miller's life as a Patriot. 😊

[@kathleenandrews7635]

My favourite scene from "The Philadelphia Story" is Jimmy & Katherine, tipsy and dancing together, before they go for a moonlit swim. I also love Uncle Willy :). Thank you for your service, Mr. Stewart.

[@marilyn6556]

It’s a Wonderful Life is hands down my favorite movie!!! I watch it every Christmas and throughout the year. The shop Around the Corner is also high on the list of my favorite movies! I have always loved Jimmy Stewart and I have enjoyed every thing that he did!

[@ricardocantoral7672]

There's pretty much zero dirt on James. That's why he is one of my favorite stars. He's what you get, no more, no less.

[@dlewis895]

STEWART DEMANDED DIETRICH GET A ABORTION WITH HIS CHILD....NOT NOBLE RESPONSIBLE HONORABLE

[@dlewis895]

STEWART DEMANDED DIETRICHS ABORTION WITH HIS CHILD UGLY

[@jpljthestelladoro]

Up until his last days he was a Good Egg. I was blessed to meet him and will never forget it❤

[@ricardocantoral7672]

@@jpljthestelladoro In today's movies, men seem to be a lot more insecure. They are compelled to show their bodies more often. You won't find someone like James Stewart who was masculine yet by his own admission, fragile.

[@MonicaLillis]

Well he pressured Marlene Dietrich to abort his child, although I did hear she made that up. If it is true, that was awful.

[@kmac5849]

Their are so many messages in ‘Its a wonderful life’ and Christmas is a good time to remind ourselves of them.

[@joefatalooch8057]

The history of Hollywood is riddled with the broken dreams and hearts of talented people. James Stewart was just one of those, but truly a great and gifted actor whom will be remembered for his contribution to the art.

[@leslielutz6140]

Thank You Mr. Narrator. Best narrator ever. So glad they gave Jimmy Stewart to you. This was fabulous all the way around.

[@exdus235]

👍👍👍

[@maytedrew8638]

He is one of the greatest and that means a lot with so many legends from his era. In addition, he was a man dedicated to service of our country which exceeds his legendary career. He is a giant figure in our American culture. My favorite movies of his are "Its a Wonderful Life" and "Rear Window".

[@JustMe-uu3bh]

I watch "It's a Wonderful Life" every year at Christmas, it's the real Christmas movie and I love Real Window as well, technicolor was the best.........

[@kristatrenary]

My most favorite movie is Its a Wonderful Life I just watched Rear Window I really liked it !

[@richbysina]

A small group of us are trying to get the U.S. Postal Service to issue a commemorative stamp sheet -- 20 stamps depicting 20 different scenes -- on the 80th anniversary of "It's a Wonderful Life" in 2026 -- America's Semiquincentennial (250th birthday). By the way, the USPS did a commemorative stamp sheet for the 80th birthday of Bugs Bunny in 2020. If it can do it for a wascally wabbit, why not for a movie classic! Please send a brief note supporting this request to Shawn Quinn, Manager, Stamp Development, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20260. This is another way to "earn your wings".

[@chuckthebull]

Was one of my all time favorites

[@JustMe-uu3bh]

best of luck on this, definitely! @@richbysina

[@chuckthebull]

Nicely done tribute to one of my all time favorite actors...

[@honestlyyours1069]

Loved his performance in "It's a Wonderful Life". That movie is a Christmas classic!

[@cl5080]

I don’t care that I find out he had serious personal flaws. He’s only human and lived with many of the same fears of failure that we all do. He’s still my favorite actor of all time. May he rest in peace and see the Kingdom of heaven. I wanna meet him someday!

[@michellepeoplelikeyoumurde8373]

Deluded

[@veecee3669]

Although Jimmy Stewart was many decades older than I, I loved his movies.I don't believe that he ever gave a bad performance, even in less than stellar movies.He was and is one of the all time greats.

[@cynthiacrumlish4683]

Brilliant in THE PHILADELPHIA STORY.

[@veecee3669]

I agree!

[@Chutney1luv]

Exactly!! 💯

[@natalieussery4294]

My father and I used to watch James Stewart movies together. Our favorite movies were :The Glenn Miller Story, Destry Rides Again, and It’s a Wonderful Life. I was deeply saddened by his personal life and the choices he’d made. However, I am thankful for his service to our country and that he found “LOVE” in the end. In addition, I feel so blessed to have these movies, etc. to remember his unique acting style and enjoy those films from time to time. PS I also really liked, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. I honestly wish society had these kinds of integrity and strength brought out in these amazing movies of long ago.

