Jimmy Stewart Biopic in the Works
By Movieguide® Contributor
A new biopic chronicling the life of Jimmy Stewart is in the works from Burns and Co. Productions.
“I am so honored Kelly and her family are trusting us with their father’s legacy,” Aaron Burns said. “We are excited to take moviegoers on a journey to discover the real Jimmy, and how his father’s prayers and his collaboration with Frank Capra guided him through his darkest hours. Jimmy came to truly embody the characters he played, as husband, father, and citizen.”
“Our family is thrilled that Aaron and his team approached us about bringing Dad’s story to life on the big screen,” added Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, Stewart’s daughter. “Everyone loved him as George Bailey. Now they can learn how that movie intertwined with other parts of his life in so many important ways.”
Stewart’s story is an amazing example of how God can reshape anybody’s heart. The actor rose to fame early in his career and indulged in the celebrity life, becoming one of the industry’s leading playboys. However, as World War II broke out, he felt called to serve the nation as an airforce pilot, forgoing the opportunity to work as a cushy military recruiter like many of his fellow Hollywood stars.
While overseas, Stewart clung to Psalm 91, a lifeline his father had given him in a letter as he entered the front lines.
Upon his return from the war, Stewart’s life was changed, and he was no longer interested in the glitz and glam of Hollywood. While he continued appearing in movies, he no longer indulged in the same lifestyle as before, becoming a man committed to his wife and family.
His first project after the war was IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE.
Aaron will direct and produce the movie, tentatively titled A TRULY WONDERFUL LIFE. Stewart-Harcourt will executive produce the project and will be joined by Sam Juergens and Justin Strawhand as producers.
Movieguide® previously reported:
Before serving in the military, Jimmy Stewart was one of Hollywood’s playboys, but after fighting in WWII, he became a family man and put his faith above all else.
Stewart was the first actor to serve a combat assignment during World War II. He felt it was his duty to actually fight for his country rather than hide behind a cushy position as a recruitment promoter. As he went off to fight, his father gave him a note that would change his life forever.
“My dear Jim, soon after you read this letter, you will be on your way to the worst sort of danger,” the note read. “I am very concerned…But Jim, I am banking on the enclosed copy of the 91st Psalm.”
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