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Summary
James Stewartis one of the greatest actors who ever lived , with so many iconic roles across his diverse filmography , he is rightfully separate as an icon of Hollywood . Primarily sleep together for playing an everyman persona , Stewart ’s ability to portray morally complex and psychologically nuanced characters led to fruitful collaboration with directors like Frank Capra and Alfred Hitchcock . Stewart begin his acting career in 1935 and appeared in 80 film before go to sleep in 1991 . Many of these films outrank among the greatest movies ever made and in 1984 Stewart was presented with the Academy Honorary Award for his extraordinary contribution to the art of motion pictures .
From thrilling and suspenseful performances that have audiences on the edge of their seats , such as inRear Window , to romantic comedies that showcase his impeccable comedic timing , likeThe Philadelphia Story , Stewart is genuinely an actor who leaves his mark on every genre he frame his handwriting to . Characters like George Bailey , fromIt ’s a Wonderful Life , are not only view repeatedly every vacation season but are entrench within the fabric of popular polish . Stewart ’s placeable drawl and distinctive mannerism are immediately conversant to anybody interested in the world of film , and , in his best performance , Stewart ’s acting defined the 1950sand encapsulated the American leading man of mid - twentieth century filmmaking .
10The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)
James Stewart as Dr. Benjamin McKenna
The Man Who Knew Too Muchis the third quislingism between James Stewart and Alfred Hitchcock and tells the story of a husband and married woman unwittingly drawn into an international assassination plot while on holiday . After his son is abducted , Stewart delivers a compelling performance as the concerned Fatherhood , Dr. Benjamin McKenna , caught in a web of espionage and danger in this suspensive thriller . With rising tension throughout , Stewart showcases a nuanced and vulnerable performancein thisremake of a previous Hitchcock film version ofThe Man Who sleep with Too Much .
9Rope (1948)
James Stewart as Rupert Cadell
The first ofJames Stewart and Alfred Hitchcock ’s four movie collaboration , Ropeis about two men attempting to commit the perfect crime . Ropetakes seat in literal - time and is edit to come along as four retentive shots sew together . Stewart excels as the virtuously conflicted Rupert Cadell , the man bit by bit uncovering the so - called pure execution gone incorrect . With a mixture of curiosity , word , and a growing sense of suspicion , Stewart kickstarts his famous partnership with Hitchcock with a bang , and his strong carrying out skillfully builds tenseness within the cinema ’s confined setting . With performances such as this , it is easygoing to see why Hitchcock chose to work with Stewart again and again .
8The Philadelphia Story (1940)
James Stewart as Macaulay Connor
James Stewart ’s performance as Macaulay Connor inThe Philadelphia Storyearned him the Academy Award for Best Actor due to his good portmanteau of charm , wit , and vulnerability . Withincredible chemistry between Stewart and co - stars Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn , Stewart possesses both the comedic timing and dramatic skills needed to get the upright out of this romantic comedy of remarriage , which was a democratic sub - genre of films in the 1930s and 1940s , that allowed movie ’s to address subjects of matter , cheating , and divorce that were look at scandalous and blocked by the Production Code at the time .
7Anatomy Of A Murder (1959)
James Stewart as Paul Biegler
One ofthe best court dramas ever made , James Stewart ’s performance inAnatomy of a Murderexpertly beguile the layered and nuanced character reference of attorney Paul Biegler . As a thorough line drawing of the complexity of the legal organisation , Stewart demonstrates astute court tactics and the punctilious work that go into build a defense suit in a court of police force . Through the character of Biegler , Stewart ’s performing skills are on full show as he conveys Biegler ’s internal conflictand maintain authenticity in a unmanageable and thought - provoking role .
6The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence (1962)
James Stewart as Ransom Stoddard
The Man Who shoot Liberty Valencebrings together James Stewart with the expert film producer John Ford and the picture of Hollywood John Wayne in aclassic Western that everyone should observe at least once . The military personnel Who Shot Liberty Valencedeconstructs the myth of the Old Westand Stewart ’s character of Ransom Stoddard embodies the noble ideals of Justice Department , law , and politeness . A deeply layered plastic film , The Man Who dash Liberty Valence , and in particular Stewart ’s performance , cements this movie as a classic of the Western genre and a thought - enkindle exam of the construction of myth , fable , and the stories ' fellowship tells itself .
5Harvey (1950)
James Stewart as Elwood P. Dowd
In this comedy based on the romp of the same name by Mary Chase , James Stewart impersonate Elwood P. Dowd , a serviceman who consider his good friend is an inconspicuous , giant , white rabbit refer Harvey . InHarvey , Stewart delivers a heartfelt execution as a humankind whose phratry believes him to be insane . Stewart ’s power to sincerely depict Elwood ’s unshakable feeling in the world of Harveywith a good sense of compassionateness and kindness makes this one of the most strange and delicious public presentation in Stewart ’s long and wide-ranging filmography .
4Mr. Smith Goes To Washington (1939)
James Stewart as Senator Jefferson Smith
InMr . Smith run to WashingtonJames Stewart plays a newly appointed United States Senator who fights back against a corrupt political organization . It is the cinema that made Stewart a hotshot , and he was propose for an Academy Award for his public presentation as Senator Jefferson Smith . While Stewart ’s fiber at first appear naïve , Senator Smith afterward shows resiliency and integrity while surround by dishonesty , use , and underhand political practices . Mr. Smith function to Washingtonis as relevant today as when it was first released , due to its eternal radical of political integrity , exemption of spoken communication , and the power that individuals possess to implement real meaningful modification .
3Rear Window (1954)
James Stewart as L.B. Jefferies
Cast
One of the best - loved collaborations of James Stewart and Alfred Hitchcock , Rear Windowis a masterclass of filmmaking that is propped up by Stewart ’s compelling operation as L. B. Jefferies , a wheelchair - bound human being convinced one of his neighbors has committed slaying . A tense and thrilling film , Rear Windowdraws audiences in with a voyeuristical mysteryand a sharp script that includes aspects of comedy , dramatic play , and romance . Stewart ’s performance is categorise by oddment , obsession , and suspicion , and his power to lead such a compelling and exciting mystery while confined to a chairperson solidifiesRear Windowas one of his very best performances .
2Vertigo (1958)
James Stewart as John “Scottie” Ferguson
Vertigois a compelling film that still entertain up todaystarring James Stewart as former police force detective John “ Scottie ” Ferguson . It is the final and the finest collaboration between Stewart and director Alfred Hitchcock . Deemed the great film of all time bySight and Soundin 2012 ( viaBritish Film Institute),Vertigois full of twists and turns , psychologically complex characters , and an expert exploration of obsession , identity , and handling that is carried by both Stewart and his Colorado - asterisk Kim Novak . A tale of aggressiveness , control condition , and suspense , Vertigosubverts Stewart ’s reputation for playing kind - hearted and baronial charactersand showcases his power to portray dark and disturbing roles .
1It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
James Stewart as George Bailey
The Christmas classicIt ’s a Wonderful Lifeshowcases everything that makes James Stewart one of the most iconic actors to ever grace the silver grey screen . The chronicle of George Bailey , play by Stewart , discovering how the world would be spoilt off if he had never been born , is what entrenched Stewart ’s reputation for dally likable and wholesome character of strong integrity . Stewart ’s ability to portray George ’s struggles and sacrifice in such a vulnerable and authentic personal manner is what grounds the hopeful subject matter ofIt ’s a howling Lifeand roleplay as the ripe illustration of Stewart ’s natural endowment for bringing relatable and genuinely good - hearted characters to life .
Source : British Film Institute
