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George Bailey: James Stewart Mary Hatch: Donna Reed Mr. Potter: Lionel Barrymore Uncle Billy: Thomas Mitchell Clarence: Henry Travers Directed by Frank Capra. Written by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra and Jo Swerling, based on "The Greatest Gift," by Philip Van Doren Stern. Running time: 129 minutes. No MPAA Rating (Mature themes). |
Who hasn't seen or heard of the timeless classic, It's A Wonderful Life? Every year during Christmas, we turn on the TV to revisit our old friends in Bedford Falls. There is no doubt that It's a Wonderful Life is the most popular Christmas film, easily surpassing other holiday favorites, such as A Miracle on 34th Street and A Christmas Carol (pick whichever version you like). It seems that the movie symbolizes Christmas like Santa Clause or white snow. Yet despite its fame now, It's A Wonderful Life did not always enjoy such widespread popularity and appreciation when it was first released on the movie screens.
It's A Wonderful Life, was the first movie Frank Capra made, after returning from service in World War II. After a string of great parables about the common man in the 1930s, including Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and You Can't Take It With You, Capra found a story by Philip Van Doren Stern growing old on the studio shelves. Once again Capra would try to rekindle his flame on the plight of the common man.
Unfortunately for Capra, the movie did not fill the expectations compared to his previous movies. Despite being nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor, the movie did not take home one Oscar. The film received mix reviews and was a failure at the box office, as it barely made back the cost of the film.
In 1974, the movie fell out of copyright protection and became public domain for anyone to snatch. It was the first film to experience such a fate. As a result, television station could show the movie at no cost and as often as they wanted to. Eventually, the public rediscovered Frank Capra's once-forgotten film, and elevated the film into a Christmas tradition. PBS stations were the first stations to show the movie in the early 1970s, using the saga of the small-town hero George Bailey as counter-programming against expensive network holiday specials. The audience for the film grew and grew over the years, as many families made the movie an annual ritual.
The movie begins with bleakness and despair, as a resident of Bedford Falls is in trouble. The whole town seems worried, as everyone is praying for him. His name is George Bailey (James Stewart), and there is no one in Bedford Falls, that doesn't know his name. Despite his modesty, George is a hero to them, a role model if you will. There isn't one person there that has not seek his guidance or help from him. Now it is George who needs help.
In the beginning of the film, we find out that George was always ambitious, even as a kid. We find out that he had already planned what he wanted to do with his life. He reads National Geographic, as his eyes turn to exploring the world outside of Bedford Falls. His belief that Bedford Falls is the cause of his sadness and it drives him from getting away from it as far as possible. Unfortunately for George, he never gets one foot out of Bedford Falls, as fate always has something in his way. Every opportunity that approaches him is suddenly pulled back into the sea, as obstacles such as death, marriage or values impede his great escape.
Throughout his life, George has lived by a creed that always placed human need above all else, and as a result, his only wealth has been his friends and family. His creed is the opposite of the film's miserable old villain, Potter (Lionel Barrymore). Potter is an old wretch, who seems to have no family or friends to accompany him. His only pleasure is to monopolize the whole town to help grow his already vast fortune. He is the Ebenzer Scrooge of Bedford Falls, as he builds dilapidated houses for people to live in. He would probably be called a slumlord in today's world. The Bailey Building and Loan Society is the only institution in town that he doesn't own, and he's willing to do anything to get his hands on it - lie, cheat, bribe or steal. There is no end to the schemes that Potter devises to destroy George.
Meanwhile, George is fighting his own battles with himself. He doesn't believe he is useful around Bedford Falls, as his talent could be utilized somewhere else. In Bedford Falls, George believes that he is just a regular "pencil-pusher" like his dad. George feels trapped in Bedford, as his opportunities fade each day as time goes by. All around him, people are getting what they want, but him. We feel his despair growing each time another opportunity is rejected. We can feel it coming as the film proceeds, until his rage is released when the Bailey Building suddenly loses all its capital. We see a transformation in George, dark and sinister, as he turns on everyone he loves and cares for. It is a George we do not know at all, in a spectacular performance by Stewart. He looks shaky, withered and weak as he scours the streets of Bedford Falls. He is a desperate man whose life is in the hands of a 2nd class Angel.
What makes George lovable is that we follow his every footsteps. We share his pain, as his dreams are our dreams too. James Stewart is perfect for the role, as he has the "everyman quality." His supporting cast is also wonderful and memorable. Donna Reed is the perfect choice for Mary, although she was not Capra's first choice. Capra wanted Jean Arthur, who has worked with Stewart and Capra before. Reed embodies the independence and sweetness needed to capture George's heart. Lionel Barrymore's Potter makes Scrooge look like a gregarious gentleman. Thomas Mitchell plays Uncle Billy, George's lovable-but-incompetent partner in the Bailey Building and Loan Society. Henry Travers is Clarence, the second-class angel trying to earn his wings. Frank Faylen and Ward Bond are Ernie the taxi driver and Bert the cop. The Sesame Street duo of Bert and Ernie got their names from these two.
With memorable characters, a great story, and superb acting, it is easy to see why It's a Wonderful Life isn't just a holiday favorite, but a great movie by any standards. The film shows us the power of an individual. When we first see George Bailey on the screen, Clarence said something that we all can agree on. "That's a good face. I like him. I like George Bailey." I think it's safe to say that we all do. Grade: A
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