Academy Award–winning film director (1897–1991) of such classics as It’s a Wonderful Life and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Stirring TLS, two pages, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, May 31, 1977. Capra writes to Charles A. Kennedy. In part: “I never cease to wonder at the magic of film; how it brings joy, laughter, tears, and hope to people in every nook and cranny of the globe. And in contrast, can bring despair, hopelessness, and cynicism all over the world. Truly, filmmakers have a tremendous power to influence, and a responsibility to humanity that is something new, something overwhelming. And the problems is not only one of box office receipts, or of fame, or hero worship. The problem is deeper. The problem is a moral one. Will filmmakers glory the spiritual qualities of life: compassion, rightness, goodness, freedom, equality? Or, will they glorify the baser, carnal appetites of humanity: perversion, lying, cheating, brutality, hatred?… Audiences are hungry for that which inspires; hungry for the good and the beautiful; hungry for spiritual values—if, they are dramatized, if they win out over powerful carnal enemies….” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. In very fine condition. R&R COA.
