Wait I had that dream once where I was grandma as a young girl watching it's a wonderful life with her family and as a young woman and I saw grandpa and dad watching the same movie
I have one better, I own a copy done entirely in French. Unfortunately, I can't play it on American technology, but I don't care. I'm keeping it forever.
My favorite part is when he finally realizes his worth, leans against the railing on the bridge and says "I want to live again. Please God. Let me live again." I just think its so powerful when it finally clicks how valuable a person he is and how much he mattered. As someone who suffers from depression, and has been in George's shoes, it's powerful to hear that we are greater than we could ever know.
I certainly understand that feeling. That really is a great scene. I too suffer from depression, had something happen that caused it to become particularly bad back in February or March, and I almost took my own life. I found help and haven’t been that deep since then. But this movie has been on my mind a lot this year, and I have a feeling it’s going to hit differently the next time I see it. In a good way. Thank god this movie exists.
My favorite part is the end when everybody is pitching in. ESPECIALLY when Harry arrives. When he says, "A toast. To my big brother, George, the richest man in town!" EVERY time I hear that, it ALWAYS brings me to tears. 😥😭😢
That is my favorite line of the film. By this point in time, I can basically say the entire script along w the actors, but while I love tons of different parts of the film, that has ALWAYS stood high and above the other funny/ serious / emotional/ grief stricken/ slapstick humor found in the film bc (at least in my personal opinion) I find it so sad and yet at the same time so morally pure that George constantly puts others before himself. He doesn’t get to travel, to build buildings a thousand stories high, go to college, get away from Bedford Falls, start up a harem, maybe two (I kid) but like his father tells him at their last dinner together, he’s providing an essential service to the town, and money isn’t how the ppl in The town view his worth. Of course, being a normally sarcastic person in general, my second favorite line is: “You call this a happy family? Why [did] we have to have all these kids!” Apparently the word there is “do” not “did” but I find it simply astonishing that I’ve seen the film maybe 40-50 times and managed to get that wrong. In any case, it doesn’t change the basic concept of what he’s saying and for whatever reason, I find that hysterical, even knowing he’s in the midst of a serious troubled temper tantrum. My forever favorite Christmas film… 😇🎄⭐️🥰🥰🥰
I love that to. It shows how what makes a man rich. He has friends' family love and respect. When everyone in town he knows lends him money that was there way of paying him back after lending them money during the depression when the banks closed.
Here's another fact: James Stewart was suffering from PTSD in the film and the scene where George took his frustration out on his family due to the missing money was genuine as Stewart just returned from serving in WW2 and he was reluctant to be in the film as it was too soon following the end of the war.
Here's another fact: Director Frank Capra had hired a sharpshooter to shoot out the window of the Granville house when Mary through the rock through a window, but Donna Reed broke it by herself. She had played baseball in high school and had a strong throwing arm.
It was actually Lionel Barrymore, who played the villain Mr Potter, who talked Jimmy Steward into doing the movie. Stewart asked Barrymore if he thought his acting was decent, and Barrymore asked him, "Is it more decent to bomb cities, killing innocent people, or to entertain them and make them laugh?" Stewart said he got the point after that. I don't know if I got the quote exactly right, but it was something to that effect. Also, the young man that is talking to Mary and who later pushes the button that opens the gym floor, revealing the swimming pool underneath was Carl Switzer, Alfalfa from "The Little Rascals". And that gym floor that opened up to reveal the swimming pool underneath was real. It was not a prop for the movie and it is still in operation today. Henry Travers, who plays Clarence the Angel doesn't appear onscreen until 30 minutes before the end of the movie and is only onscreen for a total of 15 minutes.
James Stewart gave in my opinion one of THE GREATEST performances that has ever been captured on film!!! His performance really shows the truth of the human experience and as an actor myself, it is truly inspiring in every degree!!! Also fun fact: James Stewart lost the Oscar that year to Fredric March for The Best Years of Our Lives, but I personally think James should've won.
Hi Evan, I agree. re: the Best Actor --- I'm sure that's why the following year they gave Jimmy Stewart a Best Actor award for Philadelphia Story (which astounds me, but I'm positive it had to be a make-up for the year before). The other incredible acting role he did was in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington --- if you've not seen it . . . enjoy! - Dave :)
@@evanseago2301 I saw Best Years Of Our Lives to see if It's A Wonderful Life was better; and it was. Best Years Of Our Lives was set during post WWII with the soldiers coming home from the war and having trouble with their lives.
James Stewart's acting is incredible! Many older films usually are. My daughter's late father worked in the film industry. He was very disappointed with the industry, and this was in 2003.
@DaveBrown Jimmy Stewart was nominated for an Academy Award 5 times. He won once, for The Philadelphia Story. That was in 1941, five years before It’s A Wonderful Life.
What I love most about the movie, is that nothing in George Bailley's reality actually changes. It's only his attitude about his reality that changes.....and it's just so powerful. No movie before or since has pulled this off so well. It's a timeless lesson.
We have watched this movie every year since my kids were little. My son has kept that tradition with his family. This year he was deployed to Germany while his family is in Texas He set an alarm so him and his family could watch it together. That truly warmed my heart
At age eleven, my class were asked to paint a picture about snow. For some reason, I decided to paint one all in black, white and greys and I did a scene of a country graveyard covered in snow at night which I got a commendation for. It was only later, while watching 'It's a Wonderful Life' at Christmas that I realised that I must have subconciously remembered that scene with George Bailey in the graveyard. The film was regularly shown on TV here in the UK when I was young and it must have obviously made a strong impression on me!
Me too! Also when the whole community shows up at the house to give him more than enough money to cover the lost $8,000! Tears, tears everywhere every freaking time.
