It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

 It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

One of the best things to happen with It’s A Wonderful Life is to fall out of copyright protection and enter the public domain. That meant any television studio could take the movie and play it essentially for free. It also was a bad thing because of the colorization process which took the film’s magic away and was something director Frank Capra and star James Stewart opposed vehemently. At least I never lose that magic because I refuse to watch the adventures of George Bailey in color. But because the film was in public domain for nearly two decades, a forgotten film became popular. Popular enough where it became an annual Christmas tradition for many families. It was surprising to learn the film received mixed to negative reviews upon release. Today’s general consensus has the picture as a sentimental, sweet-hearted film that delivers an important lesson or two…a sentiment I can certainly agree with. Think A Christmas Carol but in reverse. Even a grown man like myself can grow weepy to the contents of Capra’s movie. Every…single…year.

Capra did not set out to make this movie a Christmas flick. He was the golden boy in the director’s circle during the 1930’s with his social parables It Happened One Night and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington among others. He then went to serve in the war and was looking for a film upon return. He liked the film’s themes as he felt it was appropriate for a time where people grieved lost ones from the war and atheism was becoming more popular, hence the spiritual tone. The story itself has been around for quite some time, and it has a local connection for me. People believe Bedford Falls took inspiration from Seneca Falls, New York. There is no proof of inspiration. Philip Van Doren Stern, who wrote the original story The Greatest Gift in 1939, always had Califon, New Jersey in mind. The bridge where Bailey contemplates suicide is eerily similar to the bridge in Califon. That town is only ten miles from where I grew up, so there is a connection I felt as it added to the magic.

George Bailey (James Stewart) always gave his life to the people of Bedford Falls. He has always wanted to travel, but never could in order to protect his loan business and his community from the conniving hands of the evil Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore). On Christmas Eve, George’s Uncle Billy (Thomas Mitchell) accidentally misplaced a $8,000 deposit on his way to the bank. That means George is held responsible and will be blamed for the company’s collapse and subsequent jail sentence. He feels like his wife (first role from Donna Reed), his children, and the town will be better off with him out of the picture. He goes to the bridge to end his life. Clarence (Henry Travers), a guardian angel trying to earn his wings, is sent down to help this poor man. He takes George on a trip to see what life would be like if he truly did not exist.

James Stewart and Frank Capra previously collaborated on the political satire Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. They reunite for this inspirational drama. Stewart does occasionally go over-the-top but once Clarence comes into his play, I became more invested with his character. Stewart ends up doing an amazing job. Lionel Barrymore with his Scrooge mindset is excellent. Side note. How does his character get past the censors as he got away with robbery. Found that interesting. Donna Reed, in her first silver screen performance, delivers a memorable performance. It is all about James Stewart though. His final scenes are tremendous and enough to make any grown man cry.

It’s A Wonderful Life was not a popular movie upon release as it actually lost the studio money at the box office. It received some awards recognition, but it then became forgotten…until it was found. Once it became a part of the public domain, it instantly became the Christmas staple we know and love today. The film had some trouble during production as Capra was not looked highly upon by several key contributors (screenwriters, composer Dmitri Tiomkin), but that was overcome to make something truly special. If you are feeling down or in a similar position to George Bailey, take some inspiration. Your life is good and there are people who love you. It reminds me during my many tough times. A Christmas classic this is! Ain’t need to say more.

My Grade: A