Frank Capra

In this unedited recording, legendary Italian-American director Frank Capra recalls his remarkable career. He talks candidly about his time at the studios on Gower Street, his relationship with Columbia boss Harry Cohn and the inner workings of the 'studio system'. He also recalls his films, including 'It Happened One Night' (1934) and 'It's a Wonderful Life' (1946), and reflects on some of the actors and actresses whose names he put in lights.

In this interview, Capra talks about the 1934 Academy Awards ceremony when he thought that he was being called up to collect the Oscar for Best Director for 'Lady for a Day' (1933), only to discover that the Frank who had won was Frank Lloyd for 'Cavalcade'. 'Lady for a Day' failed to win any awards, whereas 'Cavalcade' (1933) also took home the Oscars for Best Picture and Best Art Direction.

This unedited interview is presented as it was originally recorded. Therefore there are changes in the sound level and there may be some interruptions and interference from background noise.

Originally broadcast 17 March 1981.