James Stewart was one of the most highly acclaimed and celebrated film actors of his time, a five-time Academy-Award nominee (winning once) and American cultural icon (Thomas, 1997). A great deal of his appeal came from his ability to play everymen, to elevate the ‘average joe’ character type into a compelling, appealing presence. In opposition to the Clark Gables and Spencer Tracys of his day, Stewart was not a handsome marquee face, with his thin frame and warbling, fatherly voice; despite this, the power and gravitas of his presence allowed Stewart to make the everyday struggles of the regular Continue reading...
