The film was based on a self-published story by Philip Van Doren Stern called “The Greatest Gift.” It received a mixed critical reception when it first opened, and financially it wasn’t much of a success. Director Frank Capra had done service in World War II, and “It’s A Wonderful Life” was a commemoration of the ordinary citizens of America who had made sacrifices for the greater good of our country. What a difference they make in our everyday lives. There are so many exceptional people out there who do not know how exceptional they’ve been – who haven’t been thanked by us. This whole 2020 I’ve been thinking about all the George Baileys out there – from the courageous workers at the front lines keeping us safe – to the employees at the supermarket who have been keeping our shelves stocked. His heroism comes from his deep sense of duty to his family and his community.
Bailey stays at home – guaranteeing that the town thrives. I got out of my hometown and pursued my dreams. Keep in mind that my life trajectory had been the opposite of Bailey. A few scenes later, George will declare to his future wife, “What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down.” Don’t you wish we could be in Bedford Falls right now?įor many years, a jaded side of me made me not appreciate this film. We – as the rest of the attendees – know they’re about to fall – and the camera does a close up of their smiling faces – making the best of what they have in the face of uncertainty. Doing the Charleston, George and Mary keep nearing the edge – the precipice – almost falling into the water. Unbeknown to them, pranksters have turned the key and the gymnasium floor starts to divide – exposing the pool below. The scene that provoked the most emotional reaction from me was watching George and Mary dancing at the graduation party at the high school.
“Each man’s life touches so many other lives, and when he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” It feels like this entire year we have been living in “Pottersville.” In particular, the alternate universe to which George Bailey is sent by the Angel Clarence so he understands what life would be without him having been in it. The heartbreak that has been 2020 lingered in my thoughts as I watched this beloved holiday classic. I hadn’t sat through Frank Capra’s “It’s A Wonderful Life” (1946) for a very long time until a few days ago, and not surprisingly it floored me. George Bailey: “Now we can get through this thing alright, we’ve got to stick together though.
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