Review of American Madness (1932) by Eric R — 04 Feb 2012
Frank Capra's American Madness takes place during the Great Depression era and tells the story of Thomas Dickson (Walter Huston) the head of a bank whose lending policy relies heavily on the faith in people, much to the dismay of his board of directors.
After the bank is robbed, rumors swirl leading a run on the bank of withdrawals which could mean the end of the bank. Thomas Dickson pretty much represents all of what Capra believes in. When we are first introduced to him, he is warm and friendly towards every one of his employees from the doorman to the bank clerks.
His confidence and charm are abundant and Walter Huston does a good job at presenting this well-natured yet business savvy man who sticks with his convictions. This is the first of Capra's films to really embraces the power of the individual and the massive faith and trust which Capra had in the common man.
Given that this film came out during the Great Depression I cannot even fathom how important it was in terms of making a social statement about the era. It's a sharp, brisk, important film that really started off the era of Frank Capra films which celebrates the power of the individual and the necessity of faith and trust in the common man.
This review of American Madness (1932) was written by Eric R on 04 Feb 2012.
American Madness has generally received positive reviews.
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