The son of a snobbish Wall Street banker becomes engaged to a woman from a good-natured but decidedly eccentric family not realizing that his father is trying to force her family from their ... Read allThe son of a snobbish Wall Street banker becomes engaged to a woman from a good-natured but decidedly eccentric family not realizing that his father is trying to force her family from their home for a real estate development.The son of a snobbish Wall Street banker becomes engaged to a woman from a good-natured but decidedly eccentric family not realizing that his father is trying to force her family from their home for a real estate development.
- Director
- Writers
- Stars
- Won 2 Oscars
- 6 wins & 7 nominations total
- Donald
- (as Eddie Anderson)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
My Rate:1000 Out Of 10
The madcap adventures of a crazy family during the depression is a life affirming film that shows us that money isn't everything and that yes, you can't take it with you.
One of the joys of this film is the cast Lionel Barrymore, Jimmy Stewart, Ann Miller, Dub Taylor, Edward Arnold, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Misha Auer and just about every great supporting actor and actress under the sun, all acting completely and wonderfully mad. They sell the story and make you smile from ear to ear.
I can't be rational where this film is concerned.
Just see it.
You'll feel good for days.
10 out of 10.
This is one of those big comedy productions with a huge cast that only someone like Frank Capra could have pulled off. That he did so, winning the 1938 Best Picture Oscar, is immensely to his credit.
Hobbling on the crutches that signaled the crippling arthritis that would soon confine him to a wheelchair, Lionel Barrymore is the focal point of the film as the grandfather of a wacky clan that believes in doing whatever makes them happy. So they dance, make fireworks, bake candy, paint, write novels, and construct toys with equal joy - laughing through the Depression with much love & great contentment. Jean Arthur, James Stewart & Edward Arnold co-star, with a mammoth cast of supporting players.
This is the movie for viewers who want to feel warm & safe & cuddled & protected.
Stewart comes from a rich and completely uptight family. Miss Arthur is the only relatively sane member of a very wild family. Lionel Barrymore is wonderful as the grandfather here. He is so warm and funny in this movie, it's hard to believe he's the same man who played the evil Mr. Potter in It's A Wonderful Life. Edward Arnold who was known for playing slimy villians, is great as Stewart's very wealthy and totally stuck-up father.
Not to take away from today's movies, but for anyone who has not gone back and viewed classic Capra, such as "You Can't Take it With You," then they are truly missing out.
This movie is pure magic and beauty. Lionel Barrymore gives a performance as relevant in 2005 as it was in 1938. And what can you say about Jimmy Stewart?? This is a rare gem of a film and in true Capra fashion, the climactic final scene brings tear to the eye, much the same way as Harry Bailey's toast in "It's a Wonderful Life."
Oscars Best Picture Winners, Ranked
Oscars Best Picture Winners, Ranked
Did you know
- TriviaAnn Miller was only 15 years old when this movie was filmed. Her character is called on to perform numerous (amateur) ballet positions, including dancing en pointe. She had never been trained to do so, and wasn't using shoes with the proper support. She was just forcing her feet up onto their toes, which was very painful for her. She hid this from the cast and crew, but would cry (out of sight) off stage. James Stewart noticed her crying, though he didn't know why, and would have boxes of candy to make her feel better.
- GoofsWhen Alice is in the courtroom, she is wearing a trench coat as newspaper photographers take pictures. In the newspaper pictures, she is not wearing the coat.
- Quotes
Grandpa Martin Vanderhof: Lincoln said, "With malice toward none, with charity to all." Nowadays they say, "Think the way I do or I'll bomb the daylights outta you."
- ConnectionsEdited into The Three Stooges Meet Hercules (1962)
- SoundtracksValse Brilliante Op. 34 No 2
(1838) (uncredited)
Music by Frédéric Chopin
Played on an xylophone by Dub Taylor
- How long is You Can't Take It with You?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
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- Also known as
- Vive como quieras
- Filming locations
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- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $1,644,736 (estimated)
- Runtime
- 2h 6m(126 min)
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1