Rear Window is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. Let’s celebrate by discussing it and nine other excellent films starring James Stewart.
10. An American Tail: Fievel Goes West
This was James Stewarts’s final role. For the younger generations, this was their introduction to the brilliant actor. Stewart plays Wylie Burp, a law enforcer who has passed his prime but is willing to train a new enforcer. Stewart spent much of his career in comedies and thrillers that were aimed at adults. But I’m glad he was able to leave something behind for the kids.
9. The Cheyenne Social Club
James Stewart performed in this film with his dear friend Henry Fonda. The Cheyenne Social Club tells the story of a cowboy who learns that he has inherited a brothel. Stewart plays John O’Hanlan, the new brothel owner. The character is a bit prudish at first and wants to sell it, but after defending the madam’s honor and killing the town bully, he does the right thing and transfers the property to the aforementioned madam.
8. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
In this film, Stewart plays a U.S. senator named Ranse who shot an evil outlaw in self defense. His friend Tom takes the blame for it so Ranse can run for Congress. This is a great movie that stressed the importance of friendship and honor.
7. Right Of Way
Bette Davis always wanted to work with James Stewart and in 1983 she got her wish. In this heartbreaking film, Stewart and Davis play an elderly couple who make a drastic decision after one of them is diagnosed with a terminal illness. If you watch this film, make sure you have a box of tissues on hand.
6. Bell, Book, and Candle
In James Stewart’s filmography you can find something for everyone. Bell, Book, and Candle is for the witchy ladies who love a good problematic rom-com. This film tells the story of a witch played by the incomparable Kim Novak who casts a love spell on Stewart’s character to lure him away from her old college rival.
Young witches everywhere, please don’t ever do that!
5. Mr. Smith Goes To Washington
This film will always be relevant for many reasons. In Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, Stewart plays the titular Mr. Smith, a man who fights against government corruption after being appointed to the U.S. Senate. This movie is just as important now as it was back in 1939.
4. Vertigo
In 1958, we got not one but two movies starring James Stewart and Kim Novak. I already mentioned Bell, Book and Candle, but most film buffs are probably more familiar with Hitchcock’s cerebral film Vertigo. The movie follows an ex police detective who has a crippling fear of heights. He is hired as a PI to investigate the suspicious wife of an acquaintance.
3. Rear Window
As I said earlier, this Hitchcock classic is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. In this film, Stewart plays a photographer who is confined to his apartment with a broken leg. While languishing in his home, he spies on the building across from him and witnesses a murder.
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2. It’s A Wonderful Life
What can I say about this holiday classic that hasn’t been said a million times? It’s A Wonderful Life tells the story of a selfless man who contemplates ending it all after misplacing funds from his business. He is then given a gift of knowing what the world would’ve been like without him. Stewart brings so much heart and sympathy to this role. This film would not be what it is without Stewart.
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1. Harvey
This film tells the story of Elwood P. Dowd, a kind-hearted man who draws ire from his family due to his friendship with a giant invisible rabbit named Harvey. He is so sincere and genuine in his portrayal that you won’t know where Stewart ends and Dowd begins. And his interactions with the invisible Harvey are so charming, you can’t help but smile while watching it.
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