In his final film role, as the world-weary old sheriff in the animated feature An American Tail: Fievel Goes West, Jimmy Stewart utters the sage words: “Maybe a real hero is the last one to hear about it.”
Now, almost 30 years after his passing, Jimmy, the new feature film from filmmaker Aaron Burns and Papaian Studios, is set to introduce new generations to this Hollywood legend and inspiring American hero.
For most of my life, I knew of Jimmy Stewart, but I didn’t really know about him. To me, he was the funny old gent who read poems on The Tonight Show, which I watched religiously with my grandfather. I knew his distinctive drawl, often impersonated by comedians like Robin Williams and Dana Carvey. And, of course, I was eventually introduced to It’s a Wonderful Life. But that’s where my knowledge of the man ended.
That’s why this film – or should I say picture – is so essential, especially now, when we could sure use a few more Jimmy Stewarts in this world.
This isn’t a traditional biopic spanning Stewart’s youth, film career, and eventual death. Instead, Jimmy focuses on a pivotal chapter in the American icon’s life, when Stewart, already an experienced pilot, left Hollywood at the height of his fame to fly bombers for the Army Air Corps in the fight against the Nazis. While many of his Hollywood peers were lending their talents to the war effort on screen, Stewart put himself in harm’s way, clinging to his faith to save him as he came perilously close to never seeing Tinseltown again.
The film earnestly depicts how his service in World War II took a tremendous toll on his mental and emotional well-being. Stewart returned home carrying the weight of what he’d experienced, like so many veterans, uncertain whether he could return to the life he’d left behind. After witnessing the horrors of war firsthand, Jimmy wasn’t sure he wanted to make movies again – or whether he even could.
At one point in the film, Louis B. Mayer suggests making a movie about Jimmy Stewart, starring Jimmy Stewart. And actor KJ Apa (Riverdale) so deftly captures Stewart’s spirit that, at times, it feels as though that’s just what you’re watching.
Apa is supported by an impressive cast, including Lara Kilmer (Chicago Fire) who truly captivates as Lady Julia, a British widow who befriends Stewart while he’s stationed in England and tries to help him navigate the trauma of war, and Jen Lilley (Days of Our Lives, Mingle All the Way), who takes on the daunting role of portraying the love of Stewart’s life, Gloria.
Several familiar faces pop up throughout the film, including Jason Alexander (Seinfeld, Pretty Woman) as formidable Hollywood titan Louis B. Mayer and Christopher McDonald (Happy Gilmore), who delivers a brief but astounding performance as Lionel Barrymore.
But one actor stood out beyond what I expected. As a proud Gen-Xer, I first knew Max Casella as Vinnie, the best friend we all wanted on Doogie Howser, M.D. before he went on to play a singing newsboy in the musical Newsies, originated the role of Timon in Disney’s Broadway production of The Lion King, and appeared in television series ranging from The Sopranos to Tulsa King. Here, Casella shines as Frank Capra, the director behind Stewart classics like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and It’s a Wonderful Life.
And since this is a music publication, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the soundtrack. Composer Grant Fonda helps establish the atmosphere of the 1940s while still delivering moments that feel contemporary.
The theme song, “Home to Me,” performed by contemporary Christian artist Moriah, pulls off a rare feat: It sounds as though it could be playing on the radio today or performed by a 1940s chanteuse standing before a big band, with Hollywood’s elite swaying across a dance floor in white tuxedo jackets and elegant gowns.
Jimmy is a beautiful introduction and a poignant tribute to not only Jimmy Stewart but also the American spirit he represents at a time when, frankly, the world needs it.
As Stewart’s character concludes to young Feivel in An American Tail: Fievel Goes West, “I think one day you’ll find that you’re the hero you’ve been looking for.”
Jimmy reminds us of what an unwitting hero James “Jimmy” Stewart truly was – and why his legacy still matters.
Jimmy opens in theaters Friday, November 6.