11. Stewart returned to films in 1946, with one of his most beloved roles
Stewart’s agent left the business during the Second World War, selling his contracts to the Music Corporation of America (MCA). The actor briefly considered remaining in Indiana and running the hardware store before signing with MCA, leaving MGM behind. During Stewart’s absence from Hollywood a Christmas picture, based on the short story The Greatest Gift, was developed with Cary Grant in mind for the lead role. Ultimately the project was dropped, and Grant made another Christmas film instead, The Bishop’s Wife. Frank Capra, who had spent the war-making training films, acquired the shelved project from RKO Studios.
Capra had the script rewritten, significantly altering the story from the original. The scriptwriting was done by several writers, and the development was slow and difficult. Ego clashes were frequent and Capra was difficult to please. When Capra read the finalized version of the script, he immediately considered it perfect for his friend, Jimmy Stewart. Stewart’s new agent at MCA, Lew Wasserman, accepted the role without consulting the actor, knowing Stewart would welcome the chance to work with Capra again. The script was about a small-town businessman named George Bailey and his encounter with an angel on Christmas Eve.