There ARE people who give of themselves for the benefit of others. Even the smallest gesture to help someone else can go a long way. It is touching, heart-warming, and honest. I think “ It’s a Wonderful Life” is priceless, a true masterpiece of cinema. I find it amusing that people can look at a film like this and think it doesn’t resound with us modern folk. According to the film, life in Bedford Falls prior to WWII was fairly rural and it is a good representation of that age and its customs. There are many older films that show us how life once was in America. I really don’t think that was the intent of Capra. They point to George’s influence having a negative impact like keeping his mother dependent upon her sons instead of becoming financially independent. I find it amazing that there are some folks out there that actually HATE this movie. You have to love being tricked like that!
Did you know that the idea for this movie originated from a Christmas card? Can you believe it?! I also recently learned the movie was filmed on a sound stage the size of an airplane hangar with REAL oak trees as props! I always thought it was filmed outdoors. I always forget this little tidbit of trivia: Frank Capra also directed “ Casablanca”. They called it “Capra-corn”, giving it such sentiments as “too sweet to be believable” and such. You may never know all the positive things you are capable of doing in your life, but this movie gives you a glimpse a world without one man’s “good”.įrank Capra was bashed by the critics once upon a time for this movie. The lesson – if indeed there is a “lesson” to be learned from this magnificent movie – is clear: live your life with good in your heart. We may never know who we have helped along the way. We may never know how we have affected others by simply living our lives. Thankfully, all is well in the end for George Bailey, but that glimpse into an alternate world will forever ring true with me. It may not be the most original concept, but its delivery goes from strange to downright dark and terrifying. It is utterly chilling to imagine a world without your own influence, a world wherein your life had been completely erased. George Bailey is such a likeable fellow that you can’t help but root for him. This film has such a wonderful supporting cast that the film was destined to be a great success, but it is clear that Jimmy Stewart’s talent outshines everyone in my favorite role of his: George Bailey.Įvery time I see this film, it still amazes me.
Potter (played by the great Lionel Barrymore) and even Clarence the Angel. The cast is utterly amazing, from crazy Uncle Billy to the vile Mr.
Without question Jimmy Stewart carries this movie, but Donna Reed is picture-perfect as his lovely wife, Mary. Ignore the bad special effects of the heavens at the beginning of the film and the rest of the movie is just brilliantly executed. This may be one of the greatest movies ever made. I don’t remember when I watched this film for the very first time, but I know I was young enough to wonder why Clarence the Angel didn’t have any wings.
It seems to play on almost every TV in America multiple times throughout the Holiday season. Another Holiday staple and tradition is watching “ It’s a Wonderful Life”.