Fun Fact: This was also one of Adriana Caselotti's ONLY performances. It's a well known fact that Adriana Caselotti was the voice of Snow White in Snow White and The 7 Dwarfs, and it's also known that she was locked in a contract with Disney to never appear in another movie. But she was an extra in It's a Wonderful Life, playing the singer in Martini's Bar.
Donna Reed was supposed to have stunt double in the scene where she and Jimmy throw rocks at the old house. But in fact she was already an excellent pitcher and impressed everyone on set when she hit the glass.
I heard they were going to hire a sharpshooter to fire a bullet at the glass the moment that she would throw the rock but like you said she had a great arm so they didn’t end up using a sharpshooter.
Jimmy Stewart donated his personal copy of “It’s a Wonderful Life” to Brigham Young University and they play it every year at the library. It’s magical!!!
Bedford Falls was modeled after Seneca Falls, New York...right down to the bridge! At Christmas time they do all sorts in commemoration of the film, right down to replacing the "Welcome to Seneca Falls" sign to the "Welcome to Bedford Falls” sign. It's quite picturesque!
When I was a kid I loved this movie so much I got a VHS copy of it for Christmas. It was when the colored version was first released, but I didn't care. My favorite scene is when George is in Martini's bar praying. Stewart's depiction of desperation always makes me cry.
This movie is a tradition for me every year, whether I’m watching it alone or with my family. Got to go and see it in theaters in 2016 for the 70th anniversary, and though I’d seen it many times before then, that was my favorite time hands down. I’m a big sucker for the ending, and I tear up every single time. My favorite scene is the pool scene, though. I realized that when I saw it at the theater. Love Carl Switzer’s cameo, and I love how even after they fall in, George Bailey just keeps on dancing. Kudos to Jimmy Stewart for being able to do that. I’m sure one or two viewings of this are in store for me, this holiday. Love it.
Here’s another fact: this is the first movie Jimmy Stewart acted in after he served in World War 2 and he was still suffering from PTSD during filming.
They sure don't make actors like Jimmy Stewart. 2 Star General. Quintessential leading man. Pilot. Academy Award Winner. He was an example of living one's best life.
Everyone knows everything about this wonderful movie, just watch the special features, it tells all. I live in Seneca Falls, NY, and every Christmas for quite a few years now, Seneca Falls becomes Bedford Falls, and we were featured in USA Today and did a great front cover main feature. Smile.
The one that gets me is when George interrogates his uncle in the office over the $8K. He was brutal in that scene and it just seemed out of character for gentle George Bailey.
It doesn’t even need to be Christmas time for me to watch it. I throw it on whenever I’m feeling down. The whole time you feel sorry for George because of how much he sacrificed for everyone else, only to find out he was exactly where he needed to be all along. I always start crying as soon as he comes back home, but I get goosebumps every time Harry says “to my brother George, the richest man in town” and one of my favorite quotes of all time comes from this movie “remember, no man is a failure who has friends” It’s hard to imagine this movie flopped when it came out. Everything about it is so beautiful, from the message to the acting. My dad showed it to me and I’ll show it to my kids and hopefully the tradition goes on for generations
t's a Wonderful Life was produced by Liberty Films. Their logo was the Liberty Bell. It comes on the screen at the end of the movie: an enormous bell ringing; and as we know, "whenever a bell rings, an angel gets his wings." When I saw that bell I sobbed uncontrollably with joy.
Nobody else could have pulled off the role better. Jimmy Stewart has even gone on record saying that George Bailey is his favorite out of all the characters he has ever played, and for good reason.
The part near the end when George is on the bridge sobbing and then it starts to snow ... chills every time. A close second would be the phone scene with George and Mary.
When George calls Zuzu his "little gingersnap", it was a reference to the Uneeda Biscuit Company's line of gingersnap cookies called "Zuzus". Uneeda became National Biscuit Company, known today as Nabisco. The loud noise when Uncle Billy stumbles off screen was caused by a young crew member accidentally dropping some film cans. The member was afraid he was going to be fired, but the actor that played Uncle Billy, Thomas Mitchell, quickly improvised the "I'm alright! I'm all right!" line to make the crew member feel better.
My favourite Christmas film. It's so beautiful and timeless. My favourite scene is the lasso the moon one. I remember doing a drawing of Mary's picture when I was younger and my first love wrote it in a card for me as he knew it was my favourite romantic quote ✨ everytime I watch it I always feel the Christmas spirit and feel so lucky for everything I have ♥️
I never saw this movie till Christmas 2 years ago. I loved it!!! Then we watched it again the next year with my dad who’d never seen it and my grandparents who had either never seen it or hadn’t seen it in a while. But it’s my favorite Christmas movie. I love it so much!!
I love that movie. I can watch it over and over again. James Stewart is such a wonderful actor. There is and never will be any actors and actdresses lik them anymore! .
My most favorite movie and Brig Gen Jimmy Stewart my most favorite actor. A true American Hero and Icon from the greatest generation when Hollywood actually still loved America......
We call this and West Side Story as the "movies that divided a nation and by nation we mean family" because some of our family members love them and others hate them with a passion. I am on the love count. My mom, sister, and I watch it every year. On occasion, I have been known to watch it when it isn't Christmas. My favorite part. Hmm, I think I love the end where the town rallies to help George. You can see what good generous hearts everyone has. I have often thought about writing a short fanfic that takes place in the later years to see what the Bailey's are up to. I plan for it to take place in the early 1960's as a 21 year old Zuzu Bailey (Now calling herself Susan) is a photojournalist about to join the Freedom Rides. Besides Zuzu become a photojournalist and living her father's dream about seeing the world and is so far unmarried, Tommy becomes an architect (filling George's other dream about building things) and gets engaged to Ana, a girl whose family are Holocaust survivors, Jamie becomes a teacher and stay at home mother and married the Bedford Elementary School principal and has three children, and Pete is the third generation to run the Building and Loan and marries a wealthy woman (perhaps a daughter of Sam Wainwright) and has one child. As for George and Mary, after they paid the $8,000 they had so much left over that they finally got on their second honeymoon. When they returned, George was more invigorated to help the town (the post War Baby Boom also helped and made the B&L extremely wealthy by the time Pete took it over). George eventually retired but serves in an advisory capacity. Update: I did. It's on A03 and is under my pen name, Auburn Red and is called Ginger Snaps. It's really short mostly just a where are they now piece as the Bailey family say goodbye to Zuzu at the train station before she goes on the Freedom Rides.
