Article: Frank Capra, director of classic films, is dead at 94 // `Wonderful Life,' `Mr. Smith,' were among a string of hits

LOS ANGELES Oscar-winning director Frank Capra, whose romantic idealism defined the American dream through such movie classics as "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," died Tuesday. He was 94.

Mr. Capra died in his sleep at 9:30 a.m. at his home in the desert city of La Quinta, said his son, Tom Capra, executive producer of NBC's "Today Show" in New York.

The son said his father had suffered a series of minor strokes several years ago and had been under 24-hour nursing care.

A Sicilian immigrant, Mr. Capra lived and celebrated his adopted country's spirit of opportunity. He came of age as a filmmaker during the Depression, and his populist work championed the ...

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