This post was originally an episode of The Old Time Review Daily Podcast. In each edition, Jamie Dyer spoke off the cuff about a famous person, film or song for up to three minutes. The following is a transcription, which has been cleaned up to remove any hesitation and some repetition. Where possible, the subject has been expanded on from the original broadcast.
This is the Old Time Review Daily Podcast for the 20th of May 2021. And this is Jamie Dyer speaking to you from the UK. On this day in 1908, American actor James Stewart was born. Also known around the world as Jimmy Stewart. There is so much I can say about this actor, but my time is limited.
There’s just way too much and I’m sure that in future years when I do this podcast, we will talk at length even more about him, but really just to kind of round out some of the things. He was known for that voice. That very distinctive drawl that he had. He made some incredible films in his career, including It’s a Wonderful Life, which at the time was not the great success that you would imagine it to be. It’s only in times since, with the constant reruns on TV year after year.
He made loads of films with Alfred Hitchcock including classics such as Rear Window, Vertigo and The Man Who Knew Too Much with Doris Day The latter is an incredible remake or retreading of an earlier film by the director. Stewart wanted to be in North by Northwest as well but I believe they told him that he was too old for the part. And then they got in Cary Grant who was a few years older than him.
I should mention loads of others, but I don’t really have time here. I can mention the Philadelphia Story, which was an Oscar winner. I mean, that is an incredible film with him and the aforementioned Cary Grant with Katharine Hepburn. It’s amazing! It’s one that I would recommend seeing.
And he just had this great screen presence. He made all kinds of different films from a bygone era and is still sadly missed. And my question to you is, what is your favourite film from James Stewart? Do let me know via the usual channels. This has been the Old Time Review Daily Podcast remembering James Stewart, who was born on this day in 1908.
