The Name Above the Title

The Name Above the Title is Frank Capra's 1971 autobiography chronicling his journey from Italian immigrant to Hollywood director. This memoir covers his life and career from 1897 through the late 1960s. Capra details the behind-the-scenes realities of filmmaking during Hollywood's Golden Age, including his experiences directing classics like It Happened One Night and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. He recounts his interactions with studio executives, actors, and fellow directors, while documenting the evolution of cinema from silent films through the advent of television. The book includes Capra's account of his World War II service producing propaganda films, as well as his perspective on the House Un-American Activities Committee investigations that impacted Hollywood in the 1950s. His narrative provides context for the major cultural and technological shifts that transformed the entertainment industry during his lifetime. Through his story, Capra presents a portrait of both personal determination and American possibility, reflecting broader themes about art, commerce, and the pursuit of the American Dream. The memoir stands as a primary source document of Hollywood history while exploring universal questions about the relationship between creativity and power.

Reader reviews emphasize Capra's confident storytelling voice and behind-the-scenes insights into Hollywood's Golden Age. Many highlight the detailed accounts of making films like It's a Wonderful Life and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Readers appreciate: - Personal anecdotes about working with stars like Clark Gable and Barbara Stanwyck - Coverage of his WWII documentary work - Description of his innovative filming techniques - Clear explanations of early Hollywood's studio system Common criticisms: - Self-aggrandizing tone - Downplaying others' contributions - Some historical inaccuracies - "Too much ego," notes one Amazon reviewer Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (376 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (89 ratings) Multiple readers point out that Capra's version of events differs from other historical accounts. One Goodreads reviewer writes: "Take the Hollywood stories with a grain of salt, but the filmmaking details are fascinating."

The Lion of Hollywood by Scott Eyman This biography of Louis B. Mayer chronicles the rise of MGM Studios and parallels Capra's experiences navigating Hollywood's golden age.

On Directing Film by David Mamet Mamet shares techniques and philosophies about film direction during Hollywood's studio system era that mirror Capra's methodologies.

Growing Up Hollywood by Robert Parrish The Academy Award-winning editor recounts his experiences working with major studios and directors during the same era as Capra's peak.

You'll Never Eat Lunch in This Town Again by Julia Phillips Phillips provides an insider's account of film producing and studio politics that illuminates the system Capra worked to master.

King Cohn by Bob Thomas This biography of Columbia Pictures head Harry Cohn details the studio environment where Capra created his most significant works.

🎬 Frank Capra wrote this autobiography at age 74, after being largely forgotten by Hollywood, despite having won three Academy Awards for Best Director in the 1930s. 🎥 The book reveals that Capra suffered from deep depression after World War II, which influenced his decision to make "It's a Wonderful Life" - a film that initially flopped but later became a beloved classic. 📚 Published in 1971, the memoir caused controversy by claiming Capra was the sole creative force behind his films, minimizing the contributions of his screenwriters and other collaborators. 🌟 The title refers to Capra's achievement of becoming the first director whose name appeared above the movie title in credits and advertising - a practice that was revolutionary in the 1930s. 🎪 Before becoming a filmmaker, Capra sold newspapers, played poker professionally, and worked as a power plant engineer - experiences he details in the book's early chapters about his immigrant journey from Sicily to success.