Another interesting fact: for this film, Frank Capra was given the Golden Globe Award for Best Director. The film also received 5 Academy Award nominations, losing all of them: Best Picture Best Director - Frank Capra Best Actor - James Stewart Best Film Editing Best Sound It lost the first 4 to the classic post-WWII drama "The Best Years of Our Lives", with James Stewart losing Best Actor to Fredric March.
My husband took me to see this as a date. Watching on the big screen, the snow looked like soap suds and I thought it was fascinating. BTW, it is almost as good no the big screen as getting to watch the original Star Wars trilogy. My favorite scene has always been when he kisses the stairpost at the end.
I like the scene where he visits Harry's grave and Clarence says that George had such a wonderful life and wouldn't it be a shame to throw it all away? Of course the final scene really gets me when Harry says, "To my big brother George, the richest man in town." I say if you can get through that moment without tears, maybe you need your heart examined. This film was also chosen the most inspirational film of all time by the American Film Institute.
Fun fact: Sheldon Leonard plays nick the bartender. Yes, Leonard and Sheldon from the big bang theory are name after him. Bert and ernie from sesame Street are not named after bert the cop and ernie the cab driver. That's just a coincidence.
The colorization fad started in the 80's by Ted Turner. Jimmy Stewart was so horrified by what was being done he helped found an organization that now prevents black& white movies from being colorized.
my ten favorite Christmas movies ; 1. It's A Wonderful Life 2. Miracle On 34th Street (1947) 3. Home Alone 4. Home Alone 2: Lost In New York 5. A Christmas Story 6. Jingle All The Way 7. The Nightmare Before Christmas 8. The Santa Clause 9. Elf 10. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Happy Holidays!
This movie literally telling us to be kind even though life is hard sometimes and let the world and the God above return it's favor. And appreciate the ones we love because we didn't really live our lives if we don't appreciate even the smallest of things we have 🙏 😢 ♥ I love this movie so much that after watching it for the first time i have to really recollect on the things and time I've been wasting instead of living it and to thank everyone who has helped we and doesn't even know it thank God I've watch this movie 😊
I guess my favorite scene would have to be when Clarence says, "You got your wish. You've never been born." And the door fly's open with a strong gust of wind. Clarence goes to close it and says, "You don't have to make all that fuss about it."
I think the most brilliant scene, if not my most favorite, is when George’s mother (Beulah Bondi) doesn’t recognize him in the version of the world without him. She is a completely changed woman - cold, bitter and hardened, without an ounce of compassion. The contrast to the sweet, affectionate wife and mother she was with George as her son is immediate and clear. This is what real acting is. There is nothing like your own mother not recognizing you. It’s one of the greatest scenes I’ve ever witnessed in a film from *any* time and really propels the final act of the story.
I love this movie! Such a blessing! Mr Stewart and Mrs Reed were wonderful! Such chemistry. I believe this film does remind us how much JESUS is there for us in tough times. He's been there for me and my friends and family.
This movie is old but it is so modern. My fav scene I guess is when George cry asking help for God and when he back at his house and see the kids ❤️❤️❤️
My family and I watch it every single Christmas Eve. Even though my kids are adults now themselves, when they’re here, we still watch it together. I hope they will continue that same tradition when they have families of their own.
Rebeca your Amazing and thank you for Its a wonderful life : favorite seen is when Jimmy Stewart really learns to appreciate what he has and he wants to get his old life Back . We all can learn from this Movie especially now in the world we live in . The simple things and Family matter more than ever . Thank you Scott From Tennessee
I usually watch this movie on Christmas night, as Christmas Eve is reserved for Die Hard and A Christmas Story. I think my favorite scene is when the climax of the movie, when George and Clarence are on the bridge and George begs to have his life back. ‘They’re not there either. What? ZuZu’s petals.’ ❤️
Mr Gauer’s son died of the Spanish flu in 1919. This is one of the few cinema notations of the pandemic as was fresh in memory in 1946. In 1977 there was a made for TV remake of the film starring Marlo Thomas and Orson Wells. It reverses the roll of George Bailey to his wife, Mary. And by 1977 the Spanish Flu was so far removed from public memory they referred to Gauer’s son dying in an automobile accident which I suppose seemed more believable in 1977. Well we know here in 2020 what pandemics are capable of, good watch and remember history. It may help you through the present and help make a brighter future.
When Annie the Housekeeper comes in to donate money and says, "I was saving this for a divorce if I ever get a husband!" And the look on Mary's face just after... Also, When George and Harry are spirited teenagers, Annie says, "That's why all children should be girls!" 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💖And of course, the song "Auld Lang Syne," at the end.
my birthday is today 12/23 and every year we would go to a local movie theater and do an interactive viewing! it’s definitely part of our family traditions!! It’s so wonderful!
As a carpenter, I took this movie literally. So I got myself a wife , 5 kids to go along and I bought a super knock down 120 year old special with a real waterfall in the kitchen, etc...and brought it back to life ...after 40 years of slow painful renovations, and living in it...without any money to fix it up....I can truly say Yes It's a "Wonderful Life" to have God provide the means "miracles" to get it "almost" finished!!!
I loved the scene when Stewart noticed the Bible and the Bell on the tree rings and his daughter says “teacher says every time you hear a bell ring an angel gets his wings” then Stewart winks and congratulates Clarence on getting his wings. 🥰❤️ Awesome Christmas Movie I Love It!
