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Now perhaps the most beloved American film, It's a Wonderful Life was largely forgotten for years, due to a copyright quirk. Only in the late 1970s did it find its audience through repeated TV showings. Frank Capra's masterwork deserves its status as a feel-good communal event, but it is also one of the most fascinating films in the American cinema, a multilayered work of Dickensian density. George Bailey (played superbly by James Stewart) grows up in the small town of Bedford Falls, dreaming dreams of adventure and travel, but circumstances conspire to keep him enslaved to his home turf. Frustrated by his life, and haunted by an impending scandal, George prepares to commit suicide on Christmas Eve. A heavenly messenger (Henry Travers) arrives to show him a vision: what the world would have been like if George had never been born. The sequence is a vivid depiction of the American Dream gone bad, and probably the wildest thing Capra ever shot (the director's optimistic vision may have darkened during his experiences making military films in World War II). Capra's triumph is to acknowledge the difficulties and disappointments of life, while affirming--in the teary-eyed final reel--his cherished values of friendship and individual achievement. It's a Wonderful Life was not a big hit on its initial release, and it won no Oscars (Capra and Stewart were nominated); but it continues to weave a special magic. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (223)

Black & White Isn't "Too" Bland, Non?....
In fact, the black & white setting suits "It's A Wonderful Life" as perfectly as technocolor would have for this Frank Sinatra-esque cult classic. James Stewart has this "Rocky & Bugsy"-era voice and a vigourous demeanor & Donna Reed is just brung in to play the hard-to-get young girl and the reserved wife. My focus refused to stay entact while watching this movie, but the ideas I did withdraw from this movie is that George Bailey (James Stewart) is caught in the tangled web of a financial scandal... and on the brink of suicide. That is... until a cliched assigned guardian angel appears out of the sky and falls in the waters of Bedford Falls... to save George (ironically). Before this happens, George is on a bridge contemplating (supposedly) suicide (due partially to a busted-lip from a brute in Martini's bar whose wife George insulted on the phone, heh heh), and when he sees Clarence (the "quote on quote"... angel), he jumps in after him and retrieves him. Henceforth, George rebuffs the idea of an angel and wishes he was never born, and granted... he was never born. And boy, does he take the in-your-face gruff reality of having no identity for a sham, but to his shagrin... it's as serious as a heart attack. George is a non-existent would-have-been making a futile attempt to spark some remembrance in his lost friends & family. Predictably, George repents and returns to existance... with a little (or lot of) monetary help from the whole town for his business trouble (whose lives apparently were impacted greatly by him somehow). Upon the saccharine conclusion (where George, his wife, & kid are basking in the solace of christmas communion), my eyes almost started to well-spring... I haven't the faintest idea why (I'm only 17). A nice retrospective on the golden age of Christmas classics. Somebody please make "It's A Wonderful Life 2000."

It's a Wonderful Message!
Your life doesn't seem so wonderful? Suffering from depression? Then here's a pill to swallow: watch Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life". It's guaranteed to do you some good.

The screenplay of It's a Wonderful Life originated with a Christmas card short story called "The Greatest Gift" by Philip Van Doren Stern. It revolves around the life of George Bailey, an ordinary man who falls in love, gets married, has a family, and unselfishly works hard to support his family and local community. Deep down George has the itch to escape the chains of the small town atmosphere of Bedford Falls and the family business. He longs to travel the world in search of adventure, and has visions of constructing grand buildings. His dreams however are anchored by reality: He feels morally bound to honor his commitments to his family and the family business "Bailey Building and Loan". The first three quarters of the movie slowly builds up atmosphere, as we come to understand George Bailey's character and outlook on life.

It is only towards the very end that the moment of crisis comes: On the eve of Christmas, precisely as a bank inspector is on the scene, a huge sum of money is lost by the bank, and George's entire business is threatened. At this point the lengthy build-up bears rich fruits: as viewers we are now in a position to understand the incredible and painful frustration George feels. We share the hurt and disillusionment of this broken man as he snaps at his family and loved ones, and tears well up as his uncomprehending children pray desperately for their father. It is the slow build up that enables us to share his and their emotions of grief, sorrow, pain and frustration.

When George is at the end of his road, he selfishly considers suicide. At this point heaven answers the prayers of his family by sending a guardian angel second class (AS2) named Clarence to help George renew his perspective on life. When George in his depressed state is convinced that the world would have been better off without him, the angel offers him "a chance to see what the world would be like without you." His magical heavenly touch transforms the world to the place it would have been without George Bailey's touch, so that George can discover that "each man's life touches so many other lives."

The religious aspect is not convincing: Bailey receives divine aid even though he professes himself not to be a religious man, whereas the Bible portrays heavenly help as a gift for believers. The notion of a guardian angel as presented in the movie is especially weak, particularly because of the way it often functions for comic relief in a rather trite and disrespectful manner. Spiritual matters hardly receive the serious treatment they deserve. In the end, religion (represented by the guardian angel) functions more as a backdrop and literary device to examine a serious perspective on life. It's a flimsy and unconvincing backdrop, but the matters that the guardian angel as a literary device serves to reflect on are serious indeed. By being given the opportunity to imagine he had not existed, George Bailey is confronted with the value of life, even a hard and difficult life, and learns that every person can make a difference. As George reflects on all his blessings, and the impact he has been able to have on people's lives, he comes to the conviction "I want to live again." Clarence reinforces George's desire to live: "You see, George, you really had a wonderful life. Don't you think it's a mistake to throw it away?" Life is valuable particularly when it is used in selflessness (represented by Bailey) and not in selfishness (represented by Potter). When serving others instead of mammon, life is tremendously valuable, even though it may be hard.

Though religion is outwardly present in the form of the guardian angel, this affirmation of the value of human life has been stripped of any religious notions. And yet this self-reflection is itself a very religious one. It is too bad that the movie succumbs to the need to have a feel-good ending where George overcomes his troubles, because it results in a overly sentimental feel-good Christmas without the Christ-child. In that sense the movie falls short by not being sufficiently religious. The reality is that the lives of most viewers do not receive the magical solution that George receives, and that their troubles are ongoing - and only the gospel gives life a wonderful significance in the midst of ongoing troubles. By providing an overly sweet ending, the theme of "do good to others" is unchained from the gospel, and an opportunity was lost to convey a message even more profound.

But even so, the message conveyed is still profound and enduring: Life is wonderful, particularly when it is lived in selflessness for others. We might not all touch as many lives as George does, but we can all have a tremendous impact in the lives of others. Unlike so many contemporary movies, It's a Wonderful Life does not promote materialism, greed or immorality, but shows the joys and rewards of a simple and self-less life with family and friends. The concept is brilliant, and we are left to reflect for ourselves what the lives of our family and friends would be like without our touch. Not only does this movie provide enduring and powerful themes affirming the value of marriage, family and self-less human life, but it does so with warm humor and touching romance. Most importantly there is powerful emotion and lasting quality that has the capacity to renew your perspective on your own life. What more could you ask for? Few movies are worth watching more than once, but this is certainly one of them! You only live once, but watching this movie once or more might just improve that life you only have the opportunity to live once.

WAKE UP! This is a lousy movie!
This movie never won any awards. It was so bad that the studio could hardly give it away when they first puit it on tape, then they let it be colorized just so they could sell SOME copies of it, and suddenly the big war cry from the Hollywood liberals was -- "OOH! Save a classic black and white film!" Baloney! No one liked this movie when it was made. No one liked it the 1950s. No one liked it in the 1960s. No one liked it in the 1970s. No one liked it in the 1980s, then SUDDENLY! -- it's an American classic. NOT! It's Communist propaganda about the "evils" of American free enterprise from a guy who made a lot of pinko films but never thought HE should have to live like this "common man" he kept making pictures about.

Contemplating worth in Bedford falls...
"It's A Wonderful Life" is not just a Christmas classic, it's a bonafide American masterpiece of good-old-fashioned storytelling. Yeah, it's always a treat to sit around with your family and catch it on the tube the night Santa comes to town, but it's also a great movie to watch when you're feeling a little down on yourself. When George hits rock bottom, it's a pretty depressing sight to behold (thanks largely to a brilliantly subtle, yet intense, performance by Jimmy Stewart). But by the end of the film, when he finally feels like he's on top of the world, you'll understand why this film is the ultimate cinematic tear-jerker; evidence can be found in those salty drips emitting from YOUR eyes.

Indeed, a classic film. And a masterpiece. I wish real life was like Bedford Falls. HIGHLY recommended.

