Description:
This course will look at five comic films of the 1930s and 40s to see how director Frank Capra used them to make social commentary about his times. It will consider the current relevance of these films. now nearly a century old, to our own lives and times. Discussion will focus on Capra’s use of classic comedic forms to speak to the audiences of the Depression and World War II, as well as those of today.
David Robinson is a Professor Emeritus at Winona State. He taught in the English department from 1971-2008, teaching composition, literature, and film at all levels from Freshman to graduate. He gave and published papers in both English and film studies. In addition, he was for many years the film reviewer for the Winona Post,
writing for a popular audience in the Winona area. This is David’s third Senior University course, and he noted that the first two were among the most enjoyable courses he has ever taught.
The films that will be watched in class are It Happened One Night (1934), Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), You Can’t Take it With You (1938), and It’s a Wonderful Life (1946).
1. It Happened One Night (1934). One of the last romantic comedies to be made before the Hayes Act, the film won five major Academy Awards. A runaway heiress (Claudette Colbert) meets a skeptical newspaper man (Clark Gable) and, after the usual social/personal walls come down, romance ensues.
2. Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936). A small town writer of greeting card verse, Longfellow Deeds (Gary Cooper) inherits a fortune and moves to New York City, where he is hounded by people who wish to take advantage of him. A wily newspaper reporter, played by Jean Arthur, is initially one of those people, but she initially comes to admire and love him for his sterling qualities.
3. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939). Jefferson Smith (Jimmy Stewart) is appointed to the U.S. Senate and there encounters greed, corruption, and duplicity. He is smitten by a senator's secretary (Arthur, again) who eventually comes to believe in his cause, for which he undertakes an exhausting filibuster.
4. You Can't Take it with You (1938). Perhaps Capra's most "screwball" comedy, the film pairs Stewart and Arthur again, but this time as a young couple whose stuffy banker father opposes their marriage, largely because of the girl's eccentric family, headed by her philosophic father (Lionel Barrymore). Less overtly critical of social pressures, this film looks strongly forward to Capra's best-known work...
5. It's a Wonderful Life (1946). This perennial Christmas TV staple-whose plot may not even need summarizing!-finds George Bailey (Stewart) a small town savings and loan officer, coming up against a ruthless, dishonest banker rival (played by Barrymore). His life an apparent failure, George contemplates suicide but is saved by a guardian angel who demonstrates George's importance to his friends, his town, and his family. Perhaps the most nearly "corny" of Capra's films, its quality is attested to by the five Oscars it earned, including Capra's for Best Director.
Bring to Class:
LOCATION: Winona State University, Winona Campus, 1st class will meet in Pasteur 237; All remaining classes will be held in Science Laboratory Center 120
SENIOR UNIVERSITY CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
If a class must be canceled due to insufficient enrollment, inclement weather, or emergency circumstances, you will be notified as soon as possible and receive a full refund.
You may withdraw from a class and receive a full refund if we receive your withdrawal and refund request in writing, via email, mail or in person, at least five full business days before the first class date. Please note: if you pay by check, you will need to complete a W9 form to receive a refund by check from Winona State University. Credit Card payments will be refunded within 3-5 business days.
Any questions, please get in touch with the WSU Retiree Center at 507-457-5565.
Registration Cutoff Date:
4/27/2026
Dates & Times:
4/28/2026 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Arranged
5/5/2026 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Arranged
5/12/2026 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Arranged
5/19/2026 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Arranged
5/26/2026 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Arranged