Love this movie, have to watch every year - but only in the traditional black and white! I think my favorite scene is when George really starts to believe Clarence that he was never born. When George goes for his pocket and Clarence says, "they're not there", referring to Zuzu's petals. Such a simple thing but gets me everytime. My favorite funny scene is after Nick has them thrown out of his bar and starts opening and closing the cash register (causing a bell to ring) and says, "Hey, loook! I'm giving out wings!" LOL
This was the first movie I bought on VHS cassette---and I think I watched it three times before finding others I liked better. That copyright glitch resulted in umpty-'leven different run times, both on TV, where you could sometime see it three times a day, 4-6 days a week. I wasn't impressed with the colorized version, either, but this new remastering looks great! I might just watch it if it shows up on cable because it's so pretty, especially the Christmas scenes at the end. Stay safe, everybody---and Happy Holidays.
There is also a newspaper that George holds up about a politician named smith going to Washington, kind of odd because 'Wonderful Life' came out in '47 and 'Smith goes to Washington' came out in '39
If any of you were wondering about why Mr. Martini was nowhere to be found in the Pottersville universe I found the answer. I found out that there was a deleted scene where George found the grave of his friend Mr. Martini nearby where Harry was buried. Since George wasn't there to build houses where the cemetery is standing Mr. Martini and his family had to stay in the Pottersfield slums. One day a fire broke out killing the entire Martini family. I'm not sure why they omitted that detail from the final film. But I'm glad that I finally found what happened to Mr. Martini. Because I've always wondered why in Pottersville Nick owned the bar and Mr. Martini was nowhere to be found.
Own "It’s A Wonderful Life" on 4k Ultra HD, Blu-ray™ & Digital: paramnt.us/IAWLWM
Do Top 10 Santa’s in Movies!!!!!😃😃😃
yes please do that list
Wait I had that dream once where I was grandma as a young girl watching it's a wonderful life with her family and as a young woman and I saw grandpa and dad watching the same movie
I have one better, I own a copy done entirely in French. Unfortunately, I can't play it on American technology, but I don't care. I'm keeping it forever.
Kate Maloney
Ft
My favorite part is when he finally realizes his worth, leans against the railing on the bridge and says "I want to live again. Please God. Let me live again." I just think its so powerful when it finally clicks how valuable a person he is and how much he mattered. As someone who suffers from depression, and has been in George's shoes, it's powerful to hear that we are greater than we could ever know.
I certainly understand that feeling. That really is a great scene. I too suffer from depression, had something happen that caused it to become particularly bad back in February or March, and I almost took my own life. I found help and haven’t been that deep since then. But this movie has been on my mind a lot this year, and I have a feeling it’s going to hit differently the next time I see it. In a good way. Thank god this movie exists.
Agreed, this movie has such a special place in the hearts of those who have been depressed/suicidal
My favorite part is the end when everybody is pitching in. ESPECIALLY when Harry arrives. When he says, "A toast. To my big brother, George, the richest man in town!" EVERY time I hear that, it ALWAYS brings me to tears. 😥😭😢
That is my favorite line of the film. By this point in time, I can basically say the entire script along w the actors, but while I love tons of different parts of the film, that has ALWAYS stood high and above the other funny/ serious / emotional/ grief stricken/ slapstick humor found in the film bc (at least in my personal opinion) I find it so sad and yet at the same time so morally pure that George constantly puts others before himself. He doesn’t get to travel, to build buildings a thousand stories high, go to college, get away from Bedford Falls, start up a harem, maybe two (I kid) but like his father tells him at their last dinner together, he’s providing an essential service to the town, and money isn’t how the ppl in The town view his worth.
Of course, being a normally sarcastic person in general, my second favorite line is: “You call this a happy family? Why [did] we have to have all these kids!” Apparently the word there is “do” not “did” but I find it simply astonishing that I’ve seen the film maybe 40-50 times and managed to get that wrong. In any case, it doesn’t change the basic concept of what he’s saying and for whatever reason, I find that hysterical, even knowing he’s in the midst of a serious troubled temper tantrum.
My forever favorite Christmas film… 😇🎄⭐️🥰🥰🥰
I love that to. It shows how what makes a man rich. He has friends' family love and respect. When everyone in town he knows lends him money that was there way of paying him back after lending them money during the depression when the banks closed.
Mine too!
"No man is a failure who has friends." - Clarence the Angel.
That line makes me tear up EVERY TIME!!!!
"Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings!" Such an iconic quote from a classic movie! 😇😍
Trina Q Haha! Love the movie but that's the line we always make fun of‼️😉😅🎄💯
@Penultimate H have you not watched the movie lately? People were behind on loan payments and George, like his father before him, wouldn't foreclose.
That is my favorite line
@Penultimate H Are you crazy??
Here's another fact: James Stewart was suffering from PTSD in the film and the scene where George took his frustration out on his family due to the missing money was genuine as Stewart just returned from serving in WW2 and he was reluctant to be in the film as it was too soon following the end of the war.
Here's another fact: Director Frank Capra had hired a sharpshooter to shoot out the window of the Granville house when Mary through the rock through a window, but Donna Reed broke it by herself. She had played baseball in high school and had a strong throwing arm.
These trivia are better than the ones in this video.
It was actually Lionel Barrymore, who played the villain Mr Potter, who talked Jimmy Steward into doing the movie. Stewart asked Barrymore if he thought his acting was decent, and Barrymore asked him, "Is it more decent to bomb cities, killing innocent people, or to entertain them and make them laugh?" Stewart said he got the point after that. I don't know if I got the quote exactly right, but it was something to that effect.