[@katiebiega8070]

Nothing like a Jimmy Stewart movie!! 🤩

[@BrandiRayburn]

my admiration and respect for jimmy stewart will never cease.

[@heidibee501]

My favorite movie with James Stewart is "Shop Around the Corner." I love the setting in old Hungary and the simple life that is portrayed. I watch it every year around Christmas. That someone with such a steely disposition, and complicated life story could play that simple role so sweetly is a compliment to his acting skill. I did not know about the up and down connection between him and his co-star Margaret Sullavan.

[@erikramaekers63]

Perfect movie.I love it.

[@beagledog2001]

I have not scene that, but love anything with Jimmy Stewart! I will try to find it today.

[@herbertlongfellow7702]

I just adore that film. Never tire of watching it

[@bobboscarato1313]

I've watched that movie at least 25 times and never tire of it!

[@FirstLast-nk3lm]

Just watched Harvey last night for the first time. Quality acting , and funny.

[@withgoddess7164]

That was one of my favorite books/plays as a girl. He was PERFECT in the film. ❤❤❤

[@cathietonkin5577]

It’s a treat of a movie!!!! One of my fave!!!!!

[@JudithRandall-vz1zk]

Harvey is poignant and one of my favorite movies with Steward. The only one I like better is, Anatomy of a Murder.

[@Chutney1luv]

Exactly!! It's one of my favorites, too!! Love him!! 🐰❤️

[@comicmania2008]

Fascinating, thanks for a great video! I always liked Jimmy Stewart, grew up in the 60s watching him on TV with my Dad - Jimmy was my childhood hero, particularly loved Wonderful Life, and all of his aviation movies, SAC, Spirit of S L, Phoenix. A true legend, looked the part, played the parts well, and actually took part during WW2!

[@christhompson3750]

He was my all time favorite actor. Grew up watching all his movies, loved them and we even share the same birthday.

[@risatzinberg1170]

The human condition doesn’t pick n choose it levels the playing field. Poor Margaret Sullivan was plagued with mental illness most of her life unfortunately in a time when there was very little known about mental illness. Cut these people a little latitude. Although their job wasn’t to save lives none the less their body of work brought joy to millions and continues to to this day. My cousins flew missions with Jimmy Stewart during WW2. What more do you want? They are part of the greatest generation this country has ever seen to date. God Bless them all and all of you good people 🙏❤️

[@lugenewhittenberger1983]

God bless you.✝️🌟💖

[@Mikehunthertz51]

I love jimmy Stewart movies so much my daughter named her son harvey that is one of my favorite movies harvey the 6 ft rabbit.

[@homeaccount5943]

Olivia de Havilland was gorgeous ! ❤

[@davidduff5123]

Harvey was the first Stewart movie I ever saw and as such holds a special place in my heart. Shenandoah was another favorite. My career Air Force father loved Strategic Air Command. Having served in SAC (his favorite group), as well as MAC and ATC, General James Stewart held a special place of respect for Dad.

[@Chiller11]

Nice rendering of an admirable man’s life.

[@pookiepoodle46]

My favorite actor…he stole a piece of my heart.

[@jerrylsiegel5619]

This look at Jimmy Stewart's life was honest and real. The narration is one of the best. Besides being one of my favorite actors, [my favorite movies of his are Mr. Smith Goes To Washington and It's A Wonderful Life] Jimmy's wartime experience is legend. For those of you who would like a more detailed account of that period, the book is MISSION, Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe by Robert Matzen. The title of this video is wrong. Jimmy Stewart truly did have a wonderful life!

[@ronbyers9912]

He suffered from PTSD after WWII. It was a wonderful life provided him a way to work through some of his pain. The stories I have heard indicate that he truly and deeply loved his men was devestated with each death.

[@ricardocantoral7672]

Not PSTD, survivors guilt.

[@ronbyers9912]

@@ricardocantoral7672 He was the commander. Survivors guilt, PTSD, no matter what you call it he flew 20 missions over German held territory with sometimes hundreds of crew members living or dying on his decisions. Nobody else in Hollywood did anything as remotely dangerous or difficult. Nobody. That is enough to haunt anyone.

[@ricardocantoral7672]

@@ronbyers9912 If you are going to bring it up, you might as well be specific. That's my point.

[@TrueNovice]

Even more impressive than I thought he was. If that wasn't a wonderful life< i don't who ever had one

[@carpenterbluechicken]

I just love Jimmy Stewart I go to a bookstore a used book store and find a book by him, its so darn cute the stories about his dogs and family. I just love it! But I loved him more. I so a fan of Jimmy Stewart

[@LCCWPresents]

I can see where it’s a wonderful life fit jimmy stewart like a glove. His early life is nearly the same as George Bailey.

