Frank Capra on the difference between amateurs and professionals
The difference is in how they play
The director of several American classics, including Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and It’s a Wonderful Life, Frank Capra was also one of the most popular directors in the thirties and forties, praised and criticized for his “sentiment.” This story, about the very difficult filming of his last movie, Pocketful of Miracles, is taken from his autobiography Name Above the Title.
How could the filming of Pocketful, torn with discord and loathings, directed by a walking zombie, stumble through to completion — within its budget and schedule? By occupational pride that transcends hazards. Amateurs play for fun in fair weather. Professionals play to win in the teeth of torments.