The Greatest Film of All Time?
How do you describe Frank Capra's style? I once called it like Orson Welles, only happy. Visually, these two film-makers were both fond of high-contrast photography and capturing emotions in the characters of their movies. But whereas Welles seemed to focus on all the terrible things that human beings can become, Capra focused on life lessons and the good that lies inside of all people.

While Capra created many masterpieces, this is probably his greatest. It's easy to see why. Rather than focusing on just one aspect of life, this film (like Citizen Kane) captures a person's whole life, with all it's ups and downs. Basically the story is a simple tale of David and Goliath relationship between the small businessman and the evil monopoly, and the internal struggle in a man between what he wants to do, and what he feels that he has to do.

Perhaps there is a bit of George Bailey in all of us. He's a perfectly normal person with perfectly normal dreams. He wants to see the world, build things, become important. But over and over again, in order to help (and in some cases save) others he is forced repeatedly to give up his dreams in order to do what he knows is right. Along the way he builds relationships with all sorts of people in the town where he is forced to spend his entire life. But was what he gave up really an unfair trade? Or did he actually attain a treasure far greater than he could ever imagine?

The emotional climax of the film at it's end (where everything comes full circle and we finally understand how George Bailey got to the point he was at in the film's beginning) has got to be one of the greatest performances in any film ever, and Jimmy Stewart's moment of moments (perhaps only rivaled by his breakdown at the end of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington). I recall the first time I saw this movie, and the huge emotional reaction I had at seeing a man who has done nothing but sacrifice all his life kicked when he's down (if you remember what happens immediately after he prays for help you'll know what I mean).

Ultimately, this movie changed my life. It taught me about the importance of friends, self-sacrifice, and living your life doing what you know it right. But even more than that, this movie is an absolute tour-de-force, and stands out in my mind as one of the greatest films ever made. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great movie!
"Good Sam" is a really greatmovie to watch because of themoral lesson that one can learn when you are a "good sam(aritan)" like Gary Cooperin the movie. It's a must see! ... Read more

Reviews (223)

Black & White Isn't "Too" Bland, Non?....
In fact, the black & white setting suits "It's A Wonderful Life" as perfectly as technocolor would have for this Frank Sinatra-esque cult classic. James Stewart has this "Rocky & Bugsy"-era voice and a vigourous demeanor & Donna Reed is just brung in to play the hard-to-get young girl and the reserved wife. My focus refused to stay entact while watching this movie, but the ideas I did withdraw from this movie is that George Bailey (James Stewart) is caught in the tangled web of a financial scandal... and on the brink of suicide. That is... until a cliched assigned guardian angel appears out of the sky and falls in the waters of Bedford Falls... to save George (ironically). Before this happens, George is on a bridge contemplating (supposedly) suicide (due partially to a busted-lip from a brute in Martini's bar whose wife George insulted on the phone, heh heh), and when he sees Clarence (the "quote on quote"... angel), he jumps in after him and retrieves him. Henceforth, George rebuffs the idea of an angel and wishes he was never born, and granted... he was never born. And boy, does he take the in-your-face gruff reality of having no identity for a sham, but to his shagrin... it's as serious as a heart attack. George is a non-existent would-have-been making a futile attempt to spark some remembrance in his lost friends & family. Predictably, George repents and returns to existance... with a little (or lot of) monetary help from the whole town for his business trouble (whose lives apparently were impacted greatly by him somehow). Upon the saccharine conclusion (where George, his wife, & kid are basking in the solace of christmas communion), my eyes almost started to well-spring... I haven't the faintest idea why (I'm only 17). A nice retrospective on the golden age of Christmas classics. Somebody please make "It's A Wonderful Life 2000."

It's a Wonderful Message!
Your life doesn't seem so wonderful? Suffering from depression? Then here's a pill to swallow: watch Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life". It's guaranteed to do you some good.

The screenplay of It's a Wonderful Life originated with a Christmas card short story called "The Greatest Gift" by Philip Van Doren Stern. It revolves around the life of George Bailey, an ordinary man who falls in love, gets married, has a family, and unselfishly works hard to support his family and local community. Deep down George has the itch to escape the chains of the small town atmosphere of Bedford Falls and the family business. He longs to travel the world in search of adventure, and has visions of constructing grand buildings. His dreams however are anchored by reality: He feels morally bound to honor his commitments to his family and the family business "Bailey Building and Loan". The first three quarters of the movie slowly builds up atmosphere, as we come to understand George Bailey's character and outlook on life.

It is only towards the very end that the moment of crisis comes: On the eve of Christmas, precisely as a bank inspector is on the scene, a huge sum of money is lost by the bank, and George's entire business is threatened. At this point the lengthy build-up bears rich fruits: as viewers we are now in a position to understand the incredible and painful frustration George feels. We share the hurt and disillusionment of this broken man as he snaps at his family and loved ones, and tears well up as his uncomprehending children pray desperately for their father. It is the slow build up that enables us to share his and their emotions of grief, sorrow, pain and frustration.

When George is at the end of his road, he selfishly considers suicide. At this point heaven answers the prayers of his family by sending a guardian angel second class (AS2) named Clarence to help George renew his perspective on life. When George in his depressed state is convinced that the world would have been better off without him, the angel offers him "a chance to see what the world would be like without you." His magical heavenly touch transforms the world to the place it would have been without George Bailey's touch, so that George can discover that "each man's life touches so many other lives."

The religious aspect is not convincing: Bailey receives divine aid even though he professes himself not to be a religious man, whereas the Bible portrays heavenly help as a gift for believers. The notion of a guardian angel as presented in the movie is especially weak, particularly because of the way it often functions for comic relief in a rather trite and disrespectful manner. Spiritual matters hardly receive the serious treatment they deserve. In the end, religion (represented by the guardian angel) functions more as a backdrop and literary device to examine a serious perspective on life. It's a flimsy and unconvincing backdrop, but the matters that the guardian angel as a literary device serves to reflect on are serious indeed. By being given the opportunity to imagine he had not existed, George Bailey is confronted with the value of life, even a hard and difficult life, and learns that every person can make a difference. As George reflects on all his blessings, and the impact he has been able to have on people's lives, he comes to the conviction "I want to live again." Clarence reinforces George's desire to live: "You see, George, you really had a wonderful life. Don't you think it's a mistake to throw it away?" Life is valuable particularly when it is used in selflessness (represented by Bailey) and not in selfishness (represented by Potter). When serving others instead of mammon, life is tremendously valuable, even though it may be hard.

Though religion is outwardly present in the form of the guardian angel, this affirmation of the value of human life has been stripped of any religious notions. And yet this self-reflection is itself a very religious one. It is too bad that the movie succumbs to the need to have a feel-good ending where George overcomes his troubles, because it results in a overly sentimental feel-good Christmas without the Christ-child. In that sense the movie falls short by not being sufficiently religious. The reality is that the lives of most viewers do not receive the magical solution that George receives, and that their troubles are ongoing - and only the gospel gives life a wonderful significance in the midst of ongoing troubles. By providing an overly sweet ending, the theme of "do good to others" is unchained from the gospel, and an opportunity was lost to convey a message even more profound.

But even so, the message conveyed is still profound and enduring: Life is wonderful, particularly when it is lived in selflessness for others. We might not all touch as many lives as George does, but we can all have a tremendous impact in the lives of others. Unlike so many contemporary movies, It's a Wonderful Life does not promote materialism, greed or immorality, but shows the joys and rewards of a simple and self-less life with family and friends. The concept is brilliant, and we are left to reflect for ourselves what the lives of our family and friends would be like without our touch. Not only does this movie provide enduring and powerful themes affirming the value of marriage, family and self-less human life, but it does so with warm humor and touching romance. Most importantly there is powerful emotion and lasting quality that has the capacity to renew your perspective on your own life. What more could you ask for? Few movies are worth watching more than once, but this is certainly one of them! You only live once, but watching this movie once or more might just improve that life you only have the opportunity to live once.

WAKE UP! This is a lousy movie!
This movie never won any awards. It was so bad that the studio could hardly give it away when they first puit it on tape, then they let it be colorized just so they could sell SOME copies of it, and suddenly the big war cry from the Hollywood liberals was -- "OOH! Save a classic black and white film!" Baloney! No one liked this movie when it was made. No one liked it the 1950s. No one liked it in the 1960s. No one liked it in the 1970s. No one liked it in the 1980s, then SUDDENLY! -- it's an American classic. NOT! It's Communist propaganda about the "evils" of American free enterprise from a guy who made a lot of pinko films but never thought HE should have to live like this "common man" he kept making pictures about.