[@avlasting3507]

How wonderful. Thanks. 🙏

[@eugenemoyers8631]

He'll always be the all-American guy next door to me. His acting seemed to epitomize the everyday, believable men we often saw all around us. It's a role that Tom Hanks seems to fill nowadays, to his credit. I always think of Stewart as George Bailey, Charles Lindberg and above all as Jefferson Smith, United States Senator and Boy Ranger.

[@exdus235]

This was wonderful. The music soft, the narration smooth, the subject, a favorite.👌

[@PeriLyons123]

Mr. Stewart was President of the drama society at Princeton: the Triangle Club. My uncle was also President of Triangle, years later. Mr. Stewart was so kind and supportive of my uncle because of that shared experience, that he insisted my uncle be cast in a couple of his films, including “Shenandoah” and “Winchester 73”. Although my uncle had been a successful Bway leading man before that, Stewart’s support helped him get noticed.. and so you can see him in “Splendor In The Grass” (as the man who married Natalie Wood), and “The Sand Pebbles”, with Steve McQueen and Candace Bergen. I was never lucky enough to meet him.. but his kindness to my family, and his decency as a human being, has always made him special to me. And he was SO great in “Philadelphia Story”!

[@sandradring6265]

I just loved Jimmy Stewart. A wonderful actor. Thank you for this video. I had no idea he served in the war and was a hero. Bless him. ❤️

[@ArcaneWeasel]

Love this man!!!

[@marciabelldbampaha5149]

Jimmy Stuart was one of my favorite actors. He was special. Wonderful actor.

[@sassandsavvy007]

What a lovely tribute to a great actor who was after all just human as we all are. Thank you so much for putting this up. I so enjoyed listening to your charming Scottish narrating. It's Christmas Eve, candles burning, stormy winds outside... perhaps I should watch this again... listening while enjoying a dram. Scotland is 1600km away from me but she's always close to my heart.🎅🏻 Nollaig Chridheil 🎅🏻 Greetings from the Alps

[@BrandiRayburn]

merci beaucoup jimmy stewart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! he didn't have a snobbish and pretentious attitude, he wasn't snobbish and pretentious, jimmy was just jimmy,he was one of the friendliest and such a down to earth person. he really was one of the friendliest people that ever lived. thank you so much for your service jimmy!!!!! thank you so much. you've made a sacrifice,merci beaucoup jimmy. thank you for your service. you're a true patriot. you're a patriot. god bless you jimmy. he never had a snobbish and pretentious attitude. you've made such a sacrifice. thank you so much. you are a class act. you are such a class act. he was such a classy person. he had a lot of class. he was a class act. jimmy was a real class act. he was such a class act. god bless you jimmy. he was a real class act. i'll see you in heaven someday my dear friend.

[@arithon8w462]

Always in my top 10 of favourite actors. One of his best films in my opinion was The Mortal Storm.

[@katemaloney4296]

I think despite eveything bad that happened, Jimmy was blessed with a wonderful life.

[@patriciacrumrine5890]

I have a photograph of my grandparents touring universal Studios in 1936. My grandfather was a handsome man, and Miss Sullivan appears quite taken. My grandmother looks put out. It’s a great photo.

[@NeenerBananas]

What a lovely treasure this photo must be.

[@goddessravenlovelife7452]

I think of jimmy stewart because he always reminds me of my dad. Somewhat shy good strength of character . Once married devoted to my mother. Whenever I see his movies it brings back memories of my dad. He was special you could tell his real self Im permeated into the hearts of the people from the screen rip❤

[@noregrets7469]

I enjoyed your video very much, thank you🌹

[@graciegolden2290]

Yes, he was a national treasure. Integrity and honor. Harder and harder to come by these days.

[@AmyWebster-u6l]

I love The Shop Around the Corner. Marvelous ensemble acting, but Jimmy and Margaret shine.

[@coryharry7300]

I watch a lot of documentaries, and you’ve done a great job on this one. Well researched & well told. New subscriber 👍🏻

[@lynnwarren4485]

Jimmy Stewart was one helluva fantastic Actor & Gentleman!! R.I.P. James Stewart!!🎉

[@GUISNIP]

Jimmy is a giant, as a star and as a man. He even flew combat missions during the Vietnam war…

[@denisefarmer366]

🤔Wonder why that wasn't mentioned here? What a real man he was!