Also, the young man that is talking to Mary and who later pushes the button that opens the gym floor, revealing the swimming pool underneath was Carl Switzer, Alfalfa from "The Little Rascals". And that gym floor that opened up to reveal the swimming pool underneath was real. It was not a prop for the movie and it is still in operation today.
Henry Travers, who plays Clarence the Angel doesn't appear onscreen until 30 minutes before the end of the movie and is only onscreen for a total of 15 minutes.
@@gemini2012100 I knew that about Carl Switzer, I didn’t know about the pool. That’s really cool!
@@mykiethomas I thought so too.
James Stewart gave in my opinion one of THE GREATEST performances that has ever been captured on film!!! His performance really shows the truth of the human experience and as an actor myself, it is truly inspiring in every degree!!!
Also fun fact: James Stewart lost the Oscar that year to Fredric March for The Best Years of Our Lives, but I personally think James should've won.
Hi Evan, I agree. re: the Best Actor --- I'm sure that's why the following year they gave Jimmy Stewart a Best Actor award for Philadelphia Story (which astounds me, but I'm positive it had to be a make-up for the year before). The other incredible acting role he did was in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington --- if you've not seen it . . . enjoy! - Dave :)
@@utubeDaveutube oh yeah I know about that. It’s odd the academy does that sometimes. I’ve been needing to watch Mr. Smith though!!
@@evanseago2301 I saw Best Years Of Our Lives to see if It's A Wonderful Life was better; and it was. Best Years Of Our Lives was set during post WWII with the soldiers coming home from the war and having trouble with their lives.
James Stewart's acting is incredible! Many older films usually are. My daughter's late father worked in the film industry. He was very disappointed with the industry, and this was in 2003.
@DaveBrown Jimmy Stewart was nominated for an Academy Award 5 times. He won once, for The Philadelphia Story. That was in 1941, five years before It’s A Wonderful Life.
What I love most about the movie, is that nothing in George Bailley's reality actually changes. It's only his attitude about his reality that changes.....and it's just so powerful. No movie before or since has pulled this off so well. It's a timeless lesson.
Exactly!! You said it so perfectly. 🥰
We have watched this movie every year since my kids were little. My son has kept that tradition with his family. This year he was deployed to Germany while his family is in Texas He set an alarm so him and his family could watch it together. That truly warmed my heart
As an Air Force veteran I appreciate his sacrifice and his commitment to family to watch the movie with his family!
At age eleven, my class were asked to paint a picture about snow. For some reason, I decided to paint one all in black, white and greys and I did a scene of a country graveyard covered in snow at night which I got a commendation for. It was only later, while watching 'It's a Wonderful Life' at Christmas that I realised that I must have subconciously remembered that scene with George Bailey in the graveyard. The film was regularly shown on TV here in the UK when I was young and it must have obviously made a strong impression on me!
"My mouth's bleeding!" That part after Clarence sends George back to his old life again had me shedding tears of joy every time.
Me too! Also when the whole community shows up at the house to give him more than enough money to cover the lost $8,000! Tears, tears everywhere every freaking time.
“zuzu’s petals!” [insert ugly sobbing]
@@katekincaid4281 I never not cry during that part!
Fun Fact: This was also one of Adriana Caselotti's ONLY performances. It's a well known fact that Adriana Caselotti was the voice of Snow White in Snow White and The 7 Dwarfs, and it's also known that she was locked in a contract with Disney to never appear in another movie. But she was an extra in It's a Wonderful Life, playing the singer in Martini's Bar.
That's an amazing fact Thomas, thank you and Happy Christmas, December 2021.
Donna Reed was supposed to have stunt double in the scene where she and Jimmy throw rocks at the old house. But in fact she was already an excellent pitcher and impressed everyone on set when she hit the glass.
One of the best movies of all time
I heard they were going to hire a sharpshooter to fire a bullet at the glass the moment that she would throw the rock but like you said she had a great arm so they didn’t end up using a sharpshooter.
@@marionlosquadro9845 Every other movie is in 2nd place....
Jimmy Stewart donated his personal copy of “It’s a Wonderful Life” to Brigham Young University and they play it every year at the library. It’s magical!!!
They don't play his personal copy, I hope.
Bedford Falls was modeled after Seneca Falls, New York...right down to the bridge! At Christmas time they do all sorts in commemoration of the film, right down to replacing the "Welcome to Seneca Falls" sign to the "Welcome to Bedford Falls” sign. It's quite picturesque!
wow,i did not know that,
And just down the road is Rocky & Bullwinkle's hometown, "Frostbite Falls.";)
@@Otokichi786 Oh my goodness, I forgot about Frostbite Falls!
I love this movie so much! It always makes me cry at the end. And yes, I watch it every year! The message is timeless.
When I was a kid I loved this movie so much I got a VHS copy of it for Christmas. It was when the colored version was first released, but I didn't care. My favorite scene is when George is in Martini's bar praying. Stewart's depiction of desperation always makes me cry.
Do you think it’s better in black and white or colored?
This movie is on our watchlist every Christmas.
It takes us back to family and faith.
This movie is a tradition for me every year, whether I’m watching it alone or with my family. Got to go and see it in theaters in 2016 for the 70th anniversary, and though I’d seen it many times before then, that was my favorite time hands down. I’m a big sucker for the ending, and I tear up every single time. My favorite scene is the pool scene, though. I realized that when I saw it at the theater. Love Carl Switzer’s cameo, and I love how even after they fall in, George Bailey just keeps on dancing. Kudos to Jimmy Stewart for being able to do that. I’m sure one or two viewings of this are in store for me, this holiday. Love it.
Here’s another fact: this is the first movie Jimmy Stewart acted in after he served in World War 2 and he was still suffering from PTSD during filming.
They sure don't make actors like Jimmy Stewart. 2 Star General. Quintessential leading man. Pilot. Academy Award Winner. He was an example of living one's best life.
