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JAMES Stewart’s profession spanned greater than 80 films over 55 years.
He received an Academy Award and earned a popularity as one of many greatest-ever American actors.
James Stewart received an Oscar for The Philadelphia StoryCredit score: Getty Photographs – Getty
With such an extended profession, it may be tough to know the place to start.
Here is a countdown of the silver display screen legend’s Hollywood hits.
1. The Philadelphia Story
The Philadelphia Story noticed James Stewart decide up his solely OscarCredit score: Getty Photographs – Getty
This star-studded 1940 basic noticed Stewart decide up his solely Oscar for his portrayal of tabloid reporter Macaulay Connor.
The plot centres round socialite Tracy Lord, performed by Katharine Hepburn, who’s about to remarry when Macaulay comes into her life.
A tangled internet ensues as Tracy is pressured to decide on between her ex-husband, her husband-to-be, and Macaulay.
Additionally starring Cary Grant, The Philadelphia Story received two Oscars on the 1941 Academy Awards – Stewart for Finest Actor and Donald Ogden Stewart for Finest Screenplay.
Rotten Tomatoes viewers ranking: 92 per cent.
2. Vertigo
James Stewart and Kim Novak in VertigoCredit score: Getty Photographs – Getty
This 1958 basic thriller was directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
Stewart performs the position of John “Scottie” Ferguson, a retired cop with a concern of heights.
Scottie is employed as a personal detective to trace the actions of Madeleine Elster, performed by Golden Globe winner Kim Novak.
He finally ends up falling for her, however every part will not be because it appears.
Regardless of blended critiques on its launch, it’s now ranked as a Hitchcock masterpiece and probably the most critically-acclaimed movies ever made.
Stewart additionally clinched The Silver Shell for Finest Actor at San Sebastián Worldwide Movie Pageant in 1958 for his portrayal of Scottie.
Rotten Tomatoes viewers ranking: 93 per cent.
3. Rear Window
Grace Kelly performed James Stewart’s girlfriend in Rear WindowCredit score: Getty Photographs – Getty
This legendary Alfred Hitchcock basic sees stressed photographer L. B. “Jeff” Jefferies spy on his neighbours as he recovers from a damaged leg.
Performed by Stewart, he turns into satisfied {that a} homicide has taken place.
Alongside along with his girlfriend Lisa Fremont – performed by Grace Kelly – he hatches a plot to catch the killer red-handed.
The movie was nominated for 4 Academy Awards, together with Hitchcock as Finest Director.
It additionally gained a coveted spot within the US Library of Congress as “culturally, traditionally, or aesthetically vital”.
Rotten Tomatoes viewers ranking: 95 per cent.
4. Anatomy Of A Homicide
James Stewart with Arthur O’Connell in Anatomy Of A HomicideCredit score: Getty Photographs – Getty
Stewart performs the position of Paul Biegler, a semi-retired lawyer who takes on a homicide case. The defendant pleads madness however the reality is unclear.
The heated courtroom drama proved controversial on its launch in 1959 and was even banned in Chicago.
Town’s mayor slammed it for holding foul language like “climax” and “contraception”. However a courtroom overturned the ban.
Stewart’s portrayal of a “easy nation lawyer” noticed him nominated for Finest Actor at The Oscars.
Rotten Tomatoes viewers ranking: 90 per cent.
5. The Bare Spur
Janet Leigh and James Stewart in The Bare Spur
This 1953 movie tells the story of morally-dubious bounty hunter referred to as Howard Kemp, performed by Stewart.
He’s on a mission to convey identified killer Ben Vandergroat to justice – and make $5,000 alongside the best way.
Kemp is pressured to workforce up with two doubtful companions, who find yourself turning on one another.
Empire described the film, additionally starring Janet Leigh, as “one of the best of an impressive run of Westerns” that includes Stewart.
Then and now, The Bare Spur is taken into account a “masterpiece” of the style.
Rotten Tomatoes viewers ranking: 75 per cent.
6. Harvey
James Stewart was successful in weird comedy HarveyCredit score: Getty Photographs – Getty
Primarily based on Mary Chase’s 1944 play of the identical identify, this weird 1950 flick sees Stewart play mad man Elwood P. Down.
Elwood lives along with his greatest buddy, an imaginary 6ft 3.5in rabbit named Harvey.
His sisters attempt to put him in an asylum, the place he would obtain a novel therapy which threatens his friendship with the large animal.
Regardless of the danger of shedding its magic by display screen adaptation, the movie was nominated for a handful of awards and was successful with critics.
This odd comedy serves to be certainly one of Stewart’s extra memorable performances, being touted as certainly one of his greatest ever by TV Information.
Rotten Tomatoes viewers ranking: 93 per cent.
7. Mr Smith Goes To Washington
James Stewart and Jean Arthur in Mr Smith Goes To WashingtonCredit score: Getty Photographs – Getty
Stewart performs Jefferson Smith, a Scout leader-turned-idealistic politician who leads to the US Senate below the mentorship of Joseph Paine.
However Paine turns in opposition to Smith to foil plans to construct a boys’ campsite in favour of a extra profitable venture.
This places the fresh-faced senator Smith at odds with essentially the most highly effective law-makers within the land.
Numerous politicians are rumoured to have walked out of the 1939 premier in Washington DC, outraged by the movie’s portrayal of corruption in authorities.
However Stewart’s heroic portrayal of Jefferson Smith helped cement him within the minds of most viewers and critics as a person of ethical precept.
Rotten Tomatoes viewers ranking: 94 per cent.
8. It’s A Great Life
Jimmy Stewart was nominated for an Oscar for his position as George in It is A Great LifeCredit score: Getty Photographs – Getty
This Christmas classic got here near bagging Stewart his second Oscar as Finest Actor in his position as kind-hearted financial institution supervisor George Bailey.
After hitting a devastating low level and considering suicide, George will get a go to from his guardian angel who exhibits him the worth of his previous good deeds.
The movie was thought-about a monetary failure on its launch in 1946.
However it was nominated for 5 Academy Awards together with Finest Image and has since been touted as top-of-the-line movies ever made. A should watch.
Rotten Tomatoes viewers ranking: 95 per cent.
9. The Store Round The Nook
Margaret Sullavan stars alongside James Stewart in The Store Round The NookCredit score: Getty Photographs – Getty
This heart-warming rom-com sees Stewart play high salesman Alfred Kralik, who clashes with new feminine co-worker Klara Novak, performed by Margaret Sullavan.
However the pair unwittingly fall in love as pen friends, not understanding they’re actually writing to one another.
The 1940 movie’s success will be seen in its many remakes, together with the 1998 movie You’ve Bought Mail starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.
Rotten Tomatoes viewers ranking: 91 per cent.
10. Bend Of The River
James Stewart performs a extra violent outlaw in Bend Of The River
Set in 1866 on the American frontier, Bend Of The River – initially launched in Britain as The place The River Bends – is a story of mercy, revenge and heroism.
A departure from lots of his earlier roles because the down-to-earth everyman, this 1952 Western featured Stewart as an edgier, extra violent outlaw turned good.
The movie initially obtained poor critiques however has since been accepted as one of many biggest Westerns to hit the massive display screen.
Rotten Tomatoes viewers ranking: 79 per cent.