Contemplating worth in Bedford falls...
"It's A Wonderful Life" is not just a Christmas classic, it's a bonafide American masterpiece of good-old-fashioned storytelling. Yeah, it's always a treat to sit around with your family and catch it on the tube the night Santa comes to town, but it's also a great movie to watch when you're feeling a little down on yourself. When George hits rock bottom, it's a pretty depressing sight to behold (thanks largely to a brilliantly subtle, yet intense, performance by Jimmy Stewart). But by the end of the film, when he finally feels like he's on top of the world, you'll understand why this film is the ultimate cinematic tear-jerker; evidence can be found in those salty drips emitting from YOUR eyes.

Indeed, a classic film. And a masterpiece. I wish real life was like Bedford Falls. HIGHLY recommended.

The Greatest Film of All Time?
How do you describe Frank Capra's style? I once called it like Orson Welles, only happy. Visually, these two film-makers were both fond of high-contrast photography and capturing emotions in the characters of their movies. But whereas Welles seemed to focus on all the terrible things that human beings can become, Capra focused on life lessons and the good that lies inside of all people.

While Capra created many masterpieces, this is probably his greatest. It's easy to see why. Rather than focusing on just one aspect of life, this film (like Citizen Kane) captures a person's whole life, with all it's ups and downs. Basically the story is a simple tale of David and Goliath relationship between the small businessman and the evil monopoly, and the internal struggle in a man between what he wants to do, and what he feels that he has to do.

Perhaps there is a bit of George Bailey in all of us. He's a perfectly normal person with perfectly normal dreams. He wants to see the world, build things, become important. But over and over again, in order to help (and in some cases save) others he is forced repeatedly to give up his dreams in order to do what he knows is right. Along the way he builds relationships with all sorts of people in the town where he is forced to spend his entire life. But was what he gave up really an unfair trade? Or did he actually attain a treasure far greater than he could ever imagine?

The emotional climax of the film at it's end (where everything comes full circle and we finally understand how George Bailey got to the point he was at in the film's beginning) has got to be one of the greatest performances in any film ever, and Jimmy Stewart's moment of moments (perhaps only rivaled by his breakdown at the end of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington). I recall the first time I saw this movie, and the huge emotional reaction I had at seeing a man who has done nothing but sacrifice all his life kicked when he's down (if you remember what happens immediately after he prays for help you'll know what I mean).

Ultimately, this movie changed my life. It taught me about the importance of friends, self-sacrifice, and living your life doing what you know it right. But even more than that, this movie is an absolute tour-de-force, and stands out in my mind as one of the greatest films ever made. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Grayson triumphs
"Love Finds Andy Hardy" is usually considered the best film in the Hardy Family series, but "Andy Hardy's Private Secretary" might come in a close second primarily because of Kathryn Grayson's strong performance in this, her first film outing at age 19. Grayson was touted as MGM's answer to Deanna Durbin at Universal, and this especially shows in her florid coloratura soprano voice that one finds lighter and freer than Durbin's with an astonishing ease of movement up and down scales. Grayson's acting is unusually good as well.

The film is typical Hardy fare with Andy getting into more than he bargained for trying to prepare a Greek tragedy piece for his graduation, not to mention flunking his required English exam thus threatening his own graduation. But as always everything turns out well in the end for Andy et al. This was the tenth entry in the Andy Hardy series and well worth viewing. ... Read more

Description

After their success on Broadway, the 'Dead End Kids' were recruited by Hollywood. Eventually these young kids from the streets of New York became bonified celebrities, known as the 'Bowery Boys' and starred in over 50 films and serials. In this film the boys are accompanied by the comedy duo of Leo Gorcye and Huntz Hall. The combination of gangster melodrama and slapstick scenarios makes this Bowery Boys series a favorite for young and old alike. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Leo and Huntz end up in the Air Force by mistake.
This is the 31 rst film in the Bowery Boys film series. For this review, I will list the approx. age of the Bowery Boys. Leo Gorcey 38, Huntz hall 33, David Gorcey 32 Bennie Bartlett 33. Bernard Gorcey's (Leo and david's father) plays "Louie". The gang believes their friend Dave (Todd Karns) who is in the U.S. Air Force and came to down to visit, may be in some trouble he can not get out of. So Leo and Huntz go to the Allen Air Force Base to visit Dave. When they get there, Leo wants to go where he thinks its the right location to see Dave, but they end up in the recruiting station. A beatiful lady sargeant asks them to fill out the forms. Then they under go tests. They think its odd to be going through all this just to visit Dave. The lady Sargeant tells them this is just a routine examination to be a "rookie". Boy, they know the word "rookie". They know their goose is cooked. Some how Hunzt ends up in the ladies barracks. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

One of Hayward's best
It's a shame that MY FOOLISH HEART is not currently available on video. For the movie is an excellent, bittersweet love story with one of Susan Hayward's finest performances.

The film is based on a short story written by J.D. Salinger for The New Yorker magazine (although I've read the story and the movie's script is MUCH expanded from the original). A trusting and somewhat naive college girl named Eloise Winters falls for a charming but irresponsible man on the eve of WWII. She gives her heart a little too quickly, and tragedy results.

Although some reviewers peg MY FOOLISH HEART as little more than an old-fashioned "weepie," the movie actually has many sound virtues. The script is sharp and realistic, with some welcome touches of humor. The black-and-white, deep-focus photography is excellent. And Victor Young's musical score--with its famous title tune--is beautiful.

Dana Andrews and the supporting players do fine work (with Robert Keith, as Hayward's loving, level-headed father being a real stand-out). But it's Hayward who truly wraps up the film with her outstanding performance. She may not always be entirely convincing, especially in some of her early scenes as a dewy-eyed college girl. But when the script turns darker, she reponds with an acting job that is stunning and deeply felt. She really gets to the heart of Eloise's fear, longing and regret. Even in shots where she has no dialogue, Hayward's facial expressions can be absolutely devastating.

If you look to movies for a good, emotionally cathartic experience, you won't be disappointed with MY FOOLISH HEART.

my foolish heart
THIS IS A VERY ROMANTIC, SAD, & TOUCHING STORY SET DURING WWII. I FIRST SAW THIS MOVIE AS A YOUNG GIRL WATCHING IT ON TV WITH MY MOTHER AND I LOVED IT THEN! I ALWAYS LOOK FOR IT IN VIDEO STORES & ON TV & CAN NEVER SEEM TO FIND IT. SUSAN HAYWARD & DANA ANDREWS PLAY THE ILL FATED LOVERS AND THEY ARE JUST GREAT. I ALSO READ THE STORY "UNCLE WIGGLY IN CONNECTICUT" ON WHICH THE MOVIE IS BASED. FOR ANYONE WHO LOVES A GOOD OLD FASHIONED LOVE STORY THIS ONE IS FOR YOU!

Interesting to see a J.D. Salinger story brought to screen
For years, I have been a fan of Salinger's works. Primarily, this includes The Catcher in the Rye and Nine Stories. This film was an adaptation of his short story from the latter book: "Uncle Wiggly In Connecticut." The attempts at realism by star Susan Hayward is a little forward and SLIGHTLY unconvincing, yet you sure as heck have to give her some credit for trying in a difficult role. Dana Andrews is better as a more down-to-earth soldier. My favorite part of the film is the scoring however. Without the terrific musical composition, I would have rated this as only a two star flick. As Maltin said, it does help add to the movie's spice. Victor Young, the composer, is a man of great talent. You can catch his work "Stella by Starlight" in the excellent 1944 mystery-thriller The Uninvited. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Now perhaps the most beloved American film, It's a Wonderful Life was largely forgotten for years, due to a copyright quirk. Only in the late 1970s did it find its audience through repeated TV showings. Frank Capra's masterwork deserves its status as a feel-good communal event, but it is also one of the most fascinating films in the American cinema, a multilayered work of Dickensian density. George Bailey (played superbly by James Stewart) grows up in the small town of Bedford Falls, dreaming dreams of adventure and travel, but circumstances conspire to keep him enslaved to his home turf. Frustrated by his life, and haunted by an impending scandal, George prepares to commit suicide on Christmas Eve. A heavenly messenger (Henry Travers) arrives to show him a vision: what the world would have been like if George had never been born. The sequence is a vivid depiction of the American Dream gone bad, and probably the wildest thing Capra ever shot (the director's optimistic vision may have darkened during his experiences making military films in World War II). Capra's triumph is to acknowledge the difficulties and disappointments of life, while affirming--in the teary-eyed final reel--his cherished values of friendship and individual achievement. It's a Wonderful Life was not a big hit on its initial release, and it won no Oscars (Capra and Stewart were nominated); but it continues to weave a special magic. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (223)

