It's a Wonderful Life (1946), DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect Director: Frank Capra; Screenplay: Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra, Jo Swerling; Rated PG Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Henry Travers, Beulah Bondi, Ward Bond, Frank Faylen, Gloria Grahame
Defining Moment: the death of Mr. Bailey When George's father unexpectedly dies, the bank board holds a meeting to discuss the future of the Building and Loan. Old Man Potter has long awaited this event to finally get his hands on the business, a competitor, and shut it down. Of course, George as just about to leave town for college. In the board meeting, thing appear to be settled. George starts packing up paperwork, when Potter delivers a snide comment that insults Mr. Bailey and his legacy. This prompts the meek George to finally stand up to the sinister curmudgeon in one of film's great speeches. (Watch the scene here on YouTube). After George exits the boardroom, a board member bursts out and reveals the good news! The board has voted against Potter, but only if George foregoes college and stays on to run the business. Once again, George is kept in town, unable to pursue his own aspirations. Something subtle you might have missed: Bert the cop There is always something about Bert the cop that intrigues me. Played by long-time character actor Ward Bond, Bert is like a rock; always there. Even in the alternate storyline, Bert remains the same man. Regardless of George Bailey, or Potter, Bert stands tall, even when the town Pottersville, and populated by sleazy nightclubs.
"What do you want, Mary? Do you want the moon? If you want it, I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down for you. Hey. That's a pretty good idea. I'll give you the moon, Mary." - George Bailey "Potter isn't selling. Potter's buying! And why? Because we're panicking and he's not. That's why. He's picking up some bargains. Now, we can get through this thing all right. We've got to stick together, though. We've got to have faith in each other." - George Bailey Dad's Review: This review will be a quick one. If you are alive and have not seen this film at least once, you must be a bear in a cave, and may I add a very grumpy old bear. This wonderful Frank Capra holiday film hits every person right in the gut. It asks the painful question, "What is the value I am adding by being here?" If you are asking yourself, that... STOP! You are important. You are loved. The world is better with you here. So, now that we have that straight, go out and do something with yourself! Just pick something, ANYTHING, and go! Make your mom, or your granddad, or your friend, or yourself proud. I'm telling you, I am already rooting for you! This film's purpose it to get you, the viewer, to appreciate the life you have, not some fictitious other-life you think you might have had. The great golf coach Harvey Penick said this in his Little Red Book: "You know why your practice swing was perfect? Because you didn't actually hit a ball." Strive mightily to find the things, big or small, that are good in your life. I'll bet they're there. Try hard. Then, if you don't like your situation, change it if you can. Every job change I made scared the crap out of me, but I was glad I did it. We benefit from change, and overcoming obstacles - it's what builds our confidence. For more insights as to why this film impacts me so deeply, check out my essay "i needed George's redemption". Yá'át'ééh Onto No. 12...Frozen North Dakota
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Plot Summary:
This holiday classic follows George Bailey, a man who has always put the
needs of his small town and its residents before his own ambitions.
Through a series of selfless acts, he inadvertently creates a life that,
despite its challenges, has a profound impact on those around him. When
faced with a crisis that pushes him to his breaking point, an unexpected
intervention shows him the true value of his existence and the indelible
mark he has made on his community.
Memorable Quotes: