It’s a Wonderful Life is a Christmas fantasy drama starring Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, a disillusioned family and businessman, who on Christmas Eve 1945, considers taking his own life after $8,000 of his company’s money goes missing (just over $140,000 today). Directed and produced by Frank Capra, the 1946 film is considered not only a Christmas classic but one of the all time greats, and I would have to agree.
We begin with George’s guardian angel Clarence who is sent to attempt to save his life after a series of prayers made about George by the people around him, and through this we see the events that have led George to where he is now. We see him as a child saving his brother’s life, preventing his boss Mr Gower from accidentally poisoning one of his customers, a dance between him and his future wife Mary, and the circumstances that mean George can never become an explorer like he always dreamed of, resigned to remain in Bedford Falls after his father’s death. We also meet Mr Potter several times who serves as the film’s antagonist who continually attempts to grind George down in order for his bank to take control of the town.
Capra’s ability to build this world and demonstrate how, unlike the Dickens character George is loosely based upon, is a fundamentally good and selfless man who has been worn down slowly by his circumstances, is nothing short of spectacular. When George’s wish gets granted and he sees the world as if he never existed, we see that without George the difference is staggering, the clever culmination of what we have seen in the last 90 minutes.
Stewart’s portrayal of George from a young and hopeful man, into a despondent business man, into a man blessed with a second chance at life, is a wonderful demonstration of his capabilities and why he is held in such high regard to this day. Donna Reed as Mary, George’s wife is a gorgeous portrayal too, and the love she has for him emanates through the screen. Samuel S. Hinds has as Pa Bailey, although he only has a few scenes, too are an incredible display of his craft.
It is a story about the human spirit and the power of community, and how life can be a never-ending journey between joy and sadness, but that ultimately we are lucky to be afforded to have a seat on its rollercoaster.
“Remember, no man is a failure who has friends.”
5/5
Image Credits – The Movie DB