Black & White Isn't "Too" Bland, Non?....
In fact, the black & white setting suits "It's A Wonderful Life" as perfectly as technocolor would have for this Frank Sinatra-esque cult classic. James Stewart has this "Rocky & Bugsy"-era voice and a vigourous demeanor & Donna Reed is just brung in to play the hard-to-get young girl and the reserved wife. My focus refused to stay entact while watching this movie, but the ideas I did withdraw from this movie is that George Bailey (James Stewart) is caught in the tangled web of a financial scandal... and on the brink of suicide. That is... until a cliched assigned guardian angel appears out of the sky and falls in the waters of Bedford Falls... to save George (ironically). Before this happens, George is on a bridge contemplating (supposedly) suicide (due partially to a busted-lip from a brute in Martini's bar whose wife George insulted on the phone, heh heh), and when he sees Clarence (the "quote on quote"... angel), he jumps in after him and retrieves him. Henceforth, George rebuffs the idea of an angel and wishes he was never born, and granted... he was never born. And boy, does he take the in-your-face gruff reality of having no identity for a sham, but to his shagrin... it's as serious as a heart attack. George is a non-existent would-have-been making a futile attempt to spark some remembrance in his lost friends & family. Predictably, George repents and returns to existance... with a little (or lot of) monetary help from the whole town for his business trouble (whose lives apparently were impacted greatly by him somehow). Upon the saccharine conclusion (where George, his wife, & kid are basking in the solace of christmas communion), my eyes almost started to well-spring... I haven't the faintest idea why (I'm only 17). A nice retrospective on the golden age of Christmas classics. Somebody please make "It's A Wonderful Life 2000."

It's a Wonderful Message!
Your life doesn't seem so wonderful? Suffering from depression? Then here's a pill to swallow: watch Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life". It's guaranteed to do you some good.

The screenplay of It's a Wonderful Life originated with a Christmas card short story called "The Greatest Gift" by Philip Van Doren Stern. It revolves around the life of George Bailey, an ordinary man who falls in love, gets married, has a family, and unselfishly works hard to support his family and local community. Deep down George has the itch to escape the chains of the small town atmosphere of Bedford Falls and the family business. He longs to travel the world in search of adventure, and has visions of constructing grand buildings. His dreams however are anchored by reality: He feels morally bound to honor his commitments to his family and the family business "Bailey Building and Loan". The first three quarters of the movie slowly builds up atmosphere, as we come to understand George Bailey's character and outlook on life.

It is only towards the very end that the moment of crisis comes: On the eve of Christmas, precisely as a bank inspector is on the scene, a huge sum of money is lost by the bank, and George's entire business is threatened. At this point the lengthy build-up bears rich fruits: as viewers we are now in a position to understand the incredible and painful frustration George feels. We share the hurt and disillusionment of this broken man as he snaps at his family and loved ones, and tears well up as his uncomprehending children pray desperately for their father. It is the slow build up that enables us to share his and their emotions of grief, sorrow, pain and frustration.

When George is at the end of his road, he selfishly considers suicide. At this point heaven answers the prayers of his family by sending a guardian angel second class (AS2) named Clarence to help George renew his perspective on life. When George in his depressed state is convinced that the world would have been better off without him, the angel offers him "a chance to see what the world would be like without you." His magical heavenly touch transforms the world to the place it would have been without George Bailey's touch, so that George can discover that "each man's life touches so many other lives."

The religious aspect is not convincing: Bailey receives divine aid even though he professes himself not to be a religious man, whereas the Bible portrays heavenly help as a gift for believers. The notion of a guardian angel as presented in the movie is especially weak, particularly because of the way it often functions for comic relief in a rather trite and disrespectful manner. Spiritual matters hardly receive the serious treatment they deserve. In the end, religion (represented by the guardian angel) functions more as a backdrop and literary device to examine a serious perspective on life. It's a flimsy and unconvincing backdrop, but the matters that the guardian angel as a literary device serves to reflect on are serious indeed. By being given the opportunity to imagine he had not existed, George Bailey is confronted with the value of life, even a hard and difficult life, and learns that every person can make a difference. As George reflects on all his blessings, and the impact he has been able to have on people's lives, he comes to the conviction "I want to live again." Clarence reinforces George's desire to live: "You see, George, you really had a wonderful life. Don't you think it's a mistake to throw it away?" Life is valuable particularly when it is used in selflessness (represented by Bailey) and not in selfishness (represented by Potter). When serving others instead of mammon, life is tremendously valuable, even though it may be hard.

Though religion is outwardly present in the form of the guardian angel, this affirmation of the value of human life has been stripped of any religious notions. And yet this self-reflection is itself a very religious one. It is too bad that the movie succumbs to the need to have a feel-good ending where George overcomes his troubles, because it results in a overly sentimental feel-good Christmas without the Christ-child. In that sense the movie falls short by not being sufficiently religious. The reality is that the lives of most viewers do not receive the magical solution that George receives, and that their troubles are ongoing - and only the gospel gives life a wonderful significance in the midst of ongoing troubles. By providing an overly sweet ending, the theme of "do good to others" is unchained from the gospel, and an opportunity was lost to convey a message even more profound.

But even so, the message conveyed is still profound and enduring: Life is wonderful, particularly when it is lived in selflessness for others. We might not all touch as many lives as George does, but we can all have a tremendous impact in the lives of others. Unlike so many contemporary movies, It's a Wonderful Life does not promote materialism, greed or immorality, but shows the joys and rewards of a simple and self-less life with family and friends. The concept is brilliant, and we are left to reflect for ourselves what the lives of our family and friends would be like without our touch. Not only does this movie provide enduring and powerful themes affirming the value of marriage, family and self-less human life, but it does so with warm humor and touching romance. Most importantly there is powerful emotion and lasting quality that has the capacity to renew your perspective on your own life. What more could you ask for? Few movies are worth watching more than once, but this is certainly one of them! You only live once, but watching this movie once or more might just improve that life you only have the opportunity to live once.

WAKE UP! This is a lousy movie!
This movie never won any awards. It was so bad that the studio could hardly give it away when they first puit it on tape, then they let it be colorized just so they could sell SOME copies of it, and suddenly the big war cry from the Hollywood liberals was -- "OOH! Save a classic black and white film!" Baloney! No one liked this movie when it was made. No one liked it the 1950s. No one liked it in the 1960s. No one liked it in the 1970s. No one liked it in the 1980s, then SUDDENLY! -- it's an American classic. NOT! It's Communist propaganda about the "evils" of American free enterprise from a guy who made a lot of pinko films but never thought HE should have to live like this "common man" he kept making pictures about.

Contemplating worth in Bedford falls...
"It's A Wonderful Life" is not just a Christmas classic, it's a bonafide American masterpiece of good-old-fashioned storytelling. Yeah, it's always a treat to sit around with your family and catch it on the tube the night Santa comes to town, but it's also a great movie to watch when you're feeling a little down on yourself. When George hits rock bottom, it's a pretty depressing sight to behold (thanks largely to a brilliantly subtle, yet intense, performance by Jimmy Stewart). But by the end of the film, when he finally feels like he's on top of the world, you'll understand why this film is the ultimate cinematic tear-jerker; evidence can be found in those salty drips emitting from YOUR eyes.

Indeed, a classic film. And a masterpiece. I wish real life was like Bedford Falls. HIGHLY recommended.

The Greatest Film of All Time?
How do you describe Frank Capra's style? I once called it like Orson Welles, only happy. Visually, these two film-makers were both fond of high-contrast photography and capturing emotions in the characters of their movies. But whereas Welles seemed to focus on all the terrible things that human beings can become, Capra focused on life lessons and the good that lies inside of all people.

While Capra created many masterpieces, this is probably his greatest. It's easy to see why. Rather than focusing on just one aspect of life, this film (like Citizen Kane) captures a person's whole life, with all it's ups and downs. Basically the story is a simple tale of David and Goliath relationship between the small businessman and the evil monopoly, and the internal struggle in a man between what he wants to do, and what he feels that he has to do.

Perhaps there is a bit of George Bailey in all of us. He's a perfectly normal person with perfectly normal dreams. He wants to see the world, build things, become important. But over and over again, in order to help (and in some cases save) others he is forced repeatedly to give up his dreams in order to do what he knows is right. Along the way he builds relationships with all sorts of people in the town where he is forced to spend his entire life. But was what he gave up really an unfair trade? Or did he actually attain a treasure far greater than he could ever imagine?

The emotional climax of the film at it's end (where everything comes full circle and we finally understand how George Bailey got to the point he was at in the film's beginning) has got to be one of the greatest performances in any film ever, and Jimmy Stewart's moment of moments (perhaps only rivaled by his breakdown at the end of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington). I recall the first time I saw this movie, and the huge emotional reaction I had at seeing a man who has done nothing but sacrifice all his life kicked when he's down (if you remember what happens immediately after he prays for help you'll know what I mean).

Ultimately, this movie changed my life. It taught me about the importance of friends, self-sacrifice, and living your life doing what you know it right. But even more than that, this movie is an absolute tour-de-force, and stands out in my mind as one of the greatest films ever made. ... Read more

Reviews (223)

Black & White Isn't "Too" Bland, Non?....
In fact, the black & white setting suits "It's A Wonderful Life" as perfectly as technocolor would have for this Frank Sinatra-esque cult classic. James Stewart has this "Rocky & Bugsy"-era voice and a vigourous demeanor & Donna Reed is just brung in to play the hard-to-get young girl and the reserved wife. My focus refused to stay entact while watching this movie, but the ideas I did withdraw from this movie is that George Bailey (James Stewart) is caught in the tangled web of a financial scandal... and on the brink of suicide. That is... until a cliched assigned guardian angel appears out of the sky and falls in the waters of Bedford Falls... to save George (ironically). Before this happens, George is on a bridge contemplating (supposedly) suicide (due partially to a busted-lip from a brute in Martini's bar whose wife George insulted on the phone, heh heh), and when he sees Clarence (the "quote on quote"... angel), he jumps in after him and retrieves him. Henceforth, George rebuffs the idea of an angel and wishes he was never born, and granted... he was never born. And boy, does he take the in-your-face gruff reality of having no identity for a sham, but to his shagrin... it's as serious as a heart attack. George is a non-existent would-have-been making a futile attempt to spark some remembrance in his lost friends & family. Predictably, George repents and returns to existance... with a little (or lot of) monetary help from the whole town for his business trouble (whose lives apparently were impacted greatly by him somehow). Upon the saccharine conclusion (where George, his wife, & kid are basking in the solace of christmas communion), my eyes almost started to well-spring... I haven't the faintest idea why (I'm only 17). A nice retrospective on the golden age of Christmas classics. Somebody please make "It's A Wonderful Life 2000."

It's a Wonderful Message!
Your life doesn't seem so wonderful? Suffering from depression? Then here's a pill to swallow: watch Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life". It's guaranteed to do you some good.

The screenplay of It's a Wonderful Life originated with a Christmas card short story called "The Greatest Gift" by Philip Van Doren Stern. It revolves around the life of George Bailey, an ordinary man who falls in love, gets married, has a family, and unselfishly works hard to support his family and local community. Deep down George has the itch to escape the chains of the small town atmosphere of Bedford Falls and the family business. He longs to travel the world in search of adventure, and has visions of constructing grand buildings. His dreams however are anchored by reality: He feels morally bound to honor his commitments to his family and the family business "Bailey Building and Loan". The first three quarters of the movie slowly builds up atmosphere, as we come to understand George Bailey's character and outlook on life.

It is only towards the very end that the moment of crisis comes: On the eve of Christmas, precisely as a bank inspector is on the scene, a huge sum of money is lost by the bank, and George's entire business is threatened. At this point the lengthy build-up bears rich fruits: as viewers we are now in a position to understand the incredible and painful frustration George feels. We share the hurt and disillusionment of this broken man as he snaps at his family and loved ones, and tears well up as his uncomprehending children pray desperately for their father. It is the slow build up that enables us to share his and their emotions of grief, sorrow, pain and frustration.

When George is at the end of his road, he selfishly considers suicide. At this point heaven answers the prayers of his family by sending a guardian angel second class (AS2) named Clarence to help George renew his perspective on life. When George in his depressed state is convinced that the world would have been better off without him, the angel offers him "a chance to see what the world would be like without you." His magical heavenly touch transforms the world to the place it would have been without George Bailey's touch, so that George can discover that "each man's life touches so many other lives."

The religious aspect is not convincing: Bailey receives divine aid even though he professes himself not to be a religious man, whereas the Bible portrays heavenly help as a gift for believers. The notion of a guardian angel as presented in the movie is especially weak, particularly because of the way it often functions for comic relief in a rather trite and disrespectful manner. Spiritual matters hardly receive the serious treatment they deserve. In the end, religion (represented by the guardian angel) functions more as a backdrop and literary device to examine a serious perspective on life. It's a flimsy and unconvincing backdrop, but the matters that the guardian angel as a literary device serves to reflect on are serious indeed. By being given the opportunity to imagine he had not existed, George Bailey is confronted with the value of life, even a hard and difficult life, and learns that every person can make a difference. As George reflects on all his blessings, and the impact he has been able to have on people's lives, he comes to the conviction "I want to live again." Clarence reinforces George's desire to live: "You see, George, you really had a wonderful life. Don't you think it's a mistake to throw it away?" Life is valuable particularly when it is used in selflessness (represented by Bailey) and not in selfishness (represented by Potter). When serving others instead of mammon, life is tremendously valuable, even though it may be hard.

Though religion is outwardly present in the form of the guardian angel, this affirmation of the value of human life has been stripped of any religious notions. And yet this self-reflection is itself a very religious one. It is too bad that the movie succumbs to the need to have a feel-good ending where George overcomes his troubles, because it results in a overly sentimental feel-good Christmas without the Christ-child. In that sense the movie falls short by not being sufficiently religious. The reality is that the lives of most viewers do not receive the magical solution that George receives, and that their troubles are ongoing - and only the gospel gives life a wonderful significance in the midst of ongoing troubles. By providing an overly sweet ending, the theme of "do good to others" is unchained from the gospel, and an opportunity was lost to convey a message even more profound.

But even so, the message conveyed is still profound and enduring: Life is wonderful, particularly when it is lived in selflessness for others. We might not all touch as many lives as George does, but we can all have a tremendous impact in the lives of others. Unlike so many contemporary movies, It's a Wonderful Life does not promote materialism, greed or immorality, but shows the joys and rewards of a simple and self-less life with family and friends. The concept is brilliant, and we are left to reflect for ourselves what the lives of our family and friends would be like without our touch. Not only does this movie provide enduring and powerful themes affirming the value of marriage, family and self-less human life, but it does so with warm humor and touching romance. Most importantly there is powerful emotion and lasting quality that has the capacity to renew your perspective on your own life. What more could you ask for? Few movies are worth watching more than once, but this is certainly one of them! You only live once, but watching this movie once or more might just improve that life you only have the opportunity to live once.

WAKE UP! This is a lousy movie!
This movie never won any awards. It was so bad that the studio could hardly give it away when they first puit it on tape, then they let it be colorized just so they could sell SOME copies of it, and suddenly the big war cry from the Hollywood liberals was -- "OOH! Save a classic black and white film!" Baloney! No one liked this movie when it was made. No one liked it the 1950s. No one liked it in the 1960s. No one liked it in the 1970s. No one liked it in the 1980s, then SUDDENLY! -- it's an American classic. NOT! It's Communist propaganda about the "evils" of American free enterprise from a guy who made a lot of pinko films but never thought HE should have to live like this "common man" he kept making pictures about.

Contemplating worth in Bedford falls...
"It's A Wonderful Life" is not just a Christmas classic, it's a bonafide American masterpiece of good-old-fashioned storytelling. Yeah, it's always a treat to sit around with your family and catch it on the tube the night Santa comes to town, but it's also a great movie to watch when you're feeling a little down on yourself. When George hits rock bottom, it's a pretty depressing sight to behold (thanks largely to a brilliantly subtle, yet intense, performance by Jimmy Stewart). But by the end of the film, when he finally feels like he's on top of the world, you'll understand why this film is the ultimate cinematic tear-jerker; evidence can be found in those salty drips emitting from YOUR eyes.

Indeed, a classic film. And a masterpiece. I wish real life was like Bedford Falls. HIGHLY recommended.

The Greatest Film of All Time?
How do you describe Frank Capra's style? I once called it like Orson Welles, only happy. Visually, these two film-makers were both fond of high-contrast photography and capturing emotions in the characters of their movies. But whereas Welles seemed to focus on all the terrible things that human beings can become, Capra focused on life lessons and the good that lies inside of all people.

While Capra created many masterpieces, this is probably his greatest. It's easy to see why. Rather than focusing on just one aspect of life, this film (like Citizen Kane) captures a person's whole life, with all it's ups and downs. Basically the story is a simple tale of David and Goliath relationship between the small businessman and the evil monopoly, and the internal struggle in a man between what he wants to do, and what he feels that he has to do.

Perhaps there is a bit of George Bailey in all of us. He's a perfectly normal person with perfectly normal dreams. He wants to see the world, build things, become important. But over and over again, in order to help (and in some cases save) others he is forced repeatedly to give up his dreams in order to do what he knows is right. Along the way he builds relationships with all sorts of people in the town where he is forced to spend his entire life. But was what he gave up really an unfair trade? Or did he actually attain a treasure far greater than he could ever imagine?

The emotional climax of the film at it's end (where everything comes full circle and we finally understand how George Bailey got to the point he was at in the film's beginning) has got to be one of the greatest performances in any film ever, and Jimmy Stewart's moment of moments (perhaps only rivaled by his breakdown at the end of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington). I recall the first time I saw this movie, and the huge emotional reaction I had at seeing a man who has done nothing but sacrifice all his life kicked when he's down (if you remember what happens immediately after he prays for help you'll know what I mean).

Ultimately, this movie changed my life. It taught me about the importance of friends, self-sacrifice, and living your life doing what you know it right. But even more than that, this movie is an absolute tour-de-force, and stands out in my mind as one of the greatest films ever made. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent combat photography, courtesy of the U.S. Navy

As fiction, this is third rate. Sterling Hayden made his usual fairly flat performance, which suited the part of a Navy fighter squadron commander. His permanent scowl--or perhaps sneer--suited the role of the tough, battle-hardened flying ace trying to whip a new, untested squadron into an effective fighting force with tough love and good tactics. Richard Carlson, as his executive officer, was effective as the second-in-command who was too buddy buddy with the pilots, and thus often lost sight of the real mission: to kill Japs and win the war.

The plot is as old as fiction, and the movie is obviously low budget.

A great deal of the splendid photography came from the excellent World War II documentary film, "The Fighting Lady" (not to be confused with the Van Johnson fiction movie, "Men of the Fighting Lady"), which was filmed during actual combat on the Aircraft Carrier Enterprise--the original "Big E"--whose combat record was very impressive. The shots of carrier deck action, landings, wing camera shots of enemies being shot down and ground installations being bombarded and strafed were beautiful and dramatic, and recorded actual combat with real people being killed.

The movie would certainly rate five stars, were it simply based on the photography of the action. But...

But, the problems that made it a source of derision, for me at least, were the ludicrous consequences of trying to patch together a film composed of file footage from other sources. For example, a squadron is landing F4U Corsairs aboard the flattop, (reputedly the U.S.S. Princeton, although much of the footage was actually of the U.S.S. Enterprise, which I recognized) when one member of the very same squadron made a rough landing in an AD; an Korean War era aircraft which was not even in service during the 1944 period to which the movie reputedly referred.

Or, the squadron commander was flying along in his F4U, while clearly visible though the mock-up cockpit was his squadron--flying stock footage of F6F Grumman "Hellcats." Or when the squadron, which is referred to as the "Rosebuds" (the Navy used designations like VF-13, rather than names), is attacking a ground target in Corsairs, an excellent fighter with inverted gull wings, when suddenly, for no discernible reason, one or more of them are transformed by editing and splicing in the excellent documentary footage into an SB2C Curtis "Helldiver" dive bomber. Or when they are supposedly taking off in the pre-dawn darkness, the unmistakable flaps of an SBD Douglas "Dauntless" dive bomber are shown belching exhaust on takeoff.

Other faults abound: Navy pilots bunking in tiers of bunks in a large room, rather than two or three man staterooms, or ready rooms always shown bathed in red light, even when night flying was not the next action (red light was used to protect night vision.)

The movie was ruined for me, so far as the story was concerned, by such faux pas. It is almost as bad as the stock Pearl Harbor attack photos which replay over and over, in which the supposed Japanese attackers are shown flying the revered SBD Dauntlesses. Whoever made the first sequence of that footage should be shot for that particular mis-characterization of a famous old airplane.

But the movie is worth the price for the photography alone. Forget the story, or laugh derisively along with me.

Joe Pierre, USN (Ret)

... Read more

Reviews (223)

Black & White Isn't "Too" Bland, Non?....
In fact, the black & white setting suits "It's A Wonderful Life" as perfectly as technocolor would have for this Frank Sinatra-esque cult classic. James Stewart has this "Rocky & Bugsy"-era voice and a vigourous demeanor & Donna Reed is just brung in to play the hard-to-get young girl and the reserved wife. My focus refused to stay entact while watching this movie, but the ideas I did withdraw from this movie is that George Bailey (James Stewart) is caught in the tangled web of a financial scandal... and on the brink of suicide. That is... until a cliched assigned guardian angel appears out of the sky and falls in the waters of Bedford Falls... to save George (ironically). Before this happens, George is on a bridge contemplating (supposedly) suicide (due partially to a busted-lip from a brute in Martini's bar whose wife George insulted on the phone, heh heh), and when he sees Clarence (the "quote on quote"... angel), he jumps in after him and retrieves him. Henceforth, George rebuffs the idea of an angel and wishes he was never born, and granted... he was never born. And boy, does he take the in-your-face gruff reality of having no identity for a sham, but to his shagrin... it's as serious as a heart attack. George is a non-existent would-have-been making a futile attempt to spark some remembrance in his lost friends & family. Predictably, George repents and returns to existance... with a little (or lot of) monetary help from the whole town for his business trouble (whose lives apparently were impacted greatly by him somehow). Upon the saccharine conclusion (where George, his wife, & kid are basking in the solace of christmas communion), my eyes almost started to well-spring... I haven't the faintest idea why (I'm only 17). A nice retrospective on the golden age of Christmas classics. Somebody please make "It's A Wonderful Life 2000."

It's a Wonderful Message!
Your life doesn't seem so wonderful? Suffering from depression? Then here's a pill to swallow: watch Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life". It's guaranteed to do you some good.

The screenplay of It's a Wonderful Life originated with a Christmas card short story called "The Greatest Gift" by Philip Van Doren Stern. It revolves around the life of George Bailey, an ordinary man who falls in love, gets married, has a family, and unselfishly works hard to support his family and local community. Deep down George has the itch to escape the chains of the small town atmosphere of Bedford Falls and the family business. He longs to travel the world in search of adventure, and has visions of constructing grand buildings. His dreams however are anchored by reality: He feels morally bound to honor his commitments to his family and the family business "Bailey Building and Loan". The first three quarters of the movie slowly builds up atmosphere, as we come to understand George Bailey's character and outlook on life.

It is only towards the very end that the moment of crisis comes: On the eve of Christmas, precisely as a bank inspector is on the scene, a huge sum of money is lost by the bank, and George's entire business is threatened. At this point the lengthy build-up bears rich fruits: as viewers we are now in a position to understand the incredible and painful frustration George feels. We share the hurt and disillusionment of this broken man as he snaps at his family and loved ones, and tears well up as his uncomprehending children pray desperately for their father. It is the slow build up that enables us to share his and their emotions of grief, sorrow, pain and frustration.

When George is at the end of his road, he selfishly considers suicide. At this point heaven answers the prayers of his family by sending a guardian angel second class (AS2) named Clarence to help George renew his perspective on life. When George in his depressed state is convinced that the world would have been better off without him, the angel offers him "a chance to see what the world would be like without you." His magical heavenly touch transforms the world to the place it would have been without George Bailey's touch, so that George can discover that "each man's life touches so many other lives."

