content rating:

Not Rated

author's note:

suitable for all ages

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It's a Wonderful Life

Movie Facts

Release Year:

1946

Runtime:

70 minutes

Cast:

James Stewart

Donna Reed

Lionel Barrymore

Thomas Mitchell

Director:

Frank Capra

Producer:

Frank Capra

Basic Plot

George Bailey has lived the life of every man.  Like most, he has seen many dreams come and go with the whimsy of the fates.  After many years of financial struggle, all seems right with the world...but not so fast George Bailey.  When his Uncle Billy misplaces an $8,000.00 bank deposit, George's reputation is threatened with the penalty of prison.  He stands as a devastated man at the edge of a bridge and stares into the icy waters below.  Believing he is worth more dead than alive, he dives in only to be rescued by a wingless angel, Clarence.  George tells the angel "It would have been better if I'd never been born", so Clarence grants his wish and then shows him the impact his absence would have made on the people in his life and Bedford Falls. 

Review

What can we say about a film that has become a permanent part of the American Christmas tradition?  One of us loves watching this tribute to every struggling man (and woman) who's ever felt their ho-hum life is insignificant and meaningless to the world.  One of us finds it too sappy.  But both agree it frames our personal belief that everyone is on this Earth for a reason, whether it is to take action, to inspire or to cut a new path.  George Bailey is the proverbial good man who does what needs to be done even if it means one more of his dreams dissolves into thin air.  His commitment to his family and friends is a virtue that was the rule instead of the exception in the 1940"s.  With all of the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and activities, "It's a Wonderful Life" reminds us of what we should prize during our most precious holiday. 

Overall rating

   (out of a possible 5 bubble lights)