Everyone knows everything about this wonderful movie, just watch the special features, it tells all. I live in Seneca Falls, NY, and every Christmas for quite a few years now, Seneca Falls becomes Bedford Falls, and we were featured in USA Today and did a great front cover main feature. Smile.
Boy, that sounds like FUN! I would LOVE to see that!
Were you all able to have it this year with Covid?
The scene where George gets slapped but then he points out mr gowers mistake and hugs George and they cry always brings me to tears
That scene between George and Mr. Gowers always gets to me too.
The one that gets me is when George interrogates his uncle in the office over the $8K. He was brutal in that scene and it just seemed out of character for gentle George Bailey.
It doesn’t even need to be Christmas time for me to watch it. I throw it on whenever I’m feeling down. The whole time you feel sorry for George because of how much he sacrificed for everyone else, only to find out he was exactly where he needed to be all along.
I always start crying as soon as he comes back home, but I get goosebumps every time Harry says “to my brother George, the richest man in town” and one of my favorite quotes of all time comes from this movie “remember, no man is a failure who has friends”
It’s hard to imagine this movie flopped when it came out. Everything about it is so beautiful, from the message to the acting.
My dad showed it to me and I’ll show it to my kids and hopefully the tradition goes on for generations
same. I watched it on July 2 years ago when covid was bad needed that feel good movie moment. to lift my spirts up.
I bought It's A Wonderful Life on Blu Ray two years ago. There was only one left in the store. I now watch it every Christmas.
I just watched It's a wonderful life. In hysterics. I'm literally bawling my eyes out😭😭
"Literally bawling your eyes out???" Then I think you'd better go to the doctor!
We all did (and do) when we watch it.
I teach this movie to my freshmen each year. They come back year after year to thank me!
t's a Wonderful Life was produced by Liberty Films. Their logo was the Liberty Bell. It comes on the screen at the end of the movie: an enormous bell ringing; and as we know, "whenever a bell rings, an angel gets his wings." When I saw that bell I sobbed uncontrollably with joy.
Love this movie! Jommy Stewart is the perfect George Bailey a he's pure, knowing and innocent all at the same time!
Nobody else could have pulled off the role better. Jimmy Stewart has even gone on record saying that George Bailey is his favorite out of all the characters he has ever played, and for good reason.
My favorite scene has to be the Zuzu flower scene. "I'm not sleepy, I want to look at my flower."
I had a Yorkie poodle mix i named Zuzu.
My favorite part is when he bangs on the window and screams MERRY CHRISTMAS MR. POTTER!!!
Little ZuZu is so cute! I think she's my FAVORITE of the four Bailey children!
The part near the end when George is on the bridge sobbing and then it starts to snow ... chills every time.
A close second would be the phone scene with George and Mary.
When George calls Zuzu his "little gingersnap", it was a reference to the Uneeda Biscuit Company's line of gingersnap cookies called "Zuzus". Uneeda became National Biscuit Company, known today as Nabisco.
The loud noise when Uncle Billy stumbles off screen was caused by a young crew member accidentally dropping some film cans. The member was afraid he was going to be fired, but the actor that played Uncle Billy, Thomas Mitchell, quickly improvised the "I'm alright! I'm all right!" line to make the crew member feel better.
This is the best Christmas movie ever🌲😊
Yes. Not only that, but it's the BEST movie EVER made - PERIOD!
I'm not a fan of the colorized version. I think it takes away from the authenticity of it.
I hard agree!
i agree i have both versions but i prefer to watch the black and white version
I've always watched the black and white version growing up
Agreed.
I agree 100 percent! I only watch the original black and white version! It’s the raw and real one for me.
My favourite Christmas film. It's so beautiful and timeless. My favourite scene is the lasso the moon one. I remember doing a drawing of Mary's picture when I was younger and my first love wrote it in a card for me as he knew it was my favourite romantic quote ✨ everytime I watch it I always feel the Christmas spirit and feel so lucky for everything I have ♥️
The last scene is the most powerful one, but my favourite scene is the pool one.
Well, that fake snow sounds better than what they had in the Wizard of Oz.
Yeah that was expoties . I am probably spelling it wrong sorry. Please stay safe.
yeah right,i just watched a thing on all the wrongs things on the that movie,the snow was espestus,not sure how to spell it ha,ha.
Asbestos
@@annafowdy thank you
@Penultimate H what does that have to do with fake snow?
I love it's a wonderful life. My favorite seen was when George realized that he wanted to live.Gods greatest gift.😍
Sometimes when I’m feeling blue I think of myself in the scenario if I never existed. I feel better afterwards
I never saw this movie till Christmas 2 years ago. I loved it!!! Then we watched it again the next year with my dad who’d never seen it and my grandparents who had either never seen it or hadn’t seen it in a while. But it’s my favorite Christmas movie. I love it so much!!
I love that movie. I can watch it over and over again. James Stewart is such a wonderful actor. There is and never will be any actors and actdresses lik them anymore! .
My most favorite movie and Brig Gen Jimmy Stewart my most favorite actor. A true American Hero and Icon from the greatest generation when Hollywood actually still loved America......
Watch Jimmy Stewart in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and The Glenn Miller Story (two classics). :-)
The only way to see this movie is in its full black and white glory.
Nah! Colors better
One of the best Christmas movies ever. So grateful for this film!
My favorite scene is when George roasts Potter in the board room when he considers killing the Building And Loan.
This classic is my most FAVORITE movie of ALL-TIME!!!😍
We call this and West Side Story as the "movies that divided a nation and by nation we mean family" because some of our family members love them and others hate them with a passion. I am on the love count. My mom, sister, and I watch it every year. On occasion, I have been known to watch it when it isn't Christmas. My favorite part. Hmm, I think I love the end where the town rallies to help George. You can see what good generous hearts everyone has.
