In our film profession you may have Gable's looks, Tracy's art, Marlene's legs or Liz's violet eyes, but they don't mean a thing without that swinging thing called courage.

to fight in the war. Ford suggested publicly to Capra:

An annual "It's a Wonderful Life" celebration that Capra attended in 1981 during which he said "This is one of the proudest moments of my life" was recounted in The New Yorker.

Critics described his films as being "simplistic" or "overly idealistic. "[citation needed] However the public nonetheless loved his films especially during the Great Depression years when audiences needed uplifting themes of inspiration.