‘Jimmy’ is a sensitive look at the iconic actor Jimmy Stewart
Category: Movies
While most people who hear the name “Jimmy Stewart” most likely think of him as one of Hollywood’s iconic actors of the golden age, there is much more to the man than his acting credits. Jimmy tells the story of Stewart’s patriotism and combat experience in the U.S. Army Air Corps (now called the U.S. Air Fore).
KJ Apa plays Stewart with heart and soul. He might not be the exact likeness of the actor, but his voice and mannerisms are spot on. And, as the movie progresses, viewers will come to see him as Jimmy Stewart.
Stewart took home the Academy Award® for Best Actor in the 1940 film The Philadelphia Story, which catapulted him into super stardom. Not long after that film came out and Stewart took home the Oscar, World War II took over the country. Louis B. Mayer was instrumental in getting Stewart a deferment from the draft because he wanted to keep his shining star in films and making money for MGM. But the backlash by the country over the deferment bothered Stewart. How could he, in all consciousness, not serve his country?
So, being a pilot and loving to fly, Jimmy Stewart enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps where he began his military years which served as a transformation in his heart and mind. Being in the middle of combat was unnerving, but necessary. Defeating Hitler was his focus, and being a combat pilot at that time was his reason for being.
The film shows how the war effected him to the core. Seeing his fellow soldiers and pilots die in real life was definitely different than the scenes he played out in Hollywood.
The movie shows Stewart as he continued his military service, bonded with the men, and changed their minds about the “famous” actor. Stewart got right into the action and took charge, demonstrating his toughness when it was necessary, and compassion when it was needed. By the end of the war, Jimmy Stewart had gone from a captain to a colonel. Although he was truly dedicated to his service, it took a dreadful toll on his mind.
After the war he returned as a hero, but was conflicted about his future. After all, seeing the horrors of war first hand had shaken him to the center of his being. When Mayer wanted him to star in a film about his life in the military, he refused. He wanted to put the war behind him and bring comfort and joy to the audiences who have had their fill of doom and gloom.
His friend Frank Capra (Max Casella) had also been in the war and knew what Stewart was going through. Capra had an idea how to bring him back to Hollywood while, at the same time, healing him emotionally. That idea was the memorable film It’s a Wonderful Life.
From there, the Hollywood career of Jimmy Stewart took off again and he became one of the most endeared and beloved actors of all time.
One of his daughters, Kelly Stewart Harcourt, said “My father, Jimmy Stewart, always said that the part of his life he was most proud of was his military service during World War II. This and his movie career were two major threads in his life that he always kept quite separate. Nevertheless, I believe that Dad would approve of this film because the story it tells is so true and so meaningful. I feel that it captures Dad’s spirit, and what his military service meant to him. When I visited the set in Ireland, I was struck by the communal feelings of pride and cooperation and real happiness. I felt Dad’s presence there. It was magical.”*
“Jimmy lived the lives of a hundred men, with courage and conviction,” said Justin Strawhand, screenwriter and producer of Jimmy.*
KJ Apa, who beautifully and sensitively portrays Stewart, said, “Jimmy Stewart was a hero. His legacy of service to the United States, his global reach through his films, and his devotion to his family are unparalleled. Taking on this role is an enormous responsibility, and our goal is to honor his legacy, service, and family through Jimmy and share his story to remind audiences that heroes such as Jimmy did and still do exist.” *
The movie balances the glitz and glam of the Golden Age of Hollywood with the harshness of war. The filmmakers went to great effort to recreate the combat scenes as best they could.
Throughout his military career Stewart flew 20 missions over Europe in the 1940s and even flew in the Vietnam War in 1966. That in itself is worth noting.
His Hollywood career spanned over 70 decades with about 100 acting roles – 90 of which were in films. Some of his most memorable films include Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Destry Rides Again, The Shop Around the Corner, The Philadelphia Story, It’s a Wonderful Life, Call Northside 777, Winchester ’73, Harvey, The Glenn Miller Story, Rear Window, The Man Who Knew Too Much, Vertigo, Bell, Book, and Candle, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance,The Cheyenne Social Club, The Shootist, and many, many more. Besides his win, he was nominated for four additional Oscars. What a career!
To say Jimmy Stewart is an icon is an understatement. To say he was a hero is also an understatement. He loved his life, his country, and his family.
Jimmy opens in theaters November 6, 2026. Stay for the credits for more information about Jimmy Stewart as well as photographs from his life.
It has been 80 years since It’s a Wonderful Life was produces. To mark this Amazon is offering a limited edition gift set with a 4K UHD, Blu-ray, DVDm and Digital download, along with an angel wing + working bell stocking holder, art cards, and more.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She is a long-standing member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.
*from the press notes