[@RoxannePerez-e1u]

Jimmy Stewart is one of my all time favorite actors. Absolutely love ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ my favorite Christmas movie

[@GiftSparks]

It doesn’t come as a surprise to me that “It’s a Wonderful LIfe” was a box office failure. This is an example of how some movies age well (like fine wine) and some don’t. If you had lived through the crash of the stock market, bank runs, and WW II, then 1947 was still too early to look back on these horrible things with any degree of nostalgia. And the suicidal ideation subtext would be a clear deal killer. Mind you, through the prism of time, we look at this now as (sort of) a historical document, and can enjoy it. So it is nice the film found its audience eventually.

[@James-mw7zv]

It was as wonderful as life can get.

[@regankercheval9296]

I have often thought that we have two choices of the person we can be in life: George Bailey or Beetle Bailey. Gladly, we have the performance from Jimmy Stewart that reigns supreme and inspires generations to keep fighting the good fight and be gracious and generous in service to one another. Heartfelt thanksgiving to our favorite storytellers: John Ford, John Wayne, Frank Capra, Johnny Cash and Jimmy Stewart. I cannot imagine the America that I grew up in without them!! 👏❤🏆

[@mamagale5625]

I met Jimmy Stewart in the 1970's.He was still a very good looking man. It was the only time I ever asked for an autograph, which I still have.

[@laughingrightback]

SO GREAT!!!

[@erikramaekers63]

I think Stewart once said that Harvey was his favorite movie.

[@caroltanzi29]

I always thought Jimmy Stewart was a wonderful man, and I still do. Carol from California

[@shannonbloom4133]

Chivalrous love, long and abiding is not scandalous. It was most sought and socially rewarded for many hundreds of years. It's the stuff of poetry and music.

[@bluenimzy8656]

For me, it's just pleasant to see these old faces. Why shouldn't they have had a life? I don't care, either way. I'm just happy that they were involved in the great films that they were! I wish that we could be left with some innocence untouched. We don't have to know the darker side of every single thing.

[@penneyburgess5431]

Thank you. Learned so many unexpected things.❤

[@vanessacallahan3515]

One of my favorite actors. Love Harvey and Bell, Book and Candle.

[@glennwing4214]

There are handsome men and there are attractive souls, but Jimmy Stewart is one of the very few who combined both.

[@lynnedelacy2841]

I loved him in Harvey And Rear Window is one of my all time favourites

[@joanpellillo2981]

I watch this movie every year. Sometimes 4 or 5 times a year - Just love the movie!!

[@rl7012]

A lot of corrections needed here. Jimmy Stewart learned to fly long before WW2 as initially he wanted to be a pilot. He was plane obsessed since he was a little boy. Stewart took his first airplane ride right after World War I when a barnstorming pilot stopped outside the town for a few days. Jimmy was around 10 or 12 years old at the time. His father’s successful business provided the family with wealth and political connections. Jimmy’s father enrolled him in Mercersburg Academy, a prestigious college preparatory school in southern Pennsylvania, at age 16. He was home with an illness when Charles Lindbergh made his historic transatlantic flight in an airplane that had been designed by Mercersburg alumnus Benjamin Franklin Mahoney. Stewart’s personal ambition was to attend the U.S. Naval Academy and become a Navy pilot. His father, however, thought otherwise, and the young man enrolled at Princeton University in 1928. It was at Princeton that he developed an interest in acting and became friends with fellow actor Henry Fonda, who also shared Stewart’s interest in model airplanes. Stewart and Fonda, who was not a Princeton student, were members of an intercollegiate dramatic team. After Stewart’s graduation, the two young men went to New York to try their luck on Broadway. They took screen tests, then went to Hollywood, with Fonda preceding. He was at the station to meet Stewart, who stepped off the train carrying a model of a Martin bomber they had been working on while sharing an apartment in New York. Immediately after he arrived in Hollywood, Stewart began taking flying lessons at Mines Field Airport-now Los Angeles International-where he encountered members of the Hollywood community such as Robert Taylor, Tyrone Power, and Frances Langford, who were flying out of the field. Taylor would later serve as an instructor pilot with the Navy. In the spring of 1941, Stewart was a successful movie star and an accomplished pilot with a commercial license and more than 300 hours in his logbook. He owned his own airplane, a Stinson 105, and was an investor in Thunderbird Field, a new venture in Phoenix that had a contract to train Army pilots. Had he waited until after Pearl Harbor to enlist, Stewart would have been a good candidate for the Army’s service pilot program, a program offering commissions and ratings as noncombat pilots to men with significant civilian flying experience. Stewart, however, decided to enlist after he received his draft notice in October 1940 in the very first draft and had been in the Army for several months before Pearl Harbor.

[@raoularmagnac2037]

Thank you so VERY MUCH for sharing that WONDERFUL story! ❤