You may enjoy this--lots of people still do, judging from reviews that led me to catch it on late night TV. Definitely it's a treat to see such a cast of famous film stars assembled in one place.It's probably unfair to judge the story line by current standards, but it's weak, and too many lame exchanges mark the dialog. The endless stereotypes--from the snooty upper crust to the always-aimin'-to-please help to the imperious Russian dance teacher--get tiresome after a while, even though they must have charmed a contemporary audience.Look at it as a period piece, but overall it's a disappointment.

This is a great movie. Loved it in all it's silliness and great moral lesson. In 2016, this is a great movie for the USA culture lost in the values of "Money is king" and "Following your passion will always lead to success."The movie does a great job showing how "wealth at all costs" breeds arrogance beyond law and the common good of humanity. It also does a great job showing that the root of happiness is creativity, even if creativity doesn't lead to success, and seeking the common good of society. It shows a Utopian ideal that everyone can be happy if we allow everyone to just be themselves and each person pitches in to help the common good of everyone regardless of their station in life.A great perspective that even a "rich kid" who is in love still cannot fully grasp respect of persons despite his love. (The restaurant scene.) He had ample opportunities not to embarrass his beloved but takes advantage of her situation for the pleasure of a laugh. Hence, he's drawn to her innocent courage and freedom from fear but still is tied to the conditioning of his parents. He is own pursuit of happiness is bound by his family's wealth until he finally breaks from it.Great - awesome in fact - portrayal that the rich aren't just accepted. One has to earn their way into the hearts and lives of others regardless of the size of their wallet. And, earning your way into the lives of others is something we must all work towards.No doubt, there are some flaws against reality. One example is a person not paying their income taxes for 20+ years. Also, the viewer is left wondering how does the poor family maintain their livelihood. Friends coming to the financial rescue (but this drives the moral that if you seek the common good, there is a tangible payback). There's scenes that will offend some post-modern sensibilities - sexual harassment in the workplace, early 20th century buffoonery from black actors, Russians are uncouth, etc.Interesting how the movie pushes the common good but adds just a small subtlety of how communism is bad. The middle class is the hero and the "right way" for humanity. It has a strong Republican message but a Republican view that supports the common good of the middle class and not serving the wealthy alone.Grandpa is an interesting central character. All wise, ever loving, willing to sacrifice self, creative, free, and capable of enjoying rest, reconciling with enemies, not burdened by ecclesiology but religious. His sprained foot could be interpreted as the cross he bares for loving his children - an inconvenience that cannot rob him of his intrinsic joy. He even doesn't give into temptation of throwing a dart yet speaks the truth that hurts the ego of people who are lost in a life of oppressive wealth. He finished his work years ago and "came down the elevator" to enjoy his creation and family. He is an image of the Christian god or at least the Christian ideal. If Grandpa is the Christian God. Anthony Kirby is likened to Satan, who oppresses everyone around him and even causes the death of a person who once was his friend. He has worldly power but it cannot withstand the common good or Grandpa's wisdom and charity. But eventually, he repents of his sins.Another Christian motif is the harmonica. When one is focused on the wrong things in life, there is no song in his heart. But if one is right with God (be like Grandpa), life becomes a song which invites others into the joy of it. Definitely a classic in my book. Hollywood doesn't make them like they use to.

it is beautiful more than classic. for humor. for Capra's mark. for the seductive performances. for the remind of family's values. it is one of comedies who propose not entertainment but the deep side of reality. in amusing manner but with precise purpose. so, a great film about love, relatives, freedom and clash between two different manners to discover the axis of life. ironic. and sweet pledge for ordinary existence's joy. nothing special. the same Frank Capra and his soft universe. but, in same measure., the same ambition to rediscover simplicity in fresh style. a film for nostalgics and for the new generations. because it is a great amusing- serious film and it could be a lesson about the fine order of chaos. and because it is real lovely.

A man from a family of rich snobs becomes engaged to a woman from a good-natured but decidedly eccentric family.Frank Capra has a certain sensibility that people associate with him. And that sensibility you expect will certainly be evident here. This is like a cross between his "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Arsenic and Old Lace". The eccentric scenes are great, with dancing and music for no real reason. There is a discussion of income taxes and what good they serve. (Keep in mind income tax started around 1913, so people of the time knew an era without it.) And best of all, we have a rat. A rat with hair on it. That cracked me up pretty hard.