It’s a Wonderful Life, directed and produced by Frank Capra, has been a growing success, especially since it fell out of copyright protection, allowing the film to be shown on television. Unlike many films where the music captures the essence of the film, or the majestic shots make it what it is, It’s a Wonderful Life has been successful on simpler terms: its plot.
George Bailey, played by James Stewart, grows up in the town of Bedford Falls. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Hatch, played by Donna Reed. Together they raise a family and seem to live a rather desirable life.
The question “what is the meaning of life?” has been asked countless times. In this film, George questions his life’s purpose and while frantically giving up, almost commits suicide. Literally sent from heaven, Clarence, an Angel 2nd Class (Henry Travers) jumps into the river so that George would feel compelled to save him.
Clarence tries explaining that the reason he jumped into the river was to protect George, and although George is not convinced, the two begin conversing. Unable to see any good in his life, George goes through the many reasons why he wanted to commit suicide. However, because Clarence has been watching from Heaven the entire time, he is able to show to George what his hometown, Bedford Falls, would be like without him.
Harry, George’s younger brother, would have died at a young age if George hadn’t saved him. Mr. Gower, the pharmacist, would have been accused of poisoning a child if George weren’t there watching out for the elderly man and Mary Hatch would have been a spinster librarian if they had not married. Not only that, but the entire town would have been named Pottersville, and the un-kept main street would have been lined with run-down pawn shops and sleazy bars.
This movie is often put into the category of “timeless” along with films such as Casablanca or The Third Man. It is not viewed as timeless because it’s an old film, but because any human throughout time can relate to how George feels. He feels desperate and slightly unnecessary, finding his life completely unsuccessful. It is not until Clarence comes from Heaven to meet with George that he is reassured of all the positive things he has actually achieved throughout his life.
He sprints back to his home with a new and enlightened attitude and opens the door to a celebration. His neighbors from around the community of Bedford Falls have gathered to donate money and help George and his family bring their business back on its feet.
The values and ideals intertwined in Frank Capra’s film, It’s a Wonderful Life, help us to realize what each person offers to the world and how we could not live without one another
The sense of love, warmth, and compassion make It’s a Wonderful Life a classic many families enjoy together, which often develops into a special and beloved tradition to watch during the Christmas Season.
George Bailey, played by James Stewart, grows up in the town of Bedford Falls. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Hatch, played by Donna Reed. Together they raise a family and seem to live a rather desirable life.
The question “what is the meaning of life?” has been asked countless times. In this film, George questions his life’s purpose and while frantically giving up, almost commits suicide. Literally sent from heaven, Clarence, an Angel 2nd Class (Henry Travers) jumps into the river so that George would feel compelled to save him.
Clarence tries explaining that the reason he jumped into the river was to protect George, and although George is not convinced, the two begin conversing. Unable to see any good in his life, George goes through the many reasons why he wanted to commit suicide. However, because Clarence has been watching from Heaven the entire time, he is able to show to George what his hometown, Bedford Falls, would be like without him.
Harry, George’s younger brother, would have died at a young age if George hadn’t saved him. Mr. Gower, the pharmacist, would have been accused of poisoning a child if George weren’t there watching out for the elderly man and Mary Hatch would have been a spinster librarian if they had not married. Not only that, but the entire town would have been named Pottersville, and the un-kept main street would have been lined with run-down pawn shops and sleazy bars.
This movie is often put into the category of “timeless” along with films such as Casablanca or The Third Man. It is not viewed as timeless because it’s an old film, but because any human throughout time can relate to how George feels. He feels desperate and slightly unnecessary, finding his life completely unsuccessful. It is not until Clarence comes from Heaven to meet with George that he is reassured of all the positive things he has actually achieved throughout his life.
He sprints back to his home with a new and enlightened attitude and opens the door to a celebration. His neighbors from around the community of Bedford Falls have gathered to donate money and help George and his family bring their business back on its feet.
The values and ideals intertwined in Frank Capra’s film, It’s a Wonderful Life, help us to realize what each person offers to the world and how we could not live without one another
The sense of love, warmth, and compassion make It’s a Wonderful Life a classic many families enjoy together, which often develops into a special and beloved tradition to watch during the Christmas Season.
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