Topic: Frank Capra

Jack Shea dies, leaves legacy of TV directing and Catholic values

Jack Shea dies: A TV sitcom director, Jack Shea and his wife were co-founders of Catholics In Media Associates. Shea promoted racial diversity, and directed 'The Jeffersons,' 'Silver Spoons,' and other TV shows. 

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Oscars 2013 and Spielberg: The storyteller is part of our cultural DNA

Oscars 2013: Oscar or not for 'Lincoln,' Steven Spielberg has not only shaped our fantasies, he's influenced a generation's perspective on history.

Robert Reich Is US headed to 'A Wonderful Life' – or Pottersville?

America's better off now than when Frank Capra filmed 'It's a Wonderful Life.' But today, the 'Potters' of this world call themselves 'job creators' and brand George Baileys as socialists. 

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What Americans want from the next president

On the eve of a historically tight election, a writer drives through swing states and listens to the voices of America, hearing one overriding plea: 'Washington, stop bickering. Get something done!'

'Act of Valor' glorifies Navy SEALs. But can they act? (+trailer)

Act of Valor: War movies in wartime inevitably are controversial. "Act of Valor" – the movie about US Navy SEALs – is bringing mixed reviews from professional film critics and moviegoers.

Happy Holidays: Six symbols of Christmas Google-style

Google has Happy Holidays doodle. This doodle celebrates the season with a two-dimensional holiday light display.

6 stories that made Christmas what it is today

Where would Christmas be today without Ebenezer Scrooge or the Nutcracker? Here are six ways in which literature has given Christmas its groove.

Our Idiot Brother: movie review

In 'Our Idiot Brother,' Paul Rudd plays an idealist who barges into the lives of his three sisters and becomes the family savior in spite of himself.

Our misplaced obsession with Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin's supporters and critics need to calm down. She’s a celebrity, not a future president.

Growing Up Laughing

Marlo Thomas remembers her own childhood even as she asks top comics: “How did you become funny?”

World's top 10 universities, Harvard leads again

Times Higher Education, the United Kingdom's leading higher education news publication, today released its first-ever international university rankings. American universities dominate the top of the Times list, faring much better than in rankings released last week by former Times partner Quacquarelli Symonds. The disparate results have already prompted debate about the criteria for evaluating and ranking universities.

My George Bailey epiphany

‘It’s a wonderful life’ was required viewing at Christmas. Finally, one year, I saw its true mastery.

Why are they calling it 'climate change' now?

Obama on economy: Yes we could

Review: 'Swing Vote'

Political comedy uses wild premise to serve up a civics lessons without much substance.

Verbal energy: 'Making a difference' this spring

A turn of phrase we use all the time raises a question it doesn't quite answer.

In a season of underdog triumphs, Oscar contenders jostle for 'little guy' status

The history of the Academy Awards suggests that Hollywood loves a good Cinderella story. Will this year be any different?