I have often thought about writing a short fanfic that takes place in the later years to see what the Bailey's are up to. I plan for it to take place in the early 1960's as a 21 year old Zuzu Bailey (Now calling herself Susan) is a photojournalist about to join the Freedom Rides. Besides Zuzu become a photojournalist and living her father's dream about seeing the world and is so far unmarried, Tommy becomes an architect (filling George's other dream about building things) and gets engaged to Ana, a girl whose family are Holocaust survivors, Jamie becomes a teacher and stay at home mother and married the Bedford Elementary School principal and has three children, and Pete is the third generation to run the Building and Loan and marries a wealthy woman (perhaps a daughter of Sam Wainwright) and has one child. As for George and Mary, after they paid the $8,000 they had so much left over that they finally got on their second honeymoon. When they returned, George was more invigorated to help the town (the post War Baby Boom also helped and made the B&L extremely wealthy by the time Pete took it over). George eventually retired but serves in an advisory capacity.
Update: I did. It's on A03 and is under my pen name, Auburn Red and is called Ginger Snaps. It's really short mostly just a where are they now piece as the Bailey family say goodbye to Zuzu at the train station before she goes on the Freedom Rides.
How can any human being hate it's A Wonderful Life? Must be people related to Potter who hate it.
@@harlowrioux5790No they just don't like it. I think they get tired of hearing about it during Christmas.
The 2020 rewrite:
George: "What about you, Angel, do you want a drink?"
Clarence: After the year we had, HELL YEAH!" 😇🥂😁😂
Another interesting fact: for this film, Frank Capra was given the Golden Globe Award for Best Director. The film also received 5 Academy Award nominations, losing all of them:
Best Picture
Best Director - Frank Capra
Best Actor - James Stewart
Best Film Editing
Best Sound
It lost the first 4 to the classic post-WWII drama "The Best Years of Our Lives", with James Stewart losing Best Actor to Fredric March.
My husband took me to see this as a date. Watching on the big screen, the snow looked like soap suds and I thought it was fascinating. BTW, it is almost as good no the big screen as getting to watch the original Star Wars trilogy. My favorite scene has always been when he kisses the stairpost at the end.
I hope Frank Capra was able to mnow what a jewel of a movie he made and how many people it touched.
I watch this movie every year - it's my favorite movie of all time. It has a timeless message that never loses its appeal.
I just happened to watch this last night. Still as inspiring as ever!
I like the scene where he visits Harry's grave and Clarence says that George had such a wonderful life and wouldn't it be a shame to throw it all away? Of course the final scene really gets me when Harry says, "To my big brother George, the richest man in town." I say if you can get through that moment without tears, maybe you need your heart examined. This film was also chosen the most inspirational film of all time by the American Film Institute.
Fun fact: Sheldon Leonard plays nick the bartender.
Yes, Leonard and Sheldon from the big bang theory are name after him.
Bert and ernie from sesame Street are not named after bert the cop and ernie the cab driver. That's just a coincidence.
Seeing this movie in color makes me VERY uncomfortable
Me too. It also doesn’t feel as authentic as the original black and white version.
I like this movie in B&W
Its just as nice quit being a dumbass ive always wanted to see it in color
@@a.ortega4505 it's his opinion you don't have to be offended by something that doesn't matter god I hate people
The colorization fad started in the 80's by Ted Turner. Jimmy Stewart was so horrified by what was being done he helped found an organization that now prevents black& white movies from being colorized.
my ten favorite Christmas movies ;
1. It's A Wonderful Life
2. Miracle On 34th Street (1947)
3. Home Alone
4. Home Alone 2: Lost In New York
5. A Christmas Story
6. Jingle All The Way
7. The Nightmare Before Christmas
8. The Santa Clause
9. Elf
10. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Happy Holidays!
Check out Scrooge 1951 and just like Nightnare before Christmas it was a spooky Halloween movie 🎃 “Scrooo-oooge”.
Aww, it’s both beautiful and sad at the same time. Such a classic Christmas movie. 😇😇⭐️🌟🛎🛎
This movie literally telling us to be kind even though life is hard sometimes and let the world and the God above return it's favor. And appreciate the ones we love because we didn't really live our lives if we don't appreciate even the smallest of things we have 🙏 😢 ♥ I love this movie so much that after watching it for the first time i have to really recollect on the things and time I've been wasting instead of living it and to thank everyone who has helped we and doesn't even know it thank God I've watch this movie 😊
I guess my favorite scene would have to be when Clarence says, "You got your wish. You've never been born." And the door fly's open with a strong gust of wind. Clarence goes to close it and says, "You don't have to make all that fuss about it."
Favorite Christmas movie and the only one we watch on Christmas Eve, with Old fashions and homemade popcorn
When he embraces it by saying “whoopie I’m going to jail” is the key moment for me.
I think the most brilliant scene, if not my most favorite, is when George’s mother (Beulah Bondi) doesn’t recognize him in the version of the world without him. She is a completely changed woman - cold, bitter and hardened, without an ounce of compassion. The contrast to the sweet, affectionate wife and mother she was with George as her son is immediate and clear. This is what real acting is. There is nothing like your own mother not recognizing you. It’s one of the greatest scenes I’ve ever witnessed in a film from *any* time and really propels the final act of the story.
I was just thinking this exact thought last night. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you.
@@inlawjosiewhales thank you Maggie, and the same to you! ♥️
I love this movie! Such a blessing! Mr Stewart and Mrs Reed were wonderful! Such chemistry. I believe this film does remind us how much JESUS is there for us in tough times. He's been there for me and my friends and family.
Adore this movie.....my favorite is the scene where George says merry xmas to everyone and goes back home....😪😪😪😪
Wow, I've never seen it in color.
This movie is old but it is so modern. My fav scene I guess is when George cry asking help for God and when he back at his house and see the kids ❤️❤️❤️
This is my very favorite movie of all time. My favorite part is George and Mary’s wedding night. “Welcome home, Mr. Bailey.”
