We Need More Jimmy Stewart-esque Movies

It’s been almost thirty years since legendary film actor Jimmy Stewart died, but he’s back on the big screen this weekend with the release of JIMMY – a feature-length movie chronicling the influence of his World War II service on his life and career.

We learn in the biopic that just before Stewart shipped out for World War II and his eventual arrival in England, the father of the future decorated B-24 bomber pilot tucked a small booklet into his son’s uniform pocket. It included a personal handwritten note and the 91st Psalm.

“My dear Jim, soon after you read this letter, you will be on your way to the worst sort of danger,” wrote Alexander Stewart. “I have had this in mind for a long time and I am very concerned… But Jim, I am banking on the enclosed copy of the 91st Psalm.”

The note continued:

“The thing that takes the place of fear and worry is the promise in these words. I am staking my faith in these words. I feel sure that God will lead you through this mad experience … I can say no more. I only continue to pray. God bless you and keep you.”

Although initially rejected for being underweight, Stewart worked with an MGM trainer to pack on enough pounds to qualify. He started eating spaghetti twice a day, along with steaks, milkshakes and other calorie-dense food. The strategy worked, and he eventually passed the Army Air Corps physical. 

After a year of training in California, Stewart deployed to England as the commanding officer of the 703rd Bomb Squadron in the 445th Bomb Group. He flew 20 combat missions. Returning to the United States in September of 1945, Stewart was awarded, among other citations, the Distinguished Service Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Reflecting on the peace that Psalm 91 brought him, Stewart said, “From that day, the little booklet was always with me. Before every bombing raid over Europe, I read some of it, and with each reading, the meaning deepened for me.”

Focus on the Family’s Bret Eckelberry, who reviewed the film for Plugged In, said that director Aaron Burns accurately portrays Stewart’s life “as one of courage, healing and hope.” 

“Jimmy” is part of a revival of faith-based entertainment – and a most welcome departure from filthy films that keep families away from theaters.

Fathom Entertainment, which is distributing the Stewart biopic, has been selling more tickets to its films year over year – from $38.9 million in 2008 to more than $145 million in 2024. 

Angel Studios, which is distributing Focus on the Family’s “Adventures in Odyssey TheMovie,” has likewise demonstrated that faith-based films are wildly popular with audiences. In 2023, its “Sound of Freedom” made $250 million worldwide. In 2025, “The King of Kings” generated more than $60 million at the box office, and “David” has brought in more than $90 million.

Kelly Stewart Harcourt, the 75-year-old daughter of the beloved actor, is delighted with the film and believes it captures her father’s courage, moral character, and faith.

“He always tried to do the right thing,” she told the Christian Post. “He always tried to be good, and that’s why he was a good man.”

Mrs. Harcourt acknowledged that Hollywood was full of “a lot of temptations,” but that her dad “was really aware and conscious of leading a good life.”

We applaud Hollywood’s growing willingness to invest in Christian and family-oriented programming.

Many of us enjoy watching Jimmy Stewart’s iconic portrayal of George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life” each year. “Jimmy” makes clear how Stewart’s wartime struggles helped shape his deeply moving performance in the future classic. While intensely private about his time in the war, Stewart admitted to wrestling with his return to acting after combat.

“Frankly, not knowing how to get started again, I was just a little bit scared,” he shared. But meeting with Capra and discussing the script, he knew he wanted to play the role. Writing years later, Stewart reflected:

“It’s simply about an ordinary man who discovers that living each ordinary day honorably, with faith in God and a selfless concern for others, can make for a truly wonderful life.”

And appropriately, just before Veterans Day and the Christmas season, “Jimmy” makes for a wonderful family film.