 After graduating in 1932, he began a career as a stage actor, appearing on Broadway and in summer stock productions.In 1935, he signed a film contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).The studio did not see leading man material in Stewart, but after three years of supporting roles and being loaned out to other studios, he had his big breakthrough in Frank Capra's ensemble comedy "You Can't Take It with You" (1938).