The religious aspect is not convincing: Bailey receives divine aid even though he professes himself not to be a religious man, whereas the Bible portrays heavenly help as a gift for believers. The notion of a guardian angel as presented in the movie is especially weak, particularly because of the way it often functions for comic relief in a rather trite and disrespectful manner. Spiritual matters hardly receive the serious treatment they deserve. In the end, religion (represented by the guardian angel) functions more as a backdrop and literary device to examine a serious perspective on life. It's a flimsy and unconvincing backdrop, but the matters that the guardian angel as a literary device serves to reflect on are serious indeed. By being given the opportunity to imagine he had not existed, George Bailey is confronted with the value of life, even a hard and difficult life, and learns that every person can make a difference. As George reflects on all his blessings, and the impact he has been able to have on people's lives, he comes to the conviction "I want to live again." Clarence reinforces George's desire to live: "You see, George, you really had a wonderful life. Don't you think it's a mistake to throw it away?" Life is valuable particularly when it is used in selflessness (represented by Bailey) and not in selfishness (represented by Potter). When serving others instead of mammon, life is tremendously valuable, even though it may be hard.

Though religion is outwardly present in the form of the guardian angel, this affirmation of the value of human life has been stripped of any religious notions. And yet this self-reflection is itself a very religious one. It is too bad that the movie succumbs to the need to have a feel-good ending where George overcomes his troubles, because it results in a overly sentimental feel-good Christmas without the Christ-child. In that sense the movie falls short by not being sufficiently religious. The reality is that the lives of most viewers do not receive the magical solution that George receives, and that their troubles are ongoing - and only the gospel gives life a wonderful significance in the midst of ongoing troubles. By providing an overly sweet ending, the theme of "do good to others" is unchained from the gospel, and an opportunity was lost to convey a message even more profound.

But even so, the message conveyed is still profound and enduring: Life is wonderful, particularly when it is lived in selflessness for others. We might not all touch as many lives as George does, but we can all have a tremendous impact in the lives of others. Unlike so many contemporary movies, It's a Wonderful Life does not promote materialism, greed or immorality, but shows the joys and rewards of a simple and self-less life with family and friends. The concept is brilliant, and we are left to reflect for ourselves what the lives of our family and friends would be like without our touch. Not only does this movie provide enduring and powerful themes affirming the value of marriage, family and self-less human life, but it does so with warm humor and touching romance. Most importantly there is powerful emotion and lasting quality that has the capacity to renew your perspective on your own life. What more could you ask for? Few movies are worth watching more than once, but this is certainly one of them! You only live once, but watching this movie once or more might just improve that life you only have the opportunity to live once.

WAKE UP! This is a lousy movie!
This movie never won any awards. It was so bad that the studio could hardly give it away when they first puit it on tape, then they let it be colorized just so they could sell SOME copies of it, and suddenly the big war cry from the Hollywood liberals was -- "OOH! Save a classic black and white film!" Baloney! No one liked this movie when it was made. No one liked it the 1950s. No one liked it in the 1960s. No one liked it in the 1970s. No one liked it in the 1980s, then SUDDENLY! -- it's an American classic. NOT! It's Communist propaganda about the "evils" of American free enterprise from a guy who made a lot of pinko films but never thought HE should have to live like this "common man" he kept making pictures about.

Contemplating worth in Bedford falls...
"It's A Wonderful Life" is not just a Christmas classic, it's a bonafide American masterpiece of good-old-fashioned storytelling. Yeah, it's always a treat to sit around with your family and catch it on the tube the night Santa comes to town, but it's also a great movie to watch when you're feeling a little down on yourself. When George hits rock bottom, it's a pretty depressing sight to behold (thanks largely to a brilliantly subtle, yet intense, performance by Jimmy Stewart). But by the end of the film, when he finally feels like he's on top of the world, you'll understand why this film is the ultimate cinematic tear-jerker; evidence can be found in those salty drips emitting from YOUR eyes.

Indeed, a classic film. And a masterpiece. I wish real life was like Bedford Falls. HIGHLY recommended.

The Greatest Film of All Time?
How do you describe Frank Capra's style? I once called it like Orson Welles, only happy. Visually, these two film-makers were both fond of high-contrast photography and capturing emotions in the characters of their movies. But whereas Welles seemed to focus on all the terrible things that human beings can become, Capra focused on life lessons and the good that lies inside of all people.

While Capra created many masterpieces, this is probably his greatest. It's easy to see why. Rather than focusing on just one aspect of life, this film (like Citizen Kane) captures a person's whole life, with all it's ups and downs. Basically the story is a simple tale of David and Goliath relationship between the small businessman and the evil monopoly, and the internal struggle in a man between what he wants to do, and what he feels that he has to do.

Perhaps there is a bit of George Bailey in all of us. He's a perfectly normal person with perfectly normal dreams. He wants to see the world, build things, become important. But over and over again, in order to help (and in some cases save) others he is forced repeatedly to give up his dreams in order to do what he knows is right. Along the way he builds relationships with all sorts of people in the town where he is forced to spend his entire life. But was what he gave up really an unfair trade? Or did he actually attain a treasure far greater than he could ever imagine?

The emotional climax of the film at it's end (where everything comes full circle and we finally understand how George Bailey got to the point he was at in the film's beginning) has got to be one of the greatest performances in any film ever, and Jimmy Stewart's moment of moments (perhaps only rivaled by his breakdown at the end of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington). I recall the first time I saw this movie, and the huge emotional reaction I had at seeing a man who has done nothing but sacrifice all his life kicked when he's down (if you remember what happens immediately after he prays for help you'll know what I mean).

Ultimately, this movie changed my life. It taught me about the importance of friends, self-sacrifice, and living your life doing what you know it right. But even more than that, this movie is an absolute tour-de-force, and stands out in my mind as one of the greatest films ever made. ... Read more

Reviews (223)

Black & White Isn't "Too" Bland, Non?....
In fact, the black & white setting suits "It's A Wonderful Life" as perfectly as technocolor would have for this Frank Sinatra-esque cult classic. James Stewart has this "Rocky & Bugsy"-era voice and a vigourous demeanor & Donna Reed is just brung in to play the hard-to-get young girl and the reserved wife. My focus refused to stay entact while watching this movie, but the ideas I did withdraw from this movie is that George Bailey (James Stewart) is caught in the tangled web of a financial scandal... and on the brink of suicide. That is... until a cliched assigned guardian angel appears out of the sky and falls in the waters of Bedford Falls... to save George (ironically). Before this happens, George is on a bridge contemplating (supposedly) suicide (due partially to a busted-lip from a brute in Martini's bar whose wife George insulted on the phone, heh heh), and when he sees Clarence (the "quote on quote"... angel), he jumps in after him and retrieves him. Henceforth, George rebuffs the idea of an angel and wishes he was never born, and granted... he was never born. And boy, does he take the in-your-face gruff reality of having no identity for a sham, but to his shagrin... it's as serious as a heart attack. George is a non-existent would-have-been making a futile attempt to spark some remembrance in his lost friends & family. Predictably, George repents and returns to existance... with a little (or lot of) monetary help from the whole town for his business trouble (whose lives apparently were impacted greatly by him somehow). Upon the saccharine conclusion (where George, his wife, & kid are basking in the solace of christmas communion), my eyes almost started to well-spring... I haven't the faintest idea why (I'm only 17). A nice retrospective on the golden age of Christmas classics. Somebody please make "It's A Wonderful Life 2000."

It's a Wonderful Message!
Your life doesn't seem so wonderful? Suffering from depression? Then here's a pill to swallow: watch Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life". It's guaranteed to do you some good.

The screenplay of It's a Wonderful Life originated with a Christmas card short story called "The Greatest Gift" by Philip Van Doren Stern. It revolves around the life of George Bailey, an ordinary man who falls in love, gets married, has a family, and unselfishly works hard to support his family and local community. Deep down George has the itch to escape the chains of the small town atmosphere of Bedford Falls and the family business. He longs to travel the world in search of adventure, and has visions of constructing grand buildings. His dreams however are anchored by reality: He feels morally bound to honor his commitments to his family and the family business "Bailey Building and Loan". The first three quarters of the movie slowly builds up atmosphere, as we come to understand George Bailey's character and outlook on life.

It is only towards the very end that the moment of crisis comes: On the eve of Christmas, precisely as a bank inspector is on the scene, a huge sum of money is lost by the bank, and George's entire business is threatened. At this point the lengthy build-up bears rich fruits: as viewers we are now in a position to understand the incredible and painful frustration George feels. We share the hurt and disillusionment of this broken man as he snaps at his family and loved ones, and tears well up as his uncomprehending children pray desperately for their father. It is the slow build up that enables us to share his and their emotions of grief, sorrow, pain and frustration.