It's MY favorite movie too, Stephanie! 👍
sooooo romantic -- all of that scene.
A video like this should be on the regular WatchMojo because of its broad appeal
Very few movies are worth watching more than once. This one is worth watching at least once a year.
My family and I watch it every single Christmas Eve. Even though my kids are adults now themselves, when they’re here, we still watch it together. I hope they will continue that same tradition when they have families of their own.
My family watches it every year 2 days before Christmas
Christmas Eve for me.
My favorite part is when “angel gets his wings” in the end
Rebeca your Amazing and thank you for Its a wonderful life : favorite seen is when Jimmy Stewart really learns to appreciate what he has and he wants to get his old life Back . We all can learn from this Movie especially now in the world we live in . The simple things and Family matter more than ever . Thank you Scott From Tennessee
I love this movie, it’s hands down my favorite Christmas movie!
Donna Reed is an all time beauty!!!!
When u recently did a radio play version of this film and it was the greatest theatre experience ever.
I usually watch this movie on Christmas night, as Christmas Eve is reserved for Die Hard and A Christmas Story. I think my favorite scene is when the climax of the movie, when George and Clarence are on the bridge and George begs to have his life back. ‘They’re not there either. What? ZuZu’s petals.’ ❤️
Mr Gauer’s son died of the Spanish flu in 1919. This is one of the few cinema notations of the pandemic as was fresh in memory in 1946. In 1977 there was a made for TV remake of the film starring Marlo Thomas and Orson Wells. It reverses the roll of George Bailey to his wife, Mary. And by 1977 the Spanish Flu was so far removed from public memory they referred to Gauer’s son dying in an automobile accident which I suppose seemed more believable in 1977. Well we know here in 2020 what pandemics are capable of, good watch and remember history. It may help you through the present and help make a brighter future.
Thanks for sharing that. we have come full circle.
when I watched it this year, the correlation to the spanish flu pandemic instantly popped in my head.
My favorite Christmas Movie!
One of the best films in cinema history. Masterpiece!
I love this movie, it's been my favorite Christmas movie for a great portion of my life, and I was born in 1993.
When Annie the Housekeeper comes in to donate money and says, "I was saving this for a divorce if I ever get a husband!" And the look on Mary's face just after... Also, When George and Harry are spirited teenagers, Annie says, "That's why all children should be girls!" 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💖And of course, the song "Auld Lang Syne," at the end.
my birthday is today 12/23 and every year we would go to a local movie theater and do an interactive viewing! it’s definitely part of our family traditions!! It’s so wonderful!
Happy birthday and god bless you.
@@colleenhoperue5538 thank you!! It was a great birthday! happy holidays!
Still prefer it in Black & White, though I own both. My favourite scene? Yes......
As a carpenter, I took this movie literally. So I got myself a wife , 5 kids to go along and I bought a super knock down 120 year old special with a real waterfall in the kitchen, etc...and brought it back to life ...after 40 years of slow painful renovations, and living in it...without any money to fix it up....I can truly say Yes It's a "Wonderful Life" to have God provide the means "miracles" to get it "almost" finished!!!
My favorite Christmas movie.
Why are all the clips colorized? Aside from not being "the classic" we all grew up with, it's just ugly.
Yeah, and everything looked almost brown.
Thank you for pointing that out!!!
I love this movie! One of my favourites!
I loved the scene when Stewart noticed the Bible and the Bell on the tree rings and his daughter says “teacher says every time you hear a bell ring an angel gets his wings” then Stewart winks and congratulates Clarence on getting his wings. 🥰❤️ Awesome Christmas Movie I Love It!
Love this movie, have to watch every year - but only in the traditional black and white! I think my favorite scene is when George really starts to believe Clarence that he was never born. When George goes for his pocket and Clarence says, "they're not there", referring to Zuzu's petals. Such a simple thing but gets me everytime. My favorite funny scene is after Nick has them thrown out of his bar and starts opening and closing the cash register (causing a bell to ring) and says, "Hey, loook! I'm giving out wings!" LOL
The colorized version for the clips??? Great, now feeling extra Scroogy on Christmas morning.
My favorite part of this movie is when George and Mary fall into the pool and continue dancing!!!
This was the first movie I bought on VHS cassette---and I think I watched it three times before finding others I liked better. That copyright glitch resulted in umpty-'leven different run times, both on TV, where you could sometime see it three times a day, 4-6 days a week. I wasn't impressed with the colorized version, either, but this new remastering looks great! I might just watch it if it shows up on cable because it's so pretty, especially the Christmas scenes at the end. Stay safe, everybody---and Happy Holidays.
Ellen Corby, the woman in the bank, went on to play Grandma on the 1970s TV show The Waltons.
This movie goes beyond Christmas classic it's one of the best ever
I'd say THE best ever! 😍
Clarence leaving behind his Tom Sawyer book and writing “Dear George: Remember, NO man is a failure who has friends” ALWAYS makes me tear up
One of the best Christmas films ever I never get tired of watching it.
There is also a newspaper that George holds up about a politician named smith going to Washington, kind of odd because 'Wonderful Life' came out in '47 and 'Smith goes to Washington' came out in '39
If any of you were wondering about why Mr. Martini was nowhere to be found in the Pottersville universe I found the answer. I found out that there was a deleted scene where George found the grave of his friend Mr. Martini nearby where Harry was buried. Since George wasn't there to build houses where the cemetery is standing Mr. Martini and his family had to stay in the Pottersfield slums. One day a fire broke out killing the entire Martini family. I'm not sure why they omitted that detail from the final film. But I'm glad that I finally found what happened to Mr. Martini. Because I've always wondered why in Pottersville Nick owned the bar and Mr. Martini was nowhere to be found.
I wish they had all reunited. Wonderful cast and film!