When George is at the end of his road, he selfishly considers suicide. At this point heaven answers the prayers of his family by sending a guardian angel second class (AS2) named Clarence to help George renew his perspective on life. When George in his depressed state is convinced that the world would have been better off without him, the angel offers him "a chance to see what the world would be like without you." His magical heavenly touch transforms the world to the place it would have been without George Bailey's touch, so that George can discover that "each man's life touches so many other lives."

The religious aspect is not convincing: Bailey receives divine aid even though he professes himself not to be a religious man, whereas the Bible portrays heavenly help as a gift for believers. The notion of a guardian angel as presented in the movie is especially weak, particularly because of the way it often functions for comic relief in a rather trite and disrespectful manner. Spiritual matters hardly receive the serious treatment they deserve. In the end, religion (represented by the guardian angel) functions more as a backdrop and literary device to examine a serious perspective on life. It's a flimsy and unconvincing backdrop, but the matters that the guardian angel as a literary device serves to reflect on are serious indeed. By being given the opportunity to imagine he had not existed, George Bailey is confronted with the value of life, even a hard and difficult life, and learns that every person can make a difference. As George reflects on all his blessings, and the impact he has been able to have on people's lives, he comes to the conviction "I want to live again." Clarence reinforces George's desire to live: "You see, George, you really had a wonderful life. Don't you think it's a mistake to throw it away?" Life is valuable particularly when it is used in selflessness (represented by Bailey) and not in selfishness (represented by Potter). When serving others instead of mammon, life is tremendously valuable, even though it may be hard.

Though religion is outwardly present in the form of the guardian angel, this affirmation of the value of human life has been stripped of any religious notions. And yet this self-reflection is itself a very religious one. It is too bad that the movie succumbs to the need to have a feel-good ending where George overcomes his troubles, because it results in a overly sentimental feel-good Christmas without the Christ-child. In that sense the movie falls short by not being sufficiently religious. The reality is that the lives of most viewers do not receive the magical solution that George receives, and that their troubles are ongoing - and only the gospel gives life a wonderful significance in the midst of ongoing troubles. By providing an overly sweet ending, the theme of "do good to others" is unchained from the gospel, and an opportunity was lost to convey a message even more profound.

But even so, the message conveyed is still profound and enduring: Life is wonderful, particularly when it is lived in selflessness for others. We might not all touch as many lives as George does, but we can all have a tremendous impact in the lives of others. Unlike so many contemporary movies, It's a Wonderful Life does not promote materialism, greed or immorality, but shows the joys and rewards of a simple and self-less life with family and friends. The concept is brilliant, and we are left to reflect for ourselves what the lives of our family and friends would be like without our touch. Not only does this movie provide enduring and powerful themes affirming the value of marriage, family and self-less human life, but it does so with warm humor and touching romance. Most importantly there is powerful emotion and lasting quality that has the capacity to renew your perspective on your own life. What more could you ask for? Few movies are worth watching more than once, but this is certainly one of them! You only live once, but watching this movie once or more might just improve that life you only have the opportunity to live once.

WAKE UP! This is a lousy movie!
This movie never won any awards. It was so bad that the studio could hardly give it away when they first puit it on tape, then they let it be colorized just so they could sell SOME copies of it, and suddenly the big war cry from the Hollywood liberals was -- "OOH! Save a classic black and white film!" Baloney! No one liked this movie when it was made. No one liked it the 1950s. No one liked it in the 1960s. No one liked it in the 1970s. No one liked it in the 1980s, then SUDDENLY! -- it's an American classic. NOT! It's Communist propaganda about the "evils" of American free enterprise from a guy who made a lot of pinko films but never thought HE should have to live like this "common man" he kept making pictures about.

Contemplating worth in Bedford falls...
"It's A Wonderful Life" is not just a Christmas classic, it's a bonafide American masterpiece of good-old-fashioned storytelling. Yeah, it's always a treat to sit around with your family and catch it on the tube the night Santa comes to town, but it's also a great movie to watch when you're feeling a little down on yourself. When George hits rock bottom, it's a pretty depressing sight to behold (thanks largely to a brilliantly subtle, yet intense, performance by Jimmy Stewart). But by the end of the film, when he finally feels like he's on top of the world, you'll understand why this film is the ultimate cinematic tear-jerker; evidence can be found in those salty drips emitting from YOUR eyes.

Indeed, a classic film. And a masterpiece. I wish real life was like Bedford Falls. HIGHLY recommended.

The Greatest Film of All Time?
How do you describe Frank Capra's style? I once called it like Orson Welles, only happy. Visually, these two film-makers were both fond of high-contrast photography and capturing emotions in the characters of their movies. But whereas Welles seemed to focus on all the terrible things that human beings can become, Capra focused on life lessons and the good that lies inside of all people.

While Capra created many masterpieces, this is probably his greatest. It's easy to see why. Rather than focusing on just one aspect of life, this film (like Citizen Kane) captures a person's whole life, with all it's ups and downs. Basically the story is a simple tale of David and Goliath relationship between the small businessman and the evil monopoly, and the internal struggle in a man between what he wants to do, and what he feels that he has to do.

Perhaps there is a bit of George Bailey in all of us. He's a perfectly normal person with perfectly normal dreams. He wants to see the world, build things, become important. But over and over again, in order to help (and in some cases save) others he is forced repeatedly to give up his dreams in order to do what he knows is right. Along the way he builds relationships with all sorts of people in the town where he is forced to spend his entire life. But was what he gave up really an unfair trade? Or did he actually attain a treasure far greater than he could ever imagine?

The emotional climax of the film at it's end (where everything comes full circle and we finally understand how George Bailey got to the point he was at in the film's beginning) has got to be one of the greatest performances in any film ever, and Jimmy Stewart's moment of moments (perhaps only rivaled by his breakdown at the end of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington). I recall the first time I saw this movie, and the huge emotional reaction I had at seeing a man who has done nothing but sacrifice all his life kicked when he's down (if you remember what happens immediately after he prays for help you'll know what I mean).

Ultimately, this movie changed my life. It taught me about the importance of friends, self-sacrifice, and living your life doing what you know it right. But even more than that, this movie is an absolute tour-de-force, and stands out in my mind as one of the greatest films ever made. ... Read more

Reviews (223)

Black & White Isn't "Too" Bland, Non?....
In fact, the black & white setting suits "It's A Wonderful Life" as perfectly as technocolor would have for this Frank Sinatra-esque cult classic. James Stewart has this "Rocky & Bugsy"-era voice and a vigourous demeanor & Donna Reed is just brung in to play the hard-to-get young girl and the reserved wife. My focus refused to stay entact while watching this movie, but the ideas I did withdraw from this movie is that George Bailey (James Stewart) is caught in the tangled web of a financial scandal... and on the brink of suicide. That is... until a cliched assigned guardian angel appears out of the sky and falls in the waters of Bedford Falls... to save George (ironically). Before this happens, George is on a bridge contemplating (supposedly) suicide (due partially to a busted-lip from a brute in Martini's bar whose wife George insulted on the phone, heh heh), and when he sees Clarence (the "quote on quote"... angel), he jumps in after him and retrieves him. Henceforth, George rebuffs the idea of an angel and wishes he was never born, and granted... he was never born. And boy, does he take the in-your-face gruff reality of having no identity for a sham, but to his shagrin... it's as serious as a heart attack. George is a non-existent would-have-been making a futile attempt to spark some remembrance in his lost friends & family. Predictably, George repents and returns to existance... with a little (or lot of) monetary help from the whole town for his business trouble (whose lives apparently were impacted greatly by him somehow). Upon the saccharine conclusion (where George, his wife, & kid are basking in the solace of christmas communion), my eyes almost started to well-spring... I haven't the faintest idea why (I'm only 17). A nice retrospective on the golden age of Christmas classics. Somebody please make "It's A Wonderful Life 2000."

It's a Wonderful Message!
Your life doesn't seem so wonderful? Suffering from depression? Then here's a pill to swallow: watch Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life". It's guaranteed to do you some good.

The screenplay of It's a Wonderful Life originated with a Christmas card short story called "The Greatest Gift" by Philip Van Doren Stern. It revolves around the life of George Bailey, an ordinary man who falls in love, gets married, has a family, and unselfishly works hard to support his family and local community. Deep down George has the itch to escape the chains of the small town atmosphere of Bedford Falls and the family business. He longs to travel the world in search of adventure, and has visions of constructing grand buildings. His dreams however are anchored by reality: He feels morally bound to honor his commitments to his family and the family business "Bailey Building and Loan". The first three quarters of the movie slowly builds up atmosphere, as we come to